This week saw the next exciting stage of the Welsh Business Awards as judging took place to shortlist this year’s winners. Thirty judges gathered at USW Exchange on the University of South Wales’ Treforest campus where they discussed all entries to create a shortlist for each category.

Judges were assigned varying categories based on their expertise and tasked with scoring nominees for their award.

One judge commented: “It’s been another exceptional year of entries for the Export category. It gets harder to judge each year – the shortlisted companies are definitely very worthy of their position and good luck to the winner on the night. It’s been fantastic collaborating with judges from different backgrounds of academia and business. I think any of the finalists could have been worthy winners and it’s exciting to see where these businesses go next.”

Many of the judges expressed how hard it was to shortlist nominees due to the calibre of the businesses being discussed and the strength of the applications put forward.

Another judge noted: “It was a pleasure to be involved in this judging process and great to see several very well thought out and prepared entries in this category. I think we are all very pleased with the standard of entries”

One of the judges expressed the importance of celebrating small businesses, stating: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Welsh economy and family businesses are an important part of that. What impressed us most was the way in which the firms that we judged have encouraged next generations to join and further develop the business activity.”

Heather Myers, CEO of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s a very exciting time of year as we prepare to reward the best and most brilliant businesses for their hard work and commitment to their industry at The Welsh Business Awards. We’ve handpicked our judges to give us a great selection of knowledge and expertise across a range of industries to ensure all applicants are represented. It was a great day discussing the amazing work these businesses have done and it has certainly been difficult to shortlist them.”

Those shortlisted for each category for the Welsh Business Awards will be announced on January 27 before the awards take place on March 5. South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce wishes the best of luck to all who have applied, and we look forward to seeing you in March to celebrate the very best of business in Wales.

Tickets to attend this prestigious award are now available to purchase. To guarantee your place get your tickets online at: https://cw-seswm.com/awards/