EvaBuild is Powys Business of the Year

A Newtown-based groundworks and civil engineering business, which says its workforce is the cornerstone of its success, is the 2019 Powys Business of the Year.

EvaBuild Ltd collected the award, sponsored by Powys County Council, at the annual Powys Business Awards dinner held at Dering Lines, Brecon where the company also collected the Investing in People Award, sponsored by PCI Pharma Services.

The company is no stranger to success at the Powys Business Awards, having won the Start-up Business Award in 2013, the Small Business Award in 2017 and the Entrepreneurship Award last year.

Formed in 2011, EvaBuild now has an annual turnover of £7.3 million and achieved Investors in People Standard accreditation this summer.

Councillor James Evans, Powys County Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, housing and regulatory services, presented the Powys Business of the Year Award to EvaBuild.

Nick Evans, EvaBuild’s managing director, said: “The Powys Business of the Year award really does mean the world to me because to be amongst so many other distinguished companies is quite humbling.

“The Investing in People award summed up what the company is all about: that we are a company of colleagues that all work together with a common goal to deliver quality services to our clients. These awards are recognition for them because they have made the company what it is today.

“I am incredibly passionate about living, working and running a business in Powys and it’s important to me that we get recognition for the great businesses that we have in the county, especially from the Welsh Government.

“The Mid Wales Growth Deal announced by the Government will hopefully be a springboard to put Powys businesses on the map.”

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, Powys Business Awards showcase business excellence across the county. Awards host was Andrew Price, presenter of ITV Wales’ Coast and Country series and entertainment was provided by the Band of the Prince of Wales’ Division.

Fellow Newtown company, CellPath, did the double by winning both the Growth Award, sponsored by the Development Bank of Wales and the International Trade Award, sponsored by Trax JH Ltd.

CellPath, which has 95 employees, specialises in the manufacture and worldwide supply of cellular pathology products, consumables and services to help hospitals diagnose cancer.

The company broke through the £10m turnover barrier for the first time in its history last year when exports rose to £2.5m, a 38% increase on 2017, while UK sales are increasing by an average of five per cent a year. International growth now accounts for around 25% of total group turnover and is forecast to break 30% by the end of 2019.

The Judges Special Award, sponsored by Mid and South Wales Chamber of Commerce, went to Philip Jones, headteacher of Caereinion High School, for embracing the business community and seeing the benefits of partnership working.

Engagement with local businesses has resulted in EvaBuild, CastAlum and Dawson Shannon beginning mentoring programmes at the school to identify potential apprentices, Myrick Training supports learner discussions on future career pathways while Cambrian Training delivers a pre-apprenticeship food technology course.

The other award winners were: Start-up Business Award, Natural Weigh, Crickhowell. Outstanding Apprentice Award, Jolyon Harries, Morgans Plumbing & Heating, Welshpool. Social/Charity Award, Tir Coed, Elan Valley. Micro Business Award, Tailored Imports, Talgarth. Excellence in Customer Service Award, Mitchell Meredith Chartered Accountants, Llandrindod Wells. Small Business Award, A.C. Roof Trusses, Welshpool. Entrepreneurship Award, Richard Glover-Davies, GloverSure, Welshpool. Technology and Innovation Award, Electric Classic Cars, Newtown. Small Business Growth Award, OTM Groundscare, Hay-on-Wye.

PICTURE: EvaBuild’s managing director Nick Evans receives the Powys Business of the Year Award from Councillor James Evans watched by Gary Butler, from PCI Pharma Services, sponsor of the Investing in People Award and Andy Hughes and Gavin Evans from EvaBuild.