Businesses from across the region are being invited to showcase their achievements as applications officially open for the South Wales Business Awards 2026.
The prestigious awards programme will return to Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel on Friday, September 18, celebrating the outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations helping to drive the South Wales economy.
The event will once again be hosted by one of Wales’ best-known television and radio presenters, Sara Edwards.
Applications opened on Monday, June 15, with businesses encouraged to submit their entries before the closing date of Friday, August 14.
Nominees will be announced on Monday, August 17, with the shortlist published on the South Wales Business Awards website at 9am and all successful nominees notified by email.
Organisers are encouraging businesses of all sizes and sectors to enter, with categories recognising entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, customer service and workplace culture.
This year’s categories are:
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Best New Start-up of the Year
- Retail Business of the Year
- Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year
- Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- Business Services Business of the Year
- Technological & Innovative Business of the Year
- Green Business of the Year
- Family Business of the Year
- Community Interest Company of the Year
- Financial Services Business of the Year
- Workplace of the Year
- South Wales Business of the Year 2026
The overall South Wales Business of the Year 2026 award will be selected from the winners of each category.
The awards aim to recognise the businesses and individuals making a significant contribution to the economic success and growth of South Wales, while providing a platform to celebrate excellence across a diverse range of sectors.
Founder of the awards, Wesley Skene saidL
“In the18 years of the South Wales Business Awards, Wales has consistently produced some of the strongest and most capable businesses and entrepreneurs. It is a privilege to highlight the tremendous achievements of our business community, and we would encourage them to apply for the awards to get the recognition that they so rightly deserve.”
Businesses interested in entering can download an application pack and information guide from the official South Wales Business Awards website.
Completed applications can be submitted by email or by post to the organisers at WS Marketing 14 Vale Court, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7ES).
In addition to the prestige of winning a South Wales Business Award, entrants will also have the opportunity to compete for a range of prizes associated with the awards programme.
Further updates, announcements and award news will be shared through the South Wales Business Awards website and social media channels in the lead-up to the ceremony.
With the countdown now underway, businesses across South Wales are being encouraged to prepare their applications and secure their place in one of the region’s leading business awards events.
An application pack and information guide can be downloaded from www.southwalesbusinessawards.co.uk
