THERE was plenty to cheer about at the INSPIRE12 Business Awards, held last Thursday at The Hampshire Court Hotel in Chineham.

There the indoor tennis courts were transformed into a magnificent venue worthy of the top awards night which celebrates the best of north Hampshire’s businesses.

Attended by around 500 people they saw 12 awards presented to companies and individuals.

Compering the evening were Felicity Edwards, managing director of not-for-profit organisation Destination Basingstoke, which organised the event, and Gazette Newspapers editor Mark Jones.

And, as Mark said, the room was full of winners.

He told the audience: “Although there can be only one winner for each of the 12 awards, all of the finalists should be proud of their success in reaching tonight’s awards finale.

“Saying that you are an INSPIRE12 Business Awards finalist is a badge of honour and I would encourage you to wear it with pride.”

Read today's Gazette for the full story and find out who the winners are.