Two mums from Cwmbran who came up with the idea of a roll on sun cream applicator at their kitchen table, won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at last year's South Wales Argus Business Awards.

And Kelli Apsland and Laura Griffiths said the whole experience of winning at the uinaugural awards was a privilege.

What did winning a South Wales Argus Business Award mean to you and/or your business/?

Solar Buddies: We loved winning the award and the category we were entered into, it meant a lot to be recognised as entrepreneurs for the work we have done in creating Solar Buddies and running the business for the last four years. It was also great that we got to take part in the very first South Wales Argus Business Awards and come away from it as a winner. It was a privilege. To be a local company and being supported by local businesses and the South Wales Argus has always been great when It comes to publishing our journey throughout theses past few years.

Why would you encourage local businesses and individuals to enter the South Wales Argus Business Awards this year?

SB: This is a great event to be part of, it is always great to try and achieve an award for your business as this can heighten your profile as a business and give you the recognition you deserve for your hard work and effort you have put in. These awards showcase that and give others the opportunity to also be recognised.

How and why are awards such as these important in helping to raise the profile of Newport and Gwent businesses and individuals ?

SB: We loved the fact the we now have a local awards system in place. This is something we have always wanted - to be able to champion local businesses thus raising the profile of the towns and the city they are from, showcasing all the great things to come out of these areas. This is why you should take part in these awards, it great for your business and the community too.

Entries are open for the 2019 South Wales Argus Business Awards, which are being held in association with Newport Now Business Improvement District, until September 13. To see the full list of categories and sponsors, and to enter go to newsquestevents.co.uk/business-awards/.