ONE of the world’s leading banks has once again signed up for the South Coast Business Awards.

Santander is the official judging partner of the 2014 awards, organised by the Daily Echo. It comes two years after the banking giants became official partners of the 2012 event, beginning its association with the south’s most prestigious celebration of business excellence.

Denise Edghill, of Southampton City Council will be chairing the judging meetings.

The best of the region’s businesses will gather for the premier black-tie awards ceremony at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on Friday, July 11.

The annual event, sponsored by law firm Trethowans, champions business excellence while boosting competition and raising standards. It is being run in partnership with Business South and Destination Southampton.

Santander’s corporate banking centre in South-ampton, one of 28 around the country, boasts a range of industry experts who will take time to get to know the aims and aspirations of each customer to help them achieve their specific goals.

Santander’s corporate banking division seeks to build successful relationships by supporting customers as partners – providing ideas, tailored solutions and long-term value.

Customers are assigned a dedicated relationship director to gain an understanding of the priorities, challenges and opportunities of each business, agreeing financial solutions that meet individual needs.

Visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba for full details on how to enter this years awards.

Regional director Alex Fuller said he was delighted Santander could be back for a third year judging the South Coast Business Awards.

He said: “We really like seeing all the good things going on in the Solent region. Some of the things that happen here are outstanding and to get an insight into what some of the businesses are doing and what they want to do in the future is exciting.

“We get to bring members of our team to help with the judging so it is always a fun time for us, getting to go around the companies and then coming together with the Daily Echo from May to July for judging. But it’s important to remember many of the categories have their own individual sponsors and we provide an element of independent adjudication.”