Two of South Wales’ fastest growing enterprises took the top spots at the annual Caerphilly Business Forum Awards held to honour stand-out firms in the county borough.

Nuaire, a long-established designer and manufacturer of ventilation systems, and Xibo, an up-and-coming specialist digital marketing operation received the ‘Business of the Year,” titles for firms with over 25 employees and under 25 employees respectively at the awards.

Nuaire, which employs more than 400 people and sells its products in more than 40 countries, received the ‘Premier Award’ for the most impressive entrant overall in the popular annual awards programme.

Both firms, which are based in Caerphilly, have achieved strong growth over recent years and continue to expand at an impressive rate.

Another big winner at the awards, hosted by BBC’s Jamie Owen, was Blackwood-based confectionery company Bon Bon Buddies, whose product manager Sarah Cartwright took the Women in Business award sponsored by Glenside Commercials Tracy said: “I have been with the business 10 years next year and it is a privilege and an honour to win this award. Our business has continued year-on-year growth and it is fantastic to be part of it.”

Other winners included Blackwood Embedded Solutions, which won the Innovation Award; Hallets Real Cider, of Crumlin, which won the Contribution to the Rural Economy category; and Hengoed-based bespoke wood product specialist, Craft Wales, which won the Manufacturing in Action award. Sophie Hawkridge, a trainee countryside ranger with Caerphilly County Borough Council, was named Apprentice of the Year.

Caerphilly Business Forum chairman Denise Lovering said: “The face of business across Wales and the UK is changing, and the introduction of new categories allowed us to reflected this and highlight the achievements of a wider cross section of businesses based in Caerphilly than ever before. As forum board members we never fail to be amazed by the diversity of business talent within the county.”