Community involvement is fast becoming vital to all-round business success, according to Marsh, sponsor of the Business in the Community Award - one of the three categories in the Daily Echo's Hampshire Business Awards.

Speaking of last year's winner - the first winner of the Marsh Business in the Community Award - Roger Treherne, regional director of Marsh describes HSBC Bank as "inspirational".

Roger explained: "This is a classic example of how community initiatives, whether on a charitable, educational or environmental level, can contribute to the success of businesses, both large and small."

During the year leading up to the awards, HSBC raised £200,000 for local and national charities including Jubilee Sailing Trust, Rose Road Children's Appeal and Children in Need as well as donating computer and furniture to local schools and organisations. A further £43,000 was raised thanks to their policy of matching pound-for-pound some charity funds raised by staff.

Les Heyhoe, community liaison manager at HSBC Bank, said: "We are delighted to have become the first winner of the Business in the Community Award. Community activity is fast becoming an essential component of business success and we pride ourselves on our deep-rooted commitment to the community. Winning the award has given us a real boost and drive to further strengthen this activity."

The Marsh Business in the Community Award acknowledges the ways in which companies can demonstrate success in terms of increased awareness of the organisation, financial benefit, improved staff morale and benefit to the community.

Roger Treherne said: "Now in our second year as sponsors of this award category, we want to hear from companies or organisations that can show a high level of community involvement, that is at a level over and above their core activities."

All Hampshire-based businesses and organisations are invited to submit an entry form for the Marsh Business in the Community Award, whether it is for a one-off community scheme or a sustained campaign. The only requirement is that the majority of activity described must have taken place since January 1, 2000.

The Hampshire Business Awards 2001 comprise of three categories: the KPMG Company of the Year; the Bond Pearce Business Innovation Award; and the Marsh Business in the Community Award.

* Further information and entry forms are available from Eva Lambert-Smith at Hallmark PR by phone: 01962 863850, by fax: 01962 841820 or e-mail: info@hamarkpr.co.uk . The closing date for entries is Friday February 23.