BUSINESS people in Kidderminster and Hartlebury will be keeping their fingers crossed for success when winners of an awards competition are announced tonight.

The Chamber Awards 2006, run by the chamber of commerce covering Worcestershire and Herefordshire, are designed to recognise achievements across a range of business activities.

This year's competition has drawn a record number of 38 entrant companies from across the two counties. Between them they have submitted 62 nominations in eight categories.

Among them is Intelect Electrical Contractors, of Kidderminster, which is contesting the category for most promising new business.

The Kiddies Day Nursery, Kidderminster is competing for two awards, for business commitment in the community and skills development.

Hartlebury has two representatives, including Arctic Spas, which is up for entrepreneur of the year and business of the year.

Whitefoot-Forward, also based at Hartlebury, is bidding to win the innovation through technology title.

In previous years, names of competing businesses were not revealed until the awards night but they have been released ahead of the dinner being held near Malvern tonight.

Christine Jones, chief executive of the chamber, said: "We are thrilled with the record number of entries we have received."