BRITAIN’S Energy Coast Business Cluster has announced the shortlist for its Business Awards 2016.

Twenty-two businesses are competing in eight categories for the awards, held every other year.

John Grainger, stakeholder relations director for BECBC, chaired a panel of judges which included Fred Sheil, of Fred Sheil Consulting, and Tracy Stainton, of Burnetts Solicitors.

Mr Grainger said: “The judges were presented with 75 per cent more entries than last time and plenty of very strong submissions, so there is certainly success to celebrate among BECBC members.

“The quality of the entrants is impressive. In fact, in three categories we have included four companies in the shortlist and are leaving it to the expert judges to choose between them at the next stage.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone on their work so far and wish them the very best of luck in the judging.”

The second round of judging takes place over the summer and the winners will be announced at a dinner at Energus, Lillyhall, on November 17.

The shortlist

Excellence in Health and Safety: Balfour Beatty; Nuvia; TSP Engineering.

Business Innovation: 3DW Technologies; Forth Engineering; Rovtech Solutions; Thomas Consulting.

Sustainability and the Environment: Nuvia; University of Cumbria; West Coast Composting.

Socio Economic Commitment to West Cumbria: Derwent Recycling; Doosan Babcock; Livingston Surface Treatments; National Nuclear Laboratory.

Inspiring People: Forth Engineering; NIS; TSP Engineering.

Growing Business of the Year: Prima Uno; QG Business Solutions and Indelible Data (joint entry); Westlakes Engineering.

Small Business of the Year: Livingstone Surface Treatments; NuExec Consulting; Responsive.

Large Business of the Year: Carr’s Engineering; James Fisher Nuclear; Prima Uno; Westlakes Engineering.