The awards, now hosted by Llanelli-based JR event group in partnership with Bevan Buckland LLP, are designed to recognise & celebrate the incredible businesses within the Swansea Bay regions of Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire.
The esteemed panel of judges reviewed all entries, and after some further checks & references, the shortlist of finalists were announced. With an incredible number and array of quality entries, judging was particularly competitive.
SBBA judge, Alison Vickers, managing partner at Bevan Buckland said:
“The quality of applications was outstanding and provides testament to the fantastic businesses that operate within the Swansea Bay region.”
SBBA judge, Dr Debra Williams,Pro Vice-Chancellor, UWTSD continued:
“To hear first-hand of the impressive work being done by entrepreneurs of all age groups, across many sectors has to be inspiring for anyone thinking of entering into the wonderful, crazy yet rewarding world of business.”
The ceremony boasts a wide array of categories designed to shine a light on every corner of the thriving Swansea Bay business community, with categories including leisure & tourism, SME, rural & agricultural, creative & digital, through to green & sustainable business of the year, and young business person.
SBBA judge Tom Smith, UK director of sales at AU Vodka added:
“The level of innovation, hard work, and passion I witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary. It was an honour to contribute to celebrating the exceptional talent that defines Swansea Bay’s business community.”
All finalists will be invited to the black tie award ceremony at Swansea’s iconic Brangwyn Hall, hosted by broadcasting legend Jason Mohammed, plus a fireside interview with the team behind AU Vodka, detailing their journey from concept to becoming the UK’s fastest-growing brand, with a multi-million pound turnover and global presence.
Commercial Director for Wales Elen Olivier, from SBBA media partner Nation Broadcasting, added:
“I am delighted to have been asked to join the judging panel and help to celebrate the incredible achievements of some of the standout businesses in Swansea Bay Region.”
SBBA judge Jonathan Roberts, Head of Print (Regionals) at Reach PLC, concluded:
“Judging is never an easy task, but the really hard work is already done – by the business leaders who continue to inspire, lead and champion our corner of the country.”
For further details about the awards, please visit www.swanseabaybusinessawards.com
There is currently a waiting list for tickets for the awards ceremony, please contact event manager Isabel.goodman@jr-eventmanagement.co.uk or call 01792 446017.
2025 finalists
Creative & digital business of the year, sponsored by Swansea Council
Rethink PR
Thinqi
Uplands OneTelco
Family business of the year, sponsored by Sturgess Mortgage Solutions
Hartson Fire Ltd
Kitchens by Emma Reed
Three Cliffs Holiday Park
Green & sustainable business of the year, sponsored by HSBC
Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd
Gavin Griffiths Recycling
Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions Ltd
Hospitality business of the year, sponsored by Castell Howell Foods
Gigi Gao’s Favourite Authentic Chinese
Rasoi
The Swigg
Innovative business of the year
Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering Ltd
Llesiant Delta Wellbeing
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Large business of the year, sponsored by Gower College Swansea
Ascona Group Holdings Limited
LBS Builders Merchants
Mrs Bucket Cleaning Services
Manufacturing business of the year, sponsored by Morgan LaRoche
Shufflebottom Ltd
The Safety Letterbox Company
Viscose Closures Ltd
Not for profit business of the year
Anxiety Support Wales CIC
Llesiant Delta Wellbeing
Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners
Professional services business of the year
Atkins Accountants Ltd
Starki Architecture
Work Wales
Retail business of the year
Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd
Capel Hendre Post Office
Sweet Williams
Rural & agricultural business of the year, sponsored by Tomato Energy
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees (Robert Morgan & Sons Ltd)
The Arb Team
Y Waun Farm Rare Breed Meats
SME business of the year, sponsored by JCP Solicitors
Dawsons Estate Agents
Shufflebottom Ltd
The LCV Group
Start-up business of the year
Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions Ltd
Pembrokeshire Hearing
WAM Engineering Services
Tourism & leisure business of the year, sponsored by Development Bank of Wales
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Swansea Arena
The British Bird of Prey Centre
Trade & construction business of the year
Bancs Carpentry & Build
Independent Paint Supplies
Morgan Environmental Ltd
Young businessperson of the year, sponsored by LBS Builders Merchants
Hannah Worth – Bowla Ltd
Lucie MacLeod – Hair Syrup
Will Evans – Wills Petting Farm
