The search for the region’s “finest, brightest and most exciting” businesses begins again next month with the official launch of the 2014 Monmouthshire Business Awards.
Backed by Monmouthshire County Council the awards – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the Welsh business industry – recognise innovation, talent and enterprise in the wider local community.
The annual contest, now in its third year, is open to businesses of all sizes. Entrants range from start- ups and sole traders to SMEs and larger organisations.
This year’s launch will be marked with a VIP event at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny on Friday March 14.
Guests will include Paul Matthews, the Chief Executive of Monmouthshire County Council, Nick Ramsay AM, David Davies MP, and host Hywel James, the former ITV Wales broadcaster.
The ticket-only event, which includes lunch and Champagne upon arrival, also includes a presentation by Sylvia Marshall, the Daily Mirror columnist and serial entrepreneur.
Organiser and MBA co-founder Janet Harris said tickets look set to go “like hot cakes” and urged local businesses – especially those new to the awards – to claim their place.
She said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Sylvia Marshall, one of the UK’s top female entrepreneurs, to this year’s official MBA launch event.
“She will be sharing the secrets of her success and offering invaluable, inspirational advice to businesses large and small.”
Marshall, star of BBC1’s Britain’s Empty Homes and an acclaimed business guru, has been at the forefront of property, renovation and DIY entrepreneurship for more than a decade.
Described as one of the most “inspirational and hardworking women on the planet”, the self-made millionaire will discuss how local entrepreneurs can take their businesses from ‘Zero to a Million’.
Only 150 tickets are available and go on sale to businesss owners – on a first come, first-served basis priced £29.50 – today.
Last year’s MBA winners included Green Waste Company, Hicks Logistics, Shampooch and Sophie’s Creative Bows.
The accolade of winning an award has the potential of “transforming the future of an organisation,” entrants said.
Up to 200 entrants from a cross-section of industries are expected to take part in this year’s awards, which are free to enter and divided into 12 categories: Best use of Digital Technology; Business and Community Award; Hospitality; Travel & Tourism; Young Entrepreneur; Best Diversity in Farming; Company Demonstrating Sustained Growth; Excellence in Marketing; Most Promising Business Start- up; Company of the Year; Retailing; Innovation in Business, and the Judges Choice Award.
Sylvia Marshall, whose ‘Zero to a Million’ column in the Daily Mirror attracts millions of readers each month, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to the launch of the Monmouthshire Business Awards 2014, and I am very much looking forward to meeting potential entrants, sponsors, and dignitaries.”
To enter the Monmouthshire Business Awards, visit www.monbizawards.co.uk
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