TWO Knutsford firms have been shortlisted for this year’s Growing Business Awards, hosted by Real Business in association with Lloyds Banking Group and the CBI.

The awards highlight some of the country’s most exciting, innovative and high-growth firms.

Oliver Valves from Knutsford is in the running for two awards after being shortlisted for the Export Champion of the Year and The Made in Britain categories.

As a manufacturer of high-performance oil and gas valves, it supplies top energy firms across the world, and recently launched offices in Brazil and Texas, expanding on its previous bases in the Middle East and India.

The Export Champion of the Year category included a supplier of coffee machines, a distributor for McVitie’s and Cadbury and an insulation specialist.

Moseley Hall Farm-based recruitment firm de Poel is a contender for the Company of the Year – Larger Firms Award.

The company employs 150 staff and since opening in 2001 has achieved year-on-year growth.

The business recently embarked on a global expansion to open offices in the Netherlands and Arizona.

Part of its plan has involved launching other companies which are dedicated to helping disabled people, the long-term unemployed and those with learning difficulties to find employment.

The Growing Business Awards take place at the London Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, October 23.

Mark Stokes, managing director of Mid Markets at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “This year’s shortlist is testament to the talent and determination of British entrepreneurs, and it is fantastic to see businesses from such diverse sectors represented at these awards. The businesses have demonstrated hard work, dynamism and an ability to respond to changing market needs.

“We are supporting British enterprise and the UK economy, and are eager to help more and more businesses achieve their full potential by providing expertise, support and the funding they need.”

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy-Director General, said: “As the economy gathers encouraging momentum, the UK’s innovative small and medium-sized businesses will continue to play a critical role in getting us back to a sustainable footing, through exports, investment and job creation.”