New Forest Business Partnership

The New Forest Business of the year will be selected from the winners of five individual categories. These will include recognition of successful companies which show high levels of achievement within their core business and in a number of specialist areas including investing in the workforce, enterprise and innovation, entrepreneurship, contribution to the community and green policies.

The New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards are to be launched at the New Forest Show by the Hon Ralph Montagu, whose family is associated with Beaulieu, one of the most successful and high profile New Forest businesses.

Chairman of the New Forest Business Partnership, Barry Olorenshaw said: “When making these awards the judges will be looking for something intrinsically exceptional. For example there are a number of companies in this area which play a significant role in investing in the workforce of the future through employment development and training.

For others the emphasis is on green policies or making a positive contribution to our unique landscape both in the New Forest itself or in the important coastal areas on the perimeter of the New Forest area. With categories in enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship, the partnership hopes that there will be a category for each and every successful business in the New Forest.

“I would like to thank personally the sponsors, ExxonMobil, Hampshire County Council, Totton College, New Forest Produce Ltd and HSBC for their commitment to this important project.”

The categories are:

The ExxonMobil Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: For leading the way in product and concept development. This award will highlight companies who have used these ideas to benefit workforce and customers alike.

The Hampshire County Council Award for Contribution to the Community: For recognising the importance of a real commitment to the local community and demonstrating tangible impact and clear results.

The Totton College Award for Training and Development: For businesses offering outstanding career opportunities. The winner will show how this investment has allowed the company to advance performance.

New Forest Produce Ltd Award for best use of local resources: For outstanding or innovative use of local resources in a sustainable way, including locally produced food, craft or other goods. Also eligible will be businesses making imaginative use, through marketing or other activity, of local distinctiveness and the unique quality of the area’s natural environment.

HSBC Award for the best new business: For either innovation in terms of a new business idea, or demonstration of exceptional skills in the establishment and development of a business started within the previous two years.

NFBP Business of the Year Award: The overall winner will be selected from the winners in each of the five categories.

All entries must be made on the NFBP website. Entry is open to all members of NFBP but membership applications can be completed for free online prior to entry.

A panel of judges, chosen for their experience and expertise, will asses all entries. Judges will be drawn from board members of the New Forest Business Partnership and sponsors.

The winners will be announced at the New Forest Business Partnership awards presentation on Tuesday 28 November 2006 at Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst.