THE head of a Hampshire business has been shortlisted for two awards.

Paul Fox, who is managing director of Romsey-based asbestos removal company Merryhill Envirotec, is in line to win the Institute of Directors’ director of the year for small or medium-sized business.

He has also been nominated for the corporate responsibility award.

Both awards are for businesses in the south west region.

Mr Fox oversaw a rise in net profit before tax of 79 per cent compared with the year before he took the reins.

Sales shot up by 7.5 per cent, enabling the firm to take on more staff and traineeships.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted.

“It reflects well on everybody at Merryhill who have worked incredibly hard during tough economic times.”