Highlighting the north east's up and coming businesses, the finalists in this category were nominated by Enterprise business advisors and RBS business banking managers.

• En-ergise Technology Network
• Entier Limited - winner
• Oilenco Limited

Businesses in this category have achieved or are on track to achieve exceptional, sustainable organic growth in any market sector. The finalists are:

• Abbeyfield Lodge Children's Unit - winner
• DéjaVu Sandwich Bar
• Fyfe Moir & Associates

For companies over three years old that have achieved sustainable organic growth, the finalists are:

• Active Sustainable Energy Systems Limited - winner 
• AquaTerra Solutions
• LA Recruitment

This award recognises individuals under the age of 35 who have taken the risks necessary to undertake a business venue that stands out from the crowd. The finalists in this category are:

• Lou Couper of fashion boutique Coco Violet
• Gregor Mackintosh of rapeseed oil producers Mackintosh of Glendaveny
• Sian Ajose of Soul-POLE, a pole dancing and fitness school - winner 

Rewarding an individual entrepreneur who has made an outstanding contribution to their company, industry sector and the wider economy, this is a new category added to this year's shortlist and the finalists are:

• Alfie Cheyne of hydraulic winch designers and manufacturers ACE Winches - winner 
• Grant Keenan of Keenan Recycling Ltd, which produces recycled soil improvers from organic waste - special commendation
• Alf Gordon of Gordon Investment Ltd who invest in businesses operating in various sectors including engineering, property development and training.

Highlighting business men and women, inventors, innovators, professional advisers, bankers, lawyers, accountants and mentors who use their experiences to provide support to new and growing businesses. The finalists in this category are:

• Marion Miller from Midmar
• Mike Craig from Aberdeen who both work as aftercare advisors at the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust
• Bob Keiller of Dyce, who was nominated by Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future for his mentoring work with entrepreneurs - winner 

Showing the ability to create, nurture and develop innovative products, processes or services, the finalists in this category are:

• flexlife Limited - winner 
• Current2Current
• READ Well Services

A new category added this year; the finalists for the Employer of the Year Award have demonstrated corporate success achieved through well-adopted business values that support and stimulate their workforce.

• AquaTerra Solutions - winner 
• Ledingham Chalmers LLP
• The Breadmaker

Showing a unique approach to performance, people development, technology and a significant contribution to the community, the finalists in this category are:

• ITF (Industry Technology Facilitator) - winner
• Raring2go!
• Seaton Community Enterprise Ltd

• RBS - Main Sponsor
• Aberdeen City and Shire
• Business Gateway
• Optima Solutions
• Wood Group