The South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce are calling on businesses and entrepreneurs from across Wales to enter the Welsh Business Awards 2015.
Now in their 14th year, the awards, which are sponsored by the University of South Wales, celebrate the best of Welsh businesses and the contribution they make to the wider community and Welsh economy.
The Welsh Business Awards 2015 are now open for entries across 10 different categories, including awards for Start Up Business of the Year, Growth Business of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the National Museum Cardiff on 25 February 2016.
This year will also see the addition of three new categories: Excellence in Marketing and Communication, Commitment to Customer Service and the President’s Award, which will recognise the outstanding achievements and contribution of a member of the Welsh business community.
As with previous years, a ‘winner of winners’ will also be selected with the winners of each category going head-to-head to be selected as the ‘Welsh Company of the Year’.
Keith Palmer, chief executive of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have a great deal to be proud of here in Wales and the Welsh Business Awards showcase and celebrate the achievements of businesses.
“Every year the standard of entries continues to climb and I’m sure that this year will be no different. We have adjusted some of the categories this year and introduced some new ones to ensure that the awards reflect the ever-evolving nature of the business world. We hope to receive entries from across the whole of Wales.
“The introduction of the President’s Award is particularly exciting as it will acknowledge an individual who has dedicated the last 20 years or so to enhancing the Welsh business community.”
Tom Chapman, head of the business school at the University of South Wales, said: “The South Wales Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in fostering business growth in Wales and it is vital that we work closely with the private sector and business organisations to ensure our courses are delivering the best possible value to both our students and the business community.
“The standard of entries for the Welsh Business Awards is always extremely high. We are delighted to be sponsoring the awards for the third consecutive year and to play a role in acknowledging the achievements of companies and entrepreneurs who are contributing to Wales’ economic prosperity.”
The Welsh Business Awards 2014 saw Welshpool-based Invertek Drives Ltd crowned the overall Welsh Business of the Year. The company, which employs more than 150 people at its head office in Welshpool, designs and manufactures variable speed frequency drives for the control of electronic motors. The company sells its products through partners and joint ventures in 80 countries worldwide and established its own trading operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany and Italy during 2014.
Rhydian Welson, sales and marketing director at Invertek Drives, said: “Winning the Welsh Business of the Year award earlier this year was an opportunity for the whole team to celebrate just how far we’ve come since we started out. Trading in export markets brings a number of specific challenges so we are extremely proud that our success has been recognised.
“Being able to compete with major global players takes a significant amount of effort across all aspects of the business. The exposure gained from winning awards can help open a number of doors, including securing finance, recruiting the calibre of people we need and identifying suitable sales partners.”
The closing date for entries is 11 December 2015 and shortlisted finalists will be announced during January 2016.