Nine companies, including a number from Gwent, will be representing Wales at the first Made in the UK Awards in Liverpool later this month.

The awards dinner is part of the International Festival of Business - the largest global concentration of business events during 2014.

The companies will go head to head with businesses from nine other regions in the UK to see whether they are chosen to represent what is 'great' about products and services manufactured in Great Britain.

The companies are Newport-based SPTS Technologies, Cwmfelinfach-based MöllerTech, Blaenavon-based GOS Tool and Engineering Services, Caerphilly-based Direct Healthcare Services, Swansea-based Morgan Advanced Materials, Welsh Whisky Company in Penderyn, Norgine based in Hengoed and

FSG Tool & Die, Chromogenex Technologies based in Llanelli.

All received a Made in Wales Award in 2013. Made in Wales is a celebration of the best companies making, designing and developing products in Wales. The fourth Made in Wales Awards, due to be presented in October 2014, will this year include a fresh category, New Product of the Year.

Overall nine awards will be presented on the night including: Advanced Manufacturing Innovation / Creative Design Award; Advanced Manufacturer / Technology Award; Export Award; Food and Drink Award; Green Manufacturer / Sustainable Manufacturer Award; Manufacturing Apprenticeship / Training Scheme Award; Medical / Life Sciences and Healthcare Award; Aerospace and Defence Award; and Manufacturer of the Year Award.

The awards form part of a two day conference and exhibition at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool Waterfront.

A number of leading companies at the forefront of technology, innovative design and green thinking will be discussing the industry’s future, challenges and unveiling their latest developments in healthcare, transport and renewables.