AWARDS that recognise the achievements of businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are open for entries.

The South Coast Business Awards celebrates business excellence across myriad sectors, which make a huge contribution to the economy.

The event’s various sponsors, which include Hampshire Chamber, are encouraging any company whose head office is based within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to enter or be nominated.

READ MORE: New businesses invited to enter the South Coast Business Awards

Ross McNally, chief executive and executive chair of Hampshire Chamber, said: “We share the same ambition as the South Coast Business Awards, to celebrate and champion our region’s fantastic business community.

“Businesses of all kinds and in all sectors underpin everyone’s quality of life by contributing to economic growth through employment, innovation, knowledge, skills and prosperity.

“That is especially important at this time of economic challenge. Those who enter the awards stand to receive a massive lift by being shortlisted or indeed going on to win.

“We look forward to this year’s awards and the opportunity to recognise those businesses achieving success in our region.”

Once received, the nominations will be considered by the judging panel and may be subject to a “mystery shopper” visit by the category sponsor.

The judges will announce the three finalists in each category on Thursday, September 29 in the Daily Echo, followed by a celebratory awards event on Thursday, November 3 at Southampton FC.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Daily Echo.

The Business of the Year Award will be awarded to the overall winner that will be chosen by the judging panel from all the category winners.

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