The excitement is building in Newtown as several local businesses have made it to the prestigious Powys Business Awards' shortlist.

Celebrating business success and innovation, the awards, organized by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), will take place at The Hafren in Newtown on Friday, October 20.

The Powys Business Awards, which began in 2009, offer a platform for companies, organizations, social enterprises, and charities to showcase their achievements. This year, there are 13 award categories, including two newcomers - the Sole Trader Award and the Excellence in Sustainability Award.

Among the local businesses that have made the shortlist are:

1. Hilltop Honey Limited, Newtown - Entrepreneurship Award and Growth Award categories.
2. Espanaro Ltd, Newtown - Start-up Business Award and Entrepreneurship Award categories.
3. Abermule Inn, Abermule, near Newtown - Small Business Growth Award and Sole Trader Award categories.
4. Hummingbird, Newtown - Entrepreneurship Award
5. Waggon and Horses, Newtown - Micro Business Award
6. Links Electrical Suppliers Ltd, Newtown - Growth Award
7. EOM Electrical Contractors, Newtown - Small Business Growth Award
8. Pave Aways Ltd, Newtown - People Development Award
9. Splosh Limited, Newtown - Excellence in Sustainability Award

Ceri Stephens, MWMG's group manager, expressed her delight with the overwhelming number of entries and the support for the two new award categories. She highlighted the geographic and sector diversity among the new finalists, reflecting the thriving business landscape in Powys.

"We look forward to seeing all the finalists at the awards ceremony, which provides a fantastic platform for businesses across Powys to raise their profile and showcase their diverse products and services," Stephens stated.

The judging panel, faced with a challenging task, will select category winners and an overall Powys Business of the Year. The Powys County Council sponsors the overall award, and the panel can also present a discretionary Judges Special Award to recognize outstanding achievements by businesses or individuals who are not category winners.

Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, commended the multitude of Powys businesses, both established and new, for competing in the prestigious awards. He acknowledged the rewarding task the judges have ahead in selecting the winners.