Introduction
Cardiff is thriving — and business is at the heart of it.
As one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, Cardiff continues to establish itself as a vibrant hub for economic growth, innovation, and quality of life. The city’s appeal is drawing in top financial and professional services firms, while homegrown businesses are scaling new heights. From cutting-edge start-ups in life sciences and the digital economy to established industry leaders, Cardiff’s business landscape is more exciting than ever.
Now in its 11th year, the Cardiff Business Awards 2025 will once again shine a spotlight on the outstanding companies and entrepreneurs driving the city forward.
Since launching in 2015, the Awards have become a highlight of the city’s business calendar — a celebration of excellence, innovation, and ambition in the capital of Wales.
Join us for this prestigious black-tie event on Friday, 14th November 2025, at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. The evening begins at 6.30pm with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner and the awards ceremony — a night of celebration, recognition, and connection.
We can’t wait to celebrate Cardiff’s business success with you.
Liz Brookes
Grapevine Event Management,
Cardiff Business Awards
Our Judges
Jessica Leigh-Jones, MBE – Chair of Judges
Jessica is a multi-award-winning Engineer and Entrepreneur. Jessica developed and patented a fibre optic sensing technology for medical applications before joining Sony in 2016 where she held engineering and operational roles interfacing internationally across the corporation. She received an MBE for services to women in Engineering in Wales in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Jessica graduated from Cardiff University with an honours degree in Astrophysics in 2015 and completed her MBA with Manchester Metropolitan University in 2023 with a dissertation in Foreign Direct Investment in Semiconductors in Wales. In 2020, Jessica founded iungo Solutions, a Digital & Green Skills Training Provider, offering Skills Bootcamps, Apprenticeships and Short Awards. She is Chair of WJEC CBAC, Wales’ largest Awarding Organisation, former Chair of the Centre for Digital Public Services in Wales, and a former Non-Executive Director of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technology Education (IfATE).
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.
Warren Lewis
With 35 years experience in banking, across a range of disciplines, and formally Head of Corporate Banking, Wales, Warren now advises business leaders on value creation, financing growth, ESG strategies, succession planning and international expansion. Warren works with a number of organisations as an NED and advisor and is passionate about the pivot to net zero, and is Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Business Climate Coalition.
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 7th November 2024.
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 will be available to purchase from the website. The earlybird price for tickets is £99+vat (and booking fees). Once these limited tickets have been sold the full price will be charged.
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.
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.
Where are the awards held?
The awards are held in Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. The location of the venue 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.
