AN ability to embrace, harness and utilise new technologies can be the difference between a failing firm and a business at the top of its game.

A prestigious new award will be presented to a company that makes the best use of state-of-the art, cutting- edge developments.

The South Coast Business Awards, organised by the Daily Echo and Business Southampton, will be recognising a firm that has used technology to create a considerable competitive or operational improvement such as quality, customer service and revenue.

The award is being sponsored by Taylor Made Computer Solutions.

Sales and marketing director Ian Lockwood, pictured below, said: “As a Business Southampton City Champion and one of the south coast’s leading IT service companies, we are proud to be a sponsor of the South Coast Business Awards.

“For the last 17 years we have been working with local businesses to identify, implement and support the best technology to help drive efficiencies into business.

“The current economic climate has highlighted the need for businesses to engage with technology to remain competitive.

“Technology can help businesses access information more easily and quickly to enable more effective business decisions, promote more efficient ways of working and improve productivity.

We look forward to seeing how local businesses are utilising technology to ultimately improve their business performance.”

Accolades for corporate social responsibility, training and education, innovation, growth and customer service will also be presented.

There will be gongs for Southampton City Champion, the top small business and individual or entrepreneur of the year.

The competition was launched earlier this month. Entries must be in by April 21.

Judges will pick four finalists in each category with the winners being revealed at a ceremony at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton, on July 15. All those shortlisted will be entered into The Coast radio’s Business of the Year competition.