JUDGES have shortlisted 28 companies for the Wigan & Leigh Business Awards 2000.

The competition, which has been running for 25 years, attracted submissions this year from more than 80 businesses.

There are eight categories offering £1,000 for the winner and £500 for the runner-up.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, November 2.

Guest speaker Meena Pathak is an international businesswoman, recognised as the driving force behind Patak's Indian Foods.

The following companies are among those shortlisted for awards: End Systems, Brunswick Street, Leigh, Leighton Packaging, Greenfold Way, Leigh, Stephensons, Wigan and Union Street, Leigh, BICC Cables, West Bridgewater Street, Leigh, GMS Services, Platt Lane, Hindley.

Volex Wiring Systems, Butts Street, Leigh, Victoria Foods Ltd, Bright Street, Leigh, Contract Packaging and Filling, Leigh Business Park, Gary Anthony School of Hairdressing, Queen Street, Leigh and Bedford Residential Home, Battersby Street, Leigh.