Today the Shropshire Star reveals the finest companies in the county which have beaten off strong competition to be named finalists in the Shropshire Business Awards 2009.

More than 20 companies made the shortlist, including three pioneering businesses vying for the showpiece Company of the Year title.

And all the businesses will be part of the glitz and glamour of awards night, already a sell-out event, on Friday, when jewellery tycoon Gerald Ratner will be the guest speaker.

The impressive entries into this year’s awards showed that despite a credit crunch which became a recession, companies in Shropshire are bidding to survive and thrive in the economic downturn.

The ninth awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of excellence, giving businesses a “feelgood” factor and optimism amid difficult trading conditions.

The three businesses hoping to pick up the honour of Company of the Year are Newport-based Henshalls Insurance Brokers, the SP Holding Group in Telford and Tern HIll-based Technology Supplies.

There are three finalists in each of the remaining seven categories, including new awards for Best Manufacturing Business, Best Green Business, Best Home Business and Best Employer.

One of the most popular categories of recent years, Customer Service, makes a return as does the award for Best New Business.

Three companies are also shortlisted for the Technology, Enterprise and Innovation Award, aimed at companies which can demonstrate how they are using the latest techniques and practices to keep them at the cutting edge.

This year’s awards are organised by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Shropshire Star, and supported by a series of big-name sponsors including the new Shropshire Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council.

Shrewsbury businessman Tony Randall, president of Shropshire Chamber, said the awards were a great chance for businesses to shine.

“The awards are a chance for businesses to converge on the Park Inn to showcase business excellence in Shropshire.”

“The new award categories are important and relevant, and the manufacturing sector needs a lift, needs the business community to support it, and what could be a better way than actually having an award for it. It’s tremendous.”

The black tie and posh frocks event will take place on Friday at the Park Inn in Telford.