Following the success of four years in the Vale of Glamorgan, the fifth year saw the awards expand into Bridgend. Hosted at an exciting new venue, the ceremony was a vibrant and busy celebration, bringing businesses together for an evening of networking and recognition of the incredible businesses across both counties.

Founder of the Vale and Bridgend Business Awards, Liz Brookes, Director of Grapevine Event Management said:

“It’s been a real privilege to expand the awards and champion the businesses and entrepreneurs that are driving our regions forward and putting both counties firmly on the map. Tonight, has been an incredible celebration of exactly that, recognising the ambition and dedication of the businesses that make the Vale and Bridgend such fantastic places to do business. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

David Stevens, Chair of Judges :

“As Chair of the Judging Panel, I’ve had the real privilege of seeing first-hand the passion, determination and hard work that sits behind so many of the businesses across the Vale and Bridgend. Choosing the winners was certainly not an easy task, because there are so many outstanding businesses and inspiring people doing incredible things in our communities.

“What has stayed with me most is the genuine pride people have in what they have built. These awards are about much more than recognising success, they are about celebrating the people behind the businesses, their stories and their resilience”

The winners of Vale and Bridgend Business Awards 2026 are:

Creative and Digital Business of the Year – Wales Interactive
Employer of the Year – Flotek Group
Entrepreneur of the Year – Kristian Kane, Fine Rolling Media
Food and Farming Business of the Year – Celtic Roots Farm & Gardens
Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year – Bear Human Resources Ltd
Green Business of the Year – GreenspaceSOS
Micro Business of the Year – Bark Works
Retail Business of the Year – Pyle Garden Centre
SME of the Year – Cobbles
Start-Up Business of the Year – Porthcawl Padel
Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year – Fablas Ice Cream
Third Sector Organisation of the Year – More Than Flags and Rainbows CIC
Young Business Person of the Year – Caitlyn Sheldon, CVS Technical

Highly Commended:

Start Up Business of the Year – Larry’s Coffee
Retail Business of the Year – Farnhams Fish and Chips Shop
Young Business Person of the Year – Michaela and Megan Poacher – Holiday Lets
Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year – The Glamorgan History Walks
Green Business of the Year – The Coach Brewing Co

This year the awards are sponsored and supported by;; Bevan Buckland, Cardiff and Vale College, Red Kite Solicitors, Renishaw, Sparkles Cleaning Wales & West, Evermore and Stills. Business News Wales is the media sponsor.

The awards are organised by Grapevine Event Management.

Further details of the Vale and Bridgend Business Awards can be found on the website, www.valeandbridgendbusinessawards.com