Gwent businesses are among the finalists for the 2019 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The awards celebrate the incredible stories that have taken entrepreneurs to where they are today, regardless of size or turnover.

Previous winners include Hannah and Sophie Pycroft of Spectrum Collections and Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn of Hangfire Southern Kitchen.

Jordan Day-Williams and Dean Richards of C.O.B.R.A. Music, which is based in Ebbw Vale, join Richard Pollentine, of Newport-based Sober Drinks as finalists.

Gareth Jones and Mandy Weston, of Caerphilly-based Town Square Spaces have also been named as finalists.

There are 80 finalists across the region in 12 categories including creative industries, disruptor, scale-up, start-up and young, as well as new additions of food and drink and health and beauty.

The 80 Welsh finalists are among a total of 630 finalists competing across 13 categories across eight regions.

There will be a number of regional awards events and a national final, which will take centre stage during Global Entrepreneurship Week in London in November.

Founder of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards Francesca James said: "Looking at the shortlist, I can safely say this is our strongest year yet. We have such a diverse range of businesses in terms of size and industry, and the calibre really is quite incredible.

"I wish each and every single finalist the very best of luck, and look forward to welcoming them to the regional finals."

Gordon Merrylees, director of Entrepreneurship at NatWest, said: "NatWest is proud to support the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrating another year of amazing achievements for entrepreneurs starting and growing businesses from every corner of the country.

"Supporting entrepreneurs is a key priority for NatWest and our dedicated programme of fully funded accelerator hubs, mentoring, insight and bespoke coaching, is specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs who want to start, scale and succeed in business.

"Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted for an award and I look forward to the competitive regional finals."