​County’s premier awards launched to recognise Powys’ star businesses

The hunt is on to find the best companies, social enterprises and charities in Powys following the launch of the county’s annual business awards.
 
Showcasing the diverse range of successful enterprises in the county, Powys Business Awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors. This year, there are eight categories.
 
The launch event was held at Focus Business Hub in Newtown where Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “We have a unique, varied and thriving busy community here in Powys and it is right and correct that success is recognised. These awards give us the opportunity to do that.
 
“We must create the right environment for business start-ups and Powys County Council’s role as an enabler is to help businesses develop. I am excited about the opportunities for Powys businesses to bid for UK and Welsh Government funding for projects of different types, particularly through the Shared Prosperity Fund.”
 
Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething added: “As a Welsh Government, we’re committed to supporting businesses across Mid Wales to grow and thrive, as we strive to deliver a greener, fairer and more prosperous Wales. So, I’m pleased we’re able to sponsor the Powys Business Awards again this year. 
 
“The awards are a great opportunity to showcase the diversity and quality of businesses operating, growing and succeeding in Powys. I encourage all businesses in the county to take a look at the breadth of award categories available, and to consider entering.”
 
This year’s categories are: Start up Business Award sponsored by EvaBuild, Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by Welsh Government, Micro Business Award (fewer than 10 employees) sponsored by Welshpool Printing Group, Growth Award sponsored by The County Times, Small Business Award (under 30 employees) sponsored by WR Partners, Social Enterprise/ Charity Award sponsored by Myrick Training Services, Small Business Growth sponsored by EDF Renewables and Technology & Innovation sponsored by ForrestBrown.
 
From the category winners, an overall Powys Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Powys County Council, is chosen. In addition, the judging panel can make a discretionary Judges Special Award to recognise an outstanding achievement by a business or person who is not one of the category winners.
 
Entries must be received by Sunday, July 31 and the awards presentation will be held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday, October 7. Entry forms may be completed online or downloaded at https://www.powysbusinessawards.co.uk/entry-form .
 
The awards, which began in 2009, are an opportunity for all businesses, social enterprises and charities of all sizes in Powys to compete for a chance to be a finalist at the county’s main business event of the year. 
 
Ceri Stephens, MWMG’s group manager, said: “The Powys Business Awards provides a fantastic platform for businesses to raise their profile.  Those who enter the awards are independently judged on their excellent standards. 
 
“After the pandemic challenges of the last two years, it will be great for businesses to gather to celebrate their achievements at the awards ceremony in October.”
 
Picture caption:
 
Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys Councillor David Selby (seated second from right) and Mid Wales Manufacturing Group manager Ceri Stephens (standing far left) with sponsors of this year’s Powys Business Awards at the launch.