Blog

Aled Woosnam and Evie Williams receive the Powys Business of the Year Award from Councilor Iain Mackintosh, watched by one of the judges, Bob Benyon.

Aled Woosnam, 26, owner of AL Technical, an electrical and specialty communications company, and 23 Social, a flagship, multipurpose bar and grill in Newtown, received the Powys Business of the Year Award sponsored by Powys County Council.

He also won the Entrepreneurship Award sponsored by the Welsh Government at the Newtown Drive-In Awards.

The Powys Business Awards are organized by the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group and recognize business excellence across the county.

“I am absolutely speechless and can’t believe we won this award which will hopefully take my business to the next level,” said Aled. “We still have a lot in the pipeline and that would not have been possible without the two strong teams we brought in. I would also like to thank my family and friends who have supported me. “

AL Technical was founded in 2017 and employs 17 people and achieved record sales in 2020, with further growth expected this year.

He discovered a niche in the market for rural internet solutions, introduced 4G broadband and offers modern and advanced business solutions to his customers.

During the pandemic, he opened 23 socials with 30 employees.

He has also launched a website design, marketing and branding consultancy, works with other companies to promote Newtown and host events, and is a partner with Severn Valley Events, a Powys-based mobile bar company .

The Powys Business Awards jury described him as “an inspiring and worthy ambassador and standard bearer for Powys.”

They praised the strong leadership of its companies, investment in employee training and development, and commitment to creating more opportunities for local people and supporting the community.

This year two special jury awards, sponsored by the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, were also awarded to Red Kite Health Solutions CIC and SWG Group, Welshpool.

Brothers Scott and Luke Williams, who founded Team Elite based in Caersws seven years ago to make attractive concrete retaining wall products, won the Small Business Growth Award sponsored by EDF Renewables.

CellPath, a Newtown company specializing in cancer diagnostic products and services, has added the Industry Wales-sponsored Technology and Innovation Award to its Powys Business Awards collection.

Two companies in Llandrindod Wells received awards. Cherry Build, Llandrindod Wells won the Start Up Business Award sponsored by the NPTC Group of College, while Asiantaeth Ynni Severn Wye won the Social Enterprise / Charity Award sponsored by Myrick Training Services.

The other winners were: Cellar Drinks Company, Crickhowell, Micro Business Award (less than 10 employees) sponsored by the Welshpool Printing Group. Gloversure, Welshpool, Small Business Award (under 30 employees) sponsored by the Powys County Times. Trax JH Ltd, Newtown, Growth Award sponsored by the Development Bank of Wales.