THE new Leadership category of the Hampshire Sustainable Business Awards recognises past winners who have continued to strive for excellence and share their experiences with a wider audience.

Sponsored by Daily Echo publisher Newsquest, the category is open only to previous award winners and so the standard is very high.

The three businesses short-listed this year had to prove that they go "above and beyond" what others might do in an effort to promote sustainability.

Hillier Nurseries won the Large Business Award in 2004 and, since then, they have continued to work on improving their "green" credentials.

Improved electronic communications, including an online ordering system has resulted in 30 per cent less paper usage.

The company is committed to reducing the need for chemicals in its work and, after a successful trial, they now use a slug and snail control which is completely wildlife-friendly.

It makes annual donations to nearly 50 charities and it has doubled work experience placements to include people with learning difficulties, schoolchildren and horticulture students.

Hillier Nurseries also support the Hampshire Water Festival, the Sustainable Business Network meetings and the Hortlink R&D project, which aims to reduce water use while improving plant quality in container nursery stock.

After winning a Sustainable Business Award in 2005, the Riverside Centre, in Newport, Isle of Wight, has continued to develop its facilities for an inclusive programme of activities for both disabled and non-disabled people.

The centre, which boasts numerous "green" awards, is used by more than 4,000 people every week.

Based at Bramley, near Basingstoke, printing company, Greenhouse Graphics, won the Small Business Award last year.

Since then, they have continued their mission to provide environmentally-friendly printing through recycled paper and minimal use of alcohol.

The company has given talks for Action Sustainability and it co-launched the Hampshire Community Magazine Awards.

Greenhouse has installed solar panels on its building and it is currently hoping to persuade fellow business park businesses to collectively switch to a renewable energy supply.

The awards are now in their fourth year and the other categories are: large business, sponsored by Hampshire County Council; medium businesses, sponsored by Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons; small businesses, sponsored by EADS Astrium; leadership, sponsored by Newsquest, and Environmental Innovation and Technology, which is sponsored by Business Link Wessex. Other sponsors of the awards are Hillier Nurseries, Scott Wilson, Environmental Project Consulting Group, B&Q, Groundwork Solent and Veolia.

The Sustainable Business Awards ceremony takes place at the De Vere Hotel, Southampton, on May 23.

For further information, telephone Stephen Duncan on 01962 845243.