THE search is now on to find Hampshire's shining stars, with the launch of the Daily Echo's 2001 Hampshire business Awards.

Now in its second decade, the Hampshire Business Awards recognise the all-round excellence of the county's businesses, exciting new products or innovative new services, and an outstanding contribution to the local community.

Organisers are keen to receive entries from businesses, large and small, right across the county. The three award categories are: the KPMG Company of the Year, the Bond Pearce Business Innovation Award, and the Marsh Business in the Community Award.

During the launch at Basingstoke-based Centerprise International - winner of the 2000 KPMG Company of the Year - Tony Cottam, senior partner at KPMG's South Coast office, said: "The Hampshire Business Awards recognise all that is best about our regional business community. They are a platform to celebrate achievement, promote excellence and recognise the caring and socially responsible aspect of many Hampshire businesses.

"A major benefit for the winners is the extensive editorial coverage they will receive. Equally important is the boost the award gives to staff, resulting in better morale, improved staff retention and successful recruitment - all-important at a time when skills shortages are a major issue for many of the county's businesses.

"This year, judges of the KPMG Company of the Year will be looking for excellence in products or services, strong financial performance, an ability to identify and exploit new markets and a commitment to staff training and development."

David d'Arcy Hughes from solicitors Bond Pearce, said: "The Business Innovation Award has attracted entries from organisations of all sizes with exciting new ideas backed up by strong R&D strategies and a commitment to the ongoing development of products.

"Contenders for this award need to show excellence and innovation, details of an R&D strategy and identify target markets. The award recognises the importance of innovation to future business success."

Roger Treherne, regional director at Marsh, said: "The Marsh Business in the Community Award, launched last year, has already proven popular. Recognising the increasingly important role which community involvement plays in Hampshire's business life, the award seeks out companies who can show the reasoning behind a specific community activity, commitment throughout all levels of staff and evidence of the positive contribution that community involvement has made to the business."

Winners, who will be announced at a gala awards dinner at Le Poussin in Parkhill, Lyndhurst, on Tuesday, June 12, will receive a special hand-crafted trophy and widespread media coverage.

The deadline is Friday, February 23. All entries must be made on an official entry form available from Eva Lambert-Smith at Hallmark PR - phone: 01962 863850, fax: 01962 841820, or e-mail: info@hallmarkpr.co.uk

What the judges seek

THE winner of the KPMG Company of the Year must be able to demonstrate a strong financial track record; show a willingness and ability to clearly plan for the future; keep abreast of new developments and illustrate plans for future growth.

Market-leading performance and a commitment to excellence in products or services are the starting points for the winner of the KPMG Company of the Year.

The judges will be looking at the following criteria:

* Excellence in both products and services to customers

* Past achievements and future plans

* Financial performance

* The identification and exploitation of new markets

* Commitment to the training and development needs of employees

* Contribution to enhancing Hampshire's reputation as a premier business location and protecting the county's natural environment.

The award is open to all Hampshire-based companies, or subsidiaries of national and international businesses, which have a major presence in the county.

How to enter

COMPANIES wishing to enter should contact Eva Lambert-Smith at Hallmark PR on 01962 863850 or e-mail info@hallmarkpr.co.uk . The completed entry form should be returned to Hallmark by February 23, 2001 - the deadline for the first stage of the entry procedure.

You may enter as many awards as you wish but a separate entry form must be submitted for each award.

There will be a second stage to the entry procedure for those companies who are selected to progress through the competition. Companies will be given three to four weeks to submit information and may be visited by representatives of the judges shortly after.