INNOVATIVE businesses are being sought for the technology category in the South Coast Business Awards.

The Daily Echo-backed awards recognise the best businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Although the coronavirus crisis has delayed the awards ceremony, the entry date has also been moved to give businesses more time to enter.

The Best Use of Technology award will go to a business which has created success through the innovative application of a new idea, product, method or process. Anyone can nominate a business.

Judges will look for a business that has exceeded the expectations of its customers through the use of technology. Businesses should be able to show evidence of a positive change in the last 12 months, or have identified a strategy for change in the next 12 months.

The award is sponsored by Destination Southampton Conference Bureau, which promotes the city of Southampton and helps businesses and individuals create world class events.

The awards are open to all businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the principal sponsor is Dutton Gregory.

Nominations may be subject to a “mystery shopper” visit. Judges will be looking to announce three finalists in each category in the Daily Echo.

All three category finalists, plus one guest each, will be invited to join their category sponsors at the awards ceremony at St Marys Stadium, scheduled for November 12.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Daily Echo or on dailyecho.co.uk and will also be featured in the category winners’ coverage in the Daily Echo or on dailyecho.co.uk.

The Business of the Year Award will be chosen by the judging panel from all the category winners.

The other award categories are: Innovation Excellence; Service Excellence; Employer; Entrepreneur; Business Leader; Small Business; New Business (opened in the last two years); Mid-Large Business; Business And The Community

Enter online at dailyecho.co.uk/awards

Businesses will be required to submit a one page summary of accounts. Closing date is August 31.

Usual Newsquest competition terms and conditions will apply. Please visit newsquest.co.uk/prize-competition-rules/ for full details. £250 multi-media advertising prize valid for use until December 31.