THE shortlist for the best small business in the 2009 Guernsey Awards for Achievement has given three companies a massive boost.

Betley Whitehorne, Resolution IT and The Potting Shed have each been nominated for the Natwest-sponsored award for the first time.

And for all three it is the icing on the cake after a fantastic 2009.

‘Delighted, honoured and thrilled,’ said Chris Betley (pictured), managing director of advertising agency Betley Whitehorne.

‘It’s our 18th birthday in 2010, so it sort of feels like we’re coming of age. It’s certainly a great early birthday present to be nominated.’

Steve Brehaut, director of IT support and services business Resolution IT, was similarly delighted.

‘We are really pleased our young company, which is succeeding in tough trading conditions, is recognised for what we are trying to do, and that is to be different to the rest.’

Jay Aylmer, managing director of design, advertising and marketing agency The Potting Shed, said the company put itself forward for the awards after a successful year in relation to growth and encouragement from a client.

‘There are a number of achievements that we are proud of, but the one element that I’m most proud of is the top level staff that we’ve managed to secure for the company over the year, and for coming years.