Gwent firms triumph at South Wales Chamber of Commerce Welsh Business Awards 2014
Two Gwent-based companies have triumphed at this year’s Welsh Business Awards 2014, run by the South Wales Chamber of Commerce in association with the University of South Wales.
Newport-based SPTS Technologies, which manufactures semi-conductor wafer processing equipment to produce a range of electrical components, was the only company to win two category awards on the night, winning the Environmental Impact Award, sponsored by RWE Innogy and Skills and People Development Award, sponsored by Cambrian Training.
The company, which employs up to 500 people at The Coldra, has developed its own dedicated environmental team focusing on maximising energy efficiency at the manufacturing facility in Newport.
The firm has reduced its waste going into landfill by 34 per cent and its annual gas usage by 67 per cent, since 2010, resulting in it receiving the Environmental Impact Award. It was also awarded the Skills and People Development Award for its staff development and engagement policy, including team building sessions and training programmes.
Innovation Makers, an Ebbw Vale company which has developed an ultra-lightweight, highly-portable and compact stroller for travelling families, was awarded the Business Start-Up Award, sponsored by RBS.
Following considerable market research, marketing and pitching, founders, Markus and Samantha Warwick secured more than £150,000 of funding through CrowdCube.com. The ‘OmniO Rider’ will be launched in Autumn 2015, with plans to employ up to five office staff by the end of the year.
Now in their 13th year, the awards reflect the efforts of businesses and individuals throughout the whole of 2014.
All winners will now be encouraged to submit entries to the British Chamber of Commerce Awards in spring this year. Welsh businesses have traditionally performed well against UK-wide competition and a number have successfully secured a share of the prize money which has been as much as £50,000. In 2012, research by Paul Jones from the University of South Wales showed that having the Chamber brand alongside a business creates additional opportunities for that business.