MORE than 20 finalists have been selected for the Bee’s Knees Awards 2017.

This is the 14th annual challenge for local businesses and one of the major highlights in the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce calendar of events.

Finalists were chosen from a shortlist of entrants who made presentations to judging panels.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner in the Marquee at the Chartroom, Kip Marina, on June 9, when the Lifetime Achievement winner, selected by Inverclyde Chamber, will also be revealed.

Bee’s Knees 2017 finalists

Best Performing Small/Medium Business (sponsored by Waterfront Cinema): Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Synergy Lifting Solutions, Union Projects Ltd.

Best Performing Large Business (sponsored by premier partner Riverside Inverclyde):  CalMac Ferries, Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, West College Scotland.

Most Promising New Business (sponsored by Holiday Inn Express Hotel): DMAC Scaffolding, Lose It and Love It, PJH Bookkeeping.

Manufacturer or Producer of the Year (sponsored by Union Projects Ltd): Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, Scotcrest.

Excellence in Customer Focus (sponsored by premier partner Inverclyde Council): Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Union Projects Ltd, Waterfront Cinema.

Excellence in Marketing & Communications (sponsored by Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce): Lorraine Woods Flowers, Wet Wall Works, WW & J McClure Solicitors.

Excellence in Skills and Learning (sponsored by West College Scotland): Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Morton in the Community, Welsh Walker.

Best Use of New Technology or Innovation (sponsored by Autotec Scotland Ltd): RIG Arts.

Emerging Young Talent (sponsored by Texas Instruments (UK) Ltd): Jack Morgan, Manager, The Chartroom; Brian Evans, Programme Assistant, DYW West, Claire McParland, Deputy Manager, Holiday Inn Express Hotel. 

Proud to be in Inverclyde (sponsored by CalMac Ferries Ltd): Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Inverclyde Tourist Group, Scotland’s Boat Show.

Linda Scott, chamber president, said: “Our congratulations go to another fantastic line up of Bee’s Knees Business Awards finalists, demonstrating the wealth and diversity of businesses operating here in Inverclyde.

“We have a great deal to be proud about and we thank our sponsors for joining with us to recognise the talent that exists within our vibrant Inverclyde business community.”

* More details of the gala dinner on Friday 9 June are available at www.inverclydechamber.co.uk or by contacting Inverclyde Chamber Senior Executive Officer, Margaret Moran, on tel: 01475 806824, email: seo@inverclydechamber.co.uk