JUDGES will be denying themselves sunshine and Wimbledon this week as they draw up shortlists for the business 'Oscars' of Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

It won't quite be gold envelopes and statuettes but it will be stained glass windows and pulpits when the 2005 Chamber Awards take place in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday, July 21.

Now judges are working their way through finalists' applications in seven categories to find the crme de la crme of businesses in the two counties.

With a wide spread of nominations from throughout the area, the judging process is expected to be challenging but rewarding, with many companies taking time from their busy schedules to acknowledge their business successes.

Winners can expect to increase their profile through the awards and have had a positive impact on the local economy.

Entrants who are also Chamber members will automatically go on to the British Chambers of Commerce Awards, in November, and a chance at the top prize of £25,000. Christine Jones, the local chamber's chief executive, said: "The awards epitomise what we do as a Chamber of Commerce.

"We help companies to grow and prosper and it is only fitting we recognise and reward business success in the two counties."

Awards will be given for: Business of the Year, Skills and Workforce Development, Bus- iness Commitment to the Community, Entrepreneur of the Year, Export Business of the Year, Innovation through Technology and Most Promising New Business.

More than 300 guests are expected for the black tie awards dinner which last year was the talk of the town for being the first event of its kind in Worcester Cathedral.