A NEWPORT-BASED recycling firm has been named Business of the Year at the South Wales Business Awards.

The company, Pallet Recycling South Wales, picked up the top awards, along with SME of the Year, at the awards ceremony held last night at the University of South Wales' Newport campus. This category was sponsored by Newport Transport.

Newport businessman Peter Lewis, of Industrial Automation and Control Ltd, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

South Wales Argus: Leighton Szade of Pallet Recycling South WalesLeighton Szade of Pallet Recycling South Wales

Mr Lewis set up his now international business in 1989 and champions its apprenticeship scheme. He started his career as an apprentice with South Wales Switchgear in Blackwood after leaving school before sixth form.

A new award for this year was the Lasting Contribution to Gwent, which went to Monmouthshire Building Society, a stalwart of the region since it was established in 1869.

Now in their sixth year, the South Wales Argus Business Awards, this year held in association with the University of South Wales, shines a light of businesses of all sizes across the region.

A total of 16 awards were made at the ceremony, which also included a panel discussion with leading figures from business, academia and local government, led by South Wales Argus editor Gavin Thompson.

South Wales Argus:

Other winners on the night were:

  • Businessperson of the Year, sponsored by DNS: Laura Waters and Kelli Aspland, of Solar Buddies;
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Newport Transport: Dorian Payne, of Castell Construction Ltd;
  • Best Place to Work, sponsored by Cintec International: Hawkstone Commercials;
  • Family Business of the Year, sponsored by Parker and Co: J&A Phillips Builders Merchants;
  • Micro Business of the Year, sponsored by Parker and Co: Castell Construction Ltd;
  • B2B Business of the Year, sponsored by Torfaen County Borough Council: Corporate Event Solutions;
  • Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society: Capital Coated Steel;
  • Customer Service Award, sponsored by Newport City Council: Lilly Rose Ivy Casting;
  • Sole Trader of the Year, sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society: Jacobs Boutique XO;
  • High Street Trader of the Year, sponsored by Newport City Council: Treats n Play;
  • Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by LocaliQ: Business in Focus.