Companies as diverse as  Alltube, Ilembe Technologies, Jonsson Group, Tongaat Hulett and Elma Engineering are among those vying for Awards in The FNB KZN Top Business Portfolio  Awards 2008. 

The FNB KZN Top  Business Awards is an annual awards programme honouring great performances in business across all industrial categories in KwaZulu-Natal.  

Mr. David Montsho,  Provincial Executive of First National Bank KZN, stated that FNB's involvement in the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Portfolio Awards is part of the Bank's contribution to developing the Province.  FNB realizes that in this vibrant and volatile global market it is absolutely essential to portray a positive and confident market to the KwaZulu-Natal investor. By developing the economy of the Province, the widespread problems of unemployment and poverty will be addressed.

Grant Adlam , CEO of  the KZN Top Business Portfolio firmly believes that Awards are a great showcase of all that is good in KwaZulu-Natal's businesses and organisations. By communicating the achievements of successful companies in KwaZulu-Natal, they might serve as an example and an inspiration to others to do business in our province

The Awards will give us an opportunity to publicly reward companies and people who are doing the right thing in accordance with current government principles, said publisher Lalita Dhasiar.  They serve to show that the Province has a vibrant, dynamic and robust economy and are an advert of our abilities as well as an example for all of us of what is possible.

The Awards are being judged according to the nominated companies' achievements in each of the major sectors of the South African Standard Classification of all Economic Activities (SIC). These are Agriculture; Mining; Manufacturing; Utilities; Construction;

Trade; Transport, storage and communication; Financial and business services; and

Social and Community services.  Separate awards are given to a government department and municipality promoting socio-economic growth.  Over 150 nominations have been submitted for consideration

.Finalists are selected by business professionals during more than five weeks of judging as formal entries are submitted.  Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors will select winners from among the Finalists during the week of August 5.

Award winners will be announced during a gala event at the Durban ICC.

The complete list of Nominees in all categories is available at www.topbusiness.co.za