ENTREPRENEURS are invited to enter an inspirational award scheme for small businesses in North Hampshire.

The Inspire16 business awards are now open for entries. Small or large businesses in Rushmoor, Hart, Basingstoke and Deane and the Test Valley are eligible.

The scheme is organised by Destination Basingstoke, an independent, not-for-profit company, which aims to promote Basingstoke and the surrounding area for its quality of life, and the quality of its businesses.

There are 12 categories up for grabs. All business owners are being urged to get their nominations in – no matter how small their company may be.

Among those offering encouragement is Miaya KC, assistant managing director of the expanding cleaning firm YBC Services, based in Aldershot. She knows only too well what winning an Inspire award can bring, having attended awards night – held each November – twice before.

The awards ceremony is a glamorous night out, where local entrepreneurs are wined, dined and entertained, as a tribute to the best businesses in our area.

Miaya’s first ceremony was in 2009, when her boss, Yogendra Bahadur Chhetri, won Entrepreneur of the Year. She attended again in 2012, when YBC won the Service Excellence Award.

Miaya said winning the awards had a positive impact on the business: “Since winning the Service Excellence Award, YBC has expanded both geographically – into West Sussex and Kent – but also diversified into additional complementary facilities management services, such as security, grounds maintenance and pest control.”

The business now boasts a turnover of £4.2m and employs 530 people.

She said: “YBC is a good example of business success.  External awards are important to reinforce the perception that you are better than the others.”

The mission of the Inspire awards is ‘to give the area the clear, positive, national profile it deserves – as a vibrant, ambitious location, achieved through a range of projects and events.”