Sponsor Aerial Direct 'incredibly proud' to be part of The News Business Excellence Awards 2022

Jason Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at Aerial Direct, said: ‘We are incredibly proud to sponsor this award to support the futures of SMEs in the UK.

‘Small to medium businesses account for more than 99% of all registered businesses in the UK and our economy relies on these businesses to help it thrive.’

Aerial Direct is an award-winning communications provider with more than 30 years of experience in delivering telecommunication solutions to businesses across the UK, providing an array of business connectivity services such as mobile connections and fixed-line systems.

Jason added: ‘The importance of small businesses is so often underrated; we need the ambitious entrepreneurs, as well as the small team of professionals who are changing the perception of what is possible and what amazing customer service looks like, to challenge the established players.

‘These businesses breed competition, which fosters innovation.’

The awards shortlists are now being finalised. A special core panel of judges will then deliberate over who will be named winners in each category.

They will also decide who will be named Overall Business of the Year, a special award where only the category winners are eligible.

Then there is the Lifetime Achievement award, presented to someone adjudged to have made a significant contribution to the Portsmouth area’s business community.

Winners will be announced on April 29 at a prestigious gala black tie dinner and ceremony to be held at Portsmouth Guildhall – the highlight of the business year in the city. The event will also be live streamed.

This year is an extra- special one for several reasons. It’s the 20th year of the awards, plus it’s the 30th anniversary of the University of Portsmouth — the university’s Business School is headline sponsor.