Finalists announced for city's first annual WIRE Awards

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More than 140 businesses made 359 entries across 11 categories, with 24 businesses shortlisted for the awards.

Among the finalists is a market trader, 5 cafes/food suppliers, a bar, 2 hotels, 4 gifts/crafts/toys outlets, 2 jewellers, 2 fashion outlets, 5 hair and beauty salons, 2 florists/garden suppliers and one furniture business.

The awards ceremony will take place at Molineux Stadium on Tuesday 18 July, and you can view all the finalists in each category in the table below or by visiting Type=links;Linkid=8521;Title=Wire Awards 2017 Finalists;Target=_blank;.

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: "The judges have been overwhelmed by the number and the standard of entries received, especially as these awards are completely new to our city.

"It highlights the amazing diversity and quality of retail business in the area and how important it is that we celebrate and reward their success."

More than 2,500 public votes have been received for Wolverhampton's 'Favourite Retailer of the Year' and voting will remain open in this category until midnight on Wednesday 28 June.

John Henn, Chair of Wolverhampton BID, added: "This is the public's chance to recognise the diverse and skilled Independent retailers we have in this great city of ours.

"It is so easy to vote, just go to Type=links;Linkid=8071;Title=Wire Awards 2017;Target=_blank; or text WIRE, plus the name of your favourite retailer to 60777, and give your endorsement to your favourite retailer. Thanks for taking part and celebrating the City of Wolverhampton."

Tickets for the WIRE Awards, at Molineux Stadium's WV1 Suite, are available from Type=links;Linkid=8071;Title=Wire Awards 2017;Target=_blank;.

The awards are being led by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the city council, and will also be supporting charity, Promise Dreams, on the night.

The aim is to celebrate and praise the entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and hard work of those involved in running and managing a successful independent business, as well as to recognise the loyalty and dedication of the staff that work in this sector.

The other categories are Independent Retailer of the Year, Retail Personality of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Best Dressed Shop or Outlet, Employee of the Year, Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Excellence in Staff Development, Hospitality and Leisure Business of the Year, Community Retailer of the Year, Most Improved Business of the Year, and New Business of the Year.

Sponsors include Corporate Wolves and Venue Catering Partner, Signal 107, Meercat Associates Ltd, Yarrington, Mander Centre, Express & Star, City of Wolverhampton College, Wolverhampton Racecourse, Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa, NCP, and BCRS Business Loans, and Wolverhampton Partners in Progress.

Finalists

• released: Monday 12 June, 2017