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The clock is ticking for people to submit their nominations for this year’s Hantsweb Awards, showcasing Hampshire’s best websites.
Nominations for the 12 categories close on 3 August 2008. The Awards, which are organised by Hampshire County Council, were launched last month by Hampshire’s Olympic runner and 400 metre British record holder, Iwan Thomas MBE. Last year’s awards saw over 900 entries competing to win an accolade as Hampshire’s most innovative, helpful or easy-to-use web service.
Anyone can nominate a website for the Hantsweb Awards, which are now in their sixth year. The awards are open to almost everyone, from businesses and schools to special interest and voluntary groups. The one thing they must have in common is an excellent website, one that is simple to use and delivers exactly what the user is looking for.
This year, the County Council is inviting nominations for two new categories; Best Sport Website to encourage local teams, clubs and societies to take part in the 2008 competition and Best Silver Surfer Website, highlighting those sites that meet the needs of older people.
The Sport category will be judged by Spencer Gallagher, Managing Director of Farnborough-based ‘Bluhalo’, a top 20 UK digital website design agency for the sporting industry with clients such as Tottenham Hotspur F.C, Liverpool F.C, Sky and Subaru World Rally Team.
Malcolm Roberts, IT Development co-ordinator for Age Concern Hampshire will judge the Silver Surfer category.
Leader of the County Council, Cllr Ken Thornber, said: “The internet is an integral part of our day to day lives but it can be difficult at times to find sites that are easy to use, informative and interesting. The Hantsweb Awards recognise and reward those local sites that meet these criteria – ones that are effective in providing the service they were set up to do.
“With just a matter of weeks before the closing date for all entries, there’s no time to delay. Go online now and tell us about the websites that you think deserve wider recognition.”
Bramley-based Sam Willoughby from "What's On 4 Little Ones?" was the 2007 winner of the Best Special Interest Website, she said: “Nomination was very easy, it took two minutes! Someone has to win and it could be you! It’s a brilliant thing to be involved in and will boost your business without a doubt.”
Individuals can nominate their own and other people’s websites. Further details about the awards, how to make a nomination and the 12 categories – Most Accessible, Best Local Area, Charity or Voluntary Organisation, Primary School or Early Years, Public Services, Recreation and Tourism, Secondary School or College, Silver Surfer, Small Business, Special Interest, Sport, Young Persons – are available from http://www.hants.gov.uk/hantswebawards
Shortlisted entrants in each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at INTECH, Winchester’s hands-on science and technology centre, on 4 November 2008.
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