FOUR businesses from West Somerset have had early Christmas presents with news of being shortlisted in the Somerset Business Awards 2026.

It was another record year for entries and judges said they had a tough time deciding which firms to put into the next stage of the competition, which is run annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

This year is the 21st year of the county-wide business awards which are again supported by headline sponsor Albert Goodman, plus a host of leading Somerset companies.

The 2026 shortlisted nominees come from towns and villages in all corners of the county, and they will now be visited by the judges before they announce the finalists at the beginning of February.

The grand final will be held at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on March 26.

Chamber managing director David Crew thanked everybody who had entered the awards and said the most hotly contested categories included service excellence, small business of the year, and apprentice of the year.

Mr Crew said: “It was great to see so many entries from all corners of the county, representing a wide range of sectors and industries.

“The awards are a fantastic way to share success stories and I am grateful for the sponsorship and support of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses.

“I am looking forward to the final as it is always a great opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of Somerset’s many incredible businesses and organisations.”

Local companies shortlisted are Treborough’s Snugs Custom-Fit Ltd for small business of the year with a turnover up to £500,000 and for best use of digital technology, Singer Instruments, of Roadwater, for employer of the year, Channel Events, of Minehead, in three categories of investing in Somerset, service excellence, and environmental and sustainability, where Louise Crossman Architects, of Withycombe, was also shortlisted.