The finalists have been announced for this year's prestigious Powys Business Awards.

Twenty-three companies, social enterprises and charities have been shortlisted for the coveted awards, as the organisers reported another year of strong entries.

Powys Business Awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors- showcasing the diverse range of successful enterprises in the county.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday, October 7.

From the category winners, an overall Powys Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Powys County Council, is chosen.

In addition, the judging panel can make a discretionary Judges Special Award, sponsored this year by CellPath, to recognise an outstanding achievement by a business or person who is not one of the category winners.

Ceri Stephens, MWMG’s group manager, said: “We are really pleased that entries were strong again this year despite the challenges of the past two years. I would like to thank all the businesses, social enterprises and charities that took the time to enter the awards.

“The judges were impressed by the wide variety of businesses that exist within Powys and had a very difficult task shortlisting the finalists. They are looking forward to visiting each of the finalists to unearth the county’s real gems.”

She revealed that the judges are considering introducing a self-employed category to next year’s awards to recognise Powys’ many successful one and two-person businesses.

The finalists in the Powys Business Awards are:

  • Start-up Business Award sponsored by EvaBuild: Bryndu Caravan and Camping, Brecon; Mesh Telematics Limited, Machynlleth and Nomadic Washrooms, Welshpool.
  • Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by Welsh Government: Gwyn Evans, Bettws Hall, Bettws, near Newtown; Richard Glover-Davies, Gloversure and Montgomeryshire Homes Ltd, Welshpool; Trudy Woosnam, Woosnam and Davies News, Llani Barbers and Talerddig Bakery Store, Llanidloes and Adam Watkin, Trax JH, Tyre Protector and Gresolvent, Newtown.
  • Micro Business Award (fewer than 10 employees) sponsored by Welshpool Printing Group: Celtic Company, Welshpool; PM Training and Assessing Ltd, Crickhowell and SP Filling Systems Ltd, Llandrindod Wells.
  • Growth Award sponsored by The County Times: Dawson Shanahan, Welshpool; Makefast Ltd, Newtown; Radnor Hills, Knighton and Morland UK, Welshpool.
  • Small Business Award (under 30 employees) sponsored by WR Partners: CMD Ltd, Newtown; Severn Transport Services Ltd, Welshpool and Montgomeryshire Homes Ltd, Welshpool.
  • Social Enterprise/ Charity Award sponsored by Myrick Training Services: Calan DVS, Brecon; Open Newtown, Newtown and The Game Change Project CIC, Newtown.
  • Small Business Growth Award sponsored by EDF Renewables: The Cellar Drinks Company, Crickhowell; Severn Transport Services Ltd, Welshpool and Montgomeryshire Homes, Welshpool.
  • Technology & Innovation Award sponsored by ForrestBrown: Nidec – Control Techniques, Newtown; CMD Ltd, Newtown and Dawson Shanahan, Welshpool.
  • People Development Award sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges: EOM Electrical Contractors Ltd, Newtown; SWG Group, Welshpool and Wipak, Welshpool.