TODAY the Daily Echo can reveal the first entrants to be shortlisted for this years South Coast Business Awards.

The first two sets of nominees are in the categories for Best Use of Technology sponsored by Taylor Made Computer Solutions and Commitment to the Region, sponsored by British American Tobacco.

Other nominees will be announced on the Echo Business pages over the next week. Tomorrow it's the turn of Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Judge Alex Osborne, senior communications manager at BAT said: “The entries received this year are of exceptional quality which made the judging process very challenging. Our award recognises businesses that are committed to being a key part of the community around them. It’s great to see that so many businesses are passionate about the south coast by the investment they are making in the region.”


British American Tobacco Commitment to the Region Award shortlist:

Harwin Europe"

Founded in 1952 in North London, Harwin relocated to Portsmouth in 1958, where it manufactures standard interconnect components, hi-reliability connectors and surface-mount PCB board hardware. The company’s products serve a number of major markets: aerospace; defence, industrial, marine, medical oil and gas, rail and transportation, sports vehicles and test and measurement. Thanks to its global reputation for high quality products and exceptional customer service, Harwin continues to grow and today its sales and service also encompass offices and manufacturing facilities in the USA, Germany, France, Singapore and a worldwide distribution network."


Mountjoy
"Mountjoy provide professional construction, refurbishment and building maintenance services across the south of England. Their clients include local authorities, housing associations, universities, schools, colleges, healthcare organisations and commercial businesses. Mountjoy are headquartered in Farlington, Portsmouth, with offices in Southampton, the Isle of Wight and west London.

"The company was established on the Isle of Wight in 1992 as part of the Quarr Group and now has a turnover of approximately £27million and employ nearly 300 staff. As a business they are committed to supporting the local economy and the local community in the areas where they work."


CMA Recruitment
"Established in 1980, CMA Recruitment Group (CMA) has been providing recruitment services for over 35 years across the south of England. With an office network encompassing Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Basingstoke, CMA has built an enviable track record, combined with unparalleled market knowledge and strong links with professional advisors. All of this has enabled CMA to become the south coast’s leading independent Accountancy and Finance, Executive and HR Consultancy, with a diverse client portfolio including owner managed businesses, private equity and venture capital backed enterprises, in addition to large corporates."

Silver Lining
"Silver Lining, Business South Champion is one of the UK’s leading managed service providers. Silver Lining have been providing the very best in business IT, telecoms, data and mobile solutions across the UK and Europe since 2007. 

"It is Silver Lining’s mission to provide the perfect solution, whilst ensuring improved efficiency, reduced running costs and the flexibility to grow with their customers. 

"Whether it's cloud services, telephone systems, business broadband, IT infrastructure, business mobiles, or just a memorable phone number – Silver Lining, your local award winning provider are here to help."

The award winners will be announced at an evening ceremony to be held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on July 14.

Tickets for the awards evening are priced £70+vat per person or £650 per table of 10. Included in the ticket price are a drinks receptions, three-course banquet with wine and entertainments.

For ticket information visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba, email scba@dailyecho.co.uk or call 02380 424710.