The search is on to find the stars of the business community south of the Thames in a major awards programmed, supported by News Shopper.

Hundreds of businessmen and women have put their companies’ names in the hat for the prestigious South London Business awards, organised by South London Business in association with HSBC.

The awards aim to reward and celebrate the many dynamic and innovative companies across South London and are open to any company located in one or more of the twelve London boroughs south of the River Thames.

Entrants will be competing for up to 12 different awards, covering businesses of all sizes; they include best small, medium and large businesses, as well as awards for commitment to the community, innovation, training and development, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

And a host of new entries will be battling for position against companies who have already proven themselves the best of the best in their local area – as the finalists include businesses who have already taken first place in local borough awards, also organised by South London Business.

Peter Pledger, chief executive of South London Business, said: “It’s no secret that we are in tough times economically, but it’s more important than ever that we reward and celebrate our business community - and acknowledge South London’s success stories."

And Carol Bagnald, regional commercial manager of HSBC, which is sponsoring the overall Business of the Year award, said: "Recognising and promoting local businesses is key to the growing economic success of the region. I am truly delighted to sponsor these Awards and encouraged that despite the challenging economic environment we have seen so much business success in south London."

A number of major companies are backing the awards, including headline sponsor HSBC, Towergate, Gatwick Airport, Newsquest (Your Local Guardian/News Shopper/Richmond & Twickenham Times), DHL Express, Kingston University and Viridor.

The South London Business Awards will end with a gala dinner and awards ceremony in June 2011 at Park Plaza Riverbank London.

Full details and regular updates on the Awards can be found at www.slbawards.co.uk.