BUSINESSES with a strong connection to their local community are vying to be the best in the borough.

The three finalists in the Doing Business Locally category at the Test Valley Business Awards 2018 have been revealed.

The shortlisted firms who are competing to take the top spot are Sheep Shed Gallery, in Weyhill, CoCo’s Canine Creche Ltd, of Weyhill, and The Greyhound on the Test, in Stockbridge.

Hendry Taylor, from category sponsor, Taylored IT said: “With so many entries of such high quality, judging has been a - very welcome - challenge this year, actually it has been very hard to select the finalists. Congratulations to all the finalists, each of you truly reflect the spirit of ‘Doing Business Locally’. To have come this far is a wonderful achievement.”

Speaking of the nomination Paula Staff of CoCo’s Canine Creche said: “We will always continue to support our local businesses and tradespeople and hope to be able to provide even more over the coming months and years teaming up with other canine professionals from the area.”

Similarly, Bea Maddison, gallery administrator of Sheep Shed Gallery, said: “As a team, we have worked really hard over the past year to ensure that the gallery is reaching its full potential and is promoting our local artists efficiently; whilst utilising local businesses for our advertising and creating strong local partnerships in the process.”

Tickets are now available for the Test Valley Business Awards gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Museum of Army Flying on September 13; costing £55 a ticket and include three-course meal and welcome drink.

To find out more about the awards, go to tvbawards.org.uk.