Thirty-five businesses will compete for a coveted Welsh Business Award next month, at the annual South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce ceremony.
Leading the nominations are Newport-based manufacturer SPTS Technologies, LBS Builders Merchants in Carmarthenshire, green business Thermal Compaction Group, and Guide Dogs Cymru – all of which have been shortlisted in at least two categories.
The 2016 awards, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and once again sponsored by the University of South Wales, will take place on Thursday 23 February at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff. The event will be hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones for the second year running.
“The Chamber’s Welsh Business Awards has become an important date in the nation’s business calendar – not only for celebrating our members’ success but also for recognising the qualities that have enabled these businesses to succeed,” said Heather Myers, director of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce.
“It has been a challenging year for our businesses. No one really knows what Brexit will mean for them. Despite this uncertainty, Welsh companies continued to excite and innovate, and we’re pleased to be able to celebrate that spirit.”
The Welsh Business Awards were launched to recognise the achievements of new and established businesses across a variety of sectors in Wales. Finalists range from well-known charity Tenovus Cancer Care and the not-for-profit Abergavenny Food Festival, through to innovative agricultural technology start-up, Phytoponics.
Newport-based legal conveyancing firm Convey Law was named overall winner of last year’s awards, in recognition of its innovative approach to business. Having established a Conveyancing Academy – the first online training portal in the conveyancing industry, it also scooped an award for its Commitment to Skills and People Development at both the Welsh and British awards.
“To be judged against other fantastic businesses in Wales and be successful was a wonderful achievement, particularly given we had stepped outside our conveyancing profession to evaluate our business against others outside our industry,” said Lloyd Davies, managing director of Convey Law.
“The Chamber Awards – both regionally and nationally – were very special events and we are very proud to have played a part in the process. Taking part has assisted a small part of our business to grow into a significant aspect of what we do.”
Siwan Rees, director of USW Exchange at the University of South Wales, said the university was delighted to be sponsoring the Awards again this year: “Through our partnership with the South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce, we hope to help support their members by providing expert advice and encouraging business development and growth.
“USW Exchange aims to make it even easier for SMEs to access expertise within the University as well as future talent and the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. These Awards help to celebrate the very best in business, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The winners of each category have the opportunity to progress to the British Chamber Awards when entries open in the spring.