THE awards honouring businesses that have taken action to improve the environment and the workplace have just been launched.

Backed by Daily Echo owner Newsquest, the 2007 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Awards are given to inspirational businesses.

Organisers say that the event highlights a growing trend of companies taking steps to measure and reduce their impacts on the environment.

The high-profile ceremony, to be held at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton in May 2007, will celebrate a range of achievements. Categories include small, medium and large businesses, as well as environmental technologies and a new leadership award.

The awards were launched at Southampton Inter-national Airport, which was runner-up in the medium business category in the 2005 awards for their environmental, social and economic achievements. These include waste management programmes, reductions in energy consumption and contribution to the economic prosperity of the area.

Alan Stevens, chairman of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Partnership, which hosts the awards, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of the next awards programme. Businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have a wonderful track record when it comes to sustainability, and we anticipate a very strong field. A glance at the roll call of previous winners demonstrates just how seriously local businesses are taking this issue, and we want to tell everyone about the fantastic work they are doing."

Sustainability campaigners say it makes sound business sense for a company to cut its energy and water use, as not only does it help the environment but it means lower bills too.

For further information contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Partnership on 01962 845591.