SAINTS have got on board a Daily Echo-backed event recognising excellence in firms across Hampshire.

Southampton Football Club has linked with Halo Conferences and Events and joined a host of high profile firms, organisations and local authorities sponsoring the South Coast Business Awards 2014.

Each of them sponsors a prize and include Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Business South, Taylor Made Computers, British American Tobacco, Smith &Williamson and Baker Tilly.

Both Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council are also backing the prestigious award night.

The main sponsor is Trethowans, a law firm in the county that employs more than 140 people.

The football club will sponsor the table gifts at the awards evening and will also provide a prize for one lucky winner during the evening.

This will be four hospitality tickets in the St Mary’s Stadium president’s suite for any home league match.

Erik Ammer, director of hospitality and events at Halo Conferences and Events Southampton Football Club, said: “We at Halo Conferences and Events are delighted to give our backing to the South Coast Business Awards during what has already been an exciting year for ourselves, Southampton Football Club and the local business community as a whole.

“Becoming involved with the South Coast Business Awards 2014 gives us and the football club the opportunity to show our support for the region’s top firms, as well as to meet and network with thriving businesses and fellow sponsors.

“With Southampton Football Club ready for another thrilling season on the global stage of the Barclays Premier League, we’re pleased to be able to kick off the campaign by working with the Southern Daily Echo to show our pride in our local community on what promises to be a fantastic evening.”

The South Coast Business Awards will be held at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on July 11, where a total of nine prestigious awards will be handed out to the region’s top firms.

Jacqueline Gold, the chief executive of Ann Summers and Knickerbox, will be the guest speaker.

To buy tickets for this prestigious event, visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba, call Jess Butts on 023 8042 4710, or email jess.butts@dailyecho.co.uk.