THE shortlist has been decided in what has been the most widely entered Press Business Awards in the last five years.

In a reflection of the confidence and success being enjoyed by the region’s businesses, this year’s competition saw more than 100 entries, from a range of businessess covering all sizes and sectors.

Now in their 28th year, our Business Awards are this year sponsored by TalkTalk’s Ultra Fibre Optic project in York. Together we will shine the spotlight on the companies that have been exploiting new opportunities, creating wealth, employing more people and contributing to the local economy.

In the only regional awards event of their kind, celebrating businesses from all sectors across York, North and East Yorkshire, the awards recognise the entrepreneurial successes of individuals and small and large enterprises in various areas of best practice.

This year we will celebrate the triumphs of businesses in 10 categories, with an overall Business of the Year winner to be announced on the night.

With an overwhelming response to this year’s call for entries, our judging panel had their work cut out in drawing up the shortlist, but the decisions have been made, and three finalists have been chosen to go forward in each of the ten categories.

The shortlist is:

Large Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lupton Fawcett): The Insurance Emporium, The Skills Network, DGP Intelsius.

Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Hethertons): Netsells, Yorkshire Heart, Playscheme.

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by York Science Park): Torque Law, Y-Pellets, Zac’s Club.

Exporter of the Year: Cellhire, Optare, DWA Architects.

Employer of the Year: The Group Company, Autohorn Fleet Services, Castle Employment Group.

Retail, Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year (Sponsored by Synergy Finance): Grays Court, Brew York, The Group Company.

Socially Responsible Business of the Year (Sponsored by York St John): Spark York, Roche Legal, Double Tree by Hilton.

Business Personality of the Year (Sponsored by York Racecourse): Emma Smailes of the Federation of Small Businesses, Michelle Mook of Pro-Development UK, Kerry Hope of Castle Employment Group.

Business Innovation of the Year (sponsored by The University of York): Incremental Solutions, Trace in Metal, TSP Projects.

Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Shepherd Group): Wayside Holiday Park, Glencore Golf Holidays, Millers Fish and Chips.

The winners of the 2018 Press Business Awards will be announced at our black-tie ceremony and dinner, being held as part of York Business Week, on Thursday, November 15 at York Racecourse, where we will once again welcome back BBC presenter Colin Hazleden-Brice as our master of ceremonies.