Two businesses from Gloucestershire have made the shortlist for the biggest awards contest for small businesses in the South West.

The regional FSB Celebrating West Small Business Award, which will culminate at a final in Weston-Super-Mare early in March, has seen a near record-breaking number of entries across 12 categories, for both individual business owners and larger SMEs.

The two businesses shortlisted from Gloucestershire are Duku EV of Cheltenham, which is shortlisted in the Business and Product innovation category (sponsored by Gloucestershire's own Renishaw), and Quedgeley-based Padpilot Ltd, which has been shortlisted for two awards - Exporter of the year and Micro Business of the Year.

For Padpilot, it is the second consecutive time it has made the FSB South West shortlist. Last year it went on to win the FSB Digital/eCommerce Business of The Year for the region and it will be hoping for another success.

Lee Nathan, FSB South West regional chairman, said the standard of entries was 'exceptional' and he expected some fantastic winners to be unveiled at the regional final.

Lee Nathan said: "Every year, we are both amazed and delighted to see the quality and quantity of South West businesses who enter our awards. It is further proof - if any was needed - that this region is an exceptional one for innovative, creative and progressive small businesses."

Mr Nathan also thanked all the sponsors who have made the event possible, including NatWest, Aldermore, FSB Insurance, Weston College, Renishaw, Lexus Bristol and Gravity.