Ten companies, from the North and the Republic have been short-listed for the Compaq Ireland Trade Awards.

The awards, presented on a cross-border basis, and recognise the importance of trade and business co-operation throughout Ireland.

The awards may be presented to an individual, company group or an organisation that has contributed significantly to expanding trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic. The overall winner of the award receives £10,000 worth of Compaq Computer equipment and expert advice on computing solutions. There are four categories: small business Northern Ireland (50 employees or under); Small Business, Republic of Ireland (50 employees or under); Large Business Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland (more than 50 employees).

Among those short-listed for this year's award are Armagh-based company Thomas McLaughlin Ltd. The firm is a specialist supplier of catering utensils to hotels and restaurants in the North and the Republic.

The firm, whose multi-million turnover has grown steadily over the last four years employs 100 people. It employs 21 people in its Dublin office and more than 50 per cent of its trade is cross border.

Sligo-based engineering manufacturing group Mulmuff Ltd is one of those short-listed in the Small Business category. The company, which has experienced a considerable upsurge in trade with Northern Ireland is currently considering expansion plans.