The finalists for the Torfaen, Monmouthshire & Blaenau Gwent Business Awards 2025 have been announced, celebrating the outstanding achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs across the three counties.
A total of 20 businesses from Blaenau Gwent have been shortlisted in a range of categories, Including three out of four finalists in the coveted Employer of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year categories. Blaenau Gwent joins the line-up for the first time this year, creating an even more exciting evening of recognition, networking, and inspiration.
Organised by Grapevine Event Management, the awards celebrate the vibrant and thriving business communities of Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent, providing an opportunity to recognise the dedication, innovation, and achievements of local businesses over the past 12 months. With a record number of entries received, the judges have carefully reviewed each submission to determine this year’s exceptional shortlist.
Speaking about the shortlist, Liz Brookes, Founder of the Awards and Director of Grapevine Event Management said:
“We are delighted to see some returning businesses from last year hoping to retain their titles, alongside a fantastic range of new entrants, including an exciting array of Blaenau Gwent businesses joining us for the first time. In the current economic climate, it’s more important than ever for us to come together as a business community and recognise the hard work and dedication of everyone contributing to the driving force behind our local economies and these awards give us the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy & Place at Blaenau Gwent Council, says:
“It’s fantastic to see such strong representation from Blaenau Gwent in our first year of participating in the Business Awards. We remain firmly committed to fostering an environment where both new and established businesses can thrive, and we are very proud to see the achievements of these businesses being recognised at this prestigious event. Good luck to everyone and we look forward to celebrating your success.”
A total of 50 finalists have been shortlisted across 14 categories. They will now be invited to attend a panel interview, with the winners set to be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony on 27th November 2025 at The Parkway Hotel. Guests can look forward to an evening of celebration, entertainment, and networking as the region’s business community comes together to honour outstanding achievement.
The finalists for Blaenau Gwent Business are:
Creative & Digital Business of the Year
- Games Alchemist
Employer of the Year
- Blackwood Engineering
- Diack
- Halton Wales MEI
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Matthew Davies – The Social Work Way
- Tobias Johnson – Games Alchemist
- Samantha Fitz-Symonds – Accessible Futures Group
Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year
- Kairos-K
Green Business of the Year
- Honest Love Our Planet
International Business of the Year
- Blackwood Engineering
- The Insurgo Group
Manufacturing Business of the Year
- J C Moulding
- M&J Europe
Micro Business of the Year (less than 10 employees)
- Powell Bespoke Interiors
- Shape MSP
Rural Business of the Year
- Roundhouse Farm
SME of the Year
- Clam’s Handmade Cakes
- Waldron Commercials
Third Sector Business of the Year
- Session Recall CIC
Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year
- Wonder Cinema
Young Business Person of the Year
- Luke Shepard – Luke Shephard Funeral Directors
Start-up Business of the Year
- Direct2AI
The awards are also being supported and sponsored by: Mamhilad Park Estate, Torfaen County Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Blaenau Gwent County Council, Evermore, Stills and Cleartech Live.
