THE owners of two popular Somerset businesses are celebrating after being shortlisted as finalists for top awards.

The Design Hive, a graphic design company based in Highbridge and eat:Festivals, which is based in Burnham-on-Sea have both made it through to the regional finals of the Somerset Business Awards.

Led by Somerset Chamber of Trade, the awards which are now in their 14th year, celebrate the achievements of businesses across Somerset.

Mel Downing, creative director at The Design Hive, said: "We are absolutely delighted and proud that we have been shortlisted for the Somerset Business Awards Business of the Year 1-10 Employees.

"We’ve been on a fascinating journey over the past year and have worked with many incredible Somerset businesses, such as the Hinkley Point C Park & Ride and Somerset Education Business Partnership to name a few.

“We are keen supporters of eat:Festivals, so are proud to be shortlisted with them this year.

"We are extremely grateful to the sponsor of our category, TDA in Highbridge, Somerset, for giving us the opportunity to show them how our business works.

"Well done to all the other incredible businesses for being shortlisted."

There are 14 awards up for grabs this year in a range of categories including start-ups, manufacturing, food and drink, retail, education and training, and business of the year.

The finalists will find out if they have won an award at a special ceremony on October 19 at at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton, where Somerset cricket all-rounder, Peter Trego will announce the winners.

Sarah Milner Simonds, co-director of eat:Burnham, said: "We are over the moon to be finalists this year, after three years of entering.

"The Investing in Somerset category recognises the work we do across Somerset celebrating the great producer and also encouraging people to fit the region. We measure our impact and are proud of the place making we do for our host towns.

“It is great to be shortlisted alongside Mel, the designer behind our fantastic branding.”