Countdown to the South Coast Business Awards 2013 begins (From Hampshire Chronicle)

The countdown to the South Coast Business Awards 2013 has begun

1:30pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Hampshire Business By Patrick Knox, Senior Reporter

IT recognises the best of the best.

The prestigious Business of The Year award will again be the blue ribbon category of this year’s South Coast Business Awards 2013.

Nominations are now open for a firm that can demonstrate skilful business planning, clever marketing and sound financials.

To clinch the accolade the company will need to be dynamic, showing excellence in all aspects of business performance.

This year Southampton and Salisbury based law firm Trethowans, which employs more than 140 people, is sponsoring the award.

Simon Rhodes, managing partner at Trethowans, said: “We need to be loud and proud about what’s happening here in Southampton.

“Please get involved, please recommend these awards to your contacts, clients and suppliers, so that we can make a big noise about the great businesses we have in our region.”

Industry leaders from across the county descended on Southampton’s Grand Harbour Hotel for last year’s ceremony, where nine fiercely-contested awards were up for grabs.

This year’s winners will be revealed at a black-tie event at the hotel on July 12, where the guest speaker will be Michael Portillo, the former Tory MP turned broadcaster.

Organised by the Daily Echo in association with Trethowans, the awards aim to raise standards, encourage competition and recognise business excellence.

They are being run in partnership with Business Solent and Destination Southampton.

Last year’s winner of the Trethowans Award for Business of the Year went to Southampton-based Salon Supplies, which also won the Smith & Williamson Growth Business Award.

Founded in Chandler’s Ford 35 years ago the hair products wholesaler grew from being run from a lockup garage to achieving a turnover of £9.4m, seven branches, 16 field sales consultants and 85 staff.