BUSINESSES that can demonstrate all-round business excellence, innovation of products or services and a company-wide commitment to the community are being urged to enter the Daily Echo Hampshire Business Awards 2001.

Sponsors are seeking entries from Hampshire businesses large and small from all corners of the county. The closing date for entries is Friday, February 23. The three award categories are:

* KPMG Company of the Year.

* Bond Pearce Business Innovation Award.

* Marsh Business in the Community Award.

David d'Arcy Hughes, senior partner at Bond Pearce, said: "If you can demonstrate that your company's product or service is at the cutting edge of innovation, with a clear R&D strategy and commercial or demonstrable future success, then we would like to hear from you.

"There are many highly-successful businesses within the county which we know stand real chances of becoming the 2001 winners."

Searching for this year's all-round star business performer, Tony Cottam, senior partner of KPMG's South Coast office, said: "With the KPMG Company of the Year now in its second decade we continue to hear from many outstanding Hampshire businesses - whether large multinationals or some of the county's best-kept secrets.

"There's a huge pool of talent and we want businesses in Hampshire to be recognised for their achievements. Whatever the size, industry or market, we want to discover those companies which can demonstrate excellence throughout their business - excellence in financial performance, products or services, staff development and planning for the future."

The Marsh Business in the Community Award is now in its second year having proved a huge success in 2000.

Roger Treherne, regional director at Marsh, commented: "The quality of entries last year is testament to the growth in importance of both socially- responsible activity and social accountability.

"We want to discover those companies which have made a contribution to their local community over and above the norm. This could be a one-off activity or an on-going campaign but, most importantly, there should be evidence of direct benefits for the business and the community."

* 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@hallmarkpr.co.uk