Test Valley Business Awards
On Tuesday 21st April, representatives from local businesses gathered at The Lights in Andover for the Test Valley Business Awards 2015. Guests were welcomed with a glass of Hampshire wine provided by Danebury Vineyard.
After tucking into a delicious meal the audience of around 200 welcomed TV and radio host, Nicholas Parsons CBE to the stage. His energetic after dinner speech included anecdotes about the Test Valley and his show business career.
Both Hampshire Fare and one of its members, Packridge Apartments and B&B were at the awards having been shortlisted in the ‘Doing Business Locally Award’ which was sponsored by Taylored IT. It was Packridge Apartments that was chosen to receive the award and Hampshire Fare was Highly Commended.
Chrissi and Mike Knights own Packridge Apartments. Chrissi commented on their success “We are so surprised and shocked - we were convinced Hampshire Fare would win it! We are so proud of ourselves. We are passionate about the local area and bringing tourism to the Test Valley. We do receive lots of positive comments about our food and we enjoy using local food and building relationships with local producers. We love being involved with Hampshire Fare and learn so many new things through our membership with them.”
Tracy Nash from Hampshire Fare attended the awards and was delighted when the winner was announced, “I am over the moon for Mike and Chrissi. They are really strong supporters of local producers and are active members of Hampshire Fare. We hope other local bed and breakfasts and hotels see how serving local produce can be a recipe for success. Seeing one of our members up on stage is so rewarding, they are very deserving winners.”