Shortlisted for awards glory

There are 13 categories in the Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber of Commerce contest to find the top operators across the region.

There are 12 categories and a 13th, for the overall winner, which will be announced on October 20 at a glittering ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel.

Rita Spada, chief executive of Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve had a record number of entries this year from businesses that are tremendously successful in all kinds of sectors, from tourism to manufacturing.

“I know the judges have had a tough time in creating this shortlist; the entries have been of a superb quality. Milton Keynes and North Bucks can be tremendously proud of the wealth creators in this area. We have world class businesses in our midst who are ready to take us to the next level.

“With Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing being the main speaker, we will have a complete showcase of businesses second to none in the country.

“The awards night is sure to be a wonderful celebration of all that’s great about this area.”

> The Entrepreneur of the Year category will see Paul Tomlinson, of Mirus IT Solitions up against Steven Hancock of The Zest Group and Tracey Bovingdon, of Tea Monkey.

In the Business of the Year (above £5m), Traka plc will be up against Racelogic, MacIntyre and Places for People.

> Interdirect, De Vere Venues Harben House and Integrated Transport Planning will battle it out for the Business of the Year (£1million-£5million) category.

> The Business of the Year (less than £1million) category will be between Worldwide Logistics and Distribution Ltd, Abbot Fire Group and Carey Pensions.

> Companies that have achieved in international trade will be eager to win that category. The shortlist is Beardow Adams, Choice Waste Management Ltd and CN Group.

> The category for best business improvement through application of innovation/technology will be contested by CN Group, WH Barley Transport & Storage Ltd and Interdirect.

> Previous winners and sponsors Abbot Fire Group has been shortlisted for the award for excellence in people development. The other shortlisted businesses are PJ Care Ltd and Jurys Inn.

> Businesses will be recognised for the work they do in supporting the local community. The shortlisted businesses are Oxley Park Veterinary Practice, MK Dons Sport and Education Trust, the Inclusive Sports Forum, National Trust Stowe and Willen Hospice.

> The award for excellence in customer care will be contested by Jurys Inn, Mirus IT Solutions and Carey Pensions UK.

> Previous category winners The Re-Use Centre have been shortlisted for the energy and environmental award, alongside G4s Childrens Services and Jurys Inn.

> The award for Most Innovative Use of Digital Media in Communications will be a battle between Graymatter Ltd, The F10 Group and MK Lions Basketball Club.

> Previous winner Beardow Adams has been shortlisted again for the Manufacturing Excellence Award. The company will be up against Lohmann Technologies (UK) Ltd and North Bucks Machining.