Mubaloo, the app developer launched by Bristol-based serial entrepreneur Mark Mason, is among four firms competing in this year’s prestigious West of England Business of the Year Awards.
The finalists are going head-to-head in the category for businesses turning over up to £25m. There is also an award for businesses with turnovers above £25m. 
The coveted awards, now in their 26th year, are staged by international accountants PwC, in association with ITV West and Beacon South West.
They have gained a reputation built firmly on the thoroughness of the judging panel, which is made up of respected business figures from across the region.
This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on July 9 in Bristol, which will be hosted by Ian Axton of ITV West.
Mubaloo, which was recently named among the UK’s 50 fastest-growing and most-innovative businesses, works with major firms to develop innovative apps across a range of platforms including iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys and Windows Phone.
Since its launch in 2009, it has built more than 200 bespoke mobile apps for leading firms in the insurance, retail, gaming, utilities, telecoms, financial, logistics, construction, public and health sectors.
It has been recognised as App Developer of the Year 2012 & 2013 at the Appsters and holds a number of other awards for its work in creating transformative mobile tools.
Its clients include Hargreaves Lansdown, Haymarket, Laing O’Rourke, Reckitt Benckiser, Canon, HP, Aviva, the Met Office, RAC and Scania.
PwC West region chairman Matthew Hammond said: “This is my first year hosting these awards as regional chairman for PwC and I am very much looking forward to getting to know the finalists, celebrating their successes with the wider West region business community.
“The independent panel judges are looking for the best in class businesses from the West that are exceptional in all areas of their operation.”
The full list of finalists (£25m-plus category):
Bott, Bude, Cornwall. A leading manufacturer and supplier of workshop equipment, in-vehicle equipment and workplace systems.
Beard, Swindon. A family-run construction company focussed on innovative building solutions and collaborative working styles across the West and Central England.
Good Energy, Chippenham. A renewable electricity supplier, supplying over 40,000 customers and support over 59,000 homes, business and communities generating their own energy.
Loungers, Bristol. A chain of neighbourhood food-led cafe/bars, open all-day, everyday where families, friends and locals can come for a coffee, a drink, or something to eat in a relaxed comfortable environment.
Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth. One of the world’s leading super-yacht builders with a heritage spanning 24 years.
Vi-Spring, Plymouth. A leader in the market in luxury bed designs and manufacturing, whilst it has a British heritage, international exports are expanding.
The full list of finalists (less than £25m category):
ADEY Professional Heating Solutions, Cheltenham. A market-leading UK manufacturer of innovative products designed to serve the central heating sector.
Aero Stanrew, Barnstaple. A designer and manufacturer of ultra-high quality, highly-technical products for the aerospace industry.
Gro Group International, Ashburton. A global provider of trusted sleep solutions for families, to help settle their children to sleep.
Mubaloo, Bristol. Mobile app developer.
