FOUR young Chelmsford business people have made the final of a county-wide competition.

In the running to scoop top prizes at Essex’s Big Business Boost Awards are:

* Dr Diana Entwistle, who runs Little Stars Circus, a fitness programme for children using aerial circus skills.

* Paul Wilkinson, who set up Studio 808, a recording studio that benefits troubled young people.

* Zoe Cain-Tyler, of Culvercroft Equestrian, an online horse rider training facility.

* Kaiya Latham, who runs KL Aerial Fitness Studio, an educational dance, circus and aerial arts studio.

Judges will now choose one winner from the 16 finalists for the Young Entrepreneur, Women in Business and Big Business Boost Award and two winners for the Disability Entrepreneur Award.

There will be a special ceremony when the winners will be announced at Pontlands Park Hotel, Chelmsford, on October 13.

The winners will all will receive a cash injection and business support package to give them the best chance to grow and develop their business.

Kevin Bentley, councillor responsible for economic growth and partnerships, said the shortlist is extremely impressive and shows just how diverse a business portfolio we have here in the county.

He added "It ranges from high-tech business and inventions to environmentally friendly products and farming solutions.

“The awards received more than 200 entrants showing just how Essex Means Business. We now have a shortlist of 16 extremely impressive business and entrepreneurs.

"I am looking forward to learning who the winners are and watching their progress as their businesses grow here in Essex.”