ARE you a young entrepreneur on the up or do you run a business which is growing fast? If so the Echo’s South Coast Business Awards, in association with Trethowans, want to hear from you.

Two of this year’s eight categories are the Lakesmere Growth Business of the Year Award and the Southampton City Council Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

To be in contention for the growth award firms need to have experienced sustainable and consistent growth during 2015.

They will need to demonstrate consistent growth of turnover or profits over the past two years, and show examples of specific initiatives which have driven growth.

CEO of the Lakesmere Group Mark Davey commented: “The Lakesmere Group is thrilled to be the official sponsor of the South Coast Business Awards’ Business Growth category for the second consecutive year.

“As an international business that has experienced rapid growth ourselves over recent years we know the challenges associated with this, so it’s incredibly interesting to hear how other companies in the region have tackled it and successfully grown their businesses.

“After proudly winning this award ourselves back in 2014, we also know first-hand how such recognition can give a boost to both a company’s brand and the morale of its workforce. With our head office in Winchester, we are always keen to help raise the profile and showcase the success of the local business community, of which we are proud to be a part of, and the South Coast Business Awards are a fantastic way to do this.”

Last year’s winners were Fleet-based CV Library, a rapidly-growing independent jobs site.

The Southampton City Council Young Entrepreneur Award award is open to candidates aged 30 or under and will go to the individual who the judges consider best demonstrates exceptional vision, initiative, creativity, leadership and the ability to identify and develop opportunities.

Jeff Walters, the council’s economic development manager, said: “Southampton’s economic future relies upon the creation of a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship. Young people have a vital role to play in building the city’s economic future through setting up and growing new businesses that provide prosperity and wealth.

“Our sponsorship of this award not only acknowledges the success of the individual but sends a signal to many aspirational and ambitious young people that entrepreneurship is encouraged and welcomed here in Southampton and that they can succeed.”

The 2015 award winner was Chris Schutrups, 26, who started The Mortgage Hut five years ago from his Hedge End terraced house. Now his firm is looking at turning over around £1 million.

He told the Echo: “Winning raised both mine and the business’s profile on a regional level and opened up many conversations with business people.

“Having the backing of the Echo gives these awards more credibility.”

The Mortgage Hut is now poised for more success as it has bee shortlisted for the Regional Broker of the Year category in the national property awards, The Estas, and is up for the bet broker title in the British Mortgage Awards.

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

The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday, July 14.

How to enter… ANY company whose head office is based within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is eligible to enter or to be nominated for the competition.

Companies with a head office outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are welcome to enter on the understanding that they have a bespoke business plan for their Hampshire operation.

Entries or nominations must be submitted on an official application form, which is available alongside further information on all of the categories at dailyecho.co.uk/scba.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 20.