THE excitement is mounting ahead of tomorrow night's Daily Post Regional Business Awards final. The black tie event takes place at St George's Hall and has attracted more than 500 guests. The aim of the evening is to recognise the immense contribution of businesses of all sizes to the increasing prosperity of our region. It is the successes of firms large and small that provides the jobs and wealth that are so much needed by the rest of society. In all, eight awards will be made to businesses that range from recent start-ups to some that have been around for centuries. The businesses on our shortlist, published inside, range from the very small, with sales measured at a few tens of thousands of pounds, to those that are parts of groups with billions of pounds worth of sales made around the globe. It should be a great evening, set as it is in the magnificent surrounds of one of the finest neo-classical buildings in the world. Peter Sissons, the BBC broadcaster and native Liverpudlian, will host the evening. It is the third year running he has taken on the role of MC. Sports psychologist Michael Caulfield will give an after-dinner speech and there will be live jazz. Daily Post acting editor Rob Irvine said: "This event is now an established part of the annual business calendar on Merseyside. "I am sure that this year's event will live up to the expectations created by the highly successful awards we have run in the past. "We run this event at the Daily Post because business is a critical part our coverage. Our newspaper seeks to stay on top of all the big issues going on locally and report them to you, while achieving the highest professional standards. "It has been a fascinating year on Merseyside. Economic growth has accelerated sharply. The physical regeneration of the region is in full swing. Major projects are well under way. The evidence is there for all to see with 21 cranes on the city centre skyline. "The decision by JP Morgan Chase to base its new investment arm in Liverpool is a sure sign that things are picking up. "We need to keep a focus on what lies ahead. There is the 800-year anniversary in 2007 and that is immediately followed by the 2008 Capital of Culture year. "The business community in particular can make a lasting contribution to the legacy of these momentous occasions. I guess the key factors that make all the difference are a common sense of purpose, a sense of strategic direction and new found confidence. "We are also very grateful to our sponsors, KPMG and DLA Piper for their excellent support. We are also grateful to the many category sponsors for their support." billgleeson@dailypost.co.uk | 
