THEY may be small but they are making a big impact.

Small businesses are the big business of tomorrow and four companies which are going places have been shortlisted for the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award at this year’s South Coast Business Awards.

Judge Maureen Frost, deputy chief executive of the chamber said: “This year has seen the highest ever number of entries in the small business category with the quality levels maintained.

“Many of the entrants have demonstrated impressive growth in turnover and profitability, innovation and creativity and are clearly punching above their weight.

“Our shortlisted candidates are truly deserving of being in the final”

The shortlist is:

  • Dynamite Recruitment Solutions

“At Dynamite, we listen and we understand our clients…

“We asked many of them why they continue to show us such loyalty.

The response was simple. Relationship and delivery.

"We had worked hard to immerse ourselves in their respective companies, and outperformed competitors.

"We were more passionate about performing, so consistently sourced the right people.

“We specialise in office support, accountancy and finance, customer service, sales, marketing, contact centre, industrial and HR to name but a few, providing both permanent and temporary recruitment.

"Through the passion and commitment of everyone in the Dynamite Team, we deliver a superior recruitment experience.”

  • Rooster Creative Marketing

“We are Rooster Creative Marketing, a Winchester-based full-service marketing agency.

“It’s our philosophy that clarity is fundamental for success; this is why we fully engage with each client’s needs before commencing any project.

"We offer a truly bespoke and individually-focused service.

“Teamwork and dedication to our clients are what make Rooster shine.

"Every member of our team takes great pride in playing a huge role in getting us this far in the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award 2016.

“It is our collective positivity and creativity that enables us to deliver inspirational marketing solutions for SMEs and global brands.

“We think differently to create engaging ideas that shape culture and deliver results.”

  • First Option Software

“First Option Software design and develop bespoke software solutions for businesses.

"Working in any market sector, we are specialists at understanding business requirements and delivering handcrafted projects for our clients, whether they be for mobile, tablet, desktop or the web.

"Technologists at heart, we work with a myriad of different programming languages, databases and operating systems to deliver the best solutions for our customers’ needs.

“Based in the picturesque market town of Alresford, we have been successfully delivering software projects for 25 years to large and small companies in the UK and abroad.”

  • HCS Safety

“HCS Safety has grown since 2000 to become the south’s favourite resource for health and safety.

"Through our core values of professionalism, friendliness and practicality, we help local companies make their businesses safer, happier and more competitive.

"We act as the safety department for nearly 300 local businesses through our membership service and provide training and on-site monitoring for many more.

"Our membership service gives local firms access to a fantastic team of safety professionals and admin staff, and we offer a full range of safety training, from basic awareness courses to degree level professional qualifications.”