A shortlist of some of best and most impressive companies in the region has been compiled by judges considering the winners of this year’s Ayrshire Business Awards.

Biologists at the Ayrshire River Trust have reported their success in controlling a noxious weed threatening Ayrshire.

Crimestoppers Scotland have launched a new website at Auchengarvie school in North Ayrshire, which will serve as an online forum for discussing crime in the community.
Watch the full feature on Giant Hogweed here

The nominees for the Ayrshire Business Awards 2011 have been announced:
Outstanding Performing Business (Sponsored by Business Gateway In Partnership with Ayrshire Local Authorities) – A & I Accessory Ltd, Hodgins Smith Consulting, Rainbow Glass Studios LtdOutstanding Performing Business (Sponsored by Scottish Power Renewables) – Mckenzie Hall Group, Sercon Support Services Ltd, SimpsInns Ltd, The Ayrshire Hospice
Most Promising New Business (Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline) – Giglets Limited, HairCo, Tasteee Catering Services
Best Environmental Performance (Sponsored by Nestle) – Dundonald Links, McCaig Renewables, Lomac Recycling Ltd
Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by The William Tracey Group) – Braehead Foods Ltd, Holiday Inn Express Ayr, Sercon Support Services Ltd, The Ayrshire Hospice
Tourism Award (Sponsored by EDF Energy) – Heads of Ayr Farm Park LLP, The Cook School Scotland, Visit Arran Ltd
Ayrshire Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Bank of Scotland) – Auchrannie Resort, Lime Tree Health Care, SimpsInns Ltd
Investors in Education (Sponsored by Ayrshire Business in the Community) – Auchrannie Resort, Community Housing Advocacy Project (CHAP), Irvine Bay – Kilwinning
Rural Enterprise Award (Sponsored by Ayrshire LEADER) – Craft Town Scotland, Straiton Village Stores, Yipworld.com
Health at Work (Sponsored by NHS Healthy Working Lives) – EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited, Nestle Girvan Factory, The Ayrshire Hospice