Thirteen Gwent businesses, organisations and business people have been named as finalists in the Zokit Business Awards 2019.

The awards will be presented during the Zokit Springconf, in May in Cardiff.

Wales rugby star and entrepreneur Alix Popham, who is from Newport and who won 33 caps for his country and played high-level rugby at Newport, the Scarlets, Leeds Tykes, and Brive, will take part in a Q&A about his life in rugby and business: The Inner Game of Success: Playing at the Highest Level.

He is also among those who have been shortlisted for an award.

The local finalists are: Jessica Draws Media Ltd, of Abergavenny, and Beton Bauen, Caerphilly, in the Business Evolution category; Team Metalogic, Caerphilly, in the Customer Focus category; Dreams and Wishes Charity, Newport, and Treefrog Design, Newport, in the Breakthrough Brand category; Hub XV (established by Newport and Wales rugby star Alix Popham) and Insurgo Media Services, of Abertillery, in the Innovation category; Adventure Digital Ltd, Newport, in the Startup Spark category; Wendy Hobbs, of Dreams and Wishes Charity, Newport, in the Inspiring Leader category; Jon Wright, of Adventure Digital Ltd, Newport, in the Young Entrepreneur category; Archer & Brooks Ltd, of Ebbw Vale, UMT Upcycling & MobilityTraining, of Caerphilly, and Insurgo Media Services, of Abertillery, in the Environmental Excellence category; and Marina Hauer, of Apricity Studio, Newport, in the Engaging Speaker category.

Zokit is a community of business owners which stretches across South Wales, from Swansea to Chepstow.

It has more than 300 members and associate members in a range of sectors – from health and wellbeing and business services to digital marketing and training.