A POWYS company that says its passion is to supply lifesaving medicines to patients around the world has been named the Powys Business of the Year.

PCI Pharma Services, of Hay on Wye, which employs 370 people, lifted the top award on Friday night.

Judges described the company which provides its expertise to leading companies in the global healthcare industry, as "a very exciting place to be".

In a fiercely-contested competition, 35 businesses were shortlisted for 13 different award categories in this year’s Powys Business Awards.

Winners were chosen following judges’ visits over the summer months and the winners were announced at an awards dinner at The Hafren in Newtown

The winners were:

Start-up Business Award sponsored by The County Times: Dragon UAV, Newtown.

Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by Welsh Government: EvaBuild Ltd, Newtown.

Outstanding Commitment to Training Award sponsored by NiBS Ltd: PCI Pharma Services, Hay on Wye.

Small Business Growth Award sponsored by Myrick Training: 5C Services, Builth Wells.

Social Enterprise / Charity Award sponsored by Mid Wales Housing Association Ltd: East Radnorshire Day Centre, Presteigne.

Micro Business (Under 10 Employees) Award sponsored by The Cambrian News & Brecon & Radnor Express: AL Technical, Newtown.

Excellence in Leadership & Management Award sponsored by Nidec Control Techniques: McCartneys LLP, Newtown.

Mentor of the Year in Hospitality & Lifestyle sponsored by Cambrian Training Company: Llangors Church in Wales School, Llangors.

Growth Award sponsored by Development Bank of Wales: Clywedog Riverside Holiday Home and Red Kite Touring, Llanidloes.

Small Business (Under 30 Employees) Award sponsored by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group: Hilltop Honey Ltd, Newtown.

International Trade Award sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors: Parry & Evans Ltd, Welshpool.

Technology & Innovation Award sponsored by Trax JH Ltd: CellPath Ltd, Newtown.

Best Tourism Business Award sponsored by NPTC Group: Dan Yr Ogof, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercrave.

In addition the judging panel has a discretionary award called the Judges’ Award which is made each year to recognise outstanding achievement that has come to the judge’s attention during their visits and which the strict criteria for the other awards does not recognise.

That award went to the Happy Horse retirement Home Ltd, of Brecon.

The family run, Happy Horse Retirement Home has created a haven where horse owners have the opportunity to retire their beloved, loyal friend with maximum care and attention, for a cost covering livery.

One of the judges, Peter Swanson, said: “Here we found something special.”

From the category winners the overall award for Powys Business Awards, the Business of the Year, is sponsored by Powys County Council. The awards celebrate excellence in business in the county and recognises our business communities.

The County Times congratulates all winners and finalists.