WITH the search for Hampshire's top companies well underway in this year's Daily Echo-backed Hampshire Business Awards, the sponsors take a look at three ways you can make your mark on business history.

The Bond Pearce Innovation Award According to Nick Page at Bond Pearce, this award not only reveals the immense talent in Hampshire, it also has many additional benefits for companies which enter.

"One of the most exciting things about the award is revealing the hidden gems of Hampshire business and publicising such talent in the region where employees live and work. Past winners have told us it helps enormously in attracting and retaining the talented staff they need to keep innovating."

While the Innovation Award has often been won by companies in the technology sector, businesses with fresh, innovative ways of tackling business problems are also encouraged to enter remember, Red Funnel, one of the oldest businesses in Hampshire, won it only two years ago.

KPMG Company of the Year To be in the running for the KPMG Company of the Year, businesses need to demonstrate all-round business excellence and demonstrate how they lead the way both in the county and their own sector.

KPMG's Tony Cottam comments: "Since the awards started, we have witnessed the increasing impact Hampshire businesses have across the world, leading their sectors internationally as well as nationally.

"Indeed, today all businesses are affected to a greater or lesser extent by the global economy, which places increasing demands on business leaders."

The judges will be looking for evidence of excellent products and services, clear strategic thinking and strong financial performance.

RBS International Trade Award The RBS International Trade Award aims to highlight the companies which continue Hampshire's strong history of international trade.

Mark Price of RBS explains: "In two years the award has revealed the exciting markets Hampshire companies are working in across the globe.

"For example, last year's winner was exporting 75 per cent of its goods and services to destinations such as Australasia, North America and Spain, with a worldwide network of representatives and distributors in over 30 countries.

"We want to hear from companies with similarly interesting stories about how international trade has emerged as a major part of their strategy."

History is a key part of the awards this year, with the annual dinner and presentation to be held at Milestones, Hampshire's living history museum in Basingstoke.

For further information or an entry form, call 023 8024 2148 or e-mail christine.russell@rbs.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.hampshirebusinessawards.com.