THE award-winning Spark building at Solent University has been chosen for the launch of the 2018 South Coast Business Awards.

The Echo-backed awards are once again sponsored by law firm Trethowans and run in partnership with Destination Southampton and Business .

The launch event, which takes place on March 7 from 6pm to 8pm, is free to attend and will give potential entrants the chance to learn about this year’s competition categories and meet sponsors and some of last year’s winners.

Simon Rhodes partner at Trethowans said: “There are many phenomenal success stories from amazing business in this area, many in niche sectors, which we often don’t hear about.

“These awards are a way of telling people those stories and raising the the profile of the region as a whole.”

“Sometime we are bit too humble about talking about our successes and these awards help to change that.”

Last year SB Joinery from Stockbridge won the prestigious Overall Winners Award, chosen from all entrants shortlisted across the eight categories, and were also named Owner Managed Business of the Year and Employer of the Year.

To register your attendance visit Scba2018.eventbrite.co.uk. For enquries call 023 8042 4715 or email scba@dailyecho.co.uk