THE quality of businesses and businesses leaders in the Test Valley was celebrated at an awards ceremony last week.

The Test Valley Business Awards 2017 were presented at a Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at The Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop, on Thursday, 14 September.

There were six awards presented on the evening, see column to the right, after more than 170 entries in the 13th year of the awards.

Enjoying drinks, courtesy of Chalkdown Cider, Danebury Vineyard, Ocado and Hildon Water and a three course meal prepared by Michelin award-winning chefs McCrimmon & Reid, guests also took the opportunity to network.

The evening was hosted by master of ceremonies Steve Randall with guest speaker current Strictly Come Dancing contestant and TV personality, and musician Rev. Richard Coles.

Richard Rowles, of Phoenix Transconnect, and Gold Sponsor of The Brenda Locke Award for Women in Business, said: “My congratulations to all six winners of the Test Valley Business Awards 2017. Each is a credit to local business, and to the Test Valley. Joining the awards this year as a Gold Sponsor has been a valuable experience, and it was a pleasure to be involved.”

As well as celebrating local business achievements, the awards, run by a steering group of volunteers, also supports local causes and charitable organisations. This year, The Museum of Army Flying was the charity of the year, and attendees got the chance to hear more about the museum’s current programme Project Eagle, while raising over £800 for the cause. For more information about the awards, go to tvbawards.org.uk.