ABERGAVENNY Food Festival claimed one of the top awards at the recent Welsh Business Awards, organised by the South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce and held at the National Museum of Wales.

The Food Festival topped the Excellence in Environmental Management category  thanks to its commitment to being environmentally responsible – it aims to become a zero waste event by 2020. In 2015, it diverted 7.4 tonnes of recycling from the Festival’s waste stream – an overall recycling rate of 76 per cent.

Aine Morris, of Abergavenny Food Festival, said, “Being environmentally responsible is not only good for our business, it’s great for other businesses and it’s great for the local area and Wales as a whole. It means so much to have our efforts in this regard recognised. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by continually improving the way we operate, to become more efficient and sustainable.

“As one of the most well respected national food festivals, we use our position to positively influence change among traders and visitors that they continue to implement. And we intend to continue doing so for many years to come.”

The 2016 awards scheme which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and was sponsored by the University of South Wales, saw 35 businesses from a variety of sectors nominated for awards across 10 categories. The event was hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones for the second time.

“Given how challenging 2016 has been for many of our businesses, with continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of Brexit, it was inspiring to celebrate so much success tonight,” said Heather Myers, director of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce and a former chief executive of the food festival. 

“All 35 shortlisted businesses should be immensely proud of what they achieved in 2016, whether they left with a trophy or not. Their entrepreneurial spirit and never-say-die attitude have contributed to a more prosperous Wales and one that remains a firm contender in the global market.

“I’d like to thank the University of South Wales for sponsoring the event for another year, all of the category sponsors for their unyielding support, and everyone who worked so hard to ensure the evening was a triumph.”

Siwan Rees, director of USW Exchange at the University of South Wales, which sponsors the event, said: “We’re delighted to again support the Awards, and congratulate all of those who have either been shortlisted or go on to become winners.     

“By focusing on increasing the SME contribution to the economy, developing students with relevant skills, and enhancing the status of the university as an institution for business, USW is a centre for collaboration and interaction, which builds links between industry and graduate talent.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns was a spokesperson at the awards. He said: "It’s because of the hard work and dedication of dynamic Welsh businesses, like those celebrated at the awards, that Wales has seen the fastest growth outside London since 2010.

"As a Government, we’re proud of supporting our job market. I’m delighted to say that there are 117,000 more private sector jobs in Wales than there were in 2010. These jobs have been created by the private sector, by entrepreneurs who take risks and have the drive to build businesses.

"I hope the Welsh business community continue to work together to ensure Wales remains a thriving location to do business.”

The winners of each category have the opportunity to progress to the British Chamber Awards when entries open in the Spring. Welsh businesses have traditionally performed well against UK-wide competition and a number have successfully secured a share of the prize money, which was £10,000 last year.