Finalists unveiled for South Coast Business Awards

But finally this week we can reveal our finalists in the hotly anticipated 2015 awards.

Organised by the Daily Echo, in association with Trethowans Solicitors, the awards aim to raise standards, stimulate competition and recognise business excellence.

They are being run in partnership with Business South and Destination Southampton.

Throughout the week we will be announcing four shortlisted firms in each of the categories, drawn up by a panel of experts.

Today we feature two awards: The Lakesmere Growth Business of the Year and the Southampton City Council Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year. 

The Lakesmere Growth Business of the Year

THIS gong will be given to the business managing to show sustainable and consistent growth during 2014, one which has flourished against a backdrop of continuing economic difficulties. 

Entrants needed to be able to demonstrate consistent sustainable growth over the last two years and expect that growth to continue for the foreseeable future. 

Lakesmere spokesperson Mo Morgan, pictured above, said it was looking for companies that were able to demonstrate a track record of growth in the business.

But more so they were 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 facade services. 

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

Winchester Motor Company

This is a family-run business representing Skoda, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Great Wall and DFSK who this year celebrate their 50th year in business. 

Customer satisfaction is its number one priority which has resulted in the company attaining Skoda Retailer of the Year status in 2008 and being nominated six out of the last seven years since. 

This year the company has been included on the London Stock Exchange’s list of 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain and has been shortlisted from thousands of applicants in the prestigious Motor Trader Awards for Most Improved Retailer.

Elliotts

Founded in 1842, Elliotts is one of the oldest family businesses in the south. 

It has 13 branches across the region, stocking a huge range of products to help both the trade and the public build.

It has four kitchen and bathroom showrooms, two specialist tool centres and its own roofing and renewables companies. 

Headquartered in Southampton, it employs over 280 people.

To find out more about Elliotts visit www.elliotts.uk

Morgan Innovation and Technology 

At Morgan Innovation and Technology we not only work with pioneering ideas and projects, but are ourselves an innovative business. 

Each year 20 per cent of our turnover goes towards helping individuals, businesses and organisations bring their ideas or products to market.

It takes a risk in carrying out the work free of charge in exchange for a future share of a product’s potential; a strategy it deems worthwhile to encourage innovation which ultimately improves lives. 

As a family-run company it says its people are as important as ideas.

CV Library 

Fleet based CV-Library is one of the UK’s largest online job sites attracting over 3.5 million unique job seekers every month and they hold the UK’s largest database of 8.7million CVs.

With a client list crammed full of the biggest brand names in recruitment and a wide selection of the UK’s top employers who regularly use their services, they are rapidly evolving into one of the biggest and most dynamic media organisations in the UK.

As the fastest growing independent job site CV-Library is expanding beyond all expectations and has recently expanded to the US via new brand Resume Library.

Southampton City Council Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year

This is award is for a businessperson aged 30 or younger based within the SO postcode region.

City council leader, Councillor Simon Letts says the winner needs to show outstanding skills and ability to achieve success within their field.

Cllr Simon Letts, right, and Jacqueline Gold present the Southampton City Council Award 2014 for Southampton Young Entrepreneur of The Year to Josh Williams of Bizpedia.

This includes entrepreneurship, vision, flair, initiative, creativity, leadership and ambition that adds to an outstanding business community in Southampton with a wealth of talent, drive and innovation. 

The high calibre of entrants last year meant expectations of the qualities were high.

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.

The Mortgage Hut 

Chris Schutrups started The Mortgage Hut in 2011 from the back bedroom of his terraced house in Hedge End.

Coming from a background of stockbroking and retail banking Chris had spent just a year as a mortgage broker before deciding he wanted to run a company that was customer focused rather than sales targeted.

Today Chris leads a team of nearly 30 people who work across his three offices.

Dealing with over 2,000 inbound enquires a month Chris leads the way in Hampshire under the main brand “The Mortgage Hut”. 

Memento

This firm is a new innovative makeover and fashion photography studio located on Southampton High Street.

It prides itself on providing the best customer experience.

When you visit Memento it promises a wonderful day full of pampering, magnificent makeovers, superstar styling, phenomenal photo shoots, and a chance to leave the stresses and strains of everyday life behind.

The Memento experience includes a Clarins mini facial and hand massage, a bespoke MAC Pro Makeover including make-up application and GHD dry hair styling, a private photo shoot with its specially trained photographers and a big screen unveiling of your images with a complimentary cocktail.

NetPay

This is a multi-channel, payment service provider offering a range of online processing, payment terminal and merchant services through strategic partnerships and is focused on delivering value and differentiation. 

For too long the card payments industry has focused on the benefits to the consumer, NetPay is different - it has identified and understood the needs of the merchant, providing innovative functionality beyond processing a card transaction. 

Founded in October 2012, NetPay delivers detailed, consolidated in store and online reporting, analytics and trend analysis alongside its card processing capability, something essential for business management yet overlooked by other sector providers within the market.

Oceanside Logistics

This company provides bespoke international shipping freight and logistics solutions for both import and export companies. 

Based in Southampton with our office in Shenzhen, China we negotiate freight rates directly with shipping lines and provide nationwide delivery with our dedicated vehicles ensuring seamless, prompt, professional and cost effective movement of our clients cargo. Both full container and part container.

It is a member of a worldwide agent network and has the ability with its overseas partners to handle both ocean freight and air freight worldwide.

Additional services include marine insurance, e-commerce advice, VAT and Duty representation and Consular documentation.