THE search is now on to find the county's top businesses, following the launch of the 2005 Hampshire business Awards today.

Supported by the Daily Echo and sponsored by solicitors Bond Pearce, business adviser KPMG and The Royal Bank of Scotland, the awards are now in their 15th year and have a long tradition of revealing Hampshire's top-performing companies.

This year's awards will culminate with an event at Southwick House, the historic Hampshire house near Portsmouth that was the base for planning the D-Day landings in 1944.

Three awards are open for entries and companies are encouraged to enter as many categories as they wish. They are:

The Bond Pearce Innovation Award - recognises innovation in business process, products or services; KPMG Company of the Year - seeks out all-round business excellence and achievement; The RBS International Trade Award - rewards companies with a strong track record in international trade.

Nick Page, commercial partner at Bond Pearce in Southampton, said: "It is great to be able to help promote the businesses in our region and we look forward to revealing more success stories this year. We encourage companies to enter the awards in good time before the entry deadline of June 10."

Tony Cottam, senior partner at KPMG's south coast office at Southampton, said: "It's always fascinating to hear about the latest achievements of the county's businesses and last year's winners set a very high standard to follow."

Mark Price, regional director at RBS, said: "We aim to provide a new and exciting event each year to really celebrate the county's business success and this fascinating venue looks set to continue this trend."

Entry forms are available now and can be obtained by e-mailing sharon.james@rbs.co.uk