
Newsquest launches South Wales Community Awards 2025
The event is run by Newsquest across our south Wales titles from the South Wales Argus in the east to the Western Telegraph in the west.
The initiative acknowledges those who have saved lives, provided care, raised substantial amounts for charity, or made a genuine difference to their communities.
Newsquest Wales regional editor Gavin Thompson said: "The awards allow us to recognise the people within our local communities who have made a real difference this year, with a wide variety of categories for every unsung hero."
There are numerous categories, each highlighting different contributors to the community.
The South Wales Community Awards 2025's sponsors (Image: Supplied) This year's awards are sponsored by Pallet Recycling South Wales, Tovey Bros, Certas Energy, Brains, Valero Pembroke Refinery, and Monmouthshire Freemasons.
The drinks reception is being sponsored by Harvey Bowes.
The categories for the awards include Best Independent Business of the Year, Health and Beauty Business of the Year, and Food and Drink Business of the Year (sponsored by Brains Brewery), among others.
These categories aim to spotlight businesses, whether large or small, that have made a substantial impact.
The Best Customer Service Award recognises businesses that go the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.
Community-focused awards include the Best Community Project or Group (sponsored by Certas Energy), Volunteer or Fundraiser of the Year, and Community Champion of the Year (sponsored by Tovey Bros).
These categories aim to honour individuals and groups who have selflessly contributed to the betterment of their communities.
In the realm of sports, the Sports Team or Club of the Year award (sponsored by Pallet Recycling South Wales) will celebrate teams that are thriving and making a difference in the community.
The education sector will be recognised in the community awards (Image: NQ)
The education sector will also be recognised with the School of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards, celebrating the hard work and dedication of educational institutions and professionals.
Healthcare professionals and GP practices will not be left out, with awards dedicated to recognising their outstanding contribution to the community, with Healthcare Professional of the Year sponsored by Monmouthshire Freemasons.
The STEM Project of the Year award, sponsored by Valero Pembroke Refinery, will highlight exceptional projects in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
The awards will also acknowledge the Young Person of the Year, recognising an individual under the age of 18 who has achieved something inspirational.
Each category will have a winner, with the overall Community Awards Winner 2025 selected from these.
This initiative is a combination of Newsquest's previous South Wales School, Business, and Health Awards, aiming to create a comprehensive platform to celebrate all community heroes.
Healthcare professionals will be recognised in the awards (Image: NQ) Nominations are now open, and the public can nominate individuals, groups, or businesses that they believe deserve recognition, by clicking here.
Mr Thompson added: "There are many categories to choose from, so please nominate that person or group you know deserves to be recognised."
The South Wales Community Awards 2025 is a significant event, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the unsung heroes of South Wales.
It is an opportunity to shine a light on those who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference.
Further details about the awards, including how to nominate or sponsor an award, are available on the South Wales Community Awards website.
The awards ceremony promises to be a memorable event, providing a platform to showcase the extraordinary efforts of people in South Wales.
Organisers are encouraging the public to get involved by nominating their community heroes and attending the awards ceremony.
This initiative is a testament to the spirit of South Wales, celebrating the people who make the community a better place.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Auto Express
4 hours ago
- Auto Express
It's incredible that no EV has got the full Electric Car Grant amount
As more cars become eligible for the Government's electric car grant, it's interesting that none of them yet qualifies for the higher £3,750 amount, with the total now sitting at 24 vehicles to choose from with a £1,500 contribution. With the latest batch of five including the likes of the Cupra Born, Volkswagen ID.3 and Peugeot 2008, there's now a decent array of cars included in the scheme, from the chic Renault 4 and 5 through to the practical, family-friendly Nissan Ariya – a former Auto Express Car of the Year! – the Vauxhall Frontera and the Renault Scenic. But it is interesting that nothing has yet achieved the full grant, especially as it's not clear from the outside how the calculations are being worked out. Advertisement - Article continues below Many industry commentators predicted the Renault 4 and 5 should be in pole position for the higher amount, but that didn't happen. That may have revealed something about where the batteries are coming from, and not all are yet being produced at the shiny new plant in northern France. When that facility is up to speed, there's a chance the Renault cars eligible for the grant – the 4, 5, Megane and Scenic are the ones that currently get £1,500 – could be moved to the higher level. But that's far from clear, due to the way the system has been set up. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Want to make the switch to an electric car? Our fantastic Buy a Car service has loads of great value new and used electric cars available right now. I've heard some cynical types suggest glibly that the bar for eligibility for the full £3,750 has deliberately been set unachievably high, so the headlines featured a nice big number, but behind the scenes the Government knew full well that few cars, if any, were going to achieve it. I'm sure that wasn't the case, but the lack of clarity isn't helpful. From what I hear, even manufacturers don't know how close they have come to achieving the higher grant level – they can reapply if anything changes, such as battery supply coming from a different country. However, it sounds like there's little transparency as to why a car is only eligible at the lower level, and if it's down to the environmental credentials of where the batteries are built – coal reliance versus nuclear, for example. The big one will be when the UK-built Nissan Leaf goes on sale in the coming weeks; if that car isn't eligible, then I'm guessing nothing will be. At least the grant scheme will last longer if it's ebbing away at £1,500 a car, rather than nearly £4,000. Pessimistic early projections had it running out as soon as next spring if too many cars were eligible for the higher level. It's obvious that won't be happening now! Did you know you can sell your car with Auto Express? Get the highest bid from our network of over 5,500 dealers and we'll do the rest. Click here to try Auto Express Sell My Car now ... Find a car with the experts Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription Owners can now subscribe to boost the power of their car… for a fee Shock new mid-size Range Rover to get EV power and stunning design Shock new mid-size Range Rover to get EV power and stunning design Mid-size SUV will end the four-year wait for a new JLR model and our exclusive images preview how it could look New Jaecoo E5 is a Range Rover lookalike with a very attractive price New Jaecoo E5 is a Range Rover lookalike with a very attractive price Chinese newcomer's first electric SUV is also a rival to the award-winning Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric


Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Telegraph
Trump's strongman capitalism risks killing American enterprise
If it actually happens, no doubt the president will describe it as 'the deal of the century'. The United States government is reported to be examining buying a major stake in the microchip manufacturer Intel. It is part of a growing trend of the Trump administration becoming more and more involved in the running of the giants of American industry, with the state taking a share of Nvidia's revenues in return for export licenses to China, meddling in the management of Eli Lilly and Coca-Cola and drawing up a spreadsheet of 'pro' and 'anti' businesses in the White House. We can all understand what Donald Trump is getting at. He wants to make America more competitive and doesn't mind rolling up his sleeves to make it happen. The trouble is, state interference in business always goes horribly wrong – and in reality Trump's version of strongman capitalism will be the death of American enterprise. It was, at least, good news for Intel's long-suffering shareholders. The shares spiked by 7pc on Thursday as news leaked that the White House was looking at taking a direct stake in the business. After all, the share price has fallen by 50pc over the last five years, and after setbacks in all its major markets it was a sign that the company might soon have the full financial muscle of the US treasury behind it. We don't know yet how much it might pay for the shares, or how many it will buy, but following a meeting between Trump and Intel's chief executive Lip-Bu Tan some kind of deal looks likely. That is part of a growing trend. In his second term, Trump has not just been imposing tariffs, often haphazardly, on the rest of the world. He has been involving himself directly in the management of some of America's biggest companies. Earlier this month, the chip giants Nvidia and AMD agreed to pay 15pc of their Chinese revenues to the US government in exchange for permission to export to its main rival. Last month Coca-Cola agreed to replace corn syrup with cane sugar as a sweetener in its fizzy drink at the suggestion of the president. Eli Lilly is increasing the price of its diet injection Mounjaro after Trump complained that the 'fat drug' was cheaper in London. The White House was reported to have categorised more than 500 companies and trade associations, according to whether they were for or against his 'big, beautiful bill' that set the budget, with the clear implication there would be favours for those on the right side of the ledger, and punishments for those on the wrong side. Meanwhile, last week Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, argued that the 'Japanese, European and Koreans will invest in companies and industries that we direct them to, largely at the president's discretion'. The list goes on and on. At this rate, Trump will soon be on the phone to Amazon's Jeff Bezos telling him who to choose as the next James Bond, and advising McDonald's what to put on the breakfast menu (more hash browns, presumably). He is rapidly turning himself into the chief executive of USA Inc. Sure, we can see what the president is getting at. If we take microchips as an example, Trump, like his predecessor Joe Biden, wants to bring manufacturing back onshore, and he wants to protect critical supply lines in what is clearly the most strategically important industry of the 21st century. No doubt he sees Intel as the best vehicle for making that happen. Likewise, he wants to beef up the competitiveness of American industry. If that means throwing the weight and muscle of the White House behind the country's industrial champions then he doesn't mind rolling up his sleeves and getting on with it. After all, French presidents do it all the time, so there is no reason why American ones should not as well. And in fairness, if you are going to have a president who meddles in the country's corporations, Trump is probably better at it than most. At least he knows how a company works. There are two big problems, however. First, whenever the state gets too heavily involved in the management of a company it always ends up going horribly wrong. The priorities change, the management loses focus, and the other shareholders are ignored. To take just one example, look at how poorly Air France has performed since Emmanuel Macron built up a 28pc stake in the airline: its shares, despite a recent rally, are down by 25pc over the last five years, while IAG, the owner of British Airways, is up by 188pc. It is hard to believe that Intel under partial state ownership competing against fully private rivals in the micro-processor industry will fare any better, and it may well end up being completely destroyed. More seriously, it looks scarily like the version of strongman capitalism that is practised in Viktor Orban's Hungary, or which has been tried countless times in South America. It starts with some well-intentioned support for corporate champions, and it might even do some good initially. But over time it turns into a system where big money and big politics are so intertwined that markets get distorted, cosy monopolies are allowed to flourish, and innovation and competition are crushed because it doesn't suit someone who has political favours to call in with the government. It is a rotten, deformed version of capitalism, and one that always ends in failure. Trump may or may not take a stake in Intel. We will find out in the next few weeks. He may start muscling in on the management of major American companies or he may not. Either way, the blunt truth is this. The South American-style system of state-dominated crony capitalism that Trump is developing will be the death of the tradition of free enterprise – one that has made the American economy the strongest in the world.


