Awards returned to celebrate the best in business
15 honours handed out to firms in the city
SCORES of businesses from Portsmouth and the surrounding areas celebrated success as the Business Excellence Awards returned after a turbulent 17 months.
The News Business Excellence Awards are in their 19th year and are usually held in February, however the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to gatherings earlier this year and the event was postponed until July.
Despite the wait, and with changes to the way things operated on the night due to some restrictions still remaining, the awards night went ahead at Portsmouth Guildhall and 15 winners were crowned.
The editor of The News, Mark Waldron said: ‘It was a brilliant night to round off what has undoubtedly been one of the toughest business awards that we have ever held.
‘Businesses have faced the toughest 17 months they have ever had to face but despite that we managed to celebrate the good, and it was a fantastic event.
‘And even with the restrictions that we had to work under, we had a great celebration.
‘People really enjoyed the night out and they enjoyed having the opportunity to mark each other’s successes.
‘The evening showcases the strengths that we have in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Everyone I spoke to had a great night and we can’t wait to hold another one in 2022.’
The night was made possible by sponsorship from 12 businesses and education establishments, including the University of Portsmouth which was this year's lead sponsor.
The night also coincided with the first Portsmouth and District Business Week.
Pat Smith, from the university, said: ‘It was a brilliant night celebrating the very best of Portsmouth's business people. I can't think of a better way to end Portsmouth and District Business Week, which has been a terrific success, where we have seen collaboration in action and a genuine business community spirit.
‘I look forward to welcoming all the winners to a special lunch the university is hosting at Fratton Park in September. My thanks to my university colleagues, category sponsors and the team at The News for making this all possible.’