The search is on for the best of Bridgend business

The search has started to find the cream of Bridgend business with the launch of the Bridgend Business of the Year Award 2012. This is a brand new category of award which forms part of the South Wales Business Awards 2012, now in its fifth successful year.

BBC TV presenter, Sian Lloyd officially launched the awards at the Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend. Over 50 businesses attended the launch to find out more about the awards and how to enter.

Open until 13 July 2012, the awards celebrate innovation, acknowledge best practice and dedication and recognise outstanding achievements in business. All businesses in the South Wales region, including social enterprises and entrepreneurs that can demonstrate innovative and sustainable business ideas are eligible to enter the awards.

Gareth Bray, Chairman of the Bridgend Business Forum said: “We are extremely pleased to be working in partnership with the South Wales Business Awards this year and we are very excited about this new category specifically targeting businesses based in Bridgend County Borough.

“We have some excellent businesses based in the county borough and I am thrilled that the Bridgend Business Forum is able to support this new accolade for businesses based in the area.

As one of the judging panel for the Bridgend Business of the Year Award 2012, Gareth Bray said: “We are looking for a local business which not only meets the criteria specified for this award but also a business which can demonstrate that it has that extra something special or shows that it has gone the extra mile to achieve it goals.”

Wesley Skene, Founder of the South Wales Business Awards said: “Since our launch in 2008, the aim of the awards has been to showcase the outstanding talent that is operating in the Welsh business community and celebrate the successes of these businesses.

“I’m delighted to welcome the addition of the Bridgend Business of the Year Award to our list of categories for 2012. The forum has been one of the leading lights in helping to support not only the Bridgend business community but also the Welsh economy. I’m sure we will see a large number of superb businesses applying in this category amongst others. I’d like to encourage all businesses in Bridgend to apply for the awards and wish them good luck for 2012.”

The South Wales Business Awards 2012 ceremony will take place on Friday 21 September 2012, at the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan.

How to enter: Bridgend Business of the Year Award 2012 visit: www.bridgendbusinessforum.co.uk

For more information on the South Wales Business Awards 2012 and details of how to enter, visit: www.southwalesbusinessawards.co.uk