The winners of the prestigious South Wales Argus Business Awards 2020/21 will be announced in a glittering online celebration on Thursday this week.

Hosted by eminent educationalist and leading business figure Professor Jonathon Deacon, of the University of South Wales, the awards recognise and reward the best businesses and organisations in the region.

Joint awards host, South Wales Argus managing director Hussain Bayoomi said: "We're delighted to have been able to deliver these important and prestigious awards once more. The awards recognise the very best business and organisations that we have here in South Wales."

Leaders in business, technology, politics, science and sport, gathered to support the entrants and celebrate the winners of the South Wales Argus Business Awards 2020/21.

Mr Bayoomi said: "Despite the past two years, which for some businesses and organisations has been a terrible and challenging time during the pandemic lock down, it's gratifying to see so many not just surviving but thriving. The awards attracted a fabulous amount of entries from our brilliant businesses which made it an extremely difficult but ultimately very rewarding task for the judges to make their decisions.

"The quality and quantity of the entries received from across the area was astounding. The recipients are truly worthy of recognition especially in light of the unique challenges endured by all, over the past almost two years."

Referring to the galactic array of business leaders and examples of excellence in their fields who gathered to help present the awards Mr Bayoomi said: "I am humbled and enthused that such array of figures from all sectors came together to encourage and support this year's awards during our online presentation."

Global entrepreneur and electronic technology leader Steve Wozsniak has given his support as has parliamentarian Baroness Wilcox. Wales rugby greats Sam Warburton, Jonathan Davies and Shane Williams joined Wales and Liverpool football star Ian Rush and former international Kit Symons to add their words of wisdom.

Specsavers boss Wales billionaire Douglas Perkins, Richard Selby, chair of IOD Wales and boss of Pro Steel Engineering, Pontypool and Torfaen children's ware magnate, Laura Tenison, have all added their support for the awards.

The awards presentation starts at 7pm on Thursday. To follow the online event head over to the South Wales Argus Facebook page.