Shortlisted finalists for the 2013 Welsh Business Awards have been revealed by the South Wales Chamber of Commerce.
It is the 12th consecutive year for the premier business awards in Wales and the gala dinner will take place on Thursday 27 February at the Vale Resort. The awards, sponsored by the University of South Wales, are seen as one of the Chambers’ flagship events which celebrate excellence in business across Wales.
This year’s gala dinner will see a Winter Olympics theme to tie in with the Winter Games, which take place in Sochi, Russia during the same month, and will be hosted by former Olympic skier turned TV presenter, adventurer and journalist, Graham Bell
The 33 companies that make up the shortlist will compete across 10 categories such as International Business, Most Promising Growth Business, Business Start Up and Innovation/Improvement to Practices, while there will also be an award for Welsh Company of the Year which will be decided from amongst the category winners.
Leading the nominations are Newport-based businesses GD Environmental Services and SPTS Technologies with two nominations apiece, while Chepstow-based Mabey Bridge, Swansea-based S&C Electric and Llanelli-based Dawn Meats are also nominated in two categories.
Graham Morgan, director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “The awards are a key event in our calendar year and celebrate the successes of those businesses that are at the forefront of not only their own sectors, but in helping to improve our economy in Wales.
“As we see more and more confidence return to the marketplace, it’s important that we recognise the achievements of our leading businesses through established awards linked to the Chamber’s brand given the benefits of its international reach. The Chamber will actively support all entrants across all categories as they look to grow further.”
Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Society at the University of South Wales, said: “The awards always deliver a high calibre of entrants from a range of fantastic companies, as has been demonstrated again this year. Utilising the knowledge gained through their teaching, applied research and consultancy, a team from the University of South Wales Business School participated on judging panels for the award categories. The large number of outstanding firms in the running made the process particularly difficult this year.
“We are, therefore, proud to sponsor the Welsh Business Awards for a third consecutive year and are confident that the businesses and entrepreneurs entering and winning the awards highlight the excellent activity taking place across Wales right now.”
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’.
Commenting on the achievement, Celtic Quest Coasteering founder and managing director, Cleopatra Browne, 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.”
The winners of each category can progress through to the British Chamber of Commerce Awards when entries open in the spring, where they will be in with a chance to win £50,000.
Welsh Business Awards – 2014 shortlist
Environmental Impact:
Chapter Arts, Cardiff
Dawn Meats, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
GD Environmental Services. Newport, Gwent
S&C Electric, Swansea
Community Contribution/Youth Development:
Ajuda, Cardiff
ACT Training, Cardiff
Dragon LNG, Milford Haven, Dyfed
Pembrokeshire Lottery, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire
Innovation/Improvement to Practices:
Hicks Logistics, Caldicot, Gwent
ICF Speedwall, Rogerstone, Newport
Quartix, Newtown, Powys
Spectrum Internet, Cardiff
International Business:
Bon Bon Buddies, Blackwood, Caerphilly
ISCA Ltd, Newport, Gwent
Mabey Bridge Ltd, Chepstow, Monmouthshire
SPTS Technologies, Newport, Gwent
Welsh Rural/Tourism Achievement:
Celtic Quest, Ambleston, Pembrokeshire
City & County of Swansea, Swansea
Mudtrek Bike Breaks, Llanllwni Mountain, Carmarthenshire
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire
Technology Application:
Autosonshow.tv, Cardiff
Charging Solutions Ltd, Powys
Glass Tech Recycling Ltd, Llandarcy, Neath
GTW Developments Ground Limited, Pontypool, Gwent
Renewable Energy/Sustainability:
Dawn Meats, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
Mabey Bridge Ltd, Chepstow, Monmouthshire
Princes Gate Spring Water, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
Most Promising Growth Business:
Crystal Group, Newport, Gwent
GD Environmental Services, Newport, Gwent
Genpower, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
SERS Energy Solutions Group Ltd, Caerphilly
Skills & People Development:
Service Master, Cwmbran, Gwent
SPTS Technologies, Newport, Gwent
S&C Electric, Swansea
Start Up Business:
Eva Build, Newtown, Powys
Kalite Holdings, Cardiff
Wales Interactive, Pencoed, Bridgend
Welsh ICE, Caerphilly
Welsh Company of the Year
Winner of winners