The must-attend annual event is a prestigious celebration that recognises and honours the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the region, and with 500 black tie business leaders in attendance - this is the regions business event of the year.

Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director at Platinum Media Group and organiser of the event, commented: “With only days to go until entries close, now is the time for businesses to act. If you are proud of what your business has achieved then take a look – there are a wide variety of categories and the recognition gained from just taking part, let alone winning, is invaluable and can be life-changing for any business.

“We aim to make this year’s Awards night the best yet and already the standard of entries is very high. So, my advice to anyone thinking of entering is to do so as soon as possible.”

This year there are 15 categories, including awards for customer service, growth, businessperson, community, employer, innovator, technology, startups, professional services, construction and technology. The top prize is the much-coveted title of Company of the Year, the recipient of which is selected from the finalists of the other categories.

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO at the Business South Group, commented: “By bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, the awards not only celebrate accomplishments but also foster a sense of pride and collaboration within our business community. There is simply no better celebration of business achievement in the region than these prestigious awards, so it’s time to take the plunge."

Sponsors this year include Blake Morgan, Lester Aldridge, Heartbeat, Solent Business School, Occupational Health Consultancy, Dutton Gregory Solicitors, Business South, Openshaw, Tetra Tech, Growth Animals, City of Portsmouth College, HSDC, ISON Travel and Platinum Media Group.

It is free to enter and businesses can enter a maximum of three categories. The deadline for entries is April 2nd at midnight.

Winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour on July 2nd. It is the business event of the year - where the region’s brightest minds come together to celebrate success and build valuable connections.