ESTABLISHED and up-and-coming businesses across the two counties are being put through their paces as the annual Chamber of Commerce awards begin.

Judging has started in seven categories to discover the crme de la crme of businesses throughout Worcest-ershire and Hereford-shire. And it is already proving a hard task for judges to pick a winner from each category.

Worcester News deputy news editor Mike Maloney and chamber patron Steve Jones judged the Most Promising New Business award this week. Mr Maloney said: "Both Steve and I were very impressed by the standard of the three finalists.

"Not only have they had the guts to start new ventures but they all displayed good business sense and the ambition to see their new enterprises go from strength to strength. More importantly, they have all created employment in the area and showed a great commitment to their workforce."

The names of finalists are not being revealed before the announcement of the award winners.

Awards will also be given for Business of the Year, Skills and Workforce Development, Business Commitment to the Community, Entrepreneur of the Year, Export Business of the Year and Innovation through Technology.

They are due to be announced at the 2005 Chamber Awards at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, July 21.

Winners who are chamber members will have the chance to scoop a top prize of £25,000 at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards held in November.