THE judging is over and the finalists in the 2017 Bolton and Bury Business Awards have been chosen.

And the winners will be announced at the awards dinner at the Macron on September 28.

This year we are breaking with tradition and revealing the finalists ahead of the dinner.

There are eight categories and as judging was so close, some have more than the usual three shortlisted business.

Our sponsors for 2017 are Bolton Council, The Emerson Group, MBDA Missiles, The Market Place, Bristol Street Motors and Carrs Pasties.

The shortlisted companies are:

Business of the Year

  • Aptus Utilities Ltd
  • Birtenshaw
  • Building Validation Solutions
  • School Lettings Solutions

Business Person of the Year

  • James Bancroft, Exclusec Security Solutions Ltd
  • David Ingram, Bring Digital
  • Lee Parker, Parker Sourcing Limited

Start Up Business of the Year

  • AVM Solutions (UK) Ltd
  • Bring Digital
  • Cube Construct Limited
  • Justin Kellett Opticians
  • Northern Healthcare Ltd.
  • Red Bank Cider

SME Business of the Year

  • Bring Digital
  • Handrail Creations Ltd
  • SmithMetals(Bolton)Ltd

Young Person/Apprentice of the Year

  • Saeed Atcha, Xplode Magazine (Bolton)
  • Thorrun Govind, Pharmthorrun LTD
  • Joe Hennessey, Bring Digital
  • Danny Kay, Four Recruitment
  • Morgan Parry, Bolton College

Family Business of the Year

  • Lavelle Waste Services
  • Scruffymonkey Digital Media
  • Wunderley`s Cafe Bistro

Customer Excellence Award

Community Award

  • Bolton at Home
  • Bolton FM
  • The Barlow in Edgworth