A NORTH Yorkshire company has been shortlisted for a national award.

Professional Information, which is based at The Aske Stables, Richmond, is in the running for a Small Business Award 2004.

From thousands of entries nationwide, nine small businesses were selected from those in the North, Humberside and Lincolnshire to compete for a place in the national final in November.

A spokesman for competition organiser Parcelforce Worldwide said: "We have been very impressed with the high standard of entries this year and the shortlisted companies are all high calibre. Competition is set to be tough."

There is a £30,000 prize for the overall national winner and four other awards of £5,000.