Two business leaders from Wales have been listed as finalists in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 programme.

Dr Drew Nelson, of IQE plc based in St Mellons, near Newport, and Bob James, of AerFin Limited, based in Bedwas, will join 21 other companies from across London and the South at a regional awards event to be held in June.

Dr Drew Nelson is the CEO and President of IQE plc, which is currently refurbishing a 300,000 sq ft unit at Imperial Park in Newport.

IQE is the leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor wafers with products which cover a diverse range of applications, supported by an innovative outsourced foundry services portfolio that allows the group to provide a 'one-stop-shop' for the wafer needs of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers.

Bob James is the chief executive officer of AerFin Limited, which specialises in aircraft 'end of life solutions'.

This is the 20th anniversary of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year in the UK, which has recognised thousands of entrepreneurs over the past two decades.

Andrew Perkins, senior partner at EY in the South West and Wales, said: “This programme supports the entrepreneurial community in Wales, recognising and connecting another two local businesses in this year’s programme. These businesses not only create jobs and generate wealth, they also contribute to the continued growth of Wales’ economy.”