Following a highly-competitive selection process, Gwent-based timber importer and distributer Premier Forest Group is celebrating after being shortlisted for a national business award.

Premier Forest Group has been named as a London and South Regional Finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year UK 2016 competition, one of the world’s most prestigious business award programmes.

This recognition comes as Premier continues to improve on its already well-established environmental credentials with a significant investment in renewable energy at its sites in Croespenmaen and Lostwithiel and is testament to the hard work of the Premier team, their high professional standards and innovative culture.

Terry Edgell, director and co-founder of Premier – one of the largest companies in Wales – said: “It is an honour to be shortlisted alongside some of the country’s best businesses. I am very proud of everything that the Premier team has achieved and all the hard work that goes into making the company such a success.”

Premier Forest Group is one of the UK’s leading, vertically integrated timber companies; operating from 14 sites within the UK and Eire and principally engaged in sawmilling, processing, importation and the distribution of timber and associated products. Founded in Wales, it is one of the principality’s biggest companies, recognised for its quality, integrity, value, sustainability and innovative culture.

After a judges’ reception in May, the London and South regional winners will be announced during an awards dinner, which is being held at the Tate Modern, London on June 28.

Regional winners will be eligible to compete in the EY Entrepreneur of the UK national programme.

Now in its 18th year in the UK, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year brings together dynamic business leaders of fast growth companies who are helping to reshape the future of entrepreneurial businesses.