THE finalists have been announced in this year’s prestigious Somerset Business Awards, with companies, charities and individuals from across the county vying for the honours.
Judges faced a tough time whittling down a record-breaking number of entries in this year’s awards, which are run annually by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
The 2019 finalists come from all corners of the county, from Bridgwater, Taunton, Frome, Axbridge, Evercreech, Edington, Wheddon Cross and Wincanton, to Wellington, Sparkford, Shepton Mallet, Roadwater, Watchet, Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil, Glastonbury, Congresbury and Highbridge.
This year is the 15th anniversary of the awards and for the first time the grand final will be held at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare on October 25. The evening will again be hosted by Somerset cricket all-rounder Peter Trego.
Somerset Chamber Chief Executive Stephen Henagulph thanked everyone who had entered the awards and said the most hotly contested categories had included Investing in Somerset, Small Business of the Year, Young Employee of the Year and New Business of the Year.
He said: “It was great to see so many entries from both Chamber members and non-members from all corners of the county and representing a wide range of sectors and industries.
“These awards are the largest in Somerset and are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is great about our diverse business community and I’m looking forward to the grand final next month.”
The 2019 finalists are:
Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Albert Goodman):
Best Use of Technology (sponsored by Porter Dodson):
Small Business of the Year (sponsored by TDA):
Medium Business of the Year (sponsored by BT):
Large Business of the Year (sponsored by PKF Francis Clark):
Charity of the Year (sponsored by Clarke Willmott):
Employer of the Year (sponsored by Elite Staffing Solutions):
Investing in Somerset (sponsored by Hinkley Point C):
New Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Teapot Creative):
Outstanding Achievement (sponsored by Weston College):
Private and Public Collaboration (sponsored by Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association):
Service Excellence (sponsored by Brook Financial Management):
Somerset Manufacturer and Producer Award (sponsored by Bibby Financial):
Young Business Employee of the Year (sponsored by Clarks International):
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