COMPANIES in the south have been recognised for their efforts in the field of sustainable development at the recent Seeda Sustainable business Awards.

Ringwood-based construction firm Dean & Dyball was among the winners who were presented with their awards by Stephen Tims MP, Minister for e-Commerce and Competitiveness. "It's great to see businesses exploring how economic, environmental and social goals can support each other," he said.

"Effective corporate engagement with the big social and environmental challenges we face is key to achieving the government's aims on those fronts, and is also good for UK competitiveness. I am happy to be involved in recognising the achievements of the south-east companies receiving awards today."SEEDA Board Member with responsibility for Sustainable Development, Kit Oliver OBE DL said: "All of the companies honoured by these awards are to be congratulated. It is clear that they recognise the value of the Sustainable Development Agenda - the integration of the economic environment, the physical environment and the social environment. I am delighted that they demonstrate a marked growth in the application of best practice in sustainability by a growing number of the region's businesses. Dean & Dyball won its award for waste minimisation.

HAMPSHIRE waste management company, Onyx Environmental Group, has won a prestigious environmental award for its organic compost produced exclusively in Hampshire at Fareham, Basingstoke and Chilbolton.

The company won National Gold for the compost, called Pro-Grow, at the annual Green Apple Awards organised by The Green Organisation.

The Awards recognise companies, corporations and individuals who are striving to promote best environmental practice and preserve and protect the environment for generations to come.

Pro-Grow, which is both organic and peat free, uses garden green waste from Hampshire gardens. The material undergoes a six-month process at special composting centres where it is aerated, monitored and kept at optimum temperatures.

Pro-Grow, now sold throughout the UK, is a waste success story with sales reaching a staggering 30,000 tonnes each year. The product is recovered and returned to enrich the soil rather than being sent to landfill.

The range has just been increased with the addition of three new products - Pro-Grow Woodchip Mulch, Pro-Grow Premium Pine Bark and Pro-Grow Lawn Conditioner.