THE finalists have been announced in the coveted South Devon Business Excellence Awards.

Four companies have been short-listed in each of the nine classes of the competition, after a day of deliberation of the 92 entries by the judges who had spent most of the Christmas period assessing the applications.

With almost 100 entries across the nine categories, it proved a challenging job for the panel of six judges.

As Alan Denby, director of economic strategy for Torbay Development Agency, the main sponsor of the awards, said: "The standard of the entrants has been very good, with some really inspirational businesses outlining what they have achieved and how they have dealt with customers and different parts of their business and also how they value the communities in which they operate. There were some great messages to take away from today."

Jim Thomson, managing director of SW Colour Labs and Federation of Small Business Torbay chairman, said: "Being selected as a short-listed company for this year's awards has got to be worth its weight in gold. There is nothing better than free publicity. It is so important for companies to get out there, to be seen and to stand out and be recognised for their business efforts."

Andrew Blair, managing director of South West Media Group, expressed his delight at the response.

"The awards are vital because it offers us the opportunity to recognise the best among us," he said.

Alex Rowe, non-executive director and vice chairman of TDA and director of Torquay United, said: "It is more important than ever in these difficult times, to encourage local businesses as much as possible and I have been delighted to play a part in these prestigious awards."

Angela George, director of IMS Marketing and FSB Torbay committee member, said: "This is the highlight of the year — when businesses can not only get recognised and rewarded for their tremendous success, but can also raise their profile and attract new customers, suppliers and staff. It is a great celebration which should make South Devon proud."

Helen Harman, programme director of Outset Torbay, said: "The awards are incredibly important because they celebrate what is going on in South Devon – everyone is pleased with the success, especially in these times."

The winners will be announced at a glittering prizegiving ceremony at the Riviera International Conference Centre for which tickets are on sale.

The black tie event will take place on February 10 from 6.45pm until late, and the host is the former Torquay United captain and TV presenter Chris Hargreaves.

The evening also includes a close-up encounter with a Formula One racing car.

One of the highlights of the evening will be South Devon soul band Soul Funktion.

Click here for more information about the prestigious Herald Express South Devon Excellence Awards evening or call the booking hotline on 01803 676722.

Most Innovative Company Award (sponsored by EMCAS): Cockington Chocolate Company, Torquay; The Energy Centre, South Devon College; Fermoy's Garden Centre, Ipplepen; Wollen Michelmore, Torquay.

Best New Business Award (sponsored by Outset Torbay): Sewsmart and Ironstein, Torquay; South West Coaching, TJ Café Bistro, Paignton; Williams Hedge Estate Agents, Paignton.

Best Green Business (sponsored by South Devon College): Carpenter Oak, Cornworthy, Totnes; Eco NRG, Modbury, Greenway, Inter-line Building Supplies, South Devon.

Best in Customer Service Award (sponsored by Pavey Group): Grange-Lea Residential Care Home, Paignton; Lifestyle Health and Fitness Suite, Torquay; Servicemaster Clean, Torquay; Teignmouth Specsavers.

Best Sales and Marketing (sponsored by Garage Door Company): Bays Brewery,Paignton; Hymid Multi-shot, Brixham; Inter-line Building Supplies, South Devon; Sutton Seeds, Paignton.

Best Social Enterprise and Community Impact Award, (sponsored by Jelf Group): Dartington Hall, Fermoy's Garden Centre, Winners 2000 Fitness, Purist Natural Beauty Ltd, Torquay.

Best Business Growth (sponsored by Business West): Clockwork Marketing, Kingskerswell; Eco NRG, Modbury; Hymid Multi-shot, Brixham; Inter-line Building Supplies, South Devon.

Best Tourism and Leisure Award, (sponsored by Kitsons): Atlantis Holiday Apartments, Torquay; Coleton Fishacre; Finlake Holiday Park, Chudleigh; Greenway.

Young Entrepreneur (sponsored by First Great Western): Cherish Originals, Torquay; Laurapakora Designs, Brixham; Wedding Emporium and Planning Parties, Paignton; Sparkly Nails, Kingskerswell.