Local firms win big at Awards

Four companies from the Welshpool area were celebrating Tuesday night after winning big at the 2^nd Powys Business Awards held in Llandrindod Wells.

Manufacturing company Wipak won two awards, with the judges noting the company’s potential to become one of the biggest in Powys, while a web development firm and a Montgomery Brewery were also among the winners.

A total of 13 awards were presented, with more than 700 companies entering from across the county and the quality of entries was celebrated. Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, County Councillor Wynne Jones, said: “This year’s judging process showed once again that we have many wonderful businesses here in Powys and that many are coming through the recession very well indeed.”

The 2010 Powys Business Awards were jointly organised by Powys County Council, MWMG (Mid Wales Manufacturing Group) and the Cambrian News.

“Wipak’s very determined and professional approach to continual investment in people, plant and technology won the decision. So it comes as no surprise that this programme of shrewd investment has already achieved a 62% growth in business over the last three years against a market growth of just 2.5%. You would hardly believe that we are supposed to be in recession when you see the intensity of manufacturing activity at Wipak or listen to the inspirational strategy to make the company potentially one the largest businesses in Powys.”

PICTURE: Phillip Wolstenholme (right) collects the Judges Special Award from Judge Nick Hoskins and Simon Peltenberg from sponsor RES Ltd

“In the depth of the recession, the management team bought CastAlum from its bankrupt US parent. The judges noted that from the outset the executive team has recognised the value of investing in a comprehensive training regime for all staff. This in turn has motivated the workforce and has been an essential element of the company’s resurgent growth. Now the company has significant long term orders from the likes of BMW, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Ford and the staff are helping justify the management’s original leap of faith.”

PICTURE: Hannah Barrett and Mark Simpson (right) from CastAlum Ltd receive the Training & Development Award from TV Presenter Sian Lloyd and sponsor Simon Pirotte from Coleg Powys
 

“Monty’s Brewery is the brainchild of Pam Honeyman - someone the judges recognise as a determined and formidable person. Armed with an industry qualification, she started brewing just 18 months ago and the resulting products soon gained a deserved reputation, winning numerous prestigious brewing awards. It’s the way that Monty’s has developed its market by following a well conceived strategic model that captured the judges imagination. Success and profitability has quickly followed and the opening of their first real ale pub - The Sportsman in Newtown - demonstrates the business potential of this company.”

PICTURE: Pam Honeyman of Monty's Brewery (centre) picks up the Start-Up Award from TV Presenter Sian Lloyd and sponsor Roger Guest from TGAL (Tattum Guest Associates Ltd)

“Once again this year, this category has unearthed an exceptional talent. The judges were impressed by the plethora of successful achievements this company under its founder Richard Glover-Davies has achieved in its relatively short existence. Richard is already a reputable player in the highly competitive web design/development marketplace with many major clients. The business has also added further strings to its profitable bow in text messaging, commercial property development, warehousing and more recently innovative electronic products. The judges are in admiration of Richards’s infectious enthusiasm for business and are amazed that he still has the time and energy to remain involved in farming and YFC.”