MORE than 50 finalists have been announced for the prestigious Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Business Awards, taking place this June.

More than 100 entries were received from businesses in the region, competing for a top spot in one of 11 categories.

The chosen finalists now face the second stage of judging before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, June 15, at Worcester Arena.

The finalists in the best use of technology category are Green Gorilla Apps, Simply Mobile Solutions and Simpli WIFI.

In the education and business partnership category are Malvern Business Academy, Pershore High School and The Development Manager.

In the employer of the year category are Bishop Fleming, Fish4dogs, Focus Ecology, International Glazing Services, Malvern Instruments and Vision Labs.

In the Excellence in Customer Service the nominees are BCRS Business Loans, Broad Street DIY, Kimal, Kingspan Insulation, Print Strategy Europe and The Hive.

In the excellence in professional service category are Cherington HR Ltd, Focus Ecology, Haines Watts Hereford, ISO Quality Services and Thursfields Legal Limited.

In the high growth business of the year category Allvalves Online Limited, Bee Lighting Ltd, Fish4dogs, Scimitar Sports UK, The Smart Actuator Company and TP3 Global have been nominated.

Egbert Taylor Group, Haygrove Tunnels, JMDA, Loadmac, Orchard Valley Foods Limited, Titania, TP3 Global have been nominated in the exporter of the year category.

In the manufacturer of the year category are International Glazing Service, Kingspan Insulation, Malvern Instruments and the Smart Actuator Company Ltd.

The most promising new business nominees are Headturner Search, Julu Ltd, Make More Noise, Nana Lily's Christmas Pudding, Simpli Wifi, Swan Brewery, and The Dispute Resolution Lawyer.

The prestigious small business of the year category features Allvalves Online Ltd, Apreco, Fish4dogs, Hugo Technology, Print Strategy Europe and Titania.

Olivia Williams, events and training manager at the chamber of commerce, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists, we were delighted to see so many businesses enter the awards and to become a finalist is a major achievement.

"We look forward to seeing the winners announced.”

Tickets have now gone on sale. To apply email awards@hwchamber.co.uk.

For more details visit hwchamber.co.uk.