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 turnover, profit and new business.

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.

Other winners included Varleys of Newtown which won Micro Business (Under 10 Employees), sponsored by the Cambrian News and Brecon & Radnor Express; Matt Price from Compact Orbital Gears, Rhayader who won Outstanding Apprentice, sponsored by FSB; Nick Sanders Expedition Centre, Machynlleth, which won the Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by the Welsh Government; and Plant-i Machynlleth which won Excellence in Quality Management, sponsored by Myrick Training.

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

The MCs 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 County Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “This year’s Powys Business Awards demonstrated the strength and diversity of businesses across the county."

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes edition for the full list of winners and more pictures from the night, in shops and online now