The carpet's ready to be rolled out for Pendle's Business Awards 2010

And they're now deciding who'll take the title in each category.

Their lips will remain firmly sealed until the winners are revealed at the glittering ceremony on Friday April 23 at the ACE Centre in Cross Street , Nelson.

The stage is set and the red carpet is ready to be rolled out for the Oscar-style evening, organised jointly by Pendle Vision and Pendle Council.

A total of 250 guests, including all of the shortlisted companies, are expected to attend the prestigious event.

It will start with a champagne reception followed by a gala meal before the winners are announced.

Councillor Allan Buck, who sits on Pendle Vision Board, came up with the idea of Pendle's very own Business Awards in 2008 when he was Mayor.

And he's thrilled that this year - the second year of the Awards - we've once again received many excellent applications from companies.

He said: "We have a lot of very successful businesses in Pendle that deserve recognition and this is an ideal way to do it.

"The entries show that we have lots of dynamic companies at the cutting edge and world leaders in their field.

"It was an extremely difficult task whittling them down because they're all of a very high standard!"

Dennis Mendoros, OBE, DL, FRAeS Chairman of Pendle Vision and Managing Director of Euravia Engineering and Supply Co Ltd, will officially welcome guests in his new role as High Sheriff of Lancashire.

He added: "Through Pendle Business Awards we're supporting local companies which invest in their staff, products and processes.

"And it's fantastic to see that we have so many in Pendle and despite the pressures of the recession they're still managing to thrive."

Shortlisted companies

Commitment to the Community

• Jordan Communications Ltd/Brand Spankin'
• Pennine Lancashire Enterprise Trust
• Petty Chartered Surveyors

Innovation

• ACDC
• Handford Design
• Metal Improvement Company

Business Person of the Year

• Lee Collins (Hillendale)      
• Martin Harvey (Harvey Environmental Services Ltd)
• Karen Shaw (Loop Publishing)                

Environmental Business of the Year

• Height Top Farm Self Catering Cottages
• Printoff Graphic Arts
• Training 2000

Family Business of the Year

• Likkle Monkeys Party & Play Centre
• Loop Publishing
• Thornton Hall Country Farm Park

Most Outstanding Medium to Large Business of the Year

• ACDC
• Kirk Environmental Ltd

Most Outstanding Micro Business of the Year

• A White Room
• Canal Boat Escapes
• Foulridge Canal Cruises
• Pennine Events

Most Outstanding Small Business of the Year

• Door 4
• Metal Improvement Company
• Strategy Group

New Business of the Year

• Happy Sweetshop Ltd
• Holts Fish & Chips
• Marketing For Education

Small Retailer of the Year

• Going Dutch
• Kimora
• The Bookshop - Colne

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

• Mark Horsfall (Twenty Four Estates Ltd)
• Lyndsay Kirk (Kimora)
• Nathalie Parker-Smeeth (WOW Design)