JUST two days to go - and counting! Nearly 300 firms and organisations across the south have been nominated for the first annual Southampton Centre for Independent Living (SCIL) business and community awards in Hampshire, which take place on Thursday.

Launched to coincide with the latest changes to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the ten categorised awards have been specially designed to celebrate business and community achievements in making a difference to the lives of disabled people.

Mark Redman, the centre's development and empowerment officer, said: "We are incredibly pleased with the amount of support that the awards have received and the vast number of entries that have flooded in over the last few months."

Winners will be given a trophy, bottle of champagne and the entitlement to use the SCIL Business Awards logo throughout their business activities.

Mark said: "The response to the SCIL Business and Community Awards not only shows that we have caught the imagination of disabled people, but that organisations understand the benefits of making their business accessible to those living with an impairment, whether it be as a member of staff or customer."

Sponsored by HSBC, the Daily Echo and regional and local authorities, the lunchtime awards ceremony is taking place at the Rose Bowl at West End, near Southampton.

Guest speaker will be BBC Disability Affairs Correspondent Peter White who will also present awards, and entertainment is by Steve Day, the UK's only deaf comedian.

Coverage of the event will be provided by the Daily Echo - first for business.