NO BUSINESS can survive without customers.

The Customer Service Award at the Echo-backed South Coast Business Awards honours the companies which go the extra mile to meet the needs of their clients.

The award is sponsored by Winchester Motor Company Skoda for the second year.

Judges have been looking for companies that con demonstrate a clear relationship between customer service activities and improved business performance, financial growth and customer retention.

The four in the running for this year’s award are:

Vanilla Catering & Events

A high quality independent banqueting and wedding business located on the banks of the River Hamble.

From Vanilla’s conception 14 years ago the company has endeavoured to source local fresh produce to create delicious bespoke menus for its discerning clients.

Led by managing director Sally Pickles, Vanilla’s team of professional chefs are as free range in the sourcing of produce as the produce itself. So from eggs to oils and beef to butter they come from every corner of the county.

The Vanilla team commitment to fine food and service create a memorable event for any occasion

Right at Home Solent

Right at Home Solent is a family run homecare company, where quality care is at the heart of everything we do.

Our clients receive care the way that they want to have it delivered. They are involved in all decision-making, and have a one-to-one assessment before the care commences.

The care package includes:

- One hour minimum visit time

- Personalised care plan

- 24-hour on call service

- Rigorous selection process of CareGivers including psychometric testing

- Friendly and approachable office team, with a ‘can do’ attitude!

Our CareGivers are passionate about making a difference every day. We focus on improving the lives of those we care for, not just maintaining quality of life.

The Work Shop

The Work Shop recruitment agency is on a mission to change the way the recruitment industry is viewed by many employers along the south coast.

The only way to achieve this is through excellent customer service both to our clients and candidates.

Uniquely, in a very heavily targeted industry, the Work Shop sets no targets in the belief that they encourage volume over quality.

The Work Shop asks its consultants to only put forward candidates that they truly believe can do the job in question whilst offering expert consultancy advice to employers to help them achieve their aims.

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 focusses 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.

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