The cream of Birmingham's creative enterprises will be battling it out after the finalists for the 2005 Creative City Awards were announced this week.

Contemporary arts company Fierce Earth, animation company Character Shop and art and music promoters Capsule have been shortlisted for this year?s top Creative Industry award, sponsored by The Birmingham Post.

All three companies, along with those nominated for a further eight categories, will go forward to the award finals on November 5.

Held at the ICC, the event will be hosted by I?m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and RI:SE presenter Mark Durden-Smith.

The competition, designed by Birmingham City Council, also covers eight categories recognising Best Brand, Management Action Plan, International Development and Most Promising New Business Start Up.

Prizes will also be given for Small Business of the Year, Outstanding Business Development, Outstanding Innovation and the overall Creative Industries Award.

Winners will receive a trophy and #2,000 cheque towards business development.

A total of 58 high quality nominations were received this year and were judged by leaders of the region?s creative industry.

Mohammed Zahir, from the City Council?s creative development team who chaired the judging, said the three companies that were shortlisted all demonstrated their commitment to deliver high-quality creative work for the city and beyond.

He said: ?It was very competitive and we had a hard time judging, but the three that were shortlisted were all extremely high- quality entrants.?