The finalists have today been revealed for the 2022 Shropshire Chamber Business Awards.
The awards will be handed out at a glittering Oscars-style event in front of around 700 guests at Telford’s International Centre on Friday June 10.
The showpiece Company of the Year award will this year be decided between two previous winners – Oswestry-based alarm maker Aico, and Reconomy of Telford – plus Autocraft Telford, and DMOS Group from Shrewsbury.
Aico is shortlisted in a total of six categories, while there are also multiple nominations for Reconomy, Shropshire Business Live TV, J&PR of Wellington, and Six Ticks from Shrewsbury.
Queen’s Award winners Aviramp and Scanning Pens are among the companies in the running for the international trade award, while former company of the year winner Pave Aways is up for the wellbeing in the workplace title.
The finalists come from all corners of the county, including Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Shifnal, Bishop’s Castle, Ellesmere, Ellerdine, Knockin and Albrighton.
Richard Sheehan, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber, said: “It’s going to be a fantastic event celebrating the extraordinary adaptability, innovation and success of our business community.
“As usual, we have been amazed and delighted by the volume and quality of entries, with record numbers in many categories. Shortlisting each of them down to a final four was a really tough task for our independent judging panel.”
Teams of judges will now be visiting each of the finalists at their premises over the coming weeks, before making their final decision.
Tickets are already on sale for the black tie Shropshire Chamber Business Awards night, where former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno will be the guest speaker.
For details of the awards night – plus the Chamber’s conference and showcase which is also being held in Telford earlier that week with a string of high-profile speakers – see www.shropshirechamberbusinessawards.com
Mr Sheehan said: “The Shropshire Chamber Business Awards are established among the largest events of their kind in the country, and we are so excited to be back after missing our in-person celebrations for the past two years.
“Alongside our traditional categories like company of the year, best new business and best small business, we have added new categories which reflect the challenges Shropshire businesses have faced since we were last together.
“In addition to this, our conference in the build-up to the awards will give us the chance to bring top-level speakers to the county, to tackle the issues that matter to our local business community. It’s going to be an incredible week.”
THE FULL LIST OF 2022 FINALISTS
COMPANY OF THE YEAR: The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence.
Aico
Autocraft Telford
DMOS Group
Reconomy
BEST NEW BUSINESS: For businesses in any sector, formed since January 2020.
Housebuilder Pro
Quality Medical Group
Shropshire Business Live TV
Techtimeout
BEST SMALL BUSINESS: For businesses employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff, demonstrating a high level of success.
Bright Star Boxing
J&PR
Shropshire Festivals
The Shropshire Distillery
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their clients.
Aico
G.N. Badley & Sons
Peakes Travel
Q Financial Services
INTERNATIONAL TRADE: For companies with impressive export or import track records, and strong overseas links.
Aviramp
Jesmonite
Scanning Pens
SNG Barratt
COVID RESPONSE AWARD: For any business which has had to regroup, rebrand, relaunch or reposition as a result of the pandemic.
Calluna Upcycling
Derwen College
J&PR
Shropshire Business Live TV
MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING: For companies which ‘make things’ and are continuing our proud industrial heritage.
Beaver Bridges
Craven Dunnill
Portable Conveyors
The Needham Group
WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE: For companies which recognise the importance of supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of staff.
Aico
Lavender Blue Services
Pave Aways
Shrewsbury Colleges Group
INNOVATION: For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it.
Aico
Oaklands Farm Eggs
Six Ticks
Yarrington
SUSTAINABILITY: For environmentally aware businesses which promote innovative practices, processes or technology.
Aico
Calluna Graphix
Lowfield Timber Frames
Reconomy
YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2022, who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Alex Riley – WR Partners
Lizzy Coleman – Lingen Davies
Samuel Marston – Aico
Steph Henson – Six Ticks