JUDGES are now looking for the best in businesses across the district.

The Winchester Business Excellence Awards have been officially launched and now the nominations are open.

A category for SME/Independent businesses has this year been sponsored by Winchester BID, who organise the awards with the Hampshire Chronicle and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Director of the BID, Paul Spencer, said: “Independent businesses in Winchester contribute to the character and life of the city, helping to make it a unique and exciting place to live, work and visit.

“This award is open to BID levy paying businesses and aims to recognise commercial success, growth and achievement as well as innovation and creativity.

“This award also aims to celebrate businesses which engage and contribute to Winchester life.”

Enter now at winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk. Nominations close on May 4.

Each week the Chronicle will be giving details of each category.

The others are:

• Business Leader Award

• Young Business Person Award

• Social Enterprise Award

• Large Business Award

• New Business Award

• Digital Innovation Award

• Sustainable Business Award

• Service Excellence Award

• The Millennium Egg will continue to be awarded by the Winchester City Council to the organisation or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Winchester area.

The awards will culminate in glitzy ceremony, taking place on Thursday June 4 at the University of Winchester.

It has long been recognised as a key date in the business calendar of the district, and those companies lucky enough to be become a WBEA finalists will receive two tickets to the awards ceremony and dinner.

Nominations are welcomed for businesses or businesses are able to nominate themselves.

Once received the nominations will be considered by our judging panel and may be subject to a ‘Mystery Shopper’ visit by the category sponsor.

The judges will be looking to announce the three finalists in each category in the Hampshire Chronicle.