Spotlight shines on finalists for Bridgend Business Forum Awards 2018

The finalists for the sixth, annual Bridgend Business Forum Awards have been revealed.

Following a rigorous judging process, the panel – consisting of the 2017 sponsors and Bridgend Business Forum representatives – selected finalists from across a range of sectors.

The all-important shortlisted businesses and individuals include:

Business Student of the Year, sponsored by Graham Paul Chartered Accountants:-

Keiron Farr, Farrscend – nominated by Bridgend College

Start-up Business of the Year, sponsored by ISA Training:-

• Apollo Business Village
• Assisted Mobility Services Ltd
• Team 8 Digital

Service Business of the Year, sponsored by Harris Bassett Chartered Accountants

• A&R Contract Cleaning Specialist Ltd
• Apollo Teaching Services Ltd
• Valleys to Coast Housing Ltd

Manufacturing Business of the Year, sponsored by EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation

• Engineering Services (Bridgend) Ltd
• Ford Motor Company – Ford Bridgend Engine Plant (BEP)
• Recycle Direct Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by SME Finance Partners

• Linda Wongham, Assisted Mobility Services Ltd
• Kirsty-Leigh Lewis, Thornbush Hill
• Rachel James, Teddy Land Ltd

Creative Industries Award, sponsored by Handelsbanken

• Customised Sheet Metal Ltd
• Elite Signs & Graphics Ltd
• Wales Interactive Ltd

Innovative Business of the Year, sponsored by Development Bank of Wales

• Apollo Teaching Services Ltd
• Comgem Ltd
• Nemein Ltd

Professional Service Business of the Year, sponsored by Aevitas

• 2buy2.com Ltd
• Magenta Financial Planning Ltd
• TSW Training Ltd

The winner of the Bridgend Tourism Business of the Year, which is sponsored by Berry Smith Lawyers, will be formally announced at the awards ceremony in September.

Jay Ball, Vice-chair of Bridgend Business Forum, said: “Congratulations to all of our finalists for this year’s Bridgend Business Forum Awards. We’ve had another fantastic response this year with plenty of strong applications from both new and previous applicants.

“As a business owner based in the Bridgend area myself, it’s fantastic to be involved in these awards which celebrate quality local enterprises. All the judges were extremely impressed with the high calibre of all entrants this year. Excellence will always remain at the heart of these awards, highlighting the success, drive and determination of businesses across the county borough, large, medium and small.

“I’d like to wish all finalists good luck and look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements at our awards night in September.”

The Bridgend Business Forum Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the continuous hard work and achievements of local businesses.

The council is committed to nurturing enterprise in the county borough and I’m proud that we can play our part, through the valuable work of the Bridgend Business Forum to continue to provide a platform for showcasing the fantastic talent and skill we have in our business community today.

We are so fortunate here in Bridgend County Borough to have such passionate businesses. I would like to congratulate the finalists for this year’s awards and wish them all the very best of luck. I look forward to meeting all finalists and celebrating with them at the awards ceremony in September.

Councillor Charles Smith, Bridgend County Borough Council’s cabinet member for Education and Regeneration

Sponsors include: Rockwool; Aevitas; Berry Smith Lawyers; Cymraeg in Business; Development Bank of Wales; EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation; Graham Paul Chartered Accountants; Handelsbanken; Harris Bassett; ISA Training; KK Solutions; SME Finance Partners and United Graphic Design.

You can find out the latest updates on the awards by following the forum on Twitter @Bridgendforum #BBFAwards, or ‘like’ the forum on our Facebook page.

To find out more about the awards ceremony and shortlisted businesses visit the Bridgend Business Forum website