SIMPLY the best!

The bosses of three high-profile companies in Hampshire, which employ nearly 790 people between them, are celebrating after topping the Daily Echo-backed Hampshire business Awards last night.

Upwards of 180 of the county's leading businessmen and women roared their approval as Point Source, Red Funnel and BAA picked up their category trophies at Challenge Business, Ocean Village, Southampton.

They are businesses that have proved world-class potential, with sound leadership, forward thinking and sustainability.

All three winners can now expect to reap a number of rewards from being head and shoulders above competitors.

One of the judges, Tony Cottam, said: "Past winners have told us that they significantly increased their profile, enjoyed heightened staff morale and generally received a real 'feel good' factor, which in turn boosted confidence and made them an attractive company to work for."

The Bond Pearce Award for Innovation went to Red Funnel, which operates ferries between Southampton and the Isle of Wight and employs 550 people.

It was lauded for stretching ships in increase capacity and in-depth research it carried out with the Environment Agency to ensure fish weren't harmed during new pier

pilings.

The KPMG Company of the Year title was bestowed upon BAA Southampton Airport, which employs 181 people.

Plaudits were earned for giving customers exactly what they want through careful financial planning and hard work.

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Trade Award was handed to Point Source, a 66-strong company near Southampton that makes fibre optic and laser delivery systems.

A doubling of sales in the USA and inroads into the Japanese market made it a hard act to follow.

The Hampshire Business Awards are now in their 14th year and have a long tradition of revealing the county's hottest business talent.

Last night's gala dinner at the marina in Ocean Village ties in with the start of the Global Challenge, the toughest round-the-world yacht race, which is organised by Challenge Business.

Who was there? See next Tuesday's Business South for a full picture round up, as well as October's new-look Hampshire Business magazine, available free from September 30 by e-mailing peter.bullwinkle@sotonecho. co.uk.