ENTREPRENEURS aged 50-plus are to be celebrated at an awards ceremony later this month.

The Prime Cymru Awards will celebrate some of the many entrepreneurs who have set up businesses in their fifties.

The Prime Cymru initiative started after an inquiry by The Prince of Wales into whether or not there was a need for an organisation - similar to the Prince's Trust which helps young people to form their own businesses - directed towards the over-50s.

It was found that there was nothing targeting the over-50s and the trust was set up. The trust's mission is to promote the benefits of self-employment as a choice for mature individuals.

Roger McAteer, of Duckpool Road, Newport, a retired steelworker, caught the imagination of Prime Cymru with his idea to do people's shopping.

These awards are to recognise but a few of the determined people in Wales who know what they can offer to their communities and the economic future of Wales.

Client advisors give a list of people to be nominated for the awards.

They are then shortlisted and a list sent to sponsors who then choose the winners from the shortlist.

The Prime Cymru Awards Ceremony is being held at St David's Hall, Cardiff on Tuesday, May 18.

l The award categories are:

1. Innovation and Invention - New Ideas and Imagination. Should be for new products or services if possible, or a radical variation on an old concept.

2. Creation of Employment/Business Growth. A client who has created growth and/or employment, or will do so in the near future.

3. New Technology and use of IT. Use of the internet and or websites for business purposes, design of new software or an imaginative approach to website design/production.

4. Contribution to Welsh Exports. Any client who exports their product/services outside Wales (to include the Republic of Ireland).

5. Creative Merit. Any client who is working in the creative industries (including fine arts and the crafts.

6. Contribution to Tourism. Any client who either encourages tourism into Wales or assists tourism from Wales.

7. Grit and Determination. Any client whose product or services fulfil a social need in their community

8. Community Benefit. Any client whose product or services fulfil a social need in their community

9. Quality and Design. Any client whose product or services attract business due to "the superiority of those products or services compared with the competition."

10. Consultancy Services. Any client offering a professional service to the business community, either in Wales and/or elsewhere. To include health and safety, awareness training and straightforward business advice/assistance.