Telford50 Business Award shortlist revealed

Capgemini, Exotic Zoo, Fabweld Steel Products(FSP) and SP Services are all up for the Telford50 Business Award, which aims to celebrate the role that companies play in the borough.

A public vote is now open to decide the winner, which will be revealed at the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards on June 15.

Capgemini provides IT services and has an awar-winning graduate and apprenticeship programme.

Over the past 10 years Exotic Zoo has become a household name in Telford for its massive community involvement, education programs and animal assisted therapy work for hard to reach and vulnerable groups.

Beginning as a two-man enterprise in 1988, FSP is now a leader in its industry of access and drainage covers, and its products are used in some of the most prestigious locations and projects in the world.

Medical supplies business SP Services equips the NHS, British Army, Emergency services, NATO, and many large and small businesses.

To vote, visit scbatelford50.co.uk.

Meanwhile, organisers of this year's Shropshire Chamber Business Awards have spoken of their delight after attracting a record number of bookings in nearly 10 years.

The event has attracted more than 660 bookings – a record amount for the event since 2010 when it celebrated its 10th year anniversary.

Organised by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, the ceremony on June 15 will bring together hundreds of members of the Shropshire business community at Telford’s International Centre.

Richard Sheehan, chief executive at the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "In its current format this is a record-breaking figure which is a phenomenal performance.

"I think it just goes to show what appetite there is for celebrating business success.

"We have added more tables from the original layout of the room, and it is such a pleasing situation that so many people want to come back to the event this year.

"It is also great to see so many new businesses. They will be able to see whose been shortlisted, and it will reaffirm that the business awards are for all businesses in Shropshire regardless of size or sector.

"Many of our sponsors have continued to support the event. Others we have had to replace but we have achieved that very well."

Army reservist Major Sandy Hennis, one of the six-woman Ice Maidens skiing team, will speak at the event.

The Ice Maidens made the headlines when they became the first all-female team in the world to ski unaided coast-to-coast across Antarctica.

Mr Sheehan added: "We have had a very positive response to our guest speaker who has achieved something special, and we are looking forward to seeing her there."