COMPANIES in the county have three days left to submit their entries for this year's annual celebration of business excellence - the Hampshire Business Awards.

This week, we take a look at what the judges are seeking in this year's entrants, in advance of Friday's deadline.

This year's glittering awards dinner will take place at the historic Southwick House, the Hampshire property where the D-Day landings were planned and co-ordinated.

The entry system is straightforward and includes a facility to enter on-line this year - simply log on to www.hampshirebusinessawards.co.uk and submit an entry via the website.

Alternatively, please e-mail sharon.james@rbs.co.uk to request a form and complete by the deadline of Friday.

THE BOND PEARCE INNOVATION AWARD

A common misconception of innovation is that it is solely found in the science laboratory, and while this is normally the birthplace of great inventions, the judges could this year be looking for something a little closer to home.

"There are many ways in which innovation happens and it's often more through an approach to a problem than a brand new invention," said Nick Page, commercial partner at Bond Pearce.

"For example, last year's winner, Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel, applied lateral thinking to increase its services by 'stretching' its ships."

The move added 65 per cent more capacity to its route across the Solent and allows the company to improve its service for customers.

Nick added: "We would love to hear from companies which can demonstrate this kind of innovative thinking, as well as those which have innovated in the traditional sense."

The Bond Pearce Innovation Award - entry checklist:

Was the innovation your or your company's idea? If it is new, how is it different and innovative? How have you applied it to your business and marketed it to others? Can you demonstrate increased financial reward? How has it made an impact to your business?

KPMG COMPANY OF THE YEAR

All-round business excellence is the underlying theme of the KPMG Company of the Year award and organisations need to demonstrate how they shine in a number of different areas, such as last year's winner BAA Southampton Airport.

Tony Cottam, senior partner at KPMG's south coast office, said: "The businesses which will be shortlisted in this category will be dynamic, forward thinking and at the forefront of their own industry sector. Strong leadership will be driving the company's growth and it should be able to demonstrate its future potential."

It's no mean feat, but Tony believes that there are plenty of companies in the county which can demonstrate this. "Over the years the awards have revealed many top businesses, some of which have gone on to become real global players. We are looking forward to hearing from the companies which this year could follow in their footsteps."

KPMG Company of the Year - entry checklist:

Can it demonstrate excellent products or services? Does it have a strong track record as well as clear plans for the future? Has it continually exploited new markets? Is strong financial performance evident? Does it have a commitment to preserving and protecting the county's environment?

RBS INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD

This year's RBS International Trade Award seeks to build on the success of last year's inaugural award and judges will once again be on the lookout for companies with a real commitment to increasing the amount of export or import-based business they are involved in.

Mark Price, regional director at RBS, said: "Our award aims to highlight the companies which are continuing the county's rich history of international trade and taking it on to its next stage of development. "When we first came up with the idea for the award we felt sure there were some really exciting businesses across the county with interesting stories to tell and our first winner, Hamble based Point Source more than proved this theory.

"Point Source's huge export growth, particularly in the USA, and exciting plans for other markets made it a very worthwhile winner and set a high standard for others to follow."

RBS International Trade - entry checklist:

Can the business demonstrate a commitment to international trade, with imagination, commitment and versatility? Is there evidence of increased export or import turnover? Does it involve an innovative product or service? Have new markets been entered with good results? Are staff trained to win and deliver import or export business?