TEST Valley Business Awards 2021 went off with success all round at last nights event (Thursday November 4) which took place at the Army flying Museum in Middle Wallop.

The annual event aims to celebrate local businesses for an array of successes which this year included businesses who could evidence how they have cut down on carbon emissions, innovation and technology and also those new small businesses who have strived even through the pandemic.

Jo Andrews, owner of the Marketing Collective, a marketing agency based at the Abbey Park Industrial Estate in Romsey picked up the Businesswoman of the Year award for the work she has done to mentor young girls at school and supporting them to develop their confidence to become successful female entrepreneurs in the future.

As well as Jo collecting an award, Romsey’s own cancer support service, Jane Scarth House was nominated to be the TVBAs charity of the year by Romsey MP Caroline Nokes.

Caroline was chosen to be guest speaker at the event by The Steering Group due to all her help to support local businesses struggling during the first lockdown. Caroline worked closely with Test Valley Borough Council to try and ensure suffering businesses received the grants and advice they needed and often intervened on their behalf with Government Ministers including the Chancellor.

There were seven categories for awards at the event with three businesses from across the borough shortlisted for each.

Master of Ceremonies, Steven Randall said: “Every person in this room is proof that the Test Valley is an incredible place to live and to work and our finalists here tonight have achieved so much, simply getting here! Well done”

The event returned this year following the widely anticipated 15th Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in September 2019, and the unfortunate postponement in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions.

Introducing the event, Master of Ceremonies Steve Randall said: “Every person in this room is proof that the Test Valley is an incredible place to live and to work and our finalists here tonight have achieved so much, simply getting here. Well, done”

Further coverage and pictures will come in next weeks edition of the Romsey Advertiser.