THE shortlist for Pendle’s Business Awards 2010 has been decided.

Entrants have been whittled down in each of the 11 categories to the two or three finalists.

The winners from each category will be announced at an awards ceremony at the ACE Centre, Nelson, later in the year.

Coun Allan Buck, who has responsibility for economic development and sits on Pendle Vision Board, said: “We received a fantastic number of excellent entries.

“It shows that despite the pressures of the recession, many Pendle companies are still managing to thrive.

“They all deserve recognition and that’s just what the Business Awards are all about.

“We’re supporting local companies which invest in their staff, products and processes.

"In Pendle, we have lots of dynamic companies at the cutting edge and world leaders in their field.”

The awards are jointly organised by Pendle Vision, the economic arm of Pendle Partnership, and Pendle Council.

1. Pendle Business Award for Commitment to the Community: Jordan Communications Ltd/Brand Spankin'; Pennine Lancashire Enterprise Trust; Petty Chartered Surveyors.

2. Pendle Business Award for Innovation: ACDC; Handford Design; Metal Improvement Company.

3. Pendle Business Person of the Year: Lee Collins (Hillendale); Martin Harvey (Harvey Environmental Services Ltd); Karen Shaw (Loop Publishing).

4. Pendle Environmental Business of the Year: Height Top Farm Self Catering Cottages; Printoff Graphic Arts; Training 2000.

5. Pendle Family Business of the Year: Likkle Monkeys Party and Play Centre; Loop Publishing; Thornton Hall Country Farm Park.

6. Pendle Most Outstanding Medium to Large Business of the Year: ACDC; Kirk Environmental Ltd.

7. Pendle Most Outstanding Micro Business of the Year: A White Room; Canal Boat Escapes; Foulridge Canal Cruises; Pennine Events.

8. Pendle Most Outstanding Small Business of the Year: Door 4; Metal Improvement Company; Strategy Group.

9. Pendle New Business of the Year: Happy Sweetshop Ltd; Holts Fish and Chips; Marketing for Education.

10. Pendle Small Retailer of the Year: Going Dutch; Kimora; The Bookshop - Colne.

11.Pendle Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Mark Horsfall (Twenty Four Estates Ltd); Lyndsay Kirk (Kimora); Nathalie Parker-Smeeth (WOW Design).