Leicester-based Clifton Packaging Group has been announced as a finalist in The AXA Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award category in the 2007 National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange.

Clifton Packaging Group specialises in three areas: printing and converting flexible packaging materials, contract packing and food processing and packaging equipment. The products and services offered by the group are aimed at the food industry with the prospect of entering other markets in the future.

Its team will now prepare to make their presentation in person to a further panel of expert judges, including senior executives, academics and business specialists, in early October. The other finalists in contention for the Award are: Applied Language Solutions, DCG Datapoint Group, epyx, Point Source,

Quartix, SJD Accountancy, thebestof, Tyrrells Potato Chips and Valueworks.

Paul McMahon, AXA judge, said: "I am delighted to have been asked to take part in judging the finalists in the third year of the AXA Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award. It was a difficult decision selecting the finalists from the large number of excellent businesses who have entered this year's Awards. They are all outstanding examples of the UK's most dynamic companies and we wish them all the best of luck."

Winners of all 18 categories will receive their awards at a gala dinner and ceremony, hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald, at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on November 13.