With less than a month remaining until entries close, businesses across the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend are being encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Vale and Bridgend Business Awards.
Now in their fifth year, the awards have expanded to include Bridgend for the first time, making this the biggest celebration yet of business excellence across both counties.
The awards recognise businesses of all sizes and sectors, celebrating innovation, resilience, growth and the positive impact organisations make to the local economy. Entry is free, and businesses can enter up to two of the 16 award categories.
Liz Brookes, founder of the Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards and Director of Grapevine Event Management, commented:
“We’ve already had some fantastic entries, but we know there are so many more inspiring businesses across the Vale and Bridgend that deserve to be recognised. If you’ve been thinking about entering, now is the time. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your achievements, raise your profile and celebrate the hard work of your team.”
David Stevens, Chair of the judging panel, said:
“Every year, we see incredible talent, ambition, and innovation from the award participants. I can’t wait to catch up with the progress made by the businesses in the Vale and to meet for the first time some of the leaders of businesses in and around Bridgend. These awards are all about shining a spotlight on those making a real impact – driving growth, creating opportunities, and contributing to the prosperity. It’s an exciting celebration of the very best in business, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
The deadline for entries is 4th September 2026. Shortlisted finalists will then be invited to attend an interview with the judging panel before winners are announced at the black-tie awards ceremony at Off Grid, Bridgend, on 6th November 2026. Entering the awards is free and businesses can enter up to 2 categories from the 16 available to enter. These are:
- Creative and Digital Business of the Year
- Employer of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Financial and Professional Service Business of the Year
- Food and Farming Business of the Year
- Green Business of the Year
- Innovation & Technology Business of the Year
- International Business of the Year
- Manufacturing Business of the Year
- Micro Business of the Year (less than 10 employees)
- Retail Business of the Year
- SME of the Year
- Start-Up Business of the Year
- Third Sector Organisation of the Year
- Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year
- Young Business Person of the Year
Entries are now open via the awards website www.valeandbridgendbusinessawards.com
