Pirate FM is celebrating after being named a finalist in the prestigious National Business Awards, with Orange.

The station and owners UKRD have made the short list for the Croner Employer of the Year award, up against stiff national competition.

Pirate FM MD Beverley Warne said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Pirate FM and UKRD. To have been shortlisted in the National Business Awards as Croner Employer of the Year up against so many well known and impressive organisations is a remarkable achievement. I believe it recognises our commitment to empowering our employees to make decisions locally based solely on the interests of local listeners and businesses.”

Simon Perryman, CEO of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and judge for the category said: “Commercial radio operator UKRD is building success through genuine empowerment of its station managers backed by engagement and bespoke training.”

The National Business Awards, in association with Orange, has today revealed over 150 of Britain’s leading businesses and business leaders as finalists in the prestigious awards programme. Organisations shortlisted include a range of private, public and third sector companies, including National Grid, Marks and Spencer, and London Early Years Foundation.

Open to organisations of all sizes from all sectors across the UK, the National Business Awards is the UK’s most prestigious independent business recognition platform with its particular emphasis on excellence, innovation and ethical business.

The finals are held in London later this year.