SEVERAL business owners have a nervous wait to see if they are winners in a Taunton Deane-wide contest.

But one competitor already know she has scooped a prize after impressing the judges in the Taunton Deane Business Awards.

Shortlisted entrants in the other nine categories must wait until next month for the result.

Event sponsor Martin Lock, from PKF Francis Clark, said: “We are delighted to be a major sponsor of this event for the third year running.

"The quality of applications has been very impressive, and it was a difficult task getting the lists down to three in each category.

"In fact in one category it was so close that we shortlisted four businesses for the final presentations.

“One award was easy though - Young Entrepreneur of the Year had an outright winner, Eliza Learmonth of Little Monsters Attic.

"Eliza’s application impressed the judges enough to put her straight through.”

Taunton Deane Borough Council has also backed the event for the second time as one of the event sponsors.

David Evans, the authority's economic development manager, has been impressed with the response.

He said: “Business in Taunton Deane is flourishing, and the standard of entries demonstrates the strength and diversity of our business community.

"The council is really proud to have sponsored this year’s celebration of enterprise.

Event organiser Pam Knight, from White Knight Marketing, said: "The excitement this year has been palpable.

“From the moment we announced the shortlist, we have been inundated with excited applicants sharing their enthusiasm; these awards mean a lot to them.

"Social media has been frantic and posts are appearing all over.

"Tickets for the evening event are available via the website and selling fast, with over a quarter gone in one day.”

The award winners will be announced at the prestigious black-tie presentation evening on June 8 at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

SHORTLISTED BUSINESSES.

Creative Industries: 1. GoCreate 2. Busy Lizzie Art 3. Bridgwater & Taunton College.

Start-Up: 1. Amamaya Clothing 2. Elite Staffing 3. The Sangha House 4. Odette’s Tearoom.

Customer Excellence: 1. Buff Day Spa 2. Portt Payroll 3. Prioryfield House.

CSR: 1. Green Days Day Care 2. New Leaf Life Design 3. Viridor.

Best Employer: 1. Acorn Solicitors 2. Lloyd & Whyte 3. Reminiscence Learning.

Marketing: 1. Taunton Flower show 2. Reminiscence Learning 3. By Invitation Events.

Digital Innovator: 1. Portt Payroll 2. Introtweet 3. Glass Box.

Exporter 1. Somerdale 2. Granny Gothards 3. The Idea Bureau.

Growth 1. REF Electrics 2. Skillfix Construction 3. Granny Gothards.