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Maxine Hart, Operations Director at Wote Street People, made the finals of the recent Place to Be Proud of Awards, nominated alongside Lamb Brooks Solicitors and The Champion Group in the Business and the Community category.

Following a public vote, Champion was announced as the winner at a ceremony on 6th June at the Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke.

Destination Basingstoke runs the annual Place to Be Proud of Awards, which are hosted to recognise important contributions to Basingstoke’s community made by local individuals and organisations. The awards are supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Festival Place, and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Maxine was nominated for her voluntary work with Basingstoke Consortium, providing guidance for students from year 10 upwards via the Skillstree programme; helping them understand the world of jobs, often through work experience. She runs sessions on CV writing, interview skills, building your ‘personal brand’ to help get a job, and social media awareness.

Additionally, Maxine is a trustee and volunteer for the M3 Job Club, which provides support and guidance for professionals, such as interviewing courses for line managers and one-to-one CV reviews.

Commenting on the night of the awards, Maxine said:

“It’s been a real honour to be a part of The Place to be Proud of Awards and to be nominated alongside Lamb Brooks and The Champion Group. Congratulations to the winner and thank you to everyone who voted.

“The fact that the Place to be Proud of Awards exists and that so many local people voted is proof that the spirit of community is strong in Basingstoke. By working together and sharing our skills and expertise with those who need it, we can all play a part in keeping that community alive – and from that foundation that we’ll see local business continue to grow and thrive.”

Future projects for Maxine include work with Sovereign Housing, offering assistance with job seeking skills to residents who need it.