THE FINALISTS for this year's Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards have been announced.

The judging panel of Joanne Turner, Jack Clark, Edmund Johnston, John Morton and Criona Courtney had the difficult task of whittling down all of the nominations for the 10-category shortlists.

Over 120 businesses were put forward for the highly coveted awards.

The flagship business event, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland and organised by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, continues to go from strength to strength.

Chamber chairman, Jack Clark said: “Once again we have an extraordinary variety of businesses in the running for the Business Excellence Awards.

"I did not envy the judging panel their task, but look forward to the announcement of the winners at the presentation lunch.

"The awards celebrates the success of the Borders’ business community, and the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce are proud to host the event.”

The awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, November 1.

Tickets are available at www.borderschamber.com

Shortlists

Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year Award (Sponsored by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers): The Orde Food Company, Crafty Workshops, Cringletie House Hotel, Allanton Inn and Stobo Castle.

Agricultural Business of the Year Award (Sponsored by NFU Mutual Borders): Rule Valley Simulated Game, Velvet Hall Alpacas, Laprig Valley and Fluffy Moos.

High Growth/Turnover Award (Sponsored by Davidson Chalmers): SD Consultancy, Redpath Recycling and SoConnect.

Innovation in Business Award (Sponsored by Scottish Borders Council): SoConnect, Love Scottish Candles, Findra, All Awards, ThermaFY, MB Glass and Agenor.

Social Enterprise of the Year Award (Sponsored by Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber): Live Borders, You Can Cook, Scottish Outdoor Education Centre and The Learning Space.

Supporting Young Workforce Award (Sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce Borders): Prosperity Financial Services, Border Safeguard, All Awards, Aquarius Hair Design and Johnston’s of Elgin.

Manufacturer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Reiver Recruitment): Wonky Woolies, Love Scottish Candles, Selkirk Distillers and Jarvis Pickle.

Exporter of the Year (Sponsored by South of Scotland Local Export Partnership): Collingwood-Norris, Johnston’s of Elgin and Simpson Combustion and Energy.

Micro Business of the Year Award (Sponsored by NS 24 Ltd): Danny’s A7 Car Wash, Wonky Woolies, SD Consultancy, Collingwood-Norris and Hawick Autocare.

SME of the Year Award (Sponsored by Business Gateway Borders): SoConnect, Pearson of Duns, Agenor Technology and Hastings Legal.