The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has announced the list of finalists for Wales in the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2023. This prestigious event will take place on March 24th at the Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff, with journalist and presenter Andrea Byrne presenting the awards to the winners.

This year, FSB Wales received a record number of nominations from across the region, showcasing the exceptional determination, creativity and innovation of Welsh SMEs. With small businesses overcoming unprecedented challenges in recent years, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the very best of Welsh business.

Some firms are hoping for more than one award. Pontus Research hopes to take home the prize for ‘Exporter of the Year’, ‘Larger Small Business of the Year’ and the coveted ‘Sustainability Award’ after being nominated and shortlisted for all three awards.

Ben Francis, FSB Wales Chair, said: “We are delighted to unveil the finalists for this year’s awards, which highlight the exceptional work and resilience of Welsh small businesses. Our event in Cardiff will be a wonderful opportunity to congratulate the winners and to recognise the outstanding contributions that they make to our local economy.”

The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are a platform for recognising and celebrating the achievements of small businesses, and a chance to showcase the vital role that they play in the economy.

Winners from each category will secure a spot at the prestigious UK final. With a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year, it’s an opportunity for widespread recognition.

Shortlisted firms:

Community Award

Community Furniture Aid
ELITE Clothing Solutions
Enbarr Foundation CIC alongside the Guardians of the Clocktower
Red Dot (Cymru) Ltd
Swansea Business Improvement District

Business and Product Innovation Award

Design Reality Ltd
Net World Sports Ltd
Ruth Lee Ltd
Snoofa Limited

Larger Small Business of the Year 2023

Bargoed Farm
Electricall South Wales
ETL Solutions Ltd
Hoop Recruitment
Pontus Research Ltd
Wagtail UK Limited

Family Business of the Year 2023

Becws Islyn
CS-Promotions Ltd
Just Love Food Company
K Sharp Ltd
West Wales Holiday Cottages
YourNorth

Micro Business of the Year 2023

Cuffed-in Coffee LTD
Laura Anne Hospitality Consultant Ltd
Needle Rock
YourNorth

Self-Employed/Freelancer of the Year 2023

BarrowHR
GA Removals and Storage
JG HR Solutions Limited
Katherine Jones Artist
Molly Maid Bridgend
Morrish & Co
Paws at Pencoed
Sure Safety Consultancy

Start-Up Business of the Year 2023

Cardigan Bay Properties
Closet of style
Finalrentals
Living at Home
Talent Pathway iD
Unique You Ltd

Sustainability Award 2023

Archwood Limited
Pontus Research Ltd
The Pure Option
Woosnam & Davies News

Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023

Annie Thomas – Cotton’s Crèche
Clare Dutton – Duttons Divers Ltd
Joshua Powell – InspireGreen LTD
Tilly Reynolds – The Love to Eat Group
Chris Whittaker – The Platts Group

Exporter of the Year 2023

Finalrentals
Lavinia Stamps Ltd
Limb-art Ltd
My Salah Mat ltd
Pontus Research Ltd

Diversity & Inclusion Award 2023

BE.Xcellence CIC
Enbarr Foundation CIC alongside the Guardians of the Clocktower
Finalrentals
Sparkles Cleaning Services Wales and West Limited
The Coaching Den

Service Excellence Award 2023

BCS mental health service
Cobalt HR
Country Kids Childcare (Builth Wells) Ltd.
Empower Translate
Lavinia Stamps Ltd
Plas Tan-Yr-Allt Historic Country House & Estate
The Welsh Sports Association Ltd

The finalists have been shortlisted because they are some of the Wales’ most exciting small businesses and self-employed workers; including micro businesses, innovative start-ups, as well as the small businesses who the judges felt have gone above and beyond to develop sustainable initiatives. The finalist businesses span sectors from specialist dog services and agricultural entrepreneurs to state of the art machine learning and AI, reflecting the rich and diverse landscape of the Wales’ smaller businesses.