ENTRIES for the Test Valley Business Awards 2019 are now being accepted.

Companies have time until May 13 to entre the contest which shine a light on businesses across the Test Valley.

The 2019 business awards were launched at the University of Southampton Science Park on March 15.

This year’s categories and gold sponsors are:

l Innovation & Technology Award – The University of Southampton Science Park

l New Business of the Year Award – Test Valley Borough Council

l Marketing Excellence Award – Webkick Ltd.

l Employer of the Year Award – Simplyhealth

l Businesswoman of the Year Award – Aster Group

l Small Business of the Year Award – Parker Bullen LLP.

Gareth Horner, Partner at Parker Bullen LLP, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring such a prestigious event that recognises the achievements of businesses throughout the Test Valley region. We would urge any local businesses to consider entering – the coverage received is remarkable, and having been fortunate enough to have Alana Penkethman nominated for an award last year we have been able to see this first hand.

“We are committed to our own growth in this current period of economic insecurity and we are very much looking forward to hearing from other businesses and individuals that are in the same position. Our membership of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme and being accredited to the UK200 Group supports this commitment.”

To enter, businesses are asked to visit www.tvbawards.org.uk/enter and fill in the online form with 200 – 250 words about their business against the relevant category judging criteria.

During the entry period, several entrants will be selected at random to receive an array of entry prizes, including wine.

The awards is free to enter.

The Test Valley Business Awards – now in its 15th year – is run by a group of volunteers.