The finalists of the 2024 Cherwell Business Awards have been announced.

The annual awards recognise companies that have demonstrated "exceptional achievements, innovation and outstanding contributions" to the region's economy.

The panel of judges, consisting of industry experts and business leaders, chose the finalists across 10 categories

The selection process involved an evaluation of the applications, interviews with the organisations and a collective judging meeting.

The finalists for the Charity and Community Award are ARCh, Style Acre and Banbury Community Fridge.

Vying for the Small Business Award are Edd Frost & Daughters, Oxford Duplication Centre and Digital Accounting Services.

The Business Person of the Year Award will be contested by James Bennett from Care & Independence, Lee Posonious from Tugo Foods and Richard Boon from Webmart.

There is also recognition for young talent with Karanjit Das from Begbroke Science Park, Storm Goodwin-Wiggins from Azets Holdings and Dean Moore from Deanos Garage shortlisted for the Young Business Person of the Year Award.

The Innovation Award will be won by one of EZ Charge, Conserv Bioscience or Nikalyte, while Zimbl, Contact Web and VN Accountancy and Bookkeeping Ltd are in the running for the New Business Award.

EZ Charge is also in with a chance of winning the Large Business Award, as are Tech Professionals and Care & Independence.

The Town Centre Award will go to either The Crafters Emporium, The Light or Nothing But Footprints and the Engineering Excellence Award will be claimed by one of Energenics, Nikalyte or EZ Charge.

The final category, the Sustainable Business Award, has seen Juice Global, Orinoca and Ace Training make the final three.

Norbar Torque Tools is sponsor of the Overall Winner Award 2024 and will be judging from the shortlisted finalists.

Placi Espejo, director of the Cherwell Business Awards, said: "We are delighted to reveal this year’s outstanding finalists, who truly exemplify excellence in our dynamic business community.

"Each of these companies has showcased exceptional achievements, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to their customers, employees, and the local economy.

"Congratulations to all the finalists for their remarkable efforts and significant contributions. We look forward to celebrating their successes."

The winners of each category will be unveiled at the Cherwell Business Awards gala dinner on Friday, September 13, at The Chesterton Hotel in Bicester.

The evening promises to be a celebration of the region's business talent with plenty of opportunities for networking and recognition, attended by business leaders and guests.

Cherwell District Council, since 2017 has been the headline sponsor, pledging its support for the awards and encouraging the success of Cherwell’s economy.