The 5^th Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Awards were launched on 2^nd June at Greenhouse Graphics Ltd, winners of the 2007 Leadership category, and are now open for entries. The Awards celebrate and reward local businesses which have worked to improve their environmental, social and economic impacts.

The closing date for entries is Friday 11^th June 2008.

The gala ceremony will take place at the De Vere Grand Harbour in Southampton in November.

Organised by the Sustainable Business Partnership, the Awards have five categories for small, medium and large businesses, environmental technologies, and a leadership category. Last year Greenhouse Graphics were praised by the judges for their commitment to sustainable business, including a £100,000 investment in new equipment which reduces use of industrial solvents and in software to further streamline their working practices, and promoting sustainable business to other companies.

In a change to previous years, the Leadership category is now open to winners of other environmental awards, not only SBP Award winners. The Small, Medium and Large Business categories are open to any other business in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Stephen Duncan, Sustainable Business Partnership manager said: “Does your business have a good green story to tell? Enter the Sustainable Business Awards and let us know! Customers are increasingly demanding that businesses meet their environmental requirements, so why not prove your green credentials by winning a Sustainable Business Award?”

Greenhouse Graphics found that the Sustainable Business Awards were the springboard for even greater successes, as turnover has increased by 40% since winning their first Sustainable Business Award. Timi van Houten, Director at Greenhouse Graphics said: “Sustainability in business is now mainstream and it doesn’t have to be difficult to do. For Greenhouse Graphics, sustainability makes sound business sense, as it not only helps the environment by reducing resources used, and cuts costs. We were delighted to win the Leadership Award in 2007 and would encourage all Hampshire and Isle of Wight companies to enter this year’s competition!”

To find out more about entering the Sustainable Business Awards visit the SBP website or contact them by phone on 01962 845591 or .