Shropshire Business Awards 2011 – the finalists

Four businesses are competing for the title of Shropshire’s company of the year at the “Oscars” of the local economy.

Three Telford-based firms, plus one from Shrewsbury, have been shortlisted for the top trophy in the competition, organised for the 11th year by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and the Shropshire Star.

This year’s finalists are Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, insurance broker Rollinson Smith, technology firm Pebble Learning, and Marches Care.

Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is one of the leading tourist attractions in Shropshire. Research suggests it now brings £20 million of investment into the county.

Pebble Learning is based at the e-Innovation Centre at Priorslee, Telford, and has developed an online learning system called PebblePad for the higher education and professional sectors.

Marches Care runs The Uplands nursing care facility in Oxon, Shrewsbury, as well as a new day care centre which provides specialist day care for adults with dementia.

Rollinson Smith is one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the Midlands. Based at Hortonwood, it employs 50 local people.

This year’s Shropshire Business Awards will be handed out at a black tie ceremony at Telford International Centre on June 3. Judges have already started visiting shortlisted finalists in all the categories.

In addition to the company of the year title, there are prizes for best new business, customer service, apprenticeships, export, managing change, tourism and leisure, and technology.

There will also be a best “green” business, and an award for a firm making a significant contribution to the Shropshire community.