It has taken a lot of courage and conviction for businesses to survive this difficult past year. However, going above and beyond as usual with their ambition and determination, Leicestershire's business industry has still found a way to thrive.

In order to commend the remarkable effort and hard work put in by these entrepreneurs, companies and organisations, the LeicestershireLive Business Awards, in association with Champions UK plc is hosting an extra special ceremony.

On Thursday, September 16, live at the Maher Centre, the business community will be reunited to see 16 awards handed out to local businesses. For more information, take a look at the online hub. For tickets, contact Michelle Roberts at mroberts@championsukplc.com.

There are five headline sponsors this year: Freeths, Mazars, Janine Edwards Wealth Management, De Montfort University and Diginius.

Bob Johnson, Leicester office managing partner of one of the headline sponsors, Mazars, said: "We have consistently sponsored the awards over many years because we passionately believe in putting something back into a business community of which we are proud to be an active part.

The awards give businesses in Leicestershire a great opportunity to showcase the innovative ideas and strengths that have underpinned their success to date, and which will stand them in good stead for the future."

Here are the finalists for the LeicestershireLive Business Awards 2021:

SME Business of the Year Sponsored by Smith Partnership

College Court Conference Centre and Hotel

Micro-Fresh®

Spirit Health Group

BHIB Insurance Brokers

Employer of the Year Sponsored by Growth Partners plc

Finch Consulting Limited

Fishers Solicitors

Regional Recruitment Services Ltd

Business Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals

Alex Nash, Alcuris

Evie Keough, Boromi

Tom Willday, Willsow Limited

Excellence in Science & Technology Sponsored by Freeths

Alcuris

Evolve

Morningside Pharmaceuticals

Excellence in Manufacturing Award Sponsored by Samworth Brothers

Flexeserve

Food Attraction

Ibstock Brick

Contribution to the Community Award Sponsored by De Montfort University

Furnley House

Leicester Marriott Hotel

Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Not-for-Profit-Organisation Award Sponsored by BHIB Insurance Brokers

2funky Arts

Leicestershire Cares

The Y

United Against Violence & Abuse (UAVA)

Excellence in Innovation Award Sponsored by Eileen Richards Recruitment

e-Bate Limited

Reflex Vehicle Hire Limited

Micro-Fresh®

Family Business of the Year Sponsored by AXA Health

Armourgeddon Ltd

Armstrong Logistics

Food Attraction

Customer Service Excellence Award Sponsored by Mazars

Reflex Vehicle Hire

Cambridge & Counties Bank

College Court Conference Centre and Hotel

Apprentice Employer of the Year Sponsored by William Davis Homes

Ibstock Brick

JJ Churchill Ltd

Samworth Brothers

Excellence in Training & Development Sponsored by Futures

BHIB Insurance Brokers

My Home Move

Sulets

International Trade & Export Sponsored by Ventola Projects®

Flexeserve

Micro-Fresh®

Corporate Architecture Limited

Small Business Growth & Development Award Sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear

Minibikers

Moore Security Systems Ltd

Westbridge Tax

Hospitality Innovation Award Sponsored by PPL PRS

Bobli

Ben's Kitchen

Winstanley House

Navitas

Company of the Year Sponsored by Janine Edwards Wealth Management

Finch Consulting Limited

Food Attraction Ltd

Rotherwood Healthcare

Spirit Health Group

The LeicestershireLive Business Awards 2021, in association with Champions UK plc, will take place on Thursday, September 16 at Maher Centre. For tickets, please contact Michelle Roberts, mroberts@championsukplc.com.

Find out more information on the official website: leicestershirelivebusinessawards.co.uk.