Regional business awards spotlight innovation and excellence

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July 17, 2025

A series of local business awards across Wales, Suffolk and Huntingdonshire have celebrated outstanding achievements in innovation, resilience and sustainability. From Powys to Suffolk, entrepreneurs and established firms were recognised in diverse categories—from low-carbon champions to best new business—underlining the strength and dynamism of regional economies.

Key takeaways

Lowri Morgan will host the 16th Powys Business Awards on 17 October.
Muntons of Stowmarket clinches Suffolk Business of the Year for sustainability leadership.
Six founders honoured in the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator Awards.
Huntingdonshire awards extend entry deadline to 18 July.

Powys business awards host announced

One of Wales’s most fearless adventurers and broadcasters, Lowri Morgan, has been confirmed as host for the 2025 Powys Business Awards. Organised by the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, the ceremony at The Hafren, Newtown, on 17 October will honour innovation, resilience and talent across 12 categories, including a new Business-Education Partnership Award.

Morgan brings over 20 years of broadcasting experience and an award-winning record in extreme-environment documentaries. “Drive, passion and perseverance are as vital in business as they are in the wild,” she said. Entries close on 27 July.

Suffolk business of the year crowned

Muntons, a family-owned malt producer founded in 1921, was named Suffolk Business of the Year at the East Anglian Daily Times ceremony on 10 July. Recognised for its ambitious sustainability strategy, Muntons has held Gold or Platinum ratings from EcoVadis for five years and earned a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

Judges praised its “clear, focused approach” to net-zero targets and regenerative agriculture. Mark Tyldesley, managing director, credited the award to staff commitment and Suffolk’s supportive business community.

Other finalists included:

Fleximize: digital business lender with over £550 million lent since 2014.
The Woodbridge Vets: independent practice delivering modern, high-quality veterinary care.

Innovative founders shine in Wales start-up accelerator

Six entrepreneurs completed the 10-week Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator, an intensive growth programme delivered via the Accelerated Growth Programme. They were recognised for creativity, impact and collaboration at a showcase event:

Proposition Flex Award: Natasha Page (VitalAir) – child-friendly allergy tests.
Sales Accelerator Award: Michele Sims (Clearlypods) – off-grid wellness pods.
Accelerator Award: Sarah Alex Carter (Yuple) – speech-to-text tools for acquired hearing loss.
Fastest Sales Award: Vlad Tanasescu (safeIncent) – self-funded habit-change app.
Accelerator Champion Award: Pam Jones (Easy Care Products) – pressure-relief system for wheelchair users.
Most Collaborative Participant Award: Tessa Polniaszek (Thinking Diversity) – neurodiversity training programmes.

Applications for the next cohort (30 September–12 December) close on 25 August.

Huntingdonshire awards extend entry deadline

Companies in Huntingdonshire now have until 18 July to enter the 2025 Invest in Huntingdonshire Business Awards. Hosted by Huntingdonshire District Council at the Burgess Hall in October, the nine categories include Best New Business, Low Carbon Champion, Waste Reduction and Tourism & Hospitality.

Entrants may submit to two categories online if based in or significantly trading within the district. Cllr Sam Wakeford urged businesses of all sizes to apply and gain formal recognition for their achievements.