THESE awards mean business.

Southampton’s Grand Café hosted 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 reward and highlight the achievements of businesses, big and small, and entrepreneurs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The 2016 awards, the sixth, are being run in partnership with Business South and Destination Southampton, who have backed the contest since the outset, and new partner, radio station Wave 105.

• For awards ceremony ticket information visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba.

At last night’s launch party guests enjoyed drinks and canapes as details were revealed of this year’s competition which has eight categories (see right).

Daily Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray told the audience: “It is testament to the success of these awards, and also a pleasure, to see so many companies return year after year – principal sponsor, category sponsors, judging partners and event partners all joining together again to launch this exciting fixture in the business calendar.”

He urged companies to blow their own trumpets: “You know how good you are, why not share it with us and enter your business into these prestigious awards.”

Simon Rhodes, managing partner of Trethowans, said his firm had been involved with the awards for six years, five as principal sponsor.

“There are some great business stories out there and it’s my pride and privilege to be able to help tell them through these awards,” he said.

He said the awards were a “brilliant way to give your business free publicity” and he urged all those present to spread the news.

This year’s winners will be selected by an judging panel led by Denise Edghill, head of skills and regeneration at Southampton City Council, plus a representative from each of the category sponsors and representatives of Santander, our independent judging partner.

Last year the awards welcomed Rob Law, the founder of children’s suitcase and luggage firm Trunki, as guest speaker and saw long-established builders merchants Elliotts pick up the overall winner’s award, sponsored by Trethowans.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on July 14 at the Hilton Ageas Bowl and will be hosted by Mr Murray, with a special guest speaker to be announced.