Success will involve convincing the judges of successful introduction of a new idea, technique or technology that could be a product service or process. Last year, the winner went on to become overall Business of the Year. The three finalists include one

Success will involve convincing the judges of successful introduction of a new idea, technique or technology that could be a product service or process. Last year, the winner went on to become overall Business of the Year.

The three finalists include one of last year's runners-up in this category, which, in common with a second finalist, is involved in security, and a new approach product-labelling compliance for shops whose principal customer-base does not speak much English.

Tensor plc, from Hail Weston, has developed a fingerprint-reading system that can detect whorls, arches and loops through the oil, coal dust or other contaminants that defeat convention fingerprint-recognition technology. It was delivered on the back of the company's advanced biometric systems.

The Terrorism and Crime Prevention Agency, based in Brampton, was created to address the impact that acts of terrorism and criminality can have on businesses.

It has developed Project Zeus - named after the Greek god who protected the weak and punished the wicked - which includes training staff in terrorist prevention tactics and in evaluating the security of their premises. It has also developed a "grab bag" that it says can protect up to 10 employees.

Cambridgeshire Trading Standards developed the EATING project in response to the growing number of shops being opened to supply products aimed at migrant workers. Many products are labelled in the host language which, although perfectly understood by the migrants, is incomprehensible to English-speakers and does not, therefore, comply with EU labelling regulations. The scheme is an innovative way for an enforcement authority to deal with that at the same time as developing social integration.