Business award deadline is fast approaching

Businesses across Bridgend County Borough have until this Friday (5 July 2019) to get their applications in for the prestigious Bridgend Business Forum Awards 2019.

Organised by Bridgend Business Forum and supported by Bridgend County Borough Council, these awards aim to celebrate excellence amongst a wide variety of businesses, showcasing the most promising, innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the county borough.

The awards culminate in a glittering ceremony hosted by BBC news correspondent, Sian Lloyd at the Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Coychurch, Bridgend on the 13 September 2019.

Businesses are invited to apply for the following ten categories:

• Start-up business of the year – sponsored by Business in Focus Ltd
• Manufacturing business of the year – sponsored by MAKE, the manufacturer’s organisation
• Service business of the year – sponsored by Berry Smith Lawyers
• Bridgend tourism business of the year – sponsored by Handelsbanken
• Entrepreneur of the year – sponsored by Magenta Financial Planning
• Business student of the year – sponsored by Graham Paul Chartered Accountants
• Creative industries award – sponsored by Cymraeg Byd Busnes
• Innovative business of the year – sponsored by The Development Bank of Wales
• Professional services business of the year – sponsored by SME Finance Partners
• ‘NEW’ Health and Safety Award of the year – sponsored by Oracle Risk & the Health & Safety Executive

The winning business in each category will have the chance to earn the coveted title of ‘Bridgend Business of the Year 2019’, sponsored by Valleys to Coast Housing.

Jay Ball, Vice-chair of the Bridgend Business Forum, said: “Now in its seventh, successful year, the ethos of the awards is to continue to showcase excellence in business on a local level.

“Whether you are a public, private or third sector organisation, a new start-up or established business, these awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business, and celebrate your many achievements.

“As a previous winner, I’ve experienced first-hand, the success from the PR, the story and the recognition that an award gives you. Our 2019 awards also feature a brand new category; the ‘Health and Safety Award’ which recognises the hard work of businesses in complying with all health and safety procedures within the workplace.

“Now, with ten categories to enter, these awards are awards bigger than ever! So what are you waiting for, get your applications in today!”

Valleys to Coast, Chief Executive, Donna Baddley, said: “We are proud and delighted to be the main sponsor of the 2019 Bridgend Business Forum Awards. 

“Because we are a community-based organisation, we really believe in supporting our local area. These awards represent the best in business and people across the Bridgend County Borough - from all sectors, at all levels. The awards celebrate and reward their efforts and successes and Valleys to Coast is extremely proud to support them.

“We would like to encourage all businesses to enter, the application process is simple, but the rewards and profile for your business is exemplary!”

Full details of the awards including application forms and advice and tips on how to submit an entry, can be found at the Bridgend Business Forum website. Entries close at 5 July 2019.

This year’s awards sponsors include: Berry Smith Lawyers; Business in Focus Ltd, Cymraeg Byd Busnes, MAKE, the manufacturer’s organisation; Graham Paul Chartered Accountants; Handelsbanken; Magenta Financial Planning; Oracle Risk & the Health & Safety Executive; SME Finance Partners; The Development Bank of Wales, United Graphic Design and main sponsor, Valleys to Coast Housing.

You can follow @BridgendForum on Twitter or like ‘Bridgend Business Forum’ on Facebook for news and updates on the awards.