Finalists announced in this year's Awards!

There were again a record number of entries for this year's Awards and the first round judges had a very difficult time choosing the short-listed finalists. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to enter and commiserations if your name isn't on the list.

The finalists in each category (in alphabetical order, with location) are:

Best New Business

Leaf Tea Shop & Bar, Liverpool

SPD CAD Services, Liverpool

Tender Management Consultancy Ltd, Liverpool

The Chocolate Cellar, Liverpool

Training Strategies Ltd , Liverpool

Best Business Providing an Economic or Social Contribution to the Region

Access to Business , Wolverhampton

C & S Care Company, Wolverhampton

The Contact Company, Wirral

Expert Language Solutions , Southport

20 Stories High, Liverpool

Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise

The Dee-Tex Project, Saltney, Flintshire

Elixir Foundations, Bootle

Fruit to Suit, Wirral

Gwledd Conwy Feast, Conwy

Ykids – Claire Morgans, Bootle

Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool (sponsored by Liverpool Vision)

Ariel Trust

Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services

The Reader Organisation

20 Stories High

Best Young Entrepreneur

James Clarke – True Reflections, Conwy

Thomas Darlow – Bright Headway, Liverpool

Kris McDonald – Keyhole Productions, Liverpool

Amelia Nutting – Shuga Budz, Wolverhampton

Donna Redgrave – RMD–Memory Matters, Liverpool

Against All Odds

Ben Donnelly –Elixir Foundations, Bootle

Brian McManus –The Dee-Tex Project, Saltney, Flintshire

Debbie Stone – Blow Hair and Beauty, Widnes

Jan Williams – Northwest Laser & Aesthetics Clinic Limited, Frodsham

Jo Wood – Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre, Wirral