ANOTHER Langport business is celebrating after being nominated for a county-wide award.

O2i Design, a family-run architectural design practice based in Cheapside, has been shortlisted for business of the year at the Somerset Business Awards.

The business is one of three nominees in the two to five employee category.

The Western Gazette reported last week that the town was celebrating the unprecedented nomination of four finalists in a Somerset magazine's food and drink awards.

Established in 2001 by Duncan Pyle, 02i Design boasts a portfolio of successful projects including commercial and residential, education, and research facilities. The nucleus of the team consists of Duncan Pyle, his wife Andrea and brother Geoffrey.

This business has been recognised for its professionalism, dedication to customers and staff, and its progressive approach to business.

Organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the Somerset Business Awards aim to recognise outstanding, profitable businesses from across the county.

The criteria for the awards are designed to give recognition to the ambition, profitability, growth, sound business planning and customer satisfaction of the nominees. Contenders have been selected from across the whole of Somerset.

Mr Pyle said: "We consider these awards to be a goal for businesses to aim for. It is a huge honour and accolade to be chosen from across the whole of Somerset, and we are tremendously proud to be amongst the finalists.

"How appropriate for a little town which has great examples of architecture, ranging from Tudor homes steeped in history to innovative modern sustainable family homes.

"Langport is considered by some as the smallest town in England, and as an historic market town on the Somerset Levels is rapidly establishing itself as a business centre of excellence."

O2i Design provides architectural design services to a wide spectrum of clients for a broad range of projects.

Specialising in high-quality, sustainable architecture, the family business has both a national and international reputation for creating innovative, award-winning design solutions for individuals and businesses alike.

An awards ceremony will be held with more than 250 like-minded professionals, on Friday, October 21, at Somerset County Cricket ground.

The nominated businesses will be represented in a short video presented over dinner prepared by Bridgwater College students.

Last week the Western Gazette reported on the town's bid to become a food and drink capital of Somerset following a string of nominations in a Somerset magazine's food and drink awards.

The shortlisted businesses are Merricks Farm, of Langport, a finalist for best organic product/trader, Feast Catering, of Muchelney, finalist for best chef, and Burrow Hill Cider, of Kingsbury Episcopi, finalist for best drink product.

Evans the Butchers, of Langport, is a finalist for best butcher and for the prestigious 2011 Somerset Food Hero award.

The results will be revealed on Thursday, October 20.