Businesses across Bridgend County Borough have been discovering this week whether they have made the shortlist for the prestigious Bridgend Business Forum Awards 2014.
Ten judges, made up of Bridgend Business Forum representatives and award sponsors deliberated over 50 applications as part of a rigorous judging process, before selecting a shortlist of exceptional finalists for the awards which are supported by Bridgend County Borough Council and sponsored by Berry Smith Lawyers.
The shortlisted businesses, which come from all corners of the county borough, will be showcased at a glittering gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted by popular BBC TV presenter and broadcaster Sian Lloyd, with special guest, First Minister Carwyn Jones and entertainment from Welsh singing sisters, LaSe at the Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Coychurch, Bridgend on 19 September 2014.
Alison Hoy, Chair of Bridgend Business Forum and head of the judging panel said: “We were delighted again this year with the high calibre and diverse range of entries. I would like to thank the many companies and individuals who entered the awards and congratulate them on their submissions.
“As the Bridgend Business Forum Awards grow in stature, more and more companies are keen to gain the recognition an award brings. This obviously makes the judging process more challenging, but it really does signify that being shortlisted for an award is truly a fantastic accolade. We look forward to honouring their extensive achievements at the awards ceremony.”
Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Councillor Mel Nott OBE, said: “The first ever Bridgend Business Forum Awards in 2013 were a great success, providing an excellent platform to showcase the achievements of a wide variety of organisations and individuals in the county borough.
“The quality and range of those shortlisted for this year’s awards speaks for itself and includes social enterprises, charitable organisations and business support providers. I do not envy the expert judges their job but look forward to celebrating their decisions in September.”
The Bridgend Business Forum Awards have received backing from both public and private sector organisations including Berry Smith Lawyers, Lloyds Banking Group, Business in Focus, ISA Training, Rockwool, Finance Wales, Graham Paul Associates, Mackworth Healthcare, South East Wales Community Economic Development Programme (SEWCED), kksolutions and United Graphic Design.
A full list of the shortlisted businesses for the 2014 awards is available at: www.bridgendbusinessforum.co.uk/bba
Photo caption: BBC TV presenter Sian Lloyd will announce the winners on 19 September 2014
Ends - for more information, contact: Nicola Fedyszyn, Marketing Officer, Economic Development and Bridgend Business Forum on (01656) 815322. Email: nicola.fedyszyn@bridgend.gov.uk website: www.bridgendbusinessforum.co.uk/bba