Glasgow Times
8 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Sneak peek at works underway at Glasgow's Ubiquitous Chip
The much-loved restaurant, located in Ashton Lane in the West End of the city, is now more than halfway through a multi-million-pound restoration project. Closed since July 5, doors are scheduled to reopen in mid-September, with an 'enhanced visual appeal, fresh menus and extended opening hours'. (Image: Ubiquitous Chip) PicturedL The Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration project Will Allen, general manager, said: 'The Chip has always been a place full of life – and over the years, that life has left its mark. 'This restoration is about caring for an establishment that locals and visitors to Glasgow hold dear. 'We're ensuring it's ready for the decades, generations and many more memorable moments to come within its walls.' Pictured: The Chip's new glass roof seen from the terrace (Image: Newsquest) The most significant investment in the building is a new glass roof above the main restaurant, allowing light to flood into the space below. While this has been installed, the many colourful artworks adorning the walls of The Chip have been carefully stored and protected. They will return to their places alongside several new pieces, which will not be unveiled until the reopening. Alasdair Gray artwork at the entrance way, not previously visible, has now been uncovered, with a heavy velvet curtain in place of a door also allowing for easier access and better 'flow' on the restaurant floor. There's no need to worry about the colourful fish in the koi pond, a beloved feature of the restaurant space, as the team have been keeping a close eye on them while work is carried out around their home. Pictured: The new extension at 'The Wee Pub' will be available for private dining and events (Image: Newsquest) Elsewhere, after purchasing the neighbouring William Hill betting shop, a new space has been transformed into an extension of the 'Wee Pub' area. This will offer extra seating and can also be hired for private dining and events. In a first for The Chip, the extension will also house a TV Screen while the walls will be used to showcase the work of up-and-coming Scottish artists. Pictured: A significant investment has been made in The Chip's kitchen spaces (Image: Newsquest) These aesthetic changes and renovations will be obvious to regulars upon their return. Less visible, however, will be the results of significant investment into extending the venue's kitchen areas, making them better fit for purpose. This will ensure 'everything runs smoothly' and 'help everyone to have a better time'. Pictured: The Brasserie space will remain largely unchanged (Image: Newsquest) The Brasserie area will remain largely unchanged, but with new furniture, upholstery, and a freshly polished floor. Next door, the Upstairs Bar has already been repainted, with plans to expand the number of seats available. READ NEXT: 'Time to say goodbye': Coffee shop closes after five years READ NEXT: The story behind why city landmarks are being lit purple, red and white this weekend Pictured: The Upstairs Bar has already received a fresh lick of paint (Image: Newsquest) From the roof terrace, customers will be able to take in the full effect of the building's new glass roof, which provides a clear view into the restaurant below. 'While these changes will bring fresh energy to the space, The Chip will remain instantly recognisable to those who know and love it,' Allen continued. 'We know it's important that we keep everything that makes this place special – the atmosphere, the people, the design – and give it the love and attention it deserves to enrich its journey for the future.' Although the team is delighted to talk us through the restoration works, details of new menus and other 'surprises' have been kept under wraps for now. Further updates are due to follow in the coming weeks. Ronnie Clydesdale founded the Ubiquitous Chip in 1971 with partner Ian Brydon. Both contributed £500 to the venture; Ronnie's share was his redundancy from the Black & White whisky bond, where he was a manager. Entirely self-taught, he pioneered the trend for using local, seasonal Scottish produce and was the first to put the provenance of his ingredients on the menu. Pictured: The West End venue is scheduled to reopen next month (Image: Newsquest) The restaurant was initially located in Ruthven Lane before moving to Ashton Lane in 1976. It has welcomed many famous diners and even served Princess Margaret lunch and Mick Jagger dinner on the same day. Other famous faces include Michael Keaton, Billy Connolly, Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley and Lewis Capaldi. In 2022, it was bought over by the Metropolitan Pub Company, a subsidiary of Suffolk-based firm Greene King.