Export Business of the Year is one of two new categories at this year's Echo-backed South Coast Business Awards.

The award has been sponsored by Meachers Global Logistics who Sustainable Business Award category in the 2017 awards.

Meachers is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of freight and logistics services, who provide customers with complete solutions to their freight forwarding, supply chain management, uk warehousing, distribution, training, logistics and contract management requirements.

Formed in 1958 , the firm operates from both Southampton and Derby and are also the exclusive UK partners of the Global Freight Group network.

“This is the second year that we has been involved with the South Coast Business Awards and we are proud to do so. As a family run business we try our best to help and support the local business community and we felt it was time to recognise some of the fantastic businesses we have on the South Coast. The Meachers Export Award will really help to showcase all of the businesses within the region who are making an outstanding contribution to the Hampshire/UK economy through the export of products and services. We can wait to see what the South Coast Businesses have to offer,” said Gary Whittle, the firm's commercial manager.

“We sponsored the Southern Daily Echo Export Company of the Year Award as we believe that the Exports market will become an integral part of any strategic growth for the UK PLC. With the ever changing political landscape the UK must look to develop the Export market in the coming months and years if it wishes to expand and grow with its trading partners. With this in mind we felt that we should identify those who are already successful in the export industry and highlight the talent we have locally.”

“Here at Meachers, exports makes up 40% of our current international market within our Freight Forwarding department. We currently move export goods all around the world within a variety of sectors. Given our strong geographical position and the broad range of expertise we feel that the export market has huge potential for growth in the near future.”

This award will be presented to the company who has made an outstanding contribution to the Hampshire/UK economy through the export of products and services.

The judging will focus on innovative sales and marketing, sustainable export growth, value and contribution of exporting to business expansion, evidence of sustainable competitive advantage and the overall company commitment to international business.

The closing date for entries to the awards is April 12

Once again the awards are run in conjunction with main sponsors Trethowans Solicitors and partners Destination Southampton, Santander and Business South.

The awards evening will take place at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl on Friday, July 13 when we will be revealing the winners and celebrating their successes in style. It will be a black tie event and a night to remember.

Tickets are priced £70+vat per person or £650+vat for a table of 10. The price includes drinks reception, three course banquet with wine plus entertainment. To book tickets email scba@dailyecho.co.uk or call 02380 424715.

Further information about all the awards categories and how to enter is available at dailyecho.co.uk.