Nominations are now open for a business awards scheme which celebrates outstanding achievement.
The 2026 Brilliance in Business Awards, now in their 21st year and organised by the New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP), highlight the success of businesses and individuals across the region.
This year’s awards also mark the 25th anniversary of the NFBP.
Matthew Lawson, chair of NFBP, said: "This is a landmark double celebration for us.
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"Not only are we marking the 21st year of the Brilliance in Business Awards, but 2026 also marks 25 years of the New Forest Business Partnership itself, championing, connecting and celebrating businesses right across this extraordinary part of the world we call home."
The awards are designed to recognise genuine business excellence rather than rely on a public vote.
Mr Lawson said: "These awards are not a box-ticking exercise and there's no popular vote, they exist to recognise the genuine hard work happening in businesses across the New Forest all year round.
"With 19 categories covering everything from innovation and entrepreneurship to sustainability, customer care and community, there really is a category for everyone, and entering remains completely free.
"I'd encourage every business, and everyone who knows a business doing brilliant work, to nominate."
Last year’s winner of the overall New Forest Business of the Year award was Hockey’s Farm, which also took home the Community award.
Jonny Hockey, co-owner of Hockey’s Farm, said: "Winning gave us instant credibility, customers started coming to us because they'd seen us in the press and on social media, and it brought in new business straight away.
"But the biggest thing for us was the recognition it gave the whole team back at the farm, who worked incredibly hard."
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He also credited NFBP for its broader support.
Mr Hockey said: "Beyond the awards themselves, NFBP has given us so much, from networking events where you can be honest about what's difficult and learn from other businesses to workshops that our staff always come back from full of energy."
The awards ceremony will take place on December 3 at Brockenhurst College, followed by a celebration party at Careys Manor Hotel.
Nominations close at 12pm on October 1.
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