Finalists to battle it out at awards evening

The shortlist for the annual gala event, which is expected to be attended by more than 600 guests at Telford's International Centre, has now been unveiled.

And the blue riband Company of the Year Award will be contested by Bridgnorth-based automotive castings firm Grainger & Worrall, Telford's vacuum technology business Busch UK, Rockford IT, also in Telford, and Shrewsbury-based BMW dealership Rybrook BMW.

In total, 12 awards will be handed out, including the new John Clayton Award, to a company which has made an outstanding contribution to community.

"Once again we have been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of entrants to this year's Shropshire Business Awards," said Richard Sheehan, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce which organises the awards.

"We are very grateful to the extensive team of independent judges who have given up their time to review close to a record number of entries that where received.

"2015 has been extremely challenging with many categories having to be reviewed over and over again before finally deciding on the shortlisted companies."

Mr Sheehan added: "Every shortlisted company is already a winner as they have undergone significant scrutiny within a highly competitive environment.

"Our congratulations go to each and every one of them and we look forward to joining them on June 26 where we will celebrate Shropshire business success."

Other gongs up for grabs include Manufacturing Excellence, Best New Business, Best Small Business, Managing Change, Customer Service, Business In The Community, Travel, Tourism & Hospitality, Apprenticeships, International Trade, and Technology, Enterprise & Innovation.