NOMINATIONS are now open for the Echo’s 2016 South Coast Business Awards and there are many different ways that entrants can show that they are the best at what they do.

This year’s categories include the Taylor Made Computer Solutions award for Best Use of Technology and the British American Tobacco award for Commitment to the Region.

Any company hoping to win the Taylor Made award will have used technology to create considerable competitive or operational improvement such as improved quality, customer satisfaction and revenue.

The judges will be looking for a firm that has used technology to stand out from its competitors and embraced new technology.

Tim Walker, managing director of Taylor Made told the Echo: “Taylor Made Computer Solutions are proud to again be sponsoring the Best Use of Technology Award at the South Coast Business Awards. Being a technology company ourselves, we are always keen to help showcase and reward new and innovative uses of technology where it is showing benefit to businesses and consumers. There is no better showcase for technology than this award.”

Last year’s winners were family-run firm Barnbrook Systems which designs and manufactures high-quality products in-house for rail, aircraft, defence and commercial industries.

The judges said: “Barnbrook use IT in a different way. They have come up with great IT ideas and given those ideas to their customers for them to utilise in their own working environment.

The Fareham-based firm is led by father-and-son team, Andrew and Tony Barnett.

Andrew Barnett commented: "Being in business can often be a lonely, insular place. Being part of the awards and actually winning affirms that we are doing things right. It recognises the effort and commitment of our people, judged by others. We have won contracts as a result but more importantly we have great pride in what we have achieved.

"It is amazing what you can achieve if you do not care who gets the credit."

Businesses bidding to win the Commitment to the Region award should demonstrate that they have supported skills development in the region through work with local education, mentoring and graduates and increased employment opportunities.

Other factors the judges will be looking for include expansion on the South Coast, using local supply chains and showcasing the area as a great place to do business.

“As a long-term investor in the region, we are keen to recognise a business or organisation that can demonstrate their commitment to the South Coast area. It’s not just about employment opportunities, skills development and business expansion, it’s the whole package right through to local supply chains, supporting the local community and ultimately show casing this area as a great place to do business” said Alex Osborne, senior communications manager, British American Tobacco.

In 2015 the category was won by Hythe-based yacht builders Green Marine, which since its foundation in 1982, has built more than 180 composite boats, including challengers for the America’s Cup and Volvo Round the World race.

Judges said: “In championing the region they have not only attracted business from across the UK and beyond in Europe but have showcased the South Coast as a great place do to business.”

Richard Acland, chief executive of the Shore Road firm, said: “The award was for us a great accolade as we are very committed to supporting both employment and our supply chain in the region. It is important for us that this message gets out there to our stakeholders whether they be potential new staff, suppliers or customers, and this award certainly helped that.”

“Certainly we appreciated very much the recognition that we award gave us.”

This year’s awards are run in association with Trethowans Solicitors and in partnership with Business South, Destination Southampton and Wave 105.

The winners will be announced in a ceremony to be held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl on July 10.

 

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 20.