Introduction
Cardiff is growing rapidly as a centre for economic activity and as a great place to work and live.
Not only are financial and professional services firms being attracted to relocate to the city but existing companies are expanding and there is an exciting new start-up scene in sectors such as life sciences and the digital economy.
The inaugural Cardiff Business Awards in 2015 brought the business community together for the first time to recognise those entrepreneurial and innovative ventures that are making a difference.
In 2024, the tenth Cardiff Business Awards will continue to celebrate the best businesses in Cardiff and the vast potential that exists within the capital city of Wales. This year the awards are supporting Tenovus Cancer Care, included within the ticket price is a donation to the charity, we thank all our attendees for their generosity in joining us supporting this incredible charity.
The black-tie event will take place on the 8th November at Mercure Holland House, Cardiff. The evening will start at 6.30pm with a drinks reception and the awards ceremony will take place after dinner.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Liz Brookes
Grapevine Event Management,
Cardiff Business Awards
Our Judges
Kay Martin MBE
Kay Martin MBE retired as Cardiff and Vale College Group Principal in 2023, after more than 40 years of service to education in South Wales.
During her career, Kay was widely recognised as one of the most influential education leaders, leading work with young people, communities and employers across the region. Kay now holds posts as an active board member in business and school governance.
Ken Poole MBE
Ken is the Head of Economic Development at Cardiff Council. He is responsible for the implementation of Cardiff Council’s economic strategy. Ken has worked with many of the city’s leading businesses to set up in Cardiff and on key regeneration initiatives for the Council, which will have a transformational impact on the City and region. Ken also coordinates the Council’s UK and overseas business marketing initiatives to promote the city.
Angharad Lloyd-Beynon
Angharad is a Senior Policy, Stakeholder and Partnerships Manager at City & Guilds Group and looks after Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. She ensures that the purpose of City & Guilds is met to enable people and organisations to unlock their potential and develop the knowledge and skills needed for personal and economic growth. Angharad works closely with key stakeholders in order to achieve this.
Angharad is a Liveryman for the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales and is also a member of the BITC Wales Leadership Board. She is the Co-chair of Federation of Awarding Bodies Wales and a member of the Institute of Directors.
Kate Bassett
Kate has over 20 years’ experience as a Management Consultant working both in the UK and extensively abroad including Europe, U.S./Canada and Asia-Pacific. Kate began her career in London with Consultancy firm Accenture, working with many of the world’s leading brands across multiple industries and geographies. She then furthered her career at RBS and boutique firm Olivo, before returning to Wales in 2014 and working for Friends Life/Aviva, BJSS and AWS. She has acted as Director for Cardiff Business Club since 2017.
Tom Bray
Tom is Senior Partner, Cardiff at global law firm Eversheds Sutherland. Tom is also a Partner in Employment, and Labour law.
Tom is an experienced lawyer who works on a genuinely global basis, supporting our international clients on their people challenges across the world. He has experience in all aspects of UK employment law and regularly manages complex global projects.
He has a particular focus on transaction support and change management. Tom works across most of our key sectors but also has a number of key clients in the Transport sector.
Carolyn Brownell
Carolyn has worked in the place management industry for 15 years & is the Executive Director of FOR Cardiff. Carolyn also Chairs the Women’s Safety Network, Cardiff Business Events Partnership, is the Vice Chair for ATCM Wales, on the leadership Council for The BID Foundation and a national Ambassador for Ask Angela.
Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL
Agnes is a successful solicitor and former General Counsel of GE Capital London, with a portfolio including Cardiff University, Welsh Water, CBC and FFIN Dance. She is Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lord- Lieutenant of Gwent, Freeman of the City of London and Master of the Welsh Livery.
Liz Brookes
Founder and Director of Grapevine Event Management & Cardiff Business Awards
Liz founded Grapevine Event Management in March 2011 and it is now one of the most well recognised corporate events companies in Wales delivering high quality creative and innovative events. Liz created Cardiff Business Awards in 2015, speaking about the awards Liz has said “the levels of success, ambition and achievement being shown by so many firms in Cardiff continues to cement the city’s place as a leading commercial centre for the UK.”
Faqs
How many categories can I enter?
You can enter up to 2 categories.
Is my company eligible to enter the awards?
The business must be located within the local authority area of Cardiff County Council and business rates must also be paid to Cardiff County Council. The business should have started to trade on or before 1 November 2023.
What is the judging process?
The judging process can be found here.
How long is the interview?
The interview should take no longer than 15 minutes. A 5 minute presentation and 10 minutes of Q&A. No computer aids are allowed.
If I/my company is shortlisted, how do I get tickets for the Awards night?
Everyone is asked to purchase tickets from the website in advance of the evening. Priority is given to shortlisted companies and sponsors first but it is on a first come first served basis so get you are advised to book early to guarantee the tickets you require.
How much are tickets for the Cardiff Business Awards?
Tickets are £98+VAT (and booking fees).Payment must be made prior to the event.
What are the timings for the Cardiff Business Awards?
The agenda for the evening is:
6.30pm Arrival drinks
7.15pm Guests seated
7.45pm Dinner served
9.30pm Awards
Midnight Evening closes
What is included in the ticket price and how do I book?
Your ticket includes a drinks reception with entertainment and a 3 course meal with coffee prior to the awards ceremony. Tickets can be booked via this website from September.
Are tickets refundable?
Refunds are available as long as cancellation is received no later than 10 days prior to the event. Read our full T&C’s here.
Someone that was coming can’t any more, can someone take their place?
Yes, just let us know so who they are and if they have any dietary requirements.
Charity
The Cardiff Business Awards 2024 are supporting Tenovus Cancer Care.
Included in the ticket price is a £3 donation to the charity, there will be more opportunity to donate on the night via the QR code within the programme book or via the charity envelopes on the tables. We appreciate everyones kind generosity and support for the incredible work of Tenovus Cancer Care.
Where are the awards held?
The awards are held in Mercure Holland House, Cardiff. Directions can be found here
There is limited parking on site however the venue is situated close to pay and display parking options.
What’s the dress code?
Black Tie.
Can I pre-order wine?
Yes, you will receive a pre-order wine list from the venue when you have purchased your tickets.
