A VILLAGE store, a space technology company and a wood recycling firm are among the finalists at the inaugural Vale4Business awards.

Applicants for the awards, which cover several aspects of business including innovation, recruitment and overall employer of the year, have discovered if they have made it to the final stage.

Richard Marsh of Faringdon based IT firm, CIS Ltd. Said: “I am truly delighted that we have been shortlisted as finalists in three categories of the awards.

"This marks a huge step for CIS and cements our commitment to our colleagues, community and customers.”

The winners will now be announced at a special awards ceremony hosted by former winter Olympian, Graham Bell at Williams F1 Conference Centre on May 18.

The awards are organised by Vale of White Horse District Council and sponsored by law firm Royds Withy King.

Councillor Mike Murray, Cabinet Member for regeneration, economic development, and property, said: “We have been delighted by the response and calibre of nominations from local businesses – it demonstrates the excellent quality of businesses in the Vale.

"Not only will the awards promote the achievements of local enterprises, we hope they’ll also encourage other entrepreneurs to set up their small businesses.”

A full list of the finalists of each award is at www.vale4business.com/v4bawards.