A WORCESTERSHIRE firm has been named as a finalist in this year's Chamber Business Awards.

Express Cleaning Supplies, of West Ridge, Hallow, was named the winner of the Microsoft Award for Innovation Through Technology at the West Midlands regional finals.

The firm will now go forward to the national judging stage of the awards, with a chance of picking up the overall winner's cash prize of £25,000, provided by the national sponsor, Microsoft.

"Express Cleaning Supplies is a fantastic example of how a technology-based business can develop and succeed," said David Frost, director general of the British Chamber of Commerce.

"Small and medium sized companies are at the heart of the UK economy, providing manufacturing, support and professional services across all business sectors.

"The Chambers network is made up of over 135,000 firms, accounting for 30 per cent of the UK workforce.

"The awards are for business, given by business and represent a chance for firms across the UK to be judged and rewarded competitors, colleagues and like-minded entrepreneurs."

The national judging stage of the 2004 Chambers Awards will take place at the end of this month, with the national finals being held at the Guildhall, London, on Thursday November 25.