THE finalists have been announced in this year’s prestigious Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards, with companies and charities from across the county vying for the honours.

Judges faced a tough time whittling down more than 100 entries in this year’s awards, which are run by the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce.

This year is the 7th anniversary of the awards and the second year as Clark Willmott LLP as its main sponsor.

The awards ceremony will take place on March 26 at The Canalside, Bridgwater.

A spokesperson for the awards, said: "We are also grateful to all our event sponsors; Mantech Safety Systems, Holiday Inn Express Bridgwater, Milsted Langdon and Sedgemoor District Council, as well as our award sponsors.

"The competition this year was exceptionally strong with over 100 entries, and the judges have reported that they were extremely impressed with the quality of the applications submitted. Applications were received from all over Sedgemoor from a vast variety of businesses and charities.

"We wish all our finalists ‘good luck’ on the evening.

"The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate your company’s success and network with other businesses enabling you to make new connections to help move your business forward."

The finalists are as follows:

Construction in Sedgemoor Excellence (sponsored by Bridgwater & Taunton College)

- RJD Scaffolding

- Constructs South West Ltd

- Harris Bros & Collard

Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Milsted Langdon)

- Briarwood Products

- Musgrove Willows

- Petruth Paddocks

Business of the year (5+ Employees) (sponsored by Maxwells Chartered Accountants)

- Samsum Cleaning Solutions Ltd

- South West Larder Ltd

- Musgrove Willows

Customer Service Excellence (sponsored by CETSAT)

- Turner Vision

- Wallace Stuart Funeral Directors

- The Design Hive

Charity of the Year (sponsored by Holiday Inn Express Bridgwater)

- YMCA Dulverton Group

- Brainwave

- In Charley’s Memory

- BARB Search and Rescue

- Innovative Business of the Year (sponsored by Bridgwater Gateway)

Inspired Schools

- PVS Group

- PC Comms

Best Employer of the Year (sponsored by CL Drylining Ltd)

- Presona Ltd

- Holiday Inn Express Bridgwater

- RJD Scaffolding

Community Engagement of the Year (sponsored by Pardoes Solicitors)

- Tim Payton Butchers

- Sedgemoor Apple

- Fuse Somerset Outdoor Arts

Bridgwater Independent Trader/Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council)

- The Crafty Collective

- Victoria Hair & Spa

- Goldstar Uniforms

Sedgemoor Independent Trader/Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Double Brace)

- Sopha

- AIP Welding Supplies

- Purple Spoon Café, Catering and Events

New Business of the Year (sponsored by QSS IT)

- Scoffage

- Brand Pixel

- The Snug Bookshop and Cafe

Small Business of the Year (1+ Employees) (Sponsored by Sedgemoor District Council)

The Design Hive

You are my Sunshine

The Lounge Barber