Brecon-based Beacon Foods has grown from a start-up company in 1993 to an industry leader employing a workforce of 165 in 31 years.

In recognition of the sustained business success story, the ingredients specialist completed a notable double at the Powys Business Awards ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday.

After collecting the Growth Award, sponsored by WR Partners, Beacon Foods was named the overall Powys Business of the Year.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

Chairman Edward Gough said: “It’s great to be recognised in the county where the business has been based for 31 years. It’s recognition for the staff, the investment we have made and the hard work by everyone.”

Based on the Brecon Enterprise Park, the company supplies ready to use ingredients direct to food manufacturers. Manufacturing and storage facilities have expanded to 75,000 square feet in the past year and the company runs 24 hours a day, supplying around 240 customers across the UK and Europe.

Beacon Foods has invested £6 million in a three-year expansion programme, which has seen the company double the size of its manufacturing and storage facilities and production capacity.

Sales rose by 24% in 2023 and net profit increased by controlling costs, minimising waste, monitoring product margins, investing in state-of-the-art machinery, innovating and exceeding customer expectations.

The company was started by chairman Edward Gough and his mother, Rae Jones and has grown to be a multi-award winning business, respected for innovation, new product development and customer focus.

Beacon Foods believes in training, developing and promoting staff so that they learn and grow with the company. An equal opportunity company, it offers employees a range of courses, including some in partnership with Cardiff and Swansea Universities.

The company has invested in equipment that reduces food waste and improves yield, whilst also seeking way to increase recycling and reuse waste.

Solar roof panels produce up to 500,000 kilowatts of electricity, the majority of which is used by the company, with the rest exported to the National Grid at weekends.

The award judges said: “From a small start-up, the company has earned recognition as being a respected leader within a very competitive industry. We were blown away by the degree of detail and control of this team on running the business. 

“They demonstrated strong growth and customer focus, and a high level of innovation and repeated investment in facilities, equipment and staff.”

Growth Award runners-up were Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park, Trefeglwys and Charcroft, Llanwrtyd Wells.