The cream of Monmouthshire businesses are to be recognised at a UK Government function for their contribution to the Welsh economy.

All 28 finalists of the 2013 Monmouthshire Business Awards have been invited to a reception celebrating business success in Wales, hosted by the Secretary of State for Wales, David Jones MP.

The organisers of the MBAs, and representatives from among the awards' official sponsors, have also been invited to the event, which will be held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on March 5.

Now in their third year, the MBAs, which are sponsored by Monmouthshire County Council, recognise innovation, talent and enterprise in the area.

Almost 200 guests, including representatives of Monmouthshire County Council, Economy, Science and Transport Minister Edwina Hart, Monmouth MP David Davies and Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay, attended the MBA 2013 awards at St Pierre Hotel & Country Club, Chepstow, last October.

The MBAs 2014 will officially launch on March 14 and will feature 12 award categories.