GLITZ and glam will be in full flow this Friday when the winners of the south’s most prestigious business awards are revealed.

Hundreds of business leaders will converge at St Mary’s Stadium for the South Coast Business Awards the highlight of the business calendar.

Celebrating the best performing companies in the region the Daily Echo has organised the annual event sponsored by leading law firm Trethowans and in partnership with Business South and Destination Southampton.

The awards aim to raise standards, encourage competition, and recognise business excellence.

The success stories of companies large and small will be told as they wait to find out who has scooped each of the eight hotly contested gongs including the Trethowans Overall Winner’s Award.

The glitzy black-tie night will be hosted by Southern Daily Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray along with guest speaker Rob Law, founder of children’s roll-along suitcase brand Trunki.

With more than 70 industry and consumer awards, and distribution in almost 100 countries Rob is an icon of British business.

Ian Murray said: “The awards have grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the business calendar and I am certain that this year’s celebration of excellence will enhance this reputation.”

This year sees a new sponsor for one of the awards.

Lakesmere are sponsoring the Growth Business of the Year Award recognising the firms which have demonstrated a track record of growth in the last two years and for the foreseeable future.

Firm spokesperson Mo Morgan said they were awarding a businesses that has shown true grit and determination and a strong desire to succeed; businesses that are creative and continually innovating and who maximise the market opportunities.

Lakesmere came on board as sponsor after their success in the awards last year when they scooped the biggest prize on the night.

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

Simon Rhodes, senior partner at principal sponsor Trethowans, said: “Trethowans is once again proud to be the principal sponsor of the South Coast Business Awards.

“It is vital for companies in our region to really shout about their success, to help bring more business to themselves and more business into our region.

“These awards are designed to praise the success of our region’s businesses and to help encourage them on to greater things.”