The search for the region’s best businesses has officially begun with launch of the Monmouthshire Business Awards 2014.
Guest Speaker Sylvia Marshall of Cosy Homes Online and Author of “Zero to a Million”, Celebrity Host – Hywel James, Janet Harris – Monmouthshire Business Awards, Right: Kellie Beirne of Monmouthshire County Council Attending the launch event of Monmouthshire Business Awards 2014 at The Angel Hotel
Now in their third year, the Award – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the Welsh business industry and backed by Monmouthshire County Council – recognise innovation, talent and enterprise in the wider local community.
The launch of the awards was marked with a VIP champagne lunch at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny on Friday, March 14, with over 50 guests including including a mix of official sponsors, former MBA entrants and finalists, and representatives from Monmouthshire County Council.
Among the companies and organisations supporting the launch were Hicks Logistics, Reid Lifting, University of South Wales, and Mabey Bridge.
The ticket-only event – hosted by Hywel James, the former ITV Wales broadcaster – also included a presentation by Sylvia Marshall, the Daily Mirror columnist and serial entrepreneur.
Self-made millionaire Marshall, described as one of the most “inspirational and hardworking women on the planet”, discussed how local entrepreneurs can take their businesses from ‘Zero to a Million’.
Organiser and MBA co-founder Janet Harris said the event was a “great success”.
She said: “It was wonderful to see so many esteemed members of the business community in attendance at this year’s launch. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was a great success.
“As with previous years, it proved to be a fantastic networking event and guests were treated to an inspiring talk by Sylvia Marshall, one of the UK’s top female entrepreneurs, about the secrets of her success.”
The annual MBAs are open to businesses of all sizes. Entrants range from start-ups and sole traders to SMEs and larger organisations.
Last year’s winners included Green Waste Company, Hicks Logistics, Shampooch and Sophie’s Creative Bows.
The accolade of winning an award has the potential of “transforming the future of an organisation,” entrants said.
Up to 200 entrants from a cross-section of industries are expected to take part in this year’s awards, which are free to enter and divided into 12 categories: Excellence in the use of Digital Technology; Responsible Business Award; Hospitality, Travel & Tourism; Young Entrepreneur; Best Green Business; Company Demonstrating Sustained Growth; Excellence in Marketing; Most Promising Business Start-up; Company of the Year; Excellence in Retailing; Innovation in Business, and the Judges’ Choice Award.
Sylvia Marshall, the property and DIY entrepreneur whose ‘Zero to a Million’ column in the Daily Mirror attracts millions of readers each month, said: “I first became involved with the Monmouthshire Business Awards in 2013, when I was honoured to serve as one of the celebrity judges.
“Coming back for the launch of the 2014 awards, I was reminded once again of just how impressive and driven the business community in Monmouthshire is. They fly the flag for Wales enterprise.”
To enter the Monmouthshire Business Awards, visit www.monbizawards.co.uk
