The Bolton News and Bury Times Business Awards winners for 2007 will be announced at a glitzy ceremony on Thursday night.

The Awards have grown since our first event last year - this year we had more than 100 entries and we have introduced some new categories.

The judges had a hard task choosing the shortlisted finalists.

The businesses were exceptional and after long deliberations, the judges finally made their choices.

As well as some new categories, including Environmental Best Practice and a Community Award, we also have some new sponsors.

The overall sponsor is Bolton Business, who we are delighted to have on board.

The shortlisted businesses will all be at the awards ceremony on June 28, at the Premier Suite at the Reebok.

It promises to be another night to remember as the business communities of Bolton and Bury gather to celebrate the best there is in the business.

There will be almost 600 guests who will enjoy a black-tie dinner.

Comedian Ted Robbins will entertain the diners, before the host for the awards, Bolton's own BBC Radio Five Live presenter Victoria Derbyshire, will introduce the categories.

There will also be a raffle at the event when two local charities will benefit from the occasion: The Variety Club of Great Britain and The Phoenix Club.

The Short List (not in any particular order!)

Start Up Business Sponsored by Goss MarbleMusketeers Environmental Ltd.

Wingmirrorman.

C&H Agency.

Small Business Sponsored by Global

Maxandsid Creations Ltd.

K2 Greetings.

Hands-on Computer Solutions.

Technology, Innovation and Design Sponsored by CLB Cooper

Cedilla Systems.

Cube3marketing.

iTeDDy.

Training AwardSponsored by Lythgoe

Broker Direct.

Clock Creative.

Hanover UK.

Young EntrepreneurSponsored by Empiredirect

Gary Lovatt, Moorish Idol.

Mark Hawthorn, Landmark Investments.

David Whitney, DWF Ltd.

Customer Excellence AwardSponsored by Clough and Willis

Academy Group.

Linda Taylor Associates.

Cedilla.

Environmental Best Practice AwardSponsored by Business Bolton

Southerns Office Interiors.

G & J Seddon.

Community Award Sponsored by O2

Salsa.

Quids In.

Moorish Idol.

Family Business AwardSponsored by Warburtons bakers

Linda Taylor Associates.

Egerton House Hotel.

Training for Today.

Business Person of the YearSponsored by KBL Solicitors

Sue Taberner - Construction North West Ltd.

Joel Tobias - CY4OR.

Christine Green - C & H Agency.

Business of the YearSponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland

Hanover UK Ltd.

Charles Topham.

CY4OR.