DUE to unprecedented demand the South Coast Business Awards has opened to entries ahead of launching in spring.

The prestigious awards will launch formally in May – but entries are now open with businesses able to put themselves forward.

The South Coast Business Awards celebrate business excellence across myriad sectors which make a huge contribution to our economy.

The awards bring together the best of businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, recognising and showcasing their achievements.

There are innovative industries, both big and small, operating in fields from food to fashion, tourism to technology, employing thousands of people, exporting around the world - or helping to attract visitors to our county - and we aim to celebrate their achievements with these prestigious awards.

Ben Fishwick, Editor of the Southern Daily Echo, said: “In such unstable times it is great to see so many businesses ready to shout about their success stories by approaching us to enter awards before they have even launched.

“I am looking forward to judging all the entries later this year.”

Daily Echo: SCBA 2023SCBA 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

Any company whose head office is based within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is welcome to enter or to be nominated.

Once received, the nominations will be considered by our judging panel and maybe subject to a “mystery shopper” visit by the category sponsor, prior to the three finalists being announced in the Daily Echo and on dailyecho.co.uk – with a celebratory awards event in November.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Daily Echo or on dailyecho.co.uk and will also be featured in the category winners’ coverage in the Daily Echo and on dailyecho.co.uk The Business of the Year Award will be awarded to the overall winner that will be chosen by the judging panel from all the category winners.

If you want to get your entry in ahead of the launch and join in what will be a year-long celebration for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight businesses simply visit dailyecho.co.uk/awards

If you would be interested in sponsoring or supporting the awards please e-mail dhellaby@localiq.co.uk