THREE organisations from the Wellington area have had an early Christmas present with news they have been 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 through to 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 Reminiscence Learning, of Wellington, for investing in Somerset, and Country Knole Interiors and Lendology, both based in Bradford on Tone, for service excellence.

The chamber organises more than 60 events annually of varying scale and size to support and inform businesses and strengthen supply chains, and takes on issues affecting the whole business community in Somerset.