THE contenders for this year’s Press Business Awards have been chosen.

The judges have picked finalists in 14 different categories, to celebrate the work of all kinds of businesses, large and small and across different sectors.

The 39 businesses and individuals will now be visited by judges to decide the winners, due to be announced at a black-tie dinner at York Racecourse on November 21.

One of the finalists will also be chosen as The Press’s overall Business Of The Year at the awards, which are in their 23rd year. The Lifetime Achievement winner, selected by our core panel of judges, will also be announced.

The shortlist for 2013 features winners from previous years, including Nestlé in the Large Business category, in which it triumphed in 2011, when it also won the overall Business Of The Year.

York Marriott Hotel features in two categories as does Text Mining Solutions and Sheppee International Ltd.

Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, said: “Once again we have had some outstanding entries and judges have had a very difficult decision in drawing up a final shortlist.”

Profiles of all finalists and entrants in the 2013 competition can be seen online


This year’s finalists at a glance:

Small Business: The Distance; Yorvale; Dog Walker

Family Business: James Potter Eggs; Thomas the Baker; Mullen & Mullen

Retailer of the Year: Art from the Start; Red Cow Music; Filmore & Union

Business Personality: Owen Turner; Richard Flanagan; Sharon Moore

Think Green: Portakabin; Roof Revive; Wold Top Brewery

New Business: Text Mining Solutions; Skyline Images Ltd; Richard Grafton Interiors

Export: Nature’s Laboratory Ltd; Sheppee International Ltd: Industrial Textiles and Plastics Ltd

Sustainable Travel: TSYS; York Marriott Hotel; York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Large Business: Inspirepac; Nestle; Sheppee International Ltd

Business and Community Link: York Racecourse; Pocklington Arts Centre; Benenden Health

Tourism and Hospitality: York Marriott Hotel; Stockeld Park; Now & Then Events

Fledgling Entrepreneur: Sophie Kingsley (Label S Vintage); Jacob Dent (DJ Dent Disco Services); Dan Littlewood (JDL Fitness)

Young Entrepreneur: Ryan Atkins (The Distance); Ashley Mason (Yormed); Angus Ashworth (Ryedale Auctioneers)

Business and Higher Education Link: Speight Engineering ; Text Mining Solutions; United by Design.