THE race to find the very best business talent in the county begins today with the launch of the Daily Echo-backed Hampshire Business Awards 2008.

This year's search aims to be the biggest and best yet, with sponsors challenging competing companies to showcase even greater examples of business excellence.

Now in their 18th year, the awards have a long tradition of revealing the cream of Hampshire businesses.

The awards are held in association with the Daily Echo and are sponsored by law firm Bond Pearce, professional services firm KPMG and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Nick Page, commercial partner at Bond Pearce, said: "With the awards turning 18 this year, we are keen to make this the biggest and best search for talented companies and would like to receive as many entries as possible to celebrate the awards' special birthday."

Three award categories are now open for entry - the Bond Pearce Innovation Award, KPMG Company of the Year and RBS International Trade Award.

Businesses can enter as many of the three categories as they wish ahead of the deadline of Thursday, June 12.

Phil Cotton, senior partner at KPMG's south coast office, said: "The three awards cover different aspects of business and allow entrants to shout about their successes and achievements in different ways, be it through all-round business excellence, exciting innovations or a strong track record of international trade."

Each year the awards dinner showcases some of the county's most interesting venues, and this year's awards will be no exception.

The campaign will culminate with a black tie dinner at one of Hampshire's top attractions - the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

Simon Pickett, head of corporate banking for RBS in the Solent, said: "As 2008 is a landmark year for the awards, we wanted to make the event truly different.

"We have some really exciting plans for this year's automotive-themed awards dinner."

l For further information, log on to thisissouthampton.co.uk/hba or e-mail info@hampshirebusinessawards.co.uk.