Cornwall Development Company has hailed a “new generation of Cornish business” after revealing most of the finalists for this year’s Cornwall Business Awards are first-time nominees.

Now in their eleventh year, the awards recognise business success the length and breadth of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Around 350 business leaders will attend the ceremony at St Mellion in May, which will be presented by Reggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur Levi Roots.

Cornwall Development Company Group managing director, Arthur Hooper, said: “We present these awards to show the world the staggering variety of business talent we have here in Cornwall. It’s really exciting to see so many companies being recognised for the first time – it shows the Cornish business scene is in rude health.”

Three of Cornwall’s brightest young business people face-off for Young Business Person of the Year, with Penryn digital marketing specialist Katherine George of Oh So Social up against Looe fitness guru Polly Rowe and Rob Carey, who built Helston-based GreenGen UK into a £1.5 million renewable energy business.

Another new business contender is Penryn’s We Are Cornwall, a website promoting 100 local businesses all year round.

In total, 15 awards will be presented on the night, including new categories Manufacturer of the Year and Most Sustainable Business.

Best International Business will see Frugi competing with Mylor Downs’ beekeeping equipment exporter BJ Sherriff, and Rockfish, whose unique non-split wellingtons are now sold on four continents.

Meanwhile, in Best Digital Marketing, multiple nominee Penzance-based TorFX is shortlisted with Watergate Bay’s self-catering Beach Retreats, and Truro-based Happy Little Soles, an ecommerce business selling barefoot-style children’s shoes.

Charities and social enterprises are recognised in Best Third Sector Business, where Looe Music Festival is nominated alongside two organisations working with veterans - Active Plus and Turn to Starboard – whose founder Shaun Pascoe said: "Our veterans are buzzing about being shortlisted for the Cornwall Business Awards. As none of us own a black tie, our only dilemma now is whether the organisers will be happy if we all turn up in wet weather gear and sailing boots."

A full list of the award nominees can be found online at cornwallbusinessawards.co.uk.