The finale of the 2015 Monmouthshire Business Awards took place last week when local businesses were celebrated for their “outstanding contribution” to the economy.

Almost 400 guests attended Friday’s black tie event at the Celtic Manor Resort, which played host to the largest Gala Dinner in the awards’ history.

Budding tycoons from local schools also attended the ceremony as part of a pioneering initiative by title sponsors Monmouthshire Business Awards to support grass roots entrepreneurism.

A total of 23 companies, ranging from start-ups and sole traders to major organisations, were shortlisted for honours in what host Hwyel James, the former ITV Wales presenter, described as the “most fiercely contested” MBAs yet.

But just nine businesses walked away with an award for demonstrating “innovation, talent and enterprise” in the wider local community.

The 11 category winners included Chepstow store Write From The Heart, which scooped both Most Promising Start Up and Young Entrepreneur in the first “inspirational double” of its kind.

Green and Jenks ice cream parlour in Monmouth walked away with Excellence in Retail, while local veterinary practice Gardner Llewelyn Group won Responsible Business.

Excellence in Marketing went to That Media Group, Excellence in Technology Innovation to Spectrum Internet, and Hospitality, and Travel and Tourism was awarded to Monmouthshire Cottages. All three companies are based in Chepstow.

Monmouth company Siltbuster won Innovation in Business and Total Metal Products won Company Demonstrating Sustained Growth, while the Abergavenny-based Green Waste Company won Best Green Business.

The Company of the Year title went to Chepstow-based firm Reid Lifting. Reid Lifting also won the prestigious Judge’s Choice Award, which is presented to one of the shortlisted finalists deemed to be the best overall entrant.

Celebrity judges Andy Harrington, the bestselling author and public speaker, and David Jamilly, the serial entrepreneur and star of Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire – said Reid Lifting was a “local business with an international reputation for excellence”.

Now into their fourth year, the awards - dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the Welsh business industry – attracted some 371 guests who included Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science & Transport, Welsh Government, Monmouth MP David Davies, Nick Ramsay AM, High Sheriff of Gwent Andrew Tuggey, Bob Greenland, Deputy Leader at Monmouthshire County Council, Paul Matthews, Chief Executive of Monmouthshire County Council, Peter Fox, Leader at Monmouthshire County Council, and former Celtic Manor Resort CEO Dylan

Matthews.

Awards founder Janet Harris said: “As ever, I would like to thank our small and dedicated team, without whom the MBAs would not be the phenomenal success that they are.

“I would also like to congratulate all entrants and all winners and also give special thanks to our wonderful sponsors, without whom the MBAs would not be possible.”

The title and associated sponsors of the awards were: Monmouthshire County Council, title sponsor of the awards with the full list of categories and sponsors for the 2015 Monmouthshire Business Awards comprising; Most Promising Start Up (Parker & Co. Accountants); Hospitality, Travel and Tourism (CelticManor Resort); Excellence in Retailing (Coleg Gwent); Excellence in Marketing (Hello Starling); Innovation in Business (Reid Lifting); Excellence in Technology Innovation (Welsh Government); Young Entrepreneur (Spectrum Internet); Company Demonstrating Sustained Growth (Finance Wales); Best Green Business (Monmouthshire Housing Association); Company of the Year (Hicks Logistics); Responsible Business (Interserve) and Judges’ Choice (Palamedes PR).