WITH just a few weeks to go until the launch of the 2005 Hampshire business Awards, the team behind the scenes is currently finalising plans to make this year's quest for the best businesses in the county bigger and better than ever.

The awards, which launch on April 12, are in their 15th year and are widely recognised as the county's premier search for the cream of business talent.

They will once again be sponsored by Southampton law firm Bond Pearce, business adviser KPMG and The Royal Bank of Scotland, who will be providing their expertise to help find and reward the county's outstanding companies.

Nick Page, commercial partner at Bond Pearce, said: "We're aiming for this year's awards to be the best yet and are looking forward to an exciting campaign to find some great businesses."

Mark Price, regional director of corporate banking at The Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "Our 2004 winners really demonstrated just how good a place Hampshire is to do business and will be a tough act to follow."

Last year's categories and winners were: Bond Pearce Award for Innovation: Southampton to Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel; KPMG Company of the Year: BAA Southampton Airport; Royal Bank of Scotland International Trade Award: Hamble-based Point Source, which designs, manufactures and sells leading-edge fibre-optic and laser products.

Tony Cottam, senior partner at KPMG's office in Southampton, said: "We'll be revealing further details about an exciting venue, this year's award categories and hot tips on what the judges will be looking for from entrants in a few weeks' time."

More news about the awards will published in the Daily Echo on April 12.