THE Winchester Business Excellence Awards are back once again – and judges are looking for the best leaders across the district.

Returning this year is the Business Leader category which was last year won by Richard Hand of Ridge and Partners LLP.

It will be presented to someone who can demonstrate that their effective leadership has been and continues to be instrumental in the development of their business/enterprise.

They also qualify if they have supported the local business community.

Do you know someone like this? If so, you can nominate them.

The judges are looking for a clearly conveyed business idea.

Nominations for the awards, which are organised in partnership by the Hampshire Chronicle, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID, are now open.

Enter now at winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk. Nominations close on May 4.

Each week the Chronicle will be giving details of each category.

The other award categories are:

• Young Business Person Award

• Social Enterprise Award

• Large Business Award

• Sustainable Business Award

• Digital Innovation Award

• SME/Independent Business Award

• Service Excellence Award

• The Millennium Egg will continue to be awarded by the Winchester City Council to the organisation or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Winchester area.

The awards will culminate in glitzy ceremony, taking place on Thursday June 4 at the University of Winchester.

It has long been recognised as a key date in the business calendar of the district, and those companies lucky enough to be become a Winchester Business Excellence Awards finalists will receive two tickets to the awards ceremony and dinner.

Nominations are welcomed for businesses or businesses are able to nominate themselves.

Once received the nominations will be considered by our judging panel and may be subject to a ‘Mystery Shopper’ visit by the category sponsor.

The judges will be looking to announce the three finalists in each category in the Hampshire Chronicle.