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.

The Finalists

Success Through Innovation

Apollo Teaching Services

Bionema Ltd

Cintec International Ltd

LegalinX-7Side

Third Millennium Systems

Commitment to Skills and People Development

Apollo Teaching Services

GE Aviation Wales

Parry & Evans Ltd

Gallagher

Commitment to Customer Service

Arvato

HJ Weir Engineering

MST Home Improvements

Pont Steffan Dental Practice

Valleys to Coast Housing

Excellence in Community Relations

Gallagher

Right at Home

St Brides Spa Hotel

The Community Impact Initiative C.I.C.

West Wales Holiday Cottages

Excellence in Environmental Management

DecTek Ltd

Refurbs Flintshire

Friars Walk

Transcend Packaging Ltd

Excellence in Marketing and Communications

Amber Energy

Apollo Teaching Services

Bridgend Ford

PHS Group

West Wales Holiday Cottages

Growth Business of the Year

11th Hour

MVRRS Group

Red Kite Law LLP

Steer IT Solutions Ltd

W2 Global Data Solutions Ltd

Start-Up Business of the Year

The British Bird of Prey Centre

The Tap End

Transcend Packaging Ltd

Vermilion Digital Marketing Ltd

Success Through Overseas Trade

Bearmach

Cell Path Ltd

Julia Brooker Paintings Ltd

Naissance Trading

Worldwide Drinks Ltd

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Daniel Shepherd – CanDo Laundry Services Ltd

Elliot Scott – DistanceWear

Kerry Ferguson – Gwe Cambrian Web Cyf

Jordan Day-Williams & Dean Richards – Steelhouse Productions

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.”

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.