A regional daily has published a supplement revealing the most influential businesses in its area as part of the newspaper’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

The Cambridge News has published the top 125 businesses in the region after a panel of judges pinpointed companies and other organisations that have been most influential in shaping the local economy.

The newspaper, now owned by Local World, also selected the top three firms from the past century and a quarter in the bumper pull-out which featured shops, manufacturers and service firms dating back to the Victorian era.

Enterprises which sprang up between the wars were also included, as well as companies which have their roots in the 1960s, 70s and 80s when Cambridge became a major regional shopping destination.

The special supplement focussed on local businesses in Cambridge

The supplement, which was put together by chief reporter Chris Elliott and laid out by designer John Meredith, also featured more recent businesses from the high-tech 90s up to the modern day.

Cambridge News editorial director Mike Richardson said: “We’re very proud to have reached our 125th birthday, and earlier in the year we produced a supplement telling the story of how the paper came into being in 1888, and looking at the big stories it has covered over the years.

“The Business 125 pull-out was intended as a tribute to our leading companies, young and old, and has been extremely well received.

“The 125 companies were selected from a list of about 300 nominations.”

The supplement began life as a 24-pager, but swelled to 40 pages as advertisers flocked to get on board.

“A judging panel of five experts from the business scene had the difficult job of picking the final list,” added Mike.