INDEPENDENT garage and car dealer Brendon Service Station, in Washford, is among a number of local businesses which have reached the final stages of the Somerset Business Awards 2023.

The company has been shortlisted three times, in the Albert Goodman-sponsored ‘Family Business of the Year’ category, and for ‘Medium Business of the Year’ and ‘Environmental Achievement’.

Judges faced a tough time whittling down the huge number of entries for the annual awards, which are run by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Other local nominations include Singer Instruments, of Roadwater, in the ‘Employer of the Year’ category, Channel UK Events CIC, Minehead, for ‘Environmental Achievement, and St Margaret’s Hospice for ‘Charity of the Year’.

Two Somerset County Council apprentices, Jess Cullen and Jo Harris, have been selected for the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category.

This year is the 18th anniversary of the awards, which are again supported by main sponsor Albert Goodman accountants.

The final will be hosted by BBC Somerset presenter and journalist Claire Carter at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare, next March.

The finalists will be announced at the beginning of February, following visits by the judges.

Chamber chief executive Emma Rawlings thanked everybody who had entered the awards and said the most hotly contested categories included ‘Medium Business of the Year’, ‘Service Excellence’, and ‘Charity of the Year’.

Ms Rawlings said: “It was great to see so many entries from both chamber members and non-members from all corners of the county, representing a wide range of sectors and industries.

“These awards are the largest in Somerset and are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our diverse business community and I am looking forward to the grand final in March.”