Leicester Mercury Business Awards finalists are named

The finalists in the inaugural Leicester Mercury Business Awards have been revealed.

Thirty companies will compete in 12 categories, with some businesses vying for more than one award.

Judges whittled down the 120 businesses which entered the competition to three for each category.

The Mercury took over the running of the Leicestershire Business Awards this year and has relaunched them.

The finalists, who are named in the panel on this page, were unveiled at a drinks reception at Lumbers jewellery store, in Leicester, on Thursday.

They will find out if they are winners at a gala dinner at De Montfort Hall on March 21.

Ian Griffin, Leicester Mercury business editor, said: "The finalists are a fantastic mix of fast-growing, cutting-edge companies from a range of sectors.

"Of course, these 30 businesses are already winners after beating 90 others to get to this stage.

"Getting to this stage also means a huge profile boost."

It is estimated finalists benefit from tens of thousand pounds-worth of PR and marketing through coverage in the Mercury and its online operation.

For winners, the benefits could be worth several hundred thousand of pounds during the lifetime of the business.

The awards are being held in association with Champions, a marketing and event management firm from Costock, near Loughborough.

Amelia Benskin, of Champions, said Thursday's event provided a good taster of what to expect at next month's showpiece ceremony.

"It certainly got everyone up for what is going to be a great night," she said.

Dominic Gomersall, managing director of Lumbers, in Market Street, which is one of the award sponsors, said: "We were delighted to have the event here. We are very proud of our building."

Guests were entertained by singers The Tootsie Rollers.

The keynote speaker on March 21 will be Business Secretary Vince Cable and there will be entertainment from magician and mind-reader Graham Jolley.

See videos from the event at: Leicester Mercury Business Awards pre-event showcase

Company of the Year

Dunelm Mill

Geary’s Bakeries

Intelligent Energy

Export Award

FORMAX

Fosters Traditional Foods

Guidance Navigation

Heart of the Community Award

Ashfield In2Focus

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society

Raynsway Properties

Human Resources Award

Alltruck

Rainbows

SGP

Innovation Award

Bulb Studios

Intelligent Energy

Opus Trust Marketing

Manufacturing Award

Benson Group

Bentley Brushware

Tru Frame

Newcomer of the Year Award

Doyles Commercial Body Builders

Eco Track & Access

Savoury and Sweet

Not-for-Profit Award

Leicestershire Cares

Rainbows

Soft Touch Arts

Sales and Marketing Award

Browns Loughborough

Dunelm Mill

Rainbows

Science and Technology Award

Cooke Optics

Guidance Navigation

Intelligent Energy

Services Award

Arch Creative

Edward Hands & Lewis

MWS

Small Business Award

Douglas Wemyss Solicitors

J&R (Leicester) – trading as Tailoring UK

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