The process of judging this year's Daily Echo-backed Hampshire business Awards is proving hard work according to the judges who have been deliberating upon this year's entries to draw up the shortlist of finalists.

With so many businesses demonstrating outstanding innovation, impressive growth and exceptional achievements in international trade, it is good news for the health of the Hampshire economy.

"The quality of entries for all three awards has been fantastic and drawing up the shortlist of finalists is proving extremely hard work," said Tony Cottam, senior partner at KPMG's south coast office.

"This year's entries really represent the cream of Hampshire business and we have been impressed by the depth and diversity of companies taking part, with strong representation from across the whole of the county in a wide range of industrial sectors."

In the Bond Pearce Innovation Award Nick Page, commercial partner at the Southampton law firm, said: "We are really encouraged by the achievements that Hampshire companies have demonstrated, and feel this helps put the county on the map as a real front runner in the innovation stakes."

This year's new award, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, aims to recognise the county's top exporters and importers for the first time.

Mark Price, regional corporate director at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "We have been particularly impressed with the truly global capabilities that Hampshire companies have demonstrated by selling their products and services to numerous locations across the world and naming one winner will be a difficult call!"

To reward the hard work of this year's finalists, a gala dinner will be held on September 16, where the winners of the three categories will be announced.

This year's event will be at the Ocean Village-based headquarters of Challenge Business, Sir Chay Blyth's company which runs the spectacular ten-month Global Challenge yacht race. The race is due to start just days a few days later.

The awards that will be made to three of Hampshire's top businesses this year are:

The Bond Pearce Innovation Award

KPMG Company of the Year

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Trade Award