The Wales Business Awards are back for the 21st year to showcase the best Welsh business has to offer.

The awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, provide businesses across the country with the opportunity to compete for Wales’ most prestigious accolades.

Businesses have the chance to enter an increased number of categories this year including ‘Exporter of the Year’, ‘Innovative Business of the Year’ and the ‘Workplace Wellbeing Award’.

Idlewild Animal Sanctuary is very proud to be finalists in two categories!

Employee Engagement Award – sponsored by Howdens Insurance

The pandemic and following years changed the way we look at working. The ongoing skills crisis has put pressure on employees to compensate. How have you been keeping your people engaged through this challenging time?

This award recognises businesses that place an importance on developing the skills of their workforce, providing opportunities for their workforce to contribute to the development of the business and creating an environment that allows people to thrive.

Workplace Wellbeing Award

People are the backbone of businesses, and the mental and physical health of employees can determine the success of a business. The past few years and the ongoing cost of living crisis has thrown this into sharp focus.

This award recognises businesses that are creating an environment for their employees to succeed by demonstrating their commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of their workforce.

They have. had hundreds of businesses entering the awards of all sizes and from all sectors across Wales and Idlewild Animal Sanctuary have been selected to be one of 49 companies named as finalists across 11 categories. (The winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 16 May at the Vale Hotel & Resort, with broadcaster Andrea Byrne returning as host and each category winner will automatically receive the ‘Wales Business of the Year’ award during the evening.)