ONE of Europe’s largest producers of wheel balance weights in the automotive industry has been named Powys Business of the Year 2017 following substantial increases in its turnover.

Trax JH Ltd, based at Newtown and Welshpool, was also presented with the International Trade Award, sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, at the Powys Business Awards gala finals event held at The Hafren in Newtown, on Friday (October 6).

The awards, organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group and sponsored by Powys County Council, celebrate business excellence throughout the county.

The event’s MC’s were BBC Wales Today and X-Ray presenter Lucy Owen and her television presenter husband Rhodri Owen. More than 230 guests attended the event to see 12 awards presented to a range of small, medium and large businesses out of a total of 30 finalists.

Cllr Martin Weale, Powys cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “This year’s Powys Business Awards demonstrated the strength and diversity of businesses across the county.

“Not only are all of this year’s finalists worthy of their nominations but they represent everything that is good about the county’s businesses.”

Announcing Trax JH Ltd as Powys Business of the Year, judge Bob Benyon said said: “The company is one of Europe’s major wheel balance weight manufacturers and is certainly worth its ‘weight’ in gold. They have secured major contracts with new and existing clients resulting in job creation and investment in new technology.”

The Judges Award went to Station Couriers of Newtown, which was described by judges as an “exemplary employer.”

Other winners were:

Start-Up Business Award – Soccerholics R Us, Meifod

Oustanding Apprentice Award – Matt Price, Compact Orbital Gears, Rhayader

Entrepreneurship Award – Nick Sanders Expedition Centre, Machynlleth

Growth Award – SWG Construction, Welshpool

Excellence in Quality Management Award – Plant-i, Machynlleth

Small Business Award (for firms with fewer than 30 employees) – EvaBuild, Newtown

Social Enteprise/Charity Award – Llangoed Hall, Llyswen

Micro Business Award for firms of fewer than 10 employees (sponsored by the Brecon & Radnor Express and Cambrian News) – Varleys of Newtown