IT’S the award that recognises the best of the best.

The Trethowans Overall Winner’s Award will once again be the top accolade at the South Coast Business Awards.

But any firm wanting to win the top prize at the 2015 awards on July 10 will have to impress a panel of top judges before they get their hands on the prestigious award.

The gong represents the pinnacle of the annual Daily Echo awards, hosted in partnership with Trethowans Solicitors, Destination Southampton and Business South.

This year’s awards will take place at St Mary’s Stadium and as well as eight awards handed out to some of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s finest businesses will also feature a mystery guest speaker.

The winner of the Trethowan Overall Winner’s Award will be chosen from among the winners of the other seven categories.

The winner will have to show a very strong overall performance during 2014, with the judges looking for a clear business strategy and strong financial management and performance.

They will also have to display evidence of clear signs of growth and development, how they have overcome challenges to get ahead of competitors and a sustainable philosophy towards its employees, profit and the planet.

And with the awards recognising the best businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight they will also have to demonstrate their strong commitment to the Solent region.

Last year’s top award was picked up by Winchester-based building envelope specialists Lakesmere after the firm saw its turnover double in the space of 12 months, while it now employs more than 800 people.

And the company is back again for this year’s South Coast Business Awards – as sponsor of the Growth Business of the Year Award.

Simon Rhodes, managing partner at principal sponsor Trethowans, said: “We need to sing about this area and its success much, much more.

“There are so many good success stories we really need to hear more about them.

“The overall business that wins really will need to be a great business, the standard is incredibly high.

“I’m sure it will be a fantastic night as always and please do encourage people to get involved.”

Any company whose head office is based within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is eligible to enter or to be nominated for the competition.

Companies with a head office outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are welcome to enter on the understanding that they have a bespoke business plan for their Hampshire operation.

Entries or nominations must be submitted on an official application form, which is available alongside further information on all of the categories at dailyecho.co.uk/scba

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 22.

See Thursday’s Daily Echo for a focus on the next two awards – the Taylor Made Computer Solutions Award for Best Use of Technology Criteria and the British American Tobacco Commitment to the Region Award.