WINNERS of the inaugral, Free Press-backed Monmouthshire Business Awards were revealed at a £30,000 ceremony last week.

Almost 200 guests, including representatives of Monmouthshire council, attended the black tie event at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, on Friday.

The MBAs recognise innovation, talent and enterprise in the local community.

More than 30 “exceptionally brilliant” local organisations, including start-ups and sole traders, were shortlisted for honours in 11 categories.

Pioneer Aircraft, the Abergavenny-based aviation firm, walked away with the Most Promising Start Up award.

Emily Webb, the founder of Oarsome Potential, the Llanover-based business which produces anti-bacterial hand grips, scooped Young Entrepreneur.

Ms Webb said: “Winning this award is a real honour, and I’m proud and delighted to have been recognised in this way.”

Monmouthpedia, the world’s first Wikipedia project to cover an entire town, was honoured with the Excellence in Marketing award after generating “widespread media exposure”.

Other winners on the night included Marlow Vets for Best Rural Enterprise, Monmouth Festivals for Most Environmentally Aware Festival, Little Treasures for Excellence in Retail, Carriages Catering for Best Food Tourism Business, Penpergwm House for Training and Excellence in People Development, and Turner Hydraulic Services for Innovation in Business.

Mabey Bridge won the titles of both Company of the Year and Company Showing Exceptional Growth.

Event co-organiser Janet Harris said the first MBA was a “massive success” and thanked the council and the Welsh Assembly for their support.