THE shortlists for this year’s Test Valley Business Awards have been announced and feature a wide variety of outstanding companies.

Following the widely-anticipated 15th Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in September 2019, and the unfortunate postponement in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions, the Test Valley Business Awards 2021 return this year.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 4, at The Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop.

Richard Gillies COO at one of the Gold Sponsors, Simplyhealth, said: ‘We were delighted to see all the entries for the Employer of the Year award, and heartened to hear how employers have been supporting staff during these challenging times .

“Our congratulations go to all the entrants, who’s entries demonstrated how being a good employer has resulted in improved business performance, and how supporting their staff is truly at the heart of their core values.”

The shortlists for each category have now been announced and are as follows:

Innovation and Technology Sponsored by the University of Southampton Science Park

  • Maverick Aviation
  • Multax
  • Pudsey Diamond Engineering

New Business of the Year Sponsored by LOCALiQ

  • Absolar Solutions
  • Maverick Aviation
  • The River Test Distillery

Small Business of the Year Sponsored by Parker Bullen Solicitors

  • Absolar Solutions Ltd.
  • Emphasis HR and Training
  • Minnerva Communications Ltd

Employer of the Year Sponsored by Simplyhealth

  • CircuitWorx
  • NK Active
  • Pure Human Resources

Business in the Community Sponsored by Barratt and David Wilson Homes

  • Hampshire Fare
  • Ironsight Activities
  • Saxon Safety

Businesswoman of the Year Sponsored by Aster Group

  • Jo Andrews, The Marketing Collective
  • Steph Briggs, La Di Da Interiors
  • Tracy Nash, Hampshire Fare

Cutting Your Carbon Footprint Sponsored by Test Valley Borough Council

  • Bowyer Engineering Ltd
  • Correct Contract Services Ltd.
  • Pudsey Diamond Engineering Ltd