Two of Scotland’s fastest growing software companies have been shortlisted at The Herald’s Scottish Digital Business Awards.

Fantasy sports game firm FanDuel and shopping app maker Mallzee are battling it out alongside motor dealer Arnold Clark in the best mobile app category.

Equator’s John McLeish, Gary Ennis of NSDesign and SwarmOnline’s Andrew Duncan are nominated for the digital professional of the year award.

Equator is also named in the best use of social media along with Betty and Bee, FreeAgent and Yard Digital.

While In the educating and training category NSDesign makes the shortlist alongside eCom Scotland.

Screenmedia, Storm ID, The Zen Agency and xDesign are the ones which get the nod in the digital agency of the year shortlist.

Judges said there had been a record number of entries in the seventh year of the awards.

They added they were impressed with the number of agencies experiencing double digit and triple digit percentage growth in revenue as well as those increasingly operating outside Scotland.

David Mains, director of Enigma People Solutions and chairman of the judging panel, said: “Each year I am astounded with the quality of entrants for the Digital Agency Award and this year is no different. Each of the nominees has demonstrated creative excellence and innovation in their entries and all are highly deserving of this recognition in the industry.”

Other nominees include Swipii, Clear Returns, LendingCrowd, LEWIS, MadeBrave, The Lane Agency, Carr Gomm, Euan’s Guide, Spider Online, The Zen Agency, Digital Six, CalMac Ferries and Senshi Digital.

Brian Williamson, managing director of Jumpstart, said: The “digital economy” is now one of the main drivers in the global marketplace as digital channels increasingly govern the nature of commercial transactions. Jumpstart is proud to support individuals and companies that make new ideas possible, stretching the boundaries of digital ventures and changing the way Scottish businesses contribute to the digital economy.”

Chris Yiu, digital director at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “The standard of entries for the new charity and social enterprise category was fantastic, with many excellent examples of how digital can be used for social good. All of our finalists should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

Margaret Darroch, head of skills academy and development at City of Glasgow College, said: “Huge congratulations to all shortlisted for Education and Training Award. I was most impressed by the high quality of applications for this category and range of digital platforms to enhance education and training demonstrating Scotland continues to push e-learning boundaries.”

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at the Business Gateway National Unit said: “Congratulations to everyone who has reached this stage of the competition. Every finalist has already demonstrated their strong credentials and it is impressive to see the quality of businesses operating in the eCommerce sector, and wider digital industry, in Scotland. We wish them all good luck at the Awards which is shaping up to be a great celebration of the strength of Scotland’s digital economy.”

People from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Glasgow Caledonian University and University of Strathclyde were nominated in the student award.

Eileen McLaren, director of software development at FanDuel, which is backing the category, said: "This year’s student category attracted a high calibre of entries, showcasing the wealth of up and coming digital talent that we have here in Scotland."

The awards ceremony takes place on October 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow. For more information on how to attend the awards visit www.herald-events.com/digitalawards or contact Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407.