The South Wales Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses across Wales to enter the 2013 Welsh Business Awards.
Supported by the University of South Wales, the awards are now in their 12th year and celebrate business excellence through the successes and achievements of the Accredited Chambers of Commerce and their members. There are nine categories in total including awards for Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Welsh Rural/Tourism Achievement, and Start-Up Businesses < two years old.
The awards are one of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce’s flagship events and will culminate in a ceremony at the Vale Resort on 27 February 2014.
Graham Morgan, director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “This last year has seen businesses in Wales really step up to the mark in the face of recessionary pressures. They have been forced to explore new markets and develop forward thinking ways of working, and this is directly reflected in the improvements we are seeing in the wider economy.
“These are achievements that deserve to be celebrated, and these awards prove that it is possible to succeed in business in the current climate, as well as recognising those who are making a real difference in the Welsh business world.
“Previous winners have seen the benefits and influence of the Chamber brand in the UK and across the world as a real deal breaker when pursuing strategies for growth, and we hope to see entries from all corners of the country.”
Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Society at the University of South Wales, said: “The South Wales Chamber of Commerce plays a significant role in encouraging business growth throughout Wales, as well as having a particular focus in South Wales. It is therefore vital that the University works closely with organisations such as the Chamber to develop courses and deliver knowledge transfer through our applied research and consultancy.
The awards always deliver a high calibre of entrants from a range of fantastic companies. We are therefore proud to sponsor the South Wales Chamber of Commerce Awards and look forward to seeing a large number of highly successful businesses and business people entering and winning the awards”.
Last year saw Celtic Quest Coasteering (CQC), a Pembrokeshire company that takes thrill seekers exploring along the west Wales coastline, crowned the overall ‘Winner of Winners’. A small, family business, CQC has established itself as direct competition to other larger adventure activity providers within the tourism industry, reaching number one in the tourism website Trip Advisor’s ‘Things to do in the UK’ list, coming out ahead of the UK’s biggest attractions such as Alton Towers and Lego Land.
The company, along with four other award winners, has gone on to be nominated for the UK-wide British Chamber of Commerce awards, and winners will be announced later this month.
Cleopatra Browne, from Celtic Quest Coasteering, said: “There were so many strong entries to last year’s awards and we were delighted to be chosen as the overall winner. Wales has lots of successful businesses and these prestigious awards recognise the talent and expertise that we have on our doorstep.
“There is certainly kudos that comes with being an award winner, and we have been proud to advertise the fact on our marketing materials. I have no doubt that that it has helped to attract new clients and secure additional bookings.”
Graham Morgan added: “The awards show just what is being achieved by businesses here in Wales, and I hope that the success of Celtic Quest Coasteering and others will act as an inspiration to all of this year’s entrants.”
The closing date for entries is Tuesday 18 December 2013 and shortlisting will be completed by December 20. Businesses which make the list will be required to attend interviews in early January 2014.
Businesses who wish to find out more should visit www.southwaleschamber.co.uk