Micro Business of the Year

This award recognises an exceptional micro business within the regional maritime sector that demonstrates outstanding performance, innovation and clear evidence of growth. It celebrates small teams delivering high quality products or services, strengthening the maritime economy, and showing strong ambition for the future. This category is open to maritime businesses with fewer than 10 employees, including sole traders. Eligible applicants will typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Strong business performance – evidence of commercial success, operational excellence or notable achievements over the past year.
• Clear evidence of growth – measurable progress such as increased turnover, expanded customer base, new contracts, capability development or market expansion.
• Innovation and problem‑solving – new products, services, processes or technologies that enhance competitiveness or efficiency.
• Sector impact – how the business strengthens the maritime supply chain, supports customers or enhances capability within the sector.
• People and culture – how the business supports, develops or invests in its small team.
• Future ambition – credible plans for sustainable growth, capability development or market positioning.

This category is open to maritime businesses with fewer than 10 employees, including sole traders.

The Solent region is defined as the following: 
In Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, or Chichester.