The judging panel has selected a shortlist of three firms in each category, which will go forward to the grand final. The full list is below.

All of the finalists will be invited to make a short presentation to the judging panel in early November, before the winners will be announced at a glittering event in the Macdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel on Thursday, November 22.

Richard Bell, managing director of Johnston (Falkirk) Ltd, the publishers of The Falkirk Herald, said: ''We were hugely impressed by the very high standard of entries. It was no easy task for the panel to choose and we had to use a very strict judging criteria before selecting the finalists.

''I would like to thank all the businesses which entered. They all had put a huge effort into their application, and each and every one proves that the business sector in Forth Valley is diverse, strong and forward-thinking. We look forward to meeting the finalists at the next stage.''

All businesses on the short list will be contacted shortly with details of the next round.

Tickets for the black tie awards dinner are on sale either singly or in tables of 10.

The following companies, listed in no particular order, have been shortlisted and will be called for interview:

Best business with under 25 employees
J.H. Hair
The Den
Prestige Mortgages

Best business with over 25 employees
Redeem
William Simpson Home
Aurora Hotels

Best sales and marketing
Aurora Hotels
Hometech Integration
The Falkirk Wheel

Best company website or e-commerce
Glu2Go
Redeem
Forth Ports

Best training and employee development
William Simpson Home
Forth Ports
Couper and Co

Best business in the community
Redeem
Falkirk Football Club
The Mall

Most innovative company or product
Aquacube
Glu2Go
M4U

Best new company (under two years old)
Tootzees
Aurora Hotels
The Den