THE judging is over!

The shortlisted entries for this year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards have been chosen.

And now the waiting begins until the awards ceremony at the Macron Stadium on Thursday, September 10.

There are three shortlisted in each category, apart from the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year which had such a good response the judges have increased the numbers to four.

It is promising to be a fantastic night as the awards are in their 10th year and all of the businesses below are in with a chance to be crowned the best.

There is still time to be a part of the awards by booking a ticket and as well as enjoying a great night out, there will be a chance to meet to up with old friends and also make new contacts. The evening will start with a Champagne reception followed by a three course dinner.

Then it is on to the awards ceremony, hosted by Norman Prince.

Here are the shortlisted businesses, in no particular order:

Business of the Year, sponsored by Stateside Foods

Bromak Recruitment

Imerja Ltd

BID Group Ltd

Business Person of the Year

Marie Gribben, Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Bury

Julie Robinson, Alliance Learning

Ian Jackson, Imerja Ltd

Customer Excellence, sponsored by The Chinese Buffet

LNK Motors

Masquerade Hair and Beauty

Holiday Inn Bolton Centre

Young Person/Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by MBDA

Peter Stanley, Bolton College

Adam Early, Bolton at Home,

Saeed Atcha, Explode Magazine

Tom Edwards, Families and Babies Charity

Best Company for Apprentice Development

Raise the Youth Foundation

Bromak Recruitment

Silcoms Ltd

We're Backing Bolton/Bury, sponsored by Nationwide Franking Sense

Millgate Shopping Centre, Bury,

Mike Harrison Chef to Go

East Lancashire Railway, Bury

Family Business of the Year sponsored by Carrs Pasties

Great Ale at the Market

Four Recruitment

James Robertshaw Ltd

Start Up Business of the Year

Room Four Dessert Ltd

Handrail Creations

Ormes and Fletcher

SME of the Year, sponsored by Wilmot Dixon

Trojan Utilities

Cool Canvas

Alliance Learning

Tickets are £60 plus VAT each, or £500 for a table of 10 plus VAT. Call 0845 313 9463