THEY could be the tycoons of tomorrow and they are already making an impact on the local economy.

Today we announce the shortlist for the or Southampton City Council Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the South Coast Business Awards.

Commenting on the 2016 entries Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2016 as part of our work to support and encourage young people in making their business ideas and ambitions a reality.

"The quality of entries this year has been outstanding, illustrating the great work being carried out in Southampton and the wider region.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to all the finalists and wish them the best of luck before the big day in July.”

Chris Phillips of Just Develop It At just 16 years old, Chris Phillips started his first business, a website hosting company out of his parents’ home – all because he didn’t want to get a paper round.

In 2008, Chris founded Just Develop It and what started with just one company now includes over 20.

In the last four years Just Develop It has expanded and invested in everything from golf clubs to nightclubs, from clothing brands to restaurants, construction to education.

Chris invests in people rather than businesses and specifically in other young entrepreneurs in the area, who have big ideas and a great work ethic.

Chris Rees of ReesLeisure ReesLeisure operate the hugely successful ABP Southampton Half Marathon and 10k which is now in its second year with over 8,000 runners taking part.

ReesLeisure operate Wessex Swim Schools, Try Tri Events and will be bringing Southampton Sailing Week to the city in May 2017. A celebration of all that is maritime in the city.

William Bellows of Netserve / Home Computer Help Netserve Ltd, the fast intuitive IT response for business, available 24/7, covering Hampshire and Dorset.

Netserve Ltd provides outsourced IT solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across the south, helping them to avoid the unnecessary expense of an in-house IT department.

In 2015, Netserve successfully launched its sister company Home Computer Help – tailored exclusively for resolving IT problems within the customer's own home.

For their team of technicians, getting people online for the first time, restoring precious family photos and hearing from happy customers when they are able to order their home deliveries during the winter, is something they love doing.

To find out which of the finalists will take home the prestigious South Coast Business Awards, why not join us for the black tie awards ceremony being held on Thursday July 14 at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, West End, Southampton?

Tickets cost £70 plus vat per person, a table of 10 costs £650 plus vat. For further information, visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba, contact jess.butts@dailyecho.co.uk or call 023 8042 4710.

See tomorrow’s Echo when we’ll reveal the finalists in the Winchester Motor Company Skoda Customer Service Award and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award.