Pictured above: Brett Critchley, managing director of Orchid 

Derby-based Orchid IT, the Midlands' leading supplier of IT support and services, is flying the flag for the Midlands, as it attempts to win the coveted title of IT Support Company of the Year.

Just a year after scooping the title of Business of the Year at the 2009 Business Awards Derbyshire, Orchid is battling it out on the national stage after being shortlisted for IT Support Company of the Year at this year's Microscope Aces Awards.

To reach this stage, the Pride Park-based company has already had to undergo a rigorous selection process by a panel of judges comprising of leading industry experts and is the only firm outside of the South to make the final shortlist.

Now, it will be left to the customers and peers of the eight shortlisted companies to make their judgement in an online vote, which closes on 1st April. To ensure a fair voting process, shortlisted companies will not be allowed to vote for themselves and only one vote will be permitted per e-mail address.

The winners will be announced at The ACEs, a gala dinner, which is taking place at the Lancaster Hotel in London on Wednesday 26 May. 

Now in their fifth year, the Microscope Ace Awards are designed to recognise and reward the strength and depth of the reseller, distributor and vendor tiers and give some of the channel's unsung heroes a chance to get the recognition they deserve. 

Commenting on the nomination, Brett Critchley, managing director of Orchid said: "The Microscope Ace Awards honour the industry's top IT companies and we are delighted to be shortlisted alongside some incredible firms. 

"To have reached the final of these national awards is an incredible achievement and builds on our success at last year's Business Awards Derbyshire."

Financial director James Twigg, added: "To be the only IT support firm in the Midlands reflects our commitment to providing our customers with a unrivalled level of service."