A BUSINESSMAN and award-winning fly fisherman will be the guest speaker at the official launch of a business awards scheme.

Charles Jardine will be at the official launch of the Test Valley Business Awards 2018, at The Greyhound, Stockbridge, on Friday, 16 March.

The launch will feature business representatives from across the area coming to celebrate doing business in Test Valley; learn more about the awards’ entry process; to network and to enjoy some food from The Greyhound.

Mr Jardine has fished, written and painted around the world, winning awards along the way while also running several businesses.

Currently he is the director of the England Youth Fly Fishing Team and working on his opus, Fishing 4 Schools.

Mr Jardine said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be speaking at the launch of the 14th Test Valley Business Awards; I am utterly passionate about small, individual business.

“I am also fanatical about individuality and diversity - the very things that I believe the Test Valley Business Awards extol – and I encourage all local businesses to attend the launch and, of course, to enter the awards.”

Attending the launch is free but places are limited and must be booked in advance at https://tvba2018launch.eventbrite.co.uk or tvbawards.org.uk.