SOME of the region's finest businesses and their owners have been shortlisted for prizes at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Born out of a belief that entrepreneurs are as much about their story as they are their balance sheet, in 2012, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards was founded.

The aim was to create a platform that celebrated and championed the entrepreneurs behind brilliant businesses.

This year, a number of local entrepreneurs and their businesses have been shortlist for regional prizes in Wales' category.

Mark Williams, who runs Denbigh-based LIMB-art has been shortlisted for both the 'Entrepreneur For Good' and 'Made In The UK' prizes.

LIMB-Art was established in 2018 by Mark, a former Paralympic swimmer from Rhyl, to design and manufacture prosthetic leg covers after he lost his own leg in a cycling accident.

He wanted to help other prosthetic users raise their confidence, be proud of what they have and very simply, but equally importantly, have fun showing off whilst doing so.

The business has just recently secured a deal to supply the whole of NHS Wales with its products.

As a result, every adult amputee in Wales will now have access to a free LIMB-art cover through the country’s prosthetic centres in Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.

Speaking on being nominated for two prizes at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Mark said: “Being selected as a finalist is truly astounding for us and really fills not just me but the whole team here with pride that what started out as a solution to my own body image issues has turned into a global brand.

"We are now selling into our NHS system in the UK and as far afield as Queensland Australia and America, we always knew we had a great product and a great reason to make them but to get recognised in such a prestigious event is really the icing on the cake”

Also nominated for a prize is Lowri Roberts (below), who runs her online business Casgliad from the Bala area.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Lowri has been nominated for the 'Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year' award, as well as the 'Start-Up Entrepreneur of the Year' prize.

Casgliad (which translates to a collection in English) was established last September by Lowri, who left her previous job as an Architect to pursue a new career during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is an online platform where people can find and order contemporary homeware and artwork designed and made in Wales - with over half of the artists and makers on there hailing from North Wales.

Lowri just recently hosted her first pop-up shop at Corwen's Rhug Estate - an event which proved to be a success.

Commenting on being nominated for a prize, Lowri, from Llandderfel, said: "I'm very happy that Casgliad has been named on the shortlist for two separate prizes. It's also great to hear that other local businesses have made it onto the list."

Also shortlisted for a prize is Denbigh-based craft ale producers Dovecote Brewery, who are located on the Colomendy industrial estate.

The micro brewery is up for 'Best Family Run Business' and 'Best Food and Drink Producer' prizes in the regional finals.

A spokesperson for Dovecote said: "This success recognises the commitment of Richard, Sue and Dominic Green to make their vegan micro brewery one of the best in Wales."

To find out more about the event, visit and how you can vote, visit: www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com