A month has passed since I penned a piece about my time leading the judging panel for the first Newport Business Awards, an experience that proved truly uplifting. That sense of inspiration was surpassed last week when 350 guests filled Rodney Parade for the celebratory event.
With that in mind, I make no excuses for revisiting the topic and showcasing the numerous local enterprises honoured that night. The reason? This platform exists to champion Newport’s finest – and that certainly encompasses the hundreds of enterprises delivering outstanding work throughout our city. These ventures span from sole traders to global companies.
They rarely feature in coverage because generating engagement through complaints and political posturing demands far less effort. Critics occasionally label me a Newport enthusiast, which strikes me as odd. I welcome such criticism wholeheartedly, gladly embracing the designation.
Newport’s commercial landscape remains dynamic and thriving, generating employment opportunities while simultaneously drawing both residents and economic activity to the area. Most operate as modest family enterprises, pouring tremendous effort into sustaining livelihoods for themselves and their workforce.
These ventures warrant encouragement rather than dismissal through careless, uninformed generalisations suggesting Newport lacks commercial activity. Those who perpetually repeat such narratives ought to reflect on the consequences of their messaging.
The award recipients exemplified the authentic range and energy present throughout our city. The complete roster of winners appears below:
Best BID Independent Business of the Year – Brown Bear Games; Highly Commended – Gallery 57.
Creative & Digital Business of the Year – Icon Creative Design; Highly Commended – The Will Hayward Newsletter.
Employer of the Year – Crimewatch Alarms.
Entrepreneur of the Year – Nikki Marshall (Newport Arcade).
Family Business of the Year – Noel Fitzpatrick; Highly Commended – Vittorio’s.
Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year – Ellis Lloyd Jones.
Green Business of the Year – Dragons RFC; Highly Commended – Liverton Opticians.
Innovation & Technology Business of the Year – HONA.
International Business of the Year – KLA; Highly Commended – My Salah Mat.
Leisure & Hospitality Business of the Year – Caerleon Hotels (The Priory); Highly Commended – The Tickled Trout.
Newport Community Award – Premier Forest Products; Highly Commended – RE:MAKE Newport.
Retail Business of the Year – All About Eve Bridal & All About Mum Occasionwear; Highly Commended – Davies Florist.
SME of the Year – Davies Contractors; Highly Commended – Dragon Asphalt.
Start Up Business of the Year – Haus of Cakes.
Young Business Person of the Year – Letisha Kapende (LK Galore).
Third Sector Organisation of the Year – KidCare4U; Highly Commended – Urban Circle Newport.
Manufacturing Business of the Year – Premier Forest Products; Highly Commended – Standard Signs & Traffic Systems.
Newport Business of the Year – Premier Forest Products.
Outstanding Contribution – Professor Simon Gibson.
Hearty congratulations extend to every recipient.
Additional information regarding the Newport Business Awards can be accessed via www.newportbusinessawards.com
Kevin Ward operates as a Newport-based media and management consultant, having previously served as editor of the South Wales Argus. All perspectives presented in this opinion column represent solely his own and do not necessarily align with those of any organisation with which he is associated. Kevin receives no remuneration for this column.