THE Herald Scottish Digital Business Awards 2014 has moved into a key phase as the finalists for this year's programme are announced.

Entrants will learn their fate when the winners of 10 categories are unveiled at Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel on October 23, after a record number of entries were received.

Last year's winners included Glasgow agency Equator, which took two prizes.

The awards, now in their sixth year, are held to celebrate companies which develop their business and client base through the use of digital technology.

Judges, who have been assessing a broad range of projects since the 2014 campaign launched, say they have been heartened to see so many with growth potential.

However they said the defining theme this year is how successful the Scottish digital technology sector is becoming, with many agencies growing revenue in double and triple digit percentage terms. Many have also started making inroads into the US.

This year's awards are being held in association with Enigma People Solutions, Jumpstart, Metadigital, The University of Glasgow and Hillington Park Innovation Centre.

David Mains, director of Enigma People Solutions, said: "Each year I am astounded with the calibre of entrants for the digital agency award and this year is no different." Louise O'Connell, marketing manager for Hillington Park Innovation Centre, said: "Each finalist has already demonstrated their expertise by reaching this exciting stage."

John Macfarlane, director at Metadigital, described the diversity and quality of the entries as "staggering". And Brian Williamson, managing director of Jumpstart congratulated the "companies that made it to the final shortlist of the business to business award".

The 2014 finalists are: business to business award (sponsored by Jumpstart) - Emperor, Harper Macleod, Innovation Digital and Nucleus. Retail/e-commerce - Dojo Design Studio, LEWIS, Yard Direct. Public sector award - Alienation Digital, Blue2 Digital, CalMac Ferries, Historic Scotland, Wheatley Group. Best mobile application award - 21awake, Screenmedia, Tag Games, x-Design - Pocket FM. Consumer engagement award (Hillington Park Innovation Centre) - Chunk, LEWIS, reflexblue, The Weather. Education and training award (The University of Glasgow) -Blue2 Digital, Kotikan, Storm ID, Tango and Django. Student award (Metadigital) - Bia Nua, Gabriele Rossi, LockDown at the Royal Albert Hall. Best use of social media award - FreeAgent, Historic Scotland, Nucleus, The University of Glasgow. Digital professional of the year - Mike Ettle (Cobra Mobile), John McLeish (Equator), Chris Moore (Trick Creative), Scott Walker (LEWIS). Digital agency award (Enigma People Solutions) - Equator, LEWIS, Screenmedia, Storm ID.

For information on how to attend the awards visit www.herald-events.com/digitalawards