AS THE awards that celebrate the best of business in the borough draws closer, these are the companies who are vying for a top award.

The three finalists in the Employer of the Year category at the 15th annual Test Valley Business Awards 2019 have been revealed.

The shortlisted businesses are Pure Human Resources, Active Staff Ltd and Aster Group UK.

On being shortlisted in this category, Lisa Armstrong of Active Staff Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious category. We spend our working hours finding employment for local people and whilst doing this, always consider our own employees giving them the best possible environment and benefits to assist them with their role. Job satisfaction and recognition is key and we believe we offer this to our highly valued team. We have grown as a company over the past eight years, now with two branches and are opening a third in 2020.”

Similarly, Stephanie Barnett of Pure Human Resources commented: “As an HR consultancy, we at Pure Human Resources are constantly supporting other businesses to be successful and exemplary employers, so to be finalists in the Test Valley Business Awards Employer of the Year category means a great deal to us because it demonstrates that we know how to be an employer of choice ourselves. Having been Test Valley Business Award winners in 2018, we’re really looking forward to the Gala Dinner, especially the chance to meet other finalists and, hopefully, win again!”

And Sarah Durrans, regional director for Aster Group UK, said of being shortlisted: “We’re thrilled to be a finalist for the Employer of the Year award. Our colleagues are our biggest asset and are crucial in helping us to achieve our vision of ‘Everyone has a home’. That’s why it’s so important to us that they love working at Aster and are proud of what we do.”

“From reviewing our colleague offer, having a flexible approach to work, and supporting mental and physical wellbeing, we’ll continue to experiment and try new things to offer great experiences for our colleagues.

“We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony and would like to wish all the other finalists the best of luck.”

Tickets for the gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Army Flying Museum on September 12 cost £60 including a welcome drink and three-course dinner.

To book go to tvba2019galadinner.eventbrite.co.uk.