TWENTY-TWO companies will compete for nine awards at the Liverpool Daily Post’s Regional Business Awards later this month.

Hundreds of people from companies across Merseyside and Cheshire will be at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Thursday, May 27, when the judges’ choices will be announced.

Former cabinet minister and Mayor of London candidate Steve Norris is the keynote speaker in the awards’ 19th year.

Mr Norris, who attended Liverpool Institute for Boys, is now a director of a number of quoted and private companies, and also advises a number of blue-chip clients on public affairs issues with special emphasis on transport and the built environment.

Tickets for the awards dinner are on sale now, priced £95+VAT, with tables available with 10 or 12 places. To book, call 0151 472 2422 or e-mail events@liverpool.com

THE shortlist for the awards is:

Royal Mail Small Business: ICE, Mando Group, Regal Wholesale;

NWDA Medium Business: B&M Waste Services, CPL Training, The Contact Company;

O2 Corporate Social Responsibility: Bank of America, TJ Morris, Weightmans;

Liverpool Vision Investment: Aerelink, Arriva North West, Isla Gladstone;

KLM Export Business: AEV, Colormatrix, RS Clare;

Liverpool John Moores University Knowledge Business: Components XS, Scraperwiki, Tech-X;

Liverpool Hope University Green: B&M Waste Services, Liverpool One, The Printroom UK;

KPMG Business: Rensburg Sheppards, Shop Direct Group, TJ Morris.

The DLA Piper Business Person of the Year will be announced on the night.