TODAY we look at the companies shortlisted for the Commitment to the Region Category in the Echo-backed South Coast Business Awards.

The category is sponsored by BAT (British American Tobacco), one of the Southampton’s largest employers who have been based in the city for more than a century.

The judges have been looking for entrants that can show they provide employment and skills development for the local economy; use local supply chains; have expanded in the region or plan to; are passionate about the region and engage with the community.

Defending their title are last year’s winners, telecoms company Silver Lining Convergence Limited who have made the shortlist again this year.

The shortlist for the award is:

Greenclose Hotels Limited

Greenclose Hotels Limited is a family owned and operated hotel company based on the south coast. It owns two luxury four-star hotels and a spa – The Montagu Arms Hotel, Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa – in the New Forest. SenSpa also has its own range of 97 per cent natural beauty products that are for sale nationally in Waitrose. In addition to its Hampshire ventures, the company owns The Imperial Hotel in North Wales.

Acutely aware of their unique and precious surroundings, Greenclose Hotels’ ethos is that wherever they can benefit the local environment, they will. The company makes a significant contribution to the south coast’s economy, both through tourism and the provision of employment at Careys Manor Hotel, SenSpa and the Montagu Arms Hotel.

Bluestar

A Bluestar spokesperson said: “Here at Bluestar, we are proud of the bus service we operate in and around Southampton – shining across your city. Our vision is to be the company that people want to work for, travel with and use.

“We are at the heart of the communities we serve, a company that people want to work for and hold in high regard and a company that delivers the very best customer service.

“Our employees are down to earth ‘can-do’ people, who we are extremely proud of. As a business, it is about staying one step ahead and being adaptable.”

Silver Lining Convergence Limited

Founded ten years ago, Silver Lining has grown to become a leading name in communication technology throughout Hampshire and the UK. Their success lies in their ability to create an innovative product offering for their customers – from business IT and telecommunications to data and mobile solutions, and everything in between. Their dedicated team in Whiteley focuses not only on excellence for the business and their customers, but also commitment to the region and charitable causes through fundraising, specialist educational programmes and donated services.

First Hampshire

First Hampshire is the leading bus service provider in the region, keeping passengers moving in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport. The local operator has a fleet of 264 buses and employs more than 600 people across the three depots in Southampton, Hilsea and Hoeford.

The company boasts many of Hampshire’s most popular bus routes. These include Eclipse, the rapid transport operation from Fareham to Gosport, City Red, Southampton’s most modern and efficient bus fleet, Solent Ranger, a half hourly service between Portsmouth and Southampton, and The Star, the Royal Navy inspired fleet offering passengers regular trips between Waterlooville and Portsmouth.

This year’s winners will be announced at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl on July 6. Details of buying tickets for the awards night is available at dailyecho.co.uk/scba.