A RECORD number of entries have been whittled down to 30 local businesses who are up for a Cherwell Business Award.

The shortlist has been announced for the annual awards, which is being held for the eight year.

It hopes to celebrate and highlight the high standard of businesses, business people, and charities from across the district.

Nominees include Andy's Barber Shop, Paul Morrow of British Bakels, Katherine House Hospice, Karcher UK, and Coles Books.

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Owner of Andy's Barber Shop Andy Willis said: "Andy’s Barber Shop is celebrating 11 years of barbering in Bicester this year, we’ve expanded our shop and are busier than ever.

"Its [the nomination]great timing too, as it feels like businesses on the British high street are surrounded by doom and gloom, so it’s great to be able to share success stories."

Organisers of the business awards said the entry process this year attracted more than 30 per cent more nominations than in previous years.

A judging panel has since sifted through entries to draw up a 30-strong shortlist of businesses after a host of 'extensive consideration', applications, and interviews.

Placi Espejo, one of the four directors of the Cherwell Business Awards, said: “The Awards attracted an excellent mix of applications from all business sizes and sectors, with the standard of applications being very high.

"We were delighted with the 33per cent increase of applications this year which is testament to the calibre of awards the CBAs have grown into.

"Thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to all shortlisted finalists."

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Other businesses shortlisted include: Adaptix, Lets Play Project, ARCh, Nicholson Nurseries, Specsavers Bicester, and Sky Wave Gin.

Norbar Torque Tools are sponsors of the Overall Winner Award 2019 and will be judging from the shortlisted finalists, and Cherwell District Council will once again sponsor the event.

Shortlisted businesses are invited to a black-tie event including drinks, a three-course dinner, entertainment and the ten awards will be presented to winners.

Tickets for the gala dinner and awards ceremony at Heythrop Park, on May 10,are now available at £80 per person online.

Each finalist will also be entered into the Oxfordshire Business Awards.

To book a place at the awards gall dinner or a table go online to http://bit.ly/2CFUE7r

For a full list of businesses and charities shortlisted go to cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk