WITH just two months to go until the big night, the shortlist of 18 finalists across the Test Valley Business Awards’ six categories have been announced.

More than 170 entries were received from across region, from businesses large and small. This year’s Awards are the biggest yet – surpassing previous record highs since TVBA began in 2004.

This year’s judges, who are also the Awards’ generous Gold Sponsors, have spoken to and visited some of the most innovative and inspiring businesses operating within Test Valley since May.

The judges have grappled with the very difficult task of selecting just 18 outstanding businesses as this year’s finalists.

Tickets for this year’s Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony, held at the Museum of Army Flying on September 14, are available for £50 each to include welcome drink and three course meal prepared by Michelin chefs, McCrimmon & Reid.

Lucy Dixon of Wilkins Kennedy said: “The standard of entries this year was very high and it has made the judging process and shortlisting even more interesting.

“ It is great to see local businesses achievements celebrated – particularly in the face of economic and political uncertainty.

“Therefore it is more important than ever to bring the business community together to recognise how they make a difference to the people around them.

“I have met a number of inspirational people during the judging process and I wish all the entrants the very best for the future and good luck to the shortlisted entries for the gala award ceremony.”

Now in its 13th year, the Test Valley Business Awards – run by a small steering group of volunteers, who themselves run small businesses, and supported by the Council – has become a well-established platform to promote business excellence and especially to shine a light on the many new and small innovative businesses operating out of sight.

The Test Valley Business Awards 2017 finalists are:

Doing Business Locally Award – sponsored by Taylored IT

Braishfield Pantry Community Shop & Café

• The White Hart, Andover

• La Di Da Interiors

Apprentice Employer of the Year – sponsored by Andover College

• Preformed Line Products (GB) Ltd

Test Valley Borough Council

• UCPS Learning Ltd

Innovation & Technology Award – sponsored by University of Southampton Science Park

• CoolLED Ltd.

• Circuitworx • 270 Vision Ltd.

New Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Test Valley Borough Council

• UCPS Learning Ltd.

• Wathen Marine Catering Equipment Services Ltd.

• Rosebourne

Small Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Wilkins Kennedy

• Orchid Furniture Ltd.

• UCPS Learning Ltd.

• Active Staff Ltd.

The Brenda Locke Award for Women in Business – sponsored by Phoenix Transconnect

• Minerva Health & Care Communications Ltd.

• The Queen Charlotte Inn

• Oaktree Business Management

For more information about the Test Valley Business Awards and to book your tickets, visit: www.tvbawards.org.uk