Every year the standard of competition grows higher and as a result every year it becomes more difficult to judge the Oxfordshire Business Awards. But a shortlist has finally been drawn up after an exhaustive scrutinising process, culminating in some heated debate, and the judges have declared themselves happy with the outcome.

Out of more than 200 entries, there are now only three in each of the 11 categories. They will go forward to the final, with the winner being unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony next month.

Stephen Dexter, chairman of the judging committee, said: "This year the judging process has been extremely difficult, simply because the standard has been exceptional.

"But we are confident we have come to the right decision and look forward to what promises to be a wonderful awards evening, with the winners proving the excellence of Oxfordshire businesses."

The shortlist covers a wide spectrum of businesses large and small from across the county. Familiar names such as Woodstock-based medical equipment manufacturer Owen Mumford and Bicester bakery products manufacturer British Bakels are in the Innovation category.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park at Burford has reached the final three in the Tourism section and Blenheim Estates, the commercial property arm of Blenheim Palace, is in the new Property and Contruction category with two old-established Oxford builders Symm and Co, and Beard. More suprising entries come from the Oxford Register Office (Customer and Staff Care) and the Oxford Information Centre (Tourism), with thriving small firms such as Banbury-based Gusto Games (Creative) and Milton Park dry cleaners Purple Label (Small Business), also making the list.

The winners of each category along with the overall winner of the Oxfordshire Business of the Year 2006 title will be announced at the dinner to be held at the Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford, on Friday, June 16.

A limited number of tickets are available for the event, which is expected to attract more than 400 guests. The nominated charity is the Home Farm Trust, which provides accommodation and facilities for people with learning difficulties and has a centre at Milton Hill, near Didcot, as well as in Banbury.

Anyone wanting to attend the dinner should contact Rachel Newman on 01865 71010838 or e-mail rachel.m.newman@gtuk.com for more details.