Shropshire Business Awards finalists are named

The ceremony on June 23, which is organised by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, will see dozens of businesses compete for the 11 awards on offer.

Telford-based temperature controlled transport company Dale Brothers and Market Drayton-based logistics giant Culina are up against road safety firm TTC Group and waste specialist Reconomy, both from Telford, for the blue riband Company of the Year Award.

Dale Brothers will also compete in the Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics category.

That category features another double-nominee, Qi Van Systems from Telford, which is also up for the Technology, Enterprise and Innovation Award.

Also up for two awards are Shrewsbury-based wholefood shakes maker Purition, and The Inspirational Learning Group in Telford, which runs the The Ryman National Enterprise Challenge.

Chamber chief executive Richard Sheehan said: "We have had an exciting group of entries this year.

"Many new businesses are entering awards that we have never seen submit entries before, which shows the diversity of sectors represented, and of the sizes of business and the geography of the county.

"It's reaching out to some of Shropshire's market towns."

He added: "The independent judging panel of 18 people has deliberated hard over what were some outstanding submissions.

"It's a really exciting time for Shropshire business, as we look to recognise those who have achieved excellence in their sectors."

In total 11 awards will be up for grabs, across a range of disciplines, while for the third year the John Clayton Award will also be handed to a member of the local business community in recognition of their work on behalf of the county.

That award is decided based on nominations rather than submissions, and does not have a shortlist.

The event, at Telford's International Centre, will also see the founder of discount chain Poundland, south Shropshire businessman Steve Smith, speaking to guests about his experience in business.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event, which last year saw Burford-based Orchard Valley Foods walk away with the top award.

Here are all this year's runners and riders:

Company of the Year: Dale Brothers UK, Telford; Culina, Market Drayton; Reconomy, Telford; TTC Group, Telford

Outstanding Customer Service: Best Western Valley Hotel, Ironbridge; FBC Manby Bowdler, Shrewsbury; Mincher-Lockett & Co Opticians, Market Drayton; R&D Tax Claims, Shrewsbury

Best New Business: Beaver Bridges, Shrewsbury; Purition, Shrewsbury; SkinSincere, Telford; The Inspirational Learning Group, Telford

Online Business of the Year: Choiceshops, Telford; Croud, Shrewsbury; Kadai Firebowls by Wilstone, Leebotwood; Purition, Shrewsbury

Technology Enterprise & Innovation: QI Van Systems, Telford; Sentinel Care Services, Telford; Seymour Manufacturing International, Telford; Stallion AI Services, Whitchurch

International Trade Through Export: KRL, Telford; Red Step Marketing, Shrewsbury; Sirane, Telford; Stallion AI Services, Whitchurch

Manufacturing Transport & Logistics: Dale Brothers UK, Telford; Fabdec, Ellesmere; Flowfit, Ludlow; QI Van Systems, Telford

Best Small Business: Ascendancy Internet Marketing, Shifnal; Burlton Cottages, Burlton; China Enterprises UK, Telford; Quorum Logistic Support, Telford

Apprentice of the Year: Ace Supplies UK, Telford; Global Freight Services, Telford; Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Shrewsbury; The Inspirational Learning Group, Telford

Business in the Community: Energize, Shrewsbury; J&PR, Wellington; Pave-Aways, Knockin; Reech Media, Shrewsbury

Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality: Buckatree Hall Hotel, Telford; Hadley Park House Hotel, Telford; Lakeside Coaches, Ellesmere; Wroxeter Hotel, Wroxeter