A COMMUNITY nursing and home care business is hoping to win the double after being shortlisted in two categories in this year's South Devon Excellence Awards.

Platinum Plus Healthcare Ltd is one of one of only two companies to be shortlisted in more than one category.

It will compete in the Best New Business and Best Social Enterprise categories.

Co-founder and director Mike Ellis said it was an exciting time for the Lymington Road-based company.

He said: "Someone we know at South Devon College told us about the Excellence Awards.

"He suggested we put our name forward, and we did. Now we're shortlisted in two categories which is really exciting."

The company was one of the South West finalists in the HSBC Start-up Stars competition, facing competition from 11 others in the South West, including one other from Devon.

However Platinum Plus Healthcare Ltd was beaten by a green company with 30,000 customers in its first year.

Mr Ellis said: "The judges went for a bigger and more extravagant company.

"One of our staff, Jessica Scott, is in the running for the Home Care Worker of the Year in the Great South West Care Awards.

"It's a great achievement for our company in such as short time."

Mr Ellis said business was booming, adding: "We've had a lot of interest from potential customers.

"We don't have enough staff to take on the work, so we will have to expand to meet demand. It's fantastic."

The Excellence Awards will be one of the highlights of Enterprise Week, with the winners being announced at a special night and dinner in South Devon College's Horizons restaurant on November 18.

For more information on Enterprise Week visit the www.southdevon.ac.uk/enterprise website, or call Janice Morris on 01803 540395.

For more information on Platinum Plus Healthcare, call 01803 500104 or visit www.platinumplushealthcare. co.uk