Chambers Wales invites businesses of all sizes to enter flagship awards celebrating innovation, growth and impact

Entries have today (Jan 12) opened for the Wales Business Awards 2026, which celebrate innovation, ambition and achievement among businesses across Wales.

Organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, the awards are firmly established as a flagship event in the Welsh business calendar and aim to recognise organisations driving growth, creating opportunity and contributing to the Welsh economy.

The 2026 awards include categories covering areas such as innovation, manufacturing, customer excellence, creativity and inclusion. New awards introduced this year include Inclusive Employer of the Year, Start Up Business of the Year and the Wales Creative Impact Award, reflecting the evolving priorities of Welsh businesses.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne on May 14 at Holland House Hotel. One overall winner will also be named Wales Business of the Year.

The 2025 title was awarded to Concrete Canvas Ltd, a Pontyclun-based manufacturer recognised for its growth ambitions and innovative engineering solutions.

Gus Williams, chief executive of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said the awards highlight the role businesses play in shaping Wales’ economic future. He said: “Every year we are inspired by the quality, ambition and determination shown by businesses across Wales.

“The awards provide an opportunity to showcase success, share best practice and celebrate the positive impact Welsh businesses are making locally, nationally and internationally.”

The awards are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, with entry open to both Chamber members and non-members. The closing date for entries is February 27.

Further information and entry details are available via the Chambers Wales website.

Wales Business Awards 2026 categories

• Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year
• Customer Excellence Award
• Digital Business Award
• Exporter of the Year
• Green Business Award
• Inclusive Employer of the Year
• Innovation Award
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Outstanding Workplace Culture Award
• Professional Services Firm of the Year
• Start Up Business of the Year
• Wales Creative Impact Award

THE MILFORD HAVEN Business Circle is holding its next meeting on Monday (Jan 19) at Moon Goddess Emporium in Charles Street.

The meeting is due to start at 6:00pm at the shop’s premises at 53 Charles Street, Milford Haven, and is open to local businesses and members.

An agenda circulated ahead of the meeting includes items on plans for the year’s events, a “Founders Day”, and how the group communicates with Milford Haven Town Council — including a proposed question to be put to the council.

Members are also expected to discuss the idea of a soup or community kitchen, advertising member businesses on the group’s social media page, and whether people should be able to attend meetings remotely via Zoom.

The agenda includes confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting, any updates on meeting etiquette, and an “any other business” item before dates are set for the next meeting.

Anyone interested in attending is advised to check the Milford Haven Business Circle page for the latest details.

WEST WALES business owners are being invited to an online briefing later this month to help them understand forthcoming Business Rates changes, amid concerns that new rateable values could lead to sharp increases for retail, hospitality and tourism firms.

The session will be held on Monday, January 26 at 10:30am and will be hosted by Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS. Guest speakers will include the Valuation Office Agency, who will explain how the changes will work in practice and what businesses can do to prepare ahead of the new valuations coming into force in April 2026.

Organisers say many businesses across the region have already seen significant rises in rateable value, increasing pressure on high streets, local jobs and investment. Hospitality and tourism operators, in particular, have warned that further increases could be unsustainable.

The briefing is aimed at business owners, employers and managers seeking practical information on what is changing, how it could affect their premises, and what steps they can take ahead of April. The event will also give businesses a chance to raise concerns directly with elected representatives.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Too many local businesses are facing sharp increases in their rateable values, at a time when costs are already rising. This session is about making sure business owners understand what is coming, what options are available to them, and how we can make the strongest possible case for a fairer system.”

Paul Davies MS added: “Hospitality and tourism businesses are the backbone of our local economy, particularly in West Wales. We want to hear directly from businesses about the challenges they face and ensure their voices are heard as decisions are made about Business Rates in Wales.”

The online briefing will cover an overview of the Business Rates system in Wales, what the new rateable value changes mean for local businesses, and how firms can have their say as the case for a fairer system is made.

More details and registration are available via Samuel Kurtz MS’s website.