TONIGHT will see some of the south’s top business people gather to celebrate the launch of the region’s premier business awards.

Southampton’s Grand Café will host the launch of the South Coast Business Awards 2016.

Organised by the Daily Echo in association with leading Hampshire law firm Trethowans, the awards aim to raise standards, encourage competition and recognise business excellence.

They are being run in partnership with Business South, Destination Southampton and Wave 105.

At tonight’s launch party guests will enjoy drinks and canapes as details are revealed of this year’s competition celebrating the best of business across Hampshire.

There will be a chance to meet the sponsors and learn about this year’s awards categories.

Among the categories will be the Trethowans Overall Business of the Year Award.

Last year’s winners were builders merchants Elliotts one of the oldest family businesses in the south, with 13 branches across the region.

Founded in 1842, the firm which employs 280 people, and supplies scores of small building firms and self-employed contractors, was singled out for its “continued growth, dedication to its stakeholders and ongoing success”.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on July 14 and will be hosted by Daily Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray, with a guest speaker to be announced.

Last year’s speaker was Rob Law, the founder of children’s suitcase and luggage firm Trunki, who described how he made his product into a global brand with more than two-and-half million Trunkis having been sold in more than 97 countries.