FINALISTS for the Somerset Business Awards have been announced.

Companies, charities and individuals will be invited to the virtual awards event - which will announce the winners - on March 26, hosted by BBC presenter and journalist, Claire Carter.

This is the 16th anniversary of the awards, which are run by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Chief executive, Stephen Henagulph, said the categories with the most entries included Outstanding Covid-19 Response, Service Excellence and Investing in Somerset.

“It was great to see so many entries from both Chamber members and non-members from all corners of the county and representing a wide range of sectors and industries,” he added.

“These awards are the largest in Somerset and are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is great about our diverse business community and I’m looking forward to the grand final next month.”

The 2021 finalists are:

• Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Albert Goodman):

Musgrove Willows, Westonzoyland | Bridges Electrical Engineers, Midsomer Norton |Clarity Cleans, Axbridge

• Small Business of the Year (sponsored by TDA):

Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar | Harry’s Cider Company Ltd, Langport | Cognique, Shepton Mallet

• Medium Business of the Year (sponsored by Brook Financial Management):

Filberts Fine Foods, Glastonbury | Impact Design and Marketing, Taunton| Race At Your Pace Ltd, Taunton

• Large Business of the Year (sponsored by PKF Francis Clark):

Somerset Larder, North Petherton | Singer Instruments, Roadwater | Marston Foods, Frome

• Charity of the Year (sponsored by Clarke Willmott):

ARC, Taunton | Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Wellington | PROMISEworks, Baltonsborough

• Best Use of Technology (sponsored by Porter Dodson):

Cardstream, Taunton | Clerksroom, Taunton | WPA, Taunton

• Employer of the Year (sponsored by Elite Staffing Solutions):

Singer Instruments, Roadwater| Poolbridge Accountancy Ltd, Highbridge | WPA, Taunton

• Investing in Somerset (sponsored by Hinkley Point C):

Somerset Larder, North Petherton| HOST Somerset, Bridgwater | The Bridge (Langport), Langport

• Start-up of the Year (sponsored by Teapot Creative):

Accar Food Commit, Wincanton | Kinetic Kitchen, Compton Martin | Plantside Café, Wellington

• Outstanding Achievement (sponsored by Weston College):

David Hutchins Innovation Ltd, Somerton | OTHO, Weston-super-Mare| Aspen Waite, Bridgwater

• Environmental Achievement (sponsored by Gravity)

C&D South West Ltd, Chard | Sopha, Highbridge |James Tobias Ltd, Bridgwater

• Service Excellence (sponsored by CETSAT):

Benchmark Project Management, Clevedon | The Castle at Taunton, Taunton | Somerset Early Scans Ltd, Bridgwater

• Somerset Manufacturer and Producer (sponsored by Garador):

Filberts Fine Foods, Glastonbury| Marston Foods, Frome| James Tobias Ltd, Bridgwater

• Outstanding COVID-19 Response (sponsored by Clarks International):

Petruth Paddocks Ltd, Cheddar| Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Wellington | Cake Box Bakery, Yeovil