A Newport-based events business has taken home the title of Business of the Year at the South Wales Argus Business Awards 2020/21 this evening.

Inspired Business Media won the top title after also being named at the Innovative Business of the Year, a category which was sponsored by Western Power Distribution.

The awards, which were being held in association with lead sponsor Newport City Council, was held virtually due to the on-going pandemic and was broadcast on the South Wales Argus Facebook page.

Businesses, organisations and individuals representing the cream of the business sector in Gwent were shortlisted for the 14 categories, which ranged from Best Place to Work to Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The virtual ceremony was hosted by educationalist and leading business figure Professor Jonathon Deacon, of the University of South Wales, who was joined by South Wales Argus managing director Hussain Bayoomi and editor Gavin Thompson.

Mr Bayoomi said: "We're delighted to have been able to deliver these important and prestigious awards once more. The awards recognise the very best business and organisations that we have here in South Wales.

"Despite the past two years, which for some businesses and organisations has been a terrible and challenging time during the pandemic lock down, it's gratifying to see so many not just surviving but thriving. The awards attracted a fabulous amount of entries from our brilliant businesses which made it an extremely difficult but ultimately very rewarding task for the judges to make their decisions.

"The quality and quantity of the entries received from across the area was astounding. The recipients are truly worthy of recognition especially in light of the unique challenges endured by all, over the past almost two years."

Inspired Business Media, based on Stow Hill, Newport, are business engagement experts who facilitate educational, networking and business solutions, providing opportunities for senior executives through their conferences, luxury networking dinners and virtual events.

On its entry form a spokesman said: “We are a successful international business events company which has not been allowed to produce events for 18 months because of Covid-19.

“So how did we achieve £1.5m in new sales revenue?

“Resilience and innovation by the director Jason Awatar, who has all odds against him due to his disabilities after suffering a major stroke in 2017.

The Best BID Business of the Year (sponsored by Newport Now Business Improvement District) was Diverse Music, on Charles Street, Newport.

Evan Sellick, of Clothing View, took home the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Icon Creative Design).

The Hospitality Business of the Year award went to Tin Can Kitchen & Al Forno (Yard Group Ltd).

Newport-based Wolfberry Cyber Security picked up the award for the Digital Technology Business of the Year, while Niche IFA was named the Best Place to Work.

The Family Business of the Year award (sponsored by Azets) went to A G Meek.

Monmouthshire Building Society snapped up the title of Large Business of the Year, while Newport's Beth's Bakes was named Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Kymin).

The Start Up Business of the Year award (sponsored by Educ8 Group) went to Uddr Ltd.

The Contribution to the Community Award (sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society) was awarded to Newport Live and the Customer Service Award (sponsored by Friars Walk and The Kingsway Centre) went to Livertons Opticians, based on Charles Street, Newport.

Newport-based Industrial Automation and Control Ltd won the Training and Development Business of the Year award and Newport Transport took home the Environmental Business Award (sponsored by Cintec International).