WITH the current economic climate times are tough for the vast majority of businesses. So it s good to see so many Barking and Dagenham firms represented in the shortlist for this year s Thames Gateway Business Awards. Eleven different companies will be u

WITH the current economic climate times are tough for the vast majority of businesses.

So it's good to see so many Barking and Dagenham firms represented in the shortlist for this year's Thames Gateway Business Awards.

Eleven different companies will be up for awards at the glittering gala prize night at the ExCel Conference Centre in Docklands on November 21, hosted by celebrity chef, James Martin.

The awards are sponsored by NatWest Bank, and organised by Archant, publishers of the POST.

Entrants come from right across the Thames Gateway region, which spreads from London to the sea on both sides of the river.

Among our nominees are several who were among the winners at the inaugural Barking and Dagenham Business Awards in July.

Newton Equipment, based in Hertford Road, Barking, won two awards on that night, including Business of the Year.

This time they are nominated for excellence in marketing and best innovation.

Dagenham and Redbridge FC are up for the community involvement prize, while Piece of Cake, cake decorators based in Bentry Road, Dagenham, are nominated for Excellence in Marketing.

Kip McGrath Education Centre, Chadwell Heath, is nominated for Growth Business of the Year, the same category they won at the borough awards.

Osborne Partnership, the Dagenham charity helping adults with learning disabilities get back to work, is up in the Innovation category.

New Business Prize could go to Palmer's Catering, the firm run by Barrington Palmer, proprietor of Luke's Restaurant, Barking.

There are two local firms up for Retail Business award; Jack Bunney tailors from Longbridge Road, Barking; and Penrose Way shop in Wood Lane, Dagenham.

David Nolan of Glenny LLP, Barking, is up for IT Person of the Year.

Last but not least, Training and Development nominations go to Carers of Barking and Dagenham, and AJC Wilson Bodyshop, based in Rainham Road South, Dagenham.

Each outright winner will receive a Red Letter Day prize, from activities such as sky-diving, paint balling, and spa breaks.

For more information visit www.thamesgatewaybusinessawards.co.uk