Recognising those who’re the business!
Big night at city’s Guildhall was the culmination of a successful Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week
Portsmouth’s business community gathered at the city’s Guildhall on April 29 for a night of celebrating and networking at the 20th staging of The News Business Excellence Awards.
Disruption caused by the pandemic was recalled as the hard work, resilience and initiative of businesses across the city was recognised.
With 18 award-winners, some highly commendeds and a first for the event of two winners in one category, the landmark anniversary event was a night to remember.
Guests were also treated to a speech from Paralympian Lauren Steadman MBE.
Lauren shared her inspirational tory of how she has overcome challenges and broken down barriers during her journey to become one of Team GB’s Paralympic champions.
Lauren spoke about how
the challenges which led to her success are similar to those faced by businesses and that showing courage in the face of adversity is a key component in finding success.
She finished by reminding guests: ‘You can achieve what you want to, but it will be on your timeline. You are in control of it.’
Host Anjana Gadgil, from BBC South Today, announced each category, with awards being presented by MPs and representatives from the event’s list of sponsors, led by headline sponsor the University of Portsmouth Business School.
The range of categories, including Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Creative/Cultural/Visitor Attraction which were both new to this year’s awards, celebrated the achievements of start-ups and apprentices, entrepreneurs and some of the largest businesses in the city.
Carrington West and Pro Pods were the biggest winners on the night, both taking home two awards.
Carrington West was awarded Training Programme of the Year and Large Business of the Year, while Pro Pods won Overall Business of the Year, with founder Daryn Brewer also winning Entrepreneur of the Year.
There were also four highly commendeds in categories where the competition was very close.
Editor of The News Mark Waldron was pleased that the city’s business community could come together once again at the awards to recognise their achievements.
He said: ‘Each year we celebrate local business success whatever the challenges – and this year’s awards are extraspecial after all that we’ve been through.
‘So many businesses have been affected by Covid and the business world has seen a huge change as many people continue to work from home.
‘For some the pandemic has meant pivoting and showing enterprise after government restrictions affected their ability to trade. How they have coped and adapted has been inspirational.
‘Now restrictions have been lifted and society returns to a new normality, it is a good moment to reflect on and celebrate how much has been achieved even in the face of adversity.’