A Keighley Internet pet store with the name thedogs-bollocks.co.uk has been shortlisted as a finalist in the best website category of the small business world's equivalent of the Oscars.

The Daily Telegraph/usecolor.com Small Business Awards recognise the contribution small businesses make to the UK economy, and awards are presented in three categories - best new business, best growth through technology and best website.

Over 600 companies entered the awards this year and the standard was higher than ever. Total prizes worth £20,000 will be awarded to winning companies at an awards presentation lunch to be held in central London today.

Thedogs-bollocks.co.uk is an Inter-net business specialising in pet bedding. Set up at the end of last year by Nicola Nutton, as an offshoot to her two existing retail pet stores in Keighley Market, the online company started up with an initial budget of £3,000. However, unlike many other new dot.com retailers, the quality of products being sold had already been proven at the market and a policy of 'the price you see is the price you pay' was observed from the outset.

Nicola said: "We are really excited to have got through to this stage and are looking forward to finding out if we are to receive an accolade.

"I chose the name for the site because I thought it was unusual and a bit daring, which should make it one that people will remember."

The Keighley Market Pet Store started in 1936 and has been in Nicola's family for over 30 years. She prides herself on quality, affordable pet products and friendly, personal service.

Usecolor.com is sponsoring the awards to support the growth of effective and innovative new businesses in the UK. Gerry Callaghan, chief executive, said: "Businesses with under 250 employees account for 99 per cent of the entire business population and are the engine room of the British economy. It is therefore very important for us to recognise and encourage business excellence in this growing sector."

Usecolor.com is an online service which helps small businesses to save time and money and keep one step ahead. It provides independent, professional advice and solutions, as well as access to big-business discounts on essential office purchases.