Five Gwent businesses have been shortlisted for the South Wales Chamber of Commerce 2014 Welsh Business Awards.

Thirty-four businesses in total make up the shortlist, including three nominations for Newport-based SPTS Technologies, which manufactures semi-conductor wafer processing equipment to produce a range of electrical components, in the Skills and People Development, Innovation / Improvement to Practices and Environmental Impact categories.

Hengoed-based Amber Solutions, a waste management and recycling service provider, is also nominated in the Environmental Impact category, while Innovation Makers, an Ebbw Vale company which designs and manufactures nursery sector products, is nominated for the Business Start Up Award.

Monmouthshire Building Society is shortlisted in the Community Contribution / Youth Development category, while Caerphilly-based cloud technology company Service Tracker is a finalist in the Technology Application category.

In its 13th consecutive year, the Welsh Business Awards, sponsored by the University of South Wales, will take place on February 26 at the Vale Resort, and will be hosted by former Olympic skier-turned-TV presenter, adventurer and journalist, Graham Bell.

Graham Morgan, director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “The awards celebrate the success stories of Welsh businesses who are not only at the forefront of their own sectors, but who also contribute to the overall growth of the Welsh economy.

“As the economic recovery takes hold, it’s important to recognise the achievements of leading businesses. The awards are a key event in our calendar year and, through the chamber’s expertise and links, both in and outside of the UK, we will actively support all entrants as they look to further expand their businesses.”

The winners of each category can progress through to the British Chamber of Commerce Awards when entries open in the spring, where they will be in with a chance to win a share of £50,000.