A COBBLER, a tattooist, and an Indian take-away specialising in healthy foods are among the ten finalists in the Wyre Forest Business Idol Competition being run by the Kidderminster Big Breakfast Club in association with the Shuttle/-Times & News.

They were voted the top entrants of the 17 who responded to the challenge to find the most enterprising and potentially best fledgling businesses in the area.

Each of the ten now hopes to win the £1,000 first prize and benefit from over £2,500 worth of business advice offered by the members of the Breakfast Club.

Judging is now taking place. Each week two of the finalists in turn are being invited to a regular meeting of the club to explain in more detail why they think their business should win the top prize. But this is not a Dragon's Den ordeal on the lines of the TV series.

"We are a friendly bunch and hope we can put our visitors at ease before they are given 10 minutes to tell us more about their hopes and plans," said club chairman Rob Harris.

"By the end of the month we will have seen all ten and then we will hold a special meeting to choose the three grand finalists. They will be invited to a gala evening on Thursday, July 10, when the winner will be decided."

Mr Harris added: "Every one of the 17 entrants showed merit and it proved to us that there are plenty of people in the Wyre Forest area with the courage and vision to set up and run their own businesses.

The top ten finalists, in no particular order, are: Canine Massage Therapy Centre, Call Miss Smith (PA provider), HR Today (human resourcing), The Balloon Shop, Wyre Forest Computer Solutions (blocking pornography), Auto Pro Valeting, Tattoo specialist, Kidderminster Shoe Repairs, HIPS Tutis Online, and Indian Take Away (healthy eating).

All the meetings are taking place at La Brasserie restaurant in Lower Mill Street. The Big Breakfast Club meets there on Tuesday mornings at 7am. For details call Rob Harris on 07816 270792.