PR 1278
CLOCK TICKS FOR HANTSWEB AWARDS NOMINATIONS
There are just a few weeks left to get your nominations in for this year's Hantsweb Awards, showcasing the best Hampshire and Isle of Wight-based websites and internet access points.
Organised by Hampshire County Council and launched in May by celebrity chef James Martin, nominations for the 11 categories close on 30 July. Last year's awards saw more than 400 entries competing to win an accolade as Hampshire's most innovative, helpful or easy-to-use web service.
This year, the County Council is particularly keen to have nominations in the accessibility category, which highlights sites that have taken steps to remove barriers to users with different access needs, such as visual impairment.
The accessibility category will be judged by Isle of Wight-based Pam Willingham and Julie Howell, from the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Julie was recently named by New Media Age magazine as one of the top 50 most influential people in the new media industry.
Further details about the awards and the 11 categories - accessibility, youth, schools, town or parish councils, small local business, best online service, rural community, public sector, special interest, community/voluntary organisation and best public internet access point - are available from www.hants.gov.uk/hantswebawards.
Nominations can be made by completing the online entry form at www.hants.gov.uk/hantswebawards or by completing the Freepost nomination form in the Hantsweb Awards leaflet available from County Council Information Centres in Winchester, Basingstoke, Waterlooville, Farnborough and New Milton, Isle of Wight Tourist Information Centres in Newport, Cowes, Sandown, Ventnor, Yarmouth, Shanklin and Ryde, and libraries and district council offices throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Leader of the County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Use of the internet has grown massively in recent years, and it can be trial and error trying to find sites that are easy to use, informative and interesting. The Hantsweb Awards will recognise and reward sites based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that meet these criteria - ones that really do the job they were set up to do.
"I'm particularly pleased that this year sees nominations encouraged from the Isle of Wight. The closing date for all entries will be upon us in a matter of weeks, so don't delay. Get surfing now and tell us about the websites and internet access points that you think deserve wider recognition."
Annette Bowcott, from Hamble-based ladder4learning, winner of the community and voluntary organisation category in last year's awards, said: "Getting feedback from a knowledgeable judge is so useful. Winning the Hantsweb Award increased our profile and validated our confidence in our website."
Shortlisted entrants in each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at INTECH, Winchester's hands-on science and technology centre, on 9 November.
ENDS
For further information please contact: Sarette Martin on 01962 847367 sarette.martin@hants.gov.uk