One of South Wales’ fastest growing SMEs took the top spot at the annual Caerphilly Business Forum awards.

Contract Services Group, a specialist construction and maintenance firm with an annual turnover of £11m, was named Business of the Year (with over 25 employees) at the 2016 awards, which were held at Bryn Meadows, Ystrad Mynach.

Chairman of Caerphilly Business Forum Denise Lovering said: “Caerphilly is a great place to do business. From industrial flagship businesses that Caerphilly’s roots are based upon, to the start-ups and SMEs that are nurtured at hubs like Welsh ICE, the borough is thriving with exciting business prospects.

“The awards programme has showcased how much ambition there is within the borough, ideally placed to benefit from developments in the creation of the Cardiff Capital region in the next few years.”

With a growth strategy aiming for an annual turnover of £20m by 2020, Contract Services Group was also awarded the Premier Award, sponsored by Broomfield & Alexander, given to the finalist who most impressed the judging panel across the board, honouring overall excellence on the night.

Other winners at the business awards ceremony included Service Tracker UK, an IT solutions firm which was presented with the Innovation Award sponsored by Coleg y Cymoedd. Cwm Carno Farm, part of the five cooperative farms in Cig Mynydd Cymru, was awarded the Contribution to the Rural Economy accolade, sponsored by Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd, for its dedication to animal welfare.

Elsewhere, Asbri Golf, a branding company for golf accessories picked up the Business of the Year Award (with under 25 employees) sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council. Speaking after the awards, Eryl Williams, managing director of Asbri Golf said: “We have a really talented and dedicated team, and this year has been such a success because of them. In what has been a turbulent year for business across the whole of the UK, we have managed to continue expanding the company year on year.”

He continued: “We currently distributes products to 30 countries, and have just starting operating in America. We’ll now put our efforts into growing the business in that huge market, while continuing to service our current clients.”

Individual winners at the event included Gavin Moulsdale, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year, following his work with British Airways Interiors Engineering. Mandy Weston of start-up hub Welsh ICE was chosen as this year’s Women in Business for her passion in encouraging women into enterprise.

Finally, Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council, was awarded to DW Studio, a Welsh ICE based CGI visuals company. The company boasts international clients such as Dyson as well as high profile national names including Network Rail.

David Wiffen, owner of DW Studio, said: “The business has set its roots in Caerphilly and received great support from Welsh ICE from the very beginning. Over the next few years we’ll be looking to grow the company sensibly and sustainably. Winning the award tonight will give us a huge boost for the future.”

Denise Lovering, said: “Over the last 15 years, we have had the pleasure of honouring the best businesses and entrepreneurs the borough has to offer, and the calibre of winners this year is no different. We extend our warmest congratulations to everyone who contributed towards an award win tonight, as well as thanks to our judges and sponsors.”