THEY are the categories that reward booming Hampshire companies as well as the next generation of business winners.

Nominations are now open for the Lakesmere Growth Business of the Year and the Southampton City Council Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious South Coast Business Awards.

The best of the region’s businesses will gather for the premier black tie awards ceremony on Friday, July 10, at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.

The awards, organised by the Daily Echo in association with Trethowans Solicitors and in partnership with Destination Southampton and Business South, celebrate innovation, commitment to training and jobs and those firms who are making a splash locally, nationally and internationally.

The Lakesmere Growth Business of the Year Award will be given to the business which has managed to show sustainable and consistent growth during 2014 and has flourished against a backdrop of continuing economic difficulties.

Entrants will need to be able to demonstrate consistent sustainable growth at either the turnaround or earnings level over the last two years and expect that growth to continue for the foreseeable future.

Lakesmere spokeswoman Mo Morgan said: “As a judge for the growth award we are clearly looking for companies that are able to demonstrate a track record of growth in the business.

“But more so we are looking for those businesses that can show true grit and determination and a strong desire to succeed; businesses that are creative and continually innovating and who maximise the market opportunities”.

Last year’s award was won by Lakesmere, who then decided to sponsor this year’s award.

The company has risen from a small business 21 years ago to an internationally-respected market leader in roofing, cladding and specialist facades manufacturer and contractor.

The firm’s impressive portfolio of construction projects includes the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, the new Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 building and the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Southampton City Council Young Entrepreneur of the Year is given to an individual aged 30 or younger based within the SO postcode region.

The city council leader, Councillor Simon Letts, said: “The winner will need to demonstrate outstanding skills and ability to achieve success within their field, including: entrepreneurship, vision, flair, initiative, creativity, leadership and ambition.

“We have an outstanding business community in Southampton with a wealth of talent, drive and innovation.

“The high calibre of entrants last year gives me great expectations of the quality we can expect from this year’s entries.”

Last year’s winner was 25-year-old Josh Williams with his business, Bizpedia – a refreshing new approach to networking which has attracted some serious business partners as sponsors.

It is a completely free business club that is open to local companies, business owners and entrepreneurs who want to be part of a well-connected community.

Since it started in Southampton more than 12 months ago, Bizpedia has grown to exceed 500 members and has now expanded into two new cities.

 See next Tuesday’s Daily Echo for a focus on the customer service award.

Entries or nominations must be submitted on an official application form, which is available alongside further information on all of the categories at dailyecho.co.uk/scba.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 22.

Any company whose head office is based within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is eligible to enter or be nominated for the competition.

For full details on all the awards categories, criteria and tips on how to enter visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba.