THE finalists for the 2019 South Coast Business Awards have been announced.

The South Coast Business Awards organised by the Southern Daily Echo in conjunction with Business South and Destination Southampton were open to businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

This year’s awards event is backed by overall sponsor Dutton Gregory and the category sponsors Paris Smith, M12 Solutions Giganet, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Smith & Williamson.

Judging this year’s awards were associate editor at LOCALiQ Andy Martin, Edward Burt, president of the Rotary Club of Chandlers Ford and Itchen Valley, overall sponsor Dutton Gregory and the category sponsors.

The South Coast Business Awards celebrate business excellence across myriad sectors which make a huge contribution to our economy.

They are supported by Southampton FC and Cool, Calm & Confident.

The awards ceremony is on Thursday, July 11, 6.30-11.00pm, at St Mary’s Stadium.

Tickets are available to purchase at dailyecho.co.uk/awards and cost £75 each

On the evening we will be joined by the broadcaster, award-winning author and honeybee farmer, Jez Rose.

Jez’s reputation as a business speaker and broadcaster is built on his ability to explore complicated topics in an accessible way with honesty, clarity, warmth and humour.

He has spent his life learning about – and fascinated by – the impact nature has on human health, wellbeing and behaviour.

He is passionate about how small changes to how we think and behave can produce extraordinary results.

The 2019 South Coast Business Awards finalists, in alphabetical order, are as follows.

Best Use of Technology:

Applied Driving Techniques, Apps in the Sky, Lucketts Travel.

Business & The Community:

Balmer Lawn, Hampshire Fare, Humble Plumb Pub, Silver Lining convergence.

Business Leader:

Gerry Tombs – Clearvision, Mark Dyer – Brymor Group, Thom Gibbons – Apps in the Sky.

Employer Award:

Clearvision, CV-Library, Havant & South Downs College.

Entrepreneur Award:

Robert Simpson – Slick Revolution, Stephen Morton – Brymor Group Ltd.

Innovation Excellence:

3R, GHS Mechanical & Electrical Ltd, Silver Lining Convergence.

Mid-Large Business:

3R, PVC Building supplies, Veritech Systems Ltd.

New Business:

Asisters Ltd, Good Oaks Home Care, Grape & Grain Tours Ltd.

Service Excellence:

Calculis Financial Planners, CV-Library, New Place Hotel

Small Business:

J Williams & Co Ltd, Landau UK, UKSV.