South Wales Chamber of Commerce has announced the shortlisted businesses for their annual Welsh Business Awards. Celebrating Welsh business success for 17 years, the awards are amongst the most highly sought after in Wales. As a result, an incredible amount of entries has been received this year from businesses across Wales from all sizes and all sectors.
41 impressive companies have been shortlisted across 10 categories, each of whom demonstrate why doing business in Wales is great for growth and sales. Leading the pack with three nominations are Apollo Teaching Services from Bridgend, who work closely with teachers and schools to improve the quality of supply teaching. They are shortlisted for the Success Through Innovation, Commitment to Skills and People Development and Excellence in Marketing and Communications awards.
Family-run business West Wales Holiday Cottages from Ceredigion and sustainable packaging company Transcend Packaging Ltd from Hengoed were also shortlisted for two categories each, including Excellence in Community Relations, Excellence in Environmental Management and Start-Up Business of the Year.
The awards recognise the very best from businesses nationwide. Welsh businesses, whether small, medium or large, not only drive the economy forward but they are at the heart of our communities, providing the jobs and livelihoods which create our neighbourhoods. These awards celebrate success, excellence in best practice, and the contribution Welsh businesses make to the wider community.
Heather Myers, CEO of South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce said: “I am so passionate about promoting Welsh businesses, like all our finalists, because they are the backbone of our economy. The Welsh Business Awards are the perfect way for businesses to celebrate with their staff, suppliers and clients and to promote their successes. Through these awards the South Wales Chamber of Commerce provides a vehicle for Welsh businesses to tell their stories and give them the recognition they deserve. I am very proud of the work that the Chamber does to support Welsh businesses, which I believe to be some of the most innovative, committed, and successful companies in the UK, as demonstrated by the calibre of these shortlisted companies.”
The University of South Wales supports the Welsh Business Awards for another year as the headline sponsor. Other sponsors include NPTC Group, Western Power Distribution, Pro-Steel Engineering, Associated British Ports South Wales, Construct A Quote, Heart Radio, Atradius, Bevan & Buckland, Milford Waterfront, and Effective Communication; who all sponsor individual categories of the awards.
Dr Louise Bright, Director of Research and Business Engagement at the University of South Wales, said: “Every year we come across so many inspirational entries, which makes the shortlisting process an exciting challenge. We’re grateful for the companies sponsoring the awards, who supported our judging process at the USW Exchange business hub and I’m confident that we’ve got strong shortlists in every single category.”
The full list of finalists is available on the Awards’ website. Nominations have been open since September, and judges have been blown away by the number of applications to categories such as ‘Success Through Innovation’, and ‘Start-Up Business of the Year’.
Winners of each category will be announced at a black-tie Gala dinner, hosted by Gethin Jones on Thursday 21 February 2019 at the City Hall in Cardiff. Tickets to the South Wales Chamber of Commerce Welsh Business Awards Gala Dinner can be booked by emailing [email protected].