A STRING of firms from Hampshire have been flying the flag for the UK after getting to the finals of a global business awards ceremony.

Five companies from Southampton were joined by the two Hampshire business coaches who have mentored them and fought off global competition to get to the finals of the Business Excellence Awards.

Mentors Kevin Stansfield and Colin Harding, from ActionCOACH Solent, attended the event in Portugal, together with representatives from five of the Hampshire firms they work with and who they had nominated for awards.

The firms shortlisted in the final of seven categories were Autobulbs Direct Ltd, Splice Marketing Ltd, Minuteman Press Southampton Ltd, Mobile Care Ltd and Yellow Dot Nursery Ltd, who were named the Best Overall Company.

The other businesses were runners up in their categories.

Kevin Stansfield said: “I have been working with these guys for some time now and I have seen all the hard work that they have put in to really make a difference in their businesses. “I am so proud of all of them and their achievements and it’s great that their focus and dedication has been recognised here at the Business Excellence Awards.

“I look forward to even greater achievements over the coming year!”