THE Warrington Business Awards returns this summer and this year the power is in our readers' hands which company walks away with the Retailer of the Year Award.

Five finalists have been shortlisted for the prize for Warrington Guardian readers to vote on.

Entries were submitted based on criteria including current business performance, understanding of the market, vision/strategy for future development and a stand-out quality that makes the business a potential award winner from the Warrington or WA area.

And the nominees are:

Black Sheep Wools, Culcheth

Founded in Culcheth in 1983, Black Sheep Wools has evolved to become the UK’s leading independent retailer of knitting and needlecraft. Combining an online business with more than 50,000 products ready for immediate dispatch with the Craft Barn in Culcheth, Black Sheep Wools is a local success story.

Edith & Winston Bridalwear, Knutsford

Founded in 2014 by Warrington born Rebecca Lord-Lyon, Edith & Winston Bridalwear is a plus size specialist bridalwear boutique. Rapidly growing an online following, with contact in the UK and overseas, Edith & Winston is a local business with a growing reputation and exciting plans for the future.

Disability Trading Company, Warrington

Having grown considerably over the past five years, The Disability Trading Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Warrington Disability Partnership. As a social enterprise, the company is able to provide invaluable advice and support to customers that is wholly appropriate rather than being the most profitable, as well as providing sign-posting to local support services where applicable.

Stockton Heath Travel, Stockton Heath

As keen advocates for supporting local traders, Stockton Heath Travel has been an independent travel agency for more than 20 years.

Providing face-to-face travel advice to a strong and loyal client base, Stockton Heath Travel has an enviable reputation for providing ongoing client service way beyond simply booking flights and holidays.

Johnsons Hairdressers, Stockton Heath

Seventy years after Fred Johnson opened his first hair salon in Warrington, Johnsons remains a successful family run business.

Having launched an apprentice programme in 2007, Johnsons has a track record of producing young successful hairdressers of the highest quality - priding themselves on their outstanding customer service and their loyal client base.

Andrew Aldridge, organising committee member of the Warrington Business Awards, said: “We are delighted that the Warrington Guardian is sponsoring the Retailer of the Year Award at this year’s Warrington Business Awards. "The quality of entries received this year was phenomenal and this was particularly the case with Retailer of the Year. "We believe the five finalists represent great businesses, with real commitment to serving customers whilst also growing successful businesses.”

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to everyone who voted. We will now count all our emailed votes and add them to the ballot ahead of the result being revealed at the Warrington Business Awards 2016 on June 10 at Lymm Rugby Club.

To book a table at the awards, visit warringtonbusinessawards.co.uk.