THE very best businesses and traders that Chippenham has to offer will be recognised in the town’s Business Awards after a shortlist of finalists were announced.

Organised by the Chippenham BID, 40 entries were whittled down for the big event which will see ten categories up for grabs and feature a 1920s dress code and charity casino with proceeds going to local charity, Doorway.

Matthew Powell, interim manager for Chippenham BID, said: “It has been an incredibly exciting and insightful process and has really allowed us to discover how talented Chippenham’s businesses truly are.

“We feel that business engagement has heightened for the BID and our judges have provided a strong support to reach the decisions made.”

Awards up for grabs include business of the year, start-up business, young entrepreneur, apprentice, business services provider, creative business, customer service, environmental business, independent business and small business.

Tom Paget, associate solicitor for Awdry Bailey & Douglas – the main title sponsor of the Chippenham Business Awards, said: “We are privileged to work with many fantastic businesses in and around Chippenham and it is great to see so many businesses in the town thriving.

“We are proud to be the main sponsors of this event which recognises the achievements of those businesses and look forward to celebrating their success on the evening.”

Companies to be nominated for an award include 24-7 Staffing, Good Energy LTD, Polydeck Resins Ltd, Atlas Gyms 24/7, Twinkle Twinkle, Taste of the Caribbean and Chocolate Blonde, Avagio ITS Ltd, John Williams Heating Services Ltd, The Citadel Hall, Purpol Marketing and Alison Edgar, and The Entrepreneur's Godmother.

Digiprint Group, Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Soinspired Limited, Scrivens Hearing Care, Eagle One Limited, Brinkworth Dairy, J Sheppard and Son Ltd, Active Potential Therapy Ltd and Sarah-Jayne's Café are also up for awards.

Francoise Woodward, director of people and culture at Good Energy, said: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted at this year’s Chippenham Business Awards.

“Chippenham is a great place to be based and these awards are a fantastic celebration of the successful businesses and local talent we have in the area.

“It also gives the town recognition as a hub for business and highlights the brilliant employment prospects that we have.”

The event will take place on February 23 from 7pm at the Neeld and tickets can be purchased from www.chippenhambusinessawards.co.uk