THE WAITING is over and seven companies have been singled out for glory in the 2004/5 Hampshire business Awards.

The finalists represent a huge cross section of Hampshire's vibrant business community in both manufacturing and service sectors.

Judge Nick Page, of Bond Pearce, said whittling down the avalanche of entries to just three finalists for each of the three awards had been no easy task.

He said: "With a record number of high quality entries this year, it was a tough job to name just three businesses for each award, but after scrutinising entry forms, carrying out site visits and deliberation by the judges.

Fellow judge Mark Price, regional corporate director at The Royal Bank of Scotland, says: "The great thing about these organisations is their diversity; a good range of industrial sectors is represented, along with a healthy mix of manufacturing and service businesses."

Tony Cottam, senior partner at KPMG's south coast office adds: "Indeed, this diversity is a real strength of Hampshire business and all seven companies are great ambassadors for the county.

"I hope these excellent companies will inspire other growing businesses to achieve."

The winners will be announced at a special awards dinner on September 16 at the headquarters of Sir Chay Blyth's Challenge Business in Ocean Village.

The finalists are: Bond Pearce Innovation Award Ordnance Survey - the national mapping agency, headquartered in Southampton Point Source - Hamble-based producer of fibre optic and laser products Red Funnel Group - the Southamptonbased Isle of Wight ferry operator KPMG Company of the Year BAA Southampton Airport - Hampshire's regional airport Churchill Retirement Living - Ringwood developer of retirement properties Fat Face - Havant-based clothing retailer The Royal Bank of Scotland International Trade Award BAA Southampton Airport (see above) Point Source (see above) Scott Wilson Basingstoke-based planning, engineering and environmental consultancy.