THEY are two awards at the Daily Echo’s South Coast Business Awards 2013 that recognise the future of business and those bucking the trend with growth.

They are the Smith & Williamson Growth Business of the Year and, new for this year, the Southampton City Council Award for the Southampton Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Those shortlisted will be invited with industry chiefs to a glittering black-tie event at the Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton, on July 12, where the guest speaker will be Michael Portillo, the former Tory MP turned broadcaster.

Organised by the Daily Echo in association with leading law firm Trethowans, the awards aim to raise standards, encourage competition and recognise business excellence. They are being run in partnership with Business Solent and Destination Southampton.

Smith & Williamson Growth Business of the Year Award

GROWTH may be eluding Chancellor George Osborne – but many companies are defying the doom and gloom and expanding. And it’s these businesses and organisations that will be recognised in the Growth Business of the Year Award.

For a third year running the accolade is sponsored by accountancy and financial services group Smith & Williamson.

Director Andrew Edmonds, who heads assurance and business services at its Southampton office, said: “We really enjoyed sponsoring this award last year and met a whole range of businesses across the south who, against the backdrop of tough economic conditions, were demonstrating sustainable and good quality growth. We’re back for more of the same.

“The companies that fit the criteria for this award will invariably have done something innovative or introduced some sort of change to the business, whether a new product or management strategy, or an international angle; as they won’t have been a successful growing business by standing still.

“They will be the sort of business that drive themselves forward and so help drive forward the economy.”

Southampton-based Salon Supplies won last year by proving there is still money to be made.

Southampton City Council Award for Southampton Young Entrepreneur of the Year

CITY bosses are clear that young people hold the key to unlocking our economic prospects for years to come. That is why Southampton City Council has this year launched its award for Southampton Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The award has been designed for young people who can convince judges of their belief in themselves and their vision.

It is open to those aged 30 or under and someone whose business is located in the local authority area of Southampton or someone living there.

City leader Richard Williams said: “We are pleased to be backing this award because it celebrates young entrepreneurs who are the future of our economy.

“By recognising the best, we not only want to raise standards, but also encourage young people into starting businesses in the city.

“The award will be for those who are brimming with ambition, creativity, innovation but also with the ability to think out of the box.

“Importantly, they must be able to identify opportunities and develop them through initiatives, strong leadership and organisational skills and acceptance of risk.

“They must also be able to demonstrate what makes them stand out from the crowd and offer a vision for their business’ future.”

How to enter

COMPANIES can enter online or download a copy of the application form by visiting the website dailyecho.co.uk/scba.
Alternatively an entry pack can be collected at the Daily Echo headquarters at Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge.
For more information call the South Coast Business Awards 2013 team on 023 8042 4710 or email scba@dailyecho.co.uk.
Taylor Made Computer Solutions Award for Best Use of Technology
Business Solent Champion of the Year Award
RSM Tenon Award for Customer Service
British American Tobacco Award for Commitment to Education and Training
Trethowans Award for Excellence Through Innovation
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award
Southampton City Council Award for Southampton Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Smith & Williamson Growth Business of the Year Award
PLUS all shortlisted companies will be eligible for the overall Business of the Year Award sponsored by Trethowans.