ORGANISERS of the Test Valley Business Awards have announced the event will be postponed until next year amid coronavirus fears.

This year's award ceremony, scheduled for September, would have celebrated excellence in business throughout the borough for the 16th time, but will now take place in spring 2021.

Now one of the organisers from the Steering Group and Gold Sponsors has revealed all entries for this year will be carried over to next year’s event, with the current sponsors staying on-board.

A spokesperson for the Steering Group and Sponsors said: “While we are very disappointed the awards are not going ahead this year it is more important that everyone stays safe.”

Katie Brooks from the Steering Group added: “You are still able to enter your business online now and we will be having a major push in the final weeks before the judging.

"We want as many local businesses to get involved and promote themselves as possible.”

The Steering Group and Sponsors are also looking to introduce a way of celebrating how Test Valley businesses have supported the community and NHS throughout the crisis.

They will be releasing details as they are agreed and set up.

To enter your business, go online to www.tvbawards.org.uk/enter.

As previously reported in the Romsey Advertiser more than 100 business enthusiasts gathered to celebrate their achievements at last year's Test Valley Business Awards.

Approximately 150 business representatives flocked to the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Stockbridge, to see the winners announced at the 15th anniversary celebration.

Eighteen companies contested for the top honours across six categories in the awards and guests had the chance to hear the evening’s guest speaker Chris Brown - an animal wrangler and consultant for TV and film.

The Businesswoman of the Year Award, sponsored by Aster Group UK, was scooped by sales and marketing director at Danebury Vineyards, Caroline Stevens; the business is based in Stockbridge.

The Innovation & Technology Award, sponsored by The University of Southampton Science Park, was also won by Critical Software who are based in Chilworth.