NOMINATIONS are being sought for the SOStar awards which recognise achievement in the hospitality, tourism, retail and business sectors.

The inaugural awards took place earlier this year at the Harbour Hotel Ocean Village.

The 2020 awards have already been launched and entries are being welcomed from businesses and individuals with SO postcodes for next year’s trophies.

Jackie Phillipson from the SOStar Awards said: “The SOStar Awards are more than just a celebration dinner at the finals. It’s a journey.

“The categories are for entrepreneurs, their staff and teams, from the senior management to the apprentices, and they are for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

“The awards are free to enter too.

“In the second year they are already seen to be more dynamic and community driven as the city and surrounding areas have embraced them.

“Businesses are supporting the awards as they can see the value and profile they bring. It’s more than just an award presentation, it’s about creating partnerships, team development and profile,” she added.

“The launch was also supported by outreach.

“Our team went out into business areas and as a result, the businesses that didn’t attend the launch gained further understanding and engagement.

“The targeted marketing and PR campaign delivers improved communications as the awards are about the business community, celebrating their hard work, determination and dedication all of which goes into creating business excellence.”

She added: “In their first year, the awards attracted a vast array of talented and highly successful local businesses, individuals and organisations, which resulted in kudos and valuable publicity for those who took part and got involved as well as profile for our sponsors.

“The winners have gone onto become beacons for the awards, with many going onto win or do well in national awards and as a result we’re already receiving entries and we’re actively encouraging businesses to enter.

“We could not have staged the SOStar Awards without support from the local community, our judges, sponsors and partners, plus the local media and the venues.

“We’ve been told we’ve created something special for the area and as a result we’ve made the commitment to develop and grow the awards to continue developing relationships with savvy, talented businesses who want to make a difference and to sparkle with stellar performance.”

The awards are supported by A-One Insurance Group, DA Training & Consultancy, ELIS, Meridian Lifts, Radio Taxi Southampton, Ange’s Beauty, Warner’s Gin, Wave105, Signable, and Double Dutch Tonic.

Information about SOStar awards is available at sostars.co.uk or by emailing jackie@routepr.agency