Aeroplane boarding ramp makers, a housebuilder, a high-tech manufacturer and an LED lighting company will battle it out for the top prize in this years Shropshire Star Excellence in Business Awards.
The four finalists in the Business of the Year category of the inaugural business awards night can today be revealed as Shrewsbury construction company Saxonby, Telford-based injection moulded parts maker Proto Labs, Stafford Park LED lighting firm Digiland, and airport ramp maker Raalloy Ramps, which is based on Hortonwood in Telford.
Those four businesses will now face a tense wait for the grand awards ceremony at RAF Museum Cosford on April 3.
Entries flooded in for the new awards ceremony, leaving judges with tough decisions to make when selecting the finalists in each category.
Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said: The calibre of entries to the awards was truly exceptional, we were delighted not to say extremely impressed - by the range and strength of the companies submitting nominations.
Judges will now set about visiting each of the finalists in turn, in an attempt to get a true impression of the business and ensure that the company that triumphs in each category is the very best in their area of business.
But for now, all these businesses should be very proud. To reach this stage was no mean feat, and they have all overcome some outstanding competition already.
The Excellence in Business Awards have already demonstrated the range and resilience of Shropshires thriving business community.
Judges plan to visit each of the businesses in turn during the fortnight of March 3 to 14.
Elsewhere, the manufacturing champion category will see Proto Labs compete with metal pressing and powder coating firm Salop Design and Engineering in Shrewsbury, and Sutton Maddock-based food and logistics insulation maker Seymour Manufacturing International.
In the Small Business section, Bridgnorth Print Services, Catering Centre UK in Telford, The Gift Experience in Oswestry and The Pontoon and Dock Company in High Ercall will vie for the prize.
Meanwhile, Frame Wise Ltd in Presteigne, GWR Fasteners in Oswestry, and Raalloy Ramps will compete in the Excellence in Innovation Category.
The full list of nominees hoping to be named a winner
Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Elite Precast Concrete
Frame Wise, Presteigne
GWR Fasteners, Oswestry
Raalloy Ramps, Telford
Small Business of the Year sponsored by D B Roberts
Bridgnorth Print Services, Bridgnorth
Catering Centre UK, Telford
The Gift Experience, Oswestry
The Pontoon and Dock Company, Telford
Manufacturing Champion sponsored by Lloyds Bank
Proto Labs Ltd, Telford
Salop Design & Engineering, Shrewsbury
Seymour Manufacturing International, Sutton Maddock
Excellence in Learning & Skills sponsored by Telford College of Arts & Technology
Hendra Healthcare, Ludlow
Henshalls Insurance Brokers, Newport
Whittingham Riddell, Shrewsbury
Customer Champion sponsored by Precision Colour Printing
Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountants, Shrewsbury
Telford College of Arts & Technology, Wellington
The Limes, Wellington
Young Business of the Year sponsored by Greenhous
AceOn Battery Solar Technology, Telford
Bronze Software Labs, Telford
Elegant Finishing Touches, Oswestry
Pipekit, Shrewsbury
Business of the Year sponsored by the Shropshire Star
Digiland, Telford
Proto Labs, Telford
Raalloy Ramps, Telford
Saxonby, Shrewsbury