IT'S a nail-biting time for a whole host of businesses as the finalists have been chosen for the Chamber Awards 2007, run by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The tension will only be broken when the winners are announced at the awards dinner on Thursday, June 21, at Worcester Rugby Club.

Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise and reward businesses and individuals from across the two counties. The award categories each recognise an important part of business or a sector that is vital in the two counties.

Hayley Edney, marketing manager for the chamber of commerce said: "We have had a very good response from businesses across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The quality of the responses has also been very high which made judging more difficult than usual.

"The awards dinner will be a wonderful evening where not only the winners, but also the finalists, can be publicly recognised for the contribution they make to the two counties. We will also be making a special surprise announcement for one person who has made a very significan't personal contribution to business life."

The categories, sponsors and finalists are:

Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Link:

Bioganix Leominster, Herefordshire, food waste composting company.

BizzEnergy Ltd Worcester, Worcestershire, electricity, gas and telecoms for business.

MilSys (UK) Ltd Hereford, Herefordshire, rapidly deployable shelters company.

OnTracks.co.uk, Pontrilas, Herefordshire, online model shop.

Wye Valley Brewery Stoke Lacey, Herefordshire. Brewery.

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation

Jill Angell, Fish for Dogs Ombersley, near Worcester, makes natural treats and food for dogs.

John Fulford, Dytecna Malvern, defence systems and engineering company.

Geof Jones, Clikingo Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, new media video production.

Tony Killeen, Allpay.net Hereford, payment solutions specialist.

Nick Mabe, Flyghana Hereford, Herefordshire, low-cost flights company.

Most Promising New Business sponsored by the Rural Regeneration Zone

Clikingo Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, new media video production.

Fusion Brasserie - The Bird in Hand Hawbridge, Worcestershire, brasserie.

The Glasshouse Brasserie and Bar, Worcester, brasserie. KC3.net Kington, Herefordshire, websites, content management systems and e-commerce.

Professional Call Minders, Worcester, telephone answering solutions.

Employee of the Year Worcestershire sponsored by the Worcester News

The winner of this award will be announced on the night.

Employee of the Year Herefordshire sponsored by the Hereford Times

The winner of this award will be announced on the night.

Award for Skills Development sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council

7Y Services Leominster, Herefordshire, services for businesses and people in agriculture.

Dytecna Malvern, Worcestershire, defence systems and engineering firm.

Garvins Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, pensions consultancy.

The Kiddies Day Nursery, Kidderminster, childcare provide.

Thomas Vale Construction Stourport-on-Severn, construction company.

Innovation through Technology Award sponsored by the Central Technology Belt

ARCOS Malvern, therapy and training services.

BizzEnergy Ltd Worcester, electricity, gas and telecoms for business.

Jaga Heating Products Ledbury, Herefordshire, energy saving and decorative radiator supplier.

KC3.net Kington, Herefordshire, websites, content management systems and e-commerce. OnTracks.co.uk Pontrilas, Herefordshire, online model shop.

Award for Business Commitment in the Community sponsored by Worcestershire County Council

Holland Funeral Services Malvern, funeral services company.

Kingspan Insulation Pembridge, Herefordshire, high performance insulation manufacturer.

Oakland International Redditch, Worcestershire, ambient, chilled, frozen storage and distribution.

Poston Mill Park Peterchurch, Herefordshire, touring and holiday home caravan park. Thomas Vale Construction Stourport-on-Severn, construction company.

The Excellence in Tourism Award

Cotswold Conference Centre Broadway, Worcestershire, conference and training venue.

Poston Mill Park Peterchurch, Herefordshire, touring and holiday home caravan park.

Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster, restored full-size steam railway.

* Businesses interested in attending the awards dinner should call Michelle Scott on 0845 641 1641 or e-mail enquiries@hwchamber awards. com