BUSINESSES have been shortlisted for this year’s Pendle Business Awards.

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “A big, big thank you goes out to everyone who applied.

“We were thrilled to receive such a high number of really strong entries, but it made judging really tough.

“Those on the shortlist have some fantastic success stories. They all deserve recognition and that’s just what Pendle Business Awards is all about.”

Samantha Smallridge, manager at Enterprise Lancashire, judged a number of the year’s entries.

She said: “The judges had a really difficult task on their hands. There was an innovative and diverse mix of businesses this year which made it very interesting.

“I know it’s a bit cliché but it’s been really tough selecting the shortlist in each of the categories.”

This year’s ceremony takes place on Friday, May 16, at the Dunkenhalgh Mercure Hotel in Clayton Le Moors.