Ref. 28215-22A DRINKS reception for the finalists of the Wiltshire Business of The Year awards, was held at the Blunsdon House Hotel on Tuesday evening.

More than 150 business people representing 40 companies from across the Wiltshire Business community attended the cocktail party to receive their Finalists certificates for the awards.

In all, five categories were represented firms with turnover under £2 million, firms with a turnover between two and £20 million and firms with a turnover of over £20m.

The two other awards were for Training and Development and Outstanding Service to the Community.

In 2004, on February 27, the culmination of the search for the region's most outstanding companies will come to a head at the annual Awards Gala Dinner, sponsored by Definitive Consulting, Royal Bank of Scotland, Newsquest, the Learning Skills Council, BBC Wiltshire and Swindon, Veale Wasbrough and Target Consulting.

Event organiser Jane Greer said: "It was great to meet all the award contenders and we wish them every success in February."