THE finalists have been announced for the South Wales Argus Business Awards 2020/21.

The winners from the shortlisted finalists of the awards, which are being held in association with Newport City Council as lead sponsor, will be announced at an online presentation on Thursday, November 18.

South Wales Argus managing director Hussain Bayoomi said drawing up the shortlist had been made more difficult this year as judges had to work in isolation.

He said: "The task for the judges was as hard as ever but stunning list of entries to the 13 categories has been whittled down into a list of exceptional businesses and organisations.

"The South Wales Argus Business Awards 2020/21 as ever seeks to recognise and promote the best and most successful locally-grown businesses.

"Despite all the trials and tribulations we've all had to face over the past 18 months I believe the finalists chosen represent the cream of the crop of resilient and innovative business that we have here in South Wales."

Thanking the judges and sponsors Mr Bayoomi said: "After what has been for some a terrible and for many a challenging pandemic lock down we were delighted to get back with these important awards.

"The prestigious awards serve to recognise the very best businesses and organisations that we have here in South Wales and we are pleased to be to demonstrate and reward their excellence with recognition at these most prestigious of awards"

The awards shortlist is:

  • Best BID Business of the Year (sponsored by Newport Now Business Improvement District): Vicaras Fish and Chip Shop; Diverse Music; Liverton Opticians.
  • Innovative Business of the Year (sponsored by Western Power Distribution): Inspired Business Media; Cashcalc; Creo Medical.
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Icon Creative Design): Welsh Luxury Hamper Co; COBRA Music Studios; Clothing View.
  • Hospitality Business of the Year: The Wonder Bar; Villa Dino; Tin Can Kitchen & Al Forno (Yard Group Ltd).
  • Digital Technology Business of the Year: Wolfberry Services; Propel Finance; Cashcalc.
  • Best Place to Work Award: Propel Finance; Melin Homes; Niche IFA.
  • Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Azets): Michael G Ryan Son & Daughters; David Stock & Co Ltd; A G Meek.
  • Large Business of the Year (sponsored by RDP Law): Industrial Automation and Control Ltd; Monmouthshire Building Society; Storage Giant.
  • Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Kymin): Ollywood Ltd; Inspired Business Media; Beth’s Bakes.
  • Start Up Business of the Year (sponsored by Educ8 Group): Ollywood Ltd; Uddr Ltd; Hexa Finance Limited.
  • Contribution to the Community Award (sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society): Newport Live; Niche IFA; Greenwillow Funerals.
  • Customer Service Award (sponsored by Friars Walk and The Kingsway Centre): Livertons Opticians; Inca Hair and Beauty; Bluebird Care.
  • Training and Development Business of the Year (sponsored by Inspired Media): Industrial Automation and Control Ltd; Choose to Grow L&D Ltd; Beam Development & Training Ltd.
  • Environmental Business Award (sponsored by Cintec International): Industrial Automation and Control Ltd; Newport Transport.

The Business of the Year award and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced on the evening of the virtual awards ceremony, November 18.