Cowbridge’s Bear Hotel has once again played host to the South Wales Business Awards, hosted by tv and radio presented Sara Edwards.
The awards are designed to highlight the successes and achievements of businesses and business people across the region.
According to organisers, the number and quality of applications succeeded expectations, making the job of the independent judging panel more difficult than in previous years.
Amongst local winners were Forces Fitness who won the Retail Business of the Year Award. Cowbridge is home turf for this small enterprise, whose instructors and participants can regularly be seen meeting at Borough Close outside Y Bont Faen primary school in the town ahead of rigorous fitness exercises.
Founder of the South Wales Business Awards, Wesley Skene said, “Since 2008 the awards have been celebrating excellence in the Welsh business community. 2016 has once again shown that South Wales is the hub of a thriving and successful business community, with many businesses achieving some truly outstanding things.
“Local business people and guests enjoyed a spectacular evening at the awards ceremony, with worthy winners chosen from a very competitive field.”
Vale MP Alun Cairns attended the ceremony and presented the award for Contribution to Welsh Business and Society to boxing star turned charity organiser Nicky Piper. Mr Piper raises funds for George Thomas Hospice care, and was aided on the night of the awards by other guests who generously donated £450 to the charity.
Mr Cairns said, “Alun said, “It was a pleasure to attend the South Wales Business Awards and celebrate the entrepreneurial talent we have in this part of the country. It is the risk takers with ambition who will help to build and expand the modern Welsh economy. I enjoyed seeing so many of them recognised for their efforts in Cowbridge.
“It was a fantastic evening and I would like to thank Wesley Skene and Cardiff Now for putting it together. It is right that we celebrate the skill and personal bravery that building businesses and creating jobs demands.”
On presenting an award, “I was particularly privileged to present former boxer Nicki Piper with his award for Contribution to Welsh Business and Society. Nicky has done a huge amount to raise money for George Thomas Hospice Care as an events manager and it was fitting that guests at the awards donated money to the charity.”