A special fundraising gala has been announced to celebrate the legacy of the late Andover business owner Julian Chen and support the next generation of entrepreneurs across Hampshire.
The Julian Chen Awards Fundraising Gala 2026 will take place at The Thruxton Centre on Friday 20 November, from 6pm until 11pm. Bringing together businesses, community leaders and supporters from across Hampshire, the gala will mark the official fundraising launch of The Julian Chen Awards programme.
The awards will be delivered by a newly established CIC led by Clarissa Chen and Dmitrijs Meiksans. The programme has evolved from the Youth in Test Valley Awards, also known as the Test Valley Young Entrepreneurs Contest, which has already helped dozens of young people explore their entrepreneurial potential.
The awards have been renamed in honour of Julian Chen, the late founder of New Street Dental Care in Andover. Julian was a longstanding supporter of the original programme and played an instrumental role in its development, providing not only financial support but also guidance, encouragement and a genuine belief in the potential of young people.
Clarissa Chen, co-director of the awards, said: “It means a great deal to see Dad’s legacy continued in a way that reflects the values he held so strongly. He cared deeply about his community and understood how important it is to invest in young people and give them the confidence to pursue their ambitions. The awards will celebrate who Julian was while creating real and lasting opportunities for young people. We hope the gala will bring the community together for a wonderful evening and mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
Dmitrijs Meiksans, co-director of the awards, said: “Julian was a guiding figure, a sounding board and someone who genuinely believed that young people should be given the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality.
Without Julian and the support of New Street Dental Care, the programme would not have become what it is today. Renaming the awards in his honour means his name will remain closely associated with opportunity, entrepreneurship and belief in young people’s potential. We have already seen the difference this programme can make.”
All proceeds from the gala will go directly into The Julian Chen Fund, which will provide grants, mentoring and practical support for aspiring entrepreneurs aged between 13 and 21 across Hampshire. The gala’s running costs will be covered through business sponsorships, ensuring that every penny raised through ticket sales, auction items and raffles on the night can be used to support young people.
Following the gala, applications will open to young people across Hampshire. Successful applicants will take part in a structured programme of workshops, mentoring sessions and business challenges designed to build their confidence and help them develop their ideas. The programme will culminate in a public showcase where finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges. Grants from The Julian Chen Fund will then be awarded to help turn the strongest ideas into reality.
Businesses, organisations and individuals from across Hampshire are now invited to support the fundraising gala and help create life-changing opportunities for the county’s future business leaders.
The Julian Chen Awards Fundraising Gala 2026 will be held at The Thruxton Centre, SP11 8PW on Friday 20th November 2026, from 6pm until 11pm.
For tickets and further information, visit www.thejulianchenawards.co.uk