Shortlisted finalists for the 2014 Welsh Business Awards have been revealed by the South Wales Chamber of Commerce.
Thirty-four businesses in total make up the shortlist, with Newport-based SPTS Technologies, a manufacturer of semi-conductor wafer processing equipment used in a range of electrical components, leading the nominations having been shortlisted in three categories. Insurance-comparison company, ActiveQuote from Cardiff, distributor of power generators and garden machinery, Genpower from Pembroke Dock and S&C Electric Europe, a Swansea-based electrical engineering company, have been shortlisted in two categories apiece.
In its 13th consecutive year, the Welsh Business Awards, sponsored by the University of South Wales, will take place on Thursday 26 February at the Vale Resort, and will be hosted by former Olympic skier-turned-TV presenter, adventurer and journalist, Graham Bell.
Graham Morgan, director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Awards celebrate the success stories of Welsh businesses who are not only at the forefront of their own sectors, but who also contribute to the overall growth of the Welsh economy.
“As the economic recovery takes hold, it’s important to recognise the achievements of leading businesses. The Awards are a key event in our calendar year and, through the Chamber’s expertise and links, both in and outside of the UK, we will actively support all entrants as they look to further expand their businesses.”
Last year, SERS Energy Solutions Group won the Most Promising Growth Business category, and went on to be named Welsh Company of the Year, chosen from all 10 of the Award categories.
On picking up the award, Amy Skerratt, marketing manager at SERS Energy Solutions, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have not only won the Most Promising Growth Business Award but to have also been chosen as the Welsh Company of the Year at the South Wales Chamber of Commerce Welsh Business Awards.
“2013 was again a successful year for SERS and we are looking to continue to grow all services in the energy efficiency marketplace and expand into new sectors, including the rental market and self-builders.
“We pride ourselves on excellent customer service delivered by our dedicated workforce and hope that this award is the start of continued success.”
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 a share of £50,000.
The full shortlist for the 2014 Welsh Business Awards:
Community Contribution/Youth Development, sponsored by Constructing Excellence in Wales:
Cardiff Central Sports & Recreation, Cardiff
Monmouthshire Building Society, Newport
Pinkspiration, Abercynon
Stadco Powys, Llanfyllin
Innovation/Improvement to Practices:
Hains & Lewis Solicitors, Haverfordwest
SPTS Technologies, Newport
uStrike Ltd, Newtown
Vale Europe Ltd, Swansea
Environmental Impact, sponsored by RWE:
Amber Services, Hengoed
S&C Electric Europe Ltd, Swansea
SPTS Technologies, Newport
Welsh Rural/Tourism Achievement, sponsored by Arriva Trains Wales:
Best of Wales / Y Gorau o Gymru, Abercynon
Celtic Quest Coasteering, Haverfordwest
The Giltar Hotel, Tenby
Skills & People Development, sponsored by Cambrian Training:
C&T Electrical, Pontypridd
Melin Energy Consultants Ltd, Llanelli
SPTS Technologies, Newport
Renewable Energy/Sustainability, sponsored by Port of Milford Haven:
Dan Yr Ogof The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Swansea
Marine Power Systems Ltd, Swansea
S&C Electric Europe Ltd, Swansea
Technology Application, sponsored by Western Power Distribution:
ActiveQuote, Cardiff
Service Tracker Ltd, Caerphilly
Woosabi, Cardiff
Business Start Up, sponsored by RBS:
Hang Fire Smokehouse, Llantwit Major
Infinity Document Solutions, Swansea
Innovation Makers, Ebbw Vale
Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, Haverfordwest
International Business – Newcomer, sponsored by Welsh Government:
C&P Engineering Services, Swansea
Coco Pzazz, Powys
Genpower, Pembroke Dock
Zipporah, Wentloog
International Business – Experienced, sponsored by Welsh Government:
Concrete Canvas, Treforest
Invertek Drives, Welshpool
Lumishore, Swansea
Markes International, Llantrisant
Most Promising Growth Business, sponsored by Freshwater:
ActiveQuote, Cardiff
Balmoral Tanks, Pontyclun
Genpower, Pembroke Dock
SA Flyers, Swansea