MAKING the shortlist for the best medium-sized business in the 2009 Guernsey Awards for Achievement has topped off a great year for three companies.

Network Insurance, Schroders and Vets4Pets have each been nominated for the BWCI–sponsored award, which one of them will collect at February’s gala evening.

Network Insurance director June Goater (pictured) said being shortlisted had come as a complete surprise for the family-run business she owns with husband Douglas.

‘We know a few of the companies that didn’t make it so it surprised us that we did, but we are so pleased to have got there.’

At Vets4Pets, the nomination has coincided with the opening of its 50th practice, this time in Kettering.

It currently has 51 across Britain, including one in Guernsey, with plans to open one new practice per month for the next 12 months.

Managing director Peter Watson said the nomination meant a lot and represented a real turning point for the business.

Schroders chief executive Julian Winser was similarly delighted with making the shortlist.

He said it was a fantastic achievement for the 32 staff the business employs in Guernsey after another hard-working but successful year.