A Welshpool company which has invested £5 million in state-of-the-art machinery to create 50 new jobs has been named Powys Business of the Year.

Wipak UK Ltd, based at the town’s Buttington Cross Enterprise Park, collected the coveted overall award, sponsored by Powys County Council, at the Powys Business Awards 2022 held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday night.

The company, which makes sophisticated, high barrier films for food products, also won the People Development Award, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges.

Wipak UK Ltd, which has a turnover of nearly £26 million and 107 employees, says its workforce is playing a key role in its mission to become the most sustainable, flexible packaging supplier in the world and achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.

Following a comprehensive training programme for operators on the new machinery, several exciting new products have been developed, including an advanced paper butter wrap for a new market.

Pledging to support employees to unlock their full potential, whilst also prioritising their safety and wellbeing, the company achieved Investors in People Silver Accreditation in 2019 and is going for gold accreditation later this year.

The judges said: “Wipak has a strong leader, has invested in local people and put them at the heart of the company. They have established themselves as market leaders by continuing to invest in their manufacturing capability and in the development of new products.

“They are making a positive environmental contribution by taking decisive action and challenging traditional methods. We believe they will be an inspirational and worthy ambassador as a standard bearer for Powys.”

Showcasing the diverse range of successful enterprises in the county, Powys Business Awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors.

Entrepreneurship Award

Richard Glover-Davies, a serial winner at the awards, added another brace to his collection. He won the Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by Welsh Government, with his companies gloversure and Montgomeryshire Homes Ltd, Welshpool.

Other finalists were Trudy Davies, Woosnam and Davies News, Llani Barbers and Talerddig Bakery Store, Llanidloes and Adam Watkin, Trax JH, Tyre Protector and Gresolvent, Newtown.

Small Business Award

Richard Glover Davies and his brother, Haydn Davies, who are partners in Montgomeryshire Homes, then added the Small Business Award, sponsored by WR Partners.

Other finalists were CMD Ltd, Newtown and Severn Transport Services Ltd, Welshpool.

Growth Award

There was more success for Welshpool as Morland UK won The Growth Award, sponsored by The Powys County Times.

Other finalists were Dawson Shanahan, Welshpool; Makefast Ltd, Newtown and Radnor Hills, Knighton.

Start-up Business Award

Nomadic Washrooms, based in Forden, was announced as winners of the Start-up Business Award, sponsored by EvaBuild.

Other finalists were Bryndu Caravan and Camping, Brecon and Mesh Telematics Limited, Machynlleth.

Micro Business Award (fewer than 10 employees)

 

Brecon-based PM Training and Assessing

PM Training and Assessing

 

Crickhowell-based PM Training and Assessing Ltd won the Micro Business Award, sponsored by WPG.

Other finalists were Celtic Company, Welshpool and SP Filling Systems Ltd, Llandrindod Wells.

Small Business Growth Award

Crickhowell's second award went to The Cellar Drinks Company won the Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by EDF Renewables.

Other finalists were Severn Transport Services Ltd, Welshpool and Montgomeryshire Homes, Welshpool.

Social Enterprise/ Charity Award

Newtown businesses were recognised as The Game Change Project CIC won the Social Enterprise/ Charity Award, sponsored by Myrick Training Services.

Other finalists were Calan DVS, Brecon and Open Newtown, Newtown.

Technology & Innovation Award

 

Control Techniques in Newtown, Powys.

Control Techniques in Newtown, Powys.

 

Nidec – Control Techniques received the Technology & Innovation Award, sponsored by ForrestBrown. Other finalists were CMD Ltd, Newtown and Dawson Shanahan, Welshpool.

Judges' Special Award

 

Radnor Hills Water foundeer William Watkins nonimated in a St. David Awards

Radnor Hills founder William Watkins.

The Judges’ Special Award, sponsored this year by CellPath, to recognise an outstanding achievement by a business or person who were not category winners, went to Radnor Hills, Knighton.

The judges said: "Radnor Hills seen significant profitable growth over the last few years, on the back of Covid-19, the Company has become more agile, and has expanded its range, making its products more affordable, and reducing plastic."

County Times: Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a Radnor Hills product on a flight to India in April 2022. Picture by Stefan Rousseau/PA WireFormer Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a Radnor Hills product on a flight to India in April 2022. Picture by Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire (Image: Stefan Rousseau)

The other finalists were:

People Development Award

EOM Electrical Contractors Ltd, Newtown and SWG Group, Welshpool.