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 2023, the ninth Cardiff Business Awards will continue to celebrate the best businesses in Cardiff and the vast potential that exists within the capital city of Wales.

The black-tie event will take place on the 17th 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

Louise Harris

Chair of Judges

Louise Harris, Co-Founder and CEO at Tramshed Tech has built her businesses in Cardiff around connecting people, creating collaborative spaces, and fostering innovation. 90% of start-ups fail and scaling businesses struggle to accelerate so Louise co-founded Tramshed Tech to provide start-ups and scaling businesses with innovative workspaces, business support services and skills training to ensure their growth and success.

Darren Stewart

Commercial Director, Euroclad Group

With 35 years in the Construction Industry, Darren Stewart has enjoyed a variety of roles since joining Eurobond Laminates in 1987, including two years in Australia as Sales Director to set up Eurobond Pacific. Darren was appointed as Commercial Director in 2008, Eurobond forming part of Euroclad Group in 2016.

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, FFIN Dance and London Liveries. She is a Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lord- Lieutenant of Gwent, Freeman of the City of London and Senior Warden of the Welsh Livery. Agnes was also a teacher, qualified Nurse, Midwife and Nursing Officer.

Ken Poole FRICS

Head of Economic Development, Cardiff Council

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.

Helen Corsi-Cadmore

Helen is an award-winning entrepreneur helping people, businesses, entrepreneurs and business owners setup, grow and develop successful businesses.

She has proven success in building profitable retail businesses. She established and grew a well known retail brand (@flying Tiger) into a multimillion pound enterprise opening a total of nine stores across the UK in five years whilst building a team of over 200 people.

In Helen’s first year she turned over £1.2 million and on exit turning over £6 million and is now working with other businesses education partners and personal clients sharing her experience, knowledge and skills.

Nicola Rylett-Jones

With well over twenty years’ experience working in the science, technology, medical education, media and publishing industries, Nicola Rylett-Jones is a senior sales, marketing and communications leader who has held both Regional and National Director roles with some of the UK’s most prestigious organisations.

As well as running the Nicola Rylett Group, Nicola is currently a Trustee and Deputy Chair of The Institute of Leadership and Management, a Non-Exec Director of Swim Wales, Chair of a leading marketing organisation and a Primary School Governor.

Leigh Hughes

Owner at Felicitas Consulting

Felicitas Consulting is all about creating and celebrating success, a new consultancy for a new age: founded on wide-ranging experience and in-depth expertise, working every day with ambitious businesses of all sizes and in different sectors to build sustainable success and exceptional results.

Felicitas Consulting services can change your business through a number of key services, each a critical ingredient for success in this fourth industrial age: Business Growth, Employability & Skills, Project Management, ESG Strategy & Implementation, Green Investment, Spaces & Places Funding, Social Value

Jarrad Morris

Jarrad Morris is an award-winning Welsh entrepreneur with a focus on decarbonisation and green technology. Following his previous role as CEO of a large group of automotive companies for 5 years. He went on to found Fleet-e in March 2021 and PLUG Charging in 2022.

He is also in the process of establishing EV charging hubs around Wales, focusing on areas where EV charging might be underserved.

Jarrad is a fluent Welsh speaker and has been in Cardiff for 14 years after studying for his degree at Cardiff University.

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 is the co-founder of the Cardiff Business Awards. 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 14 September 2022.

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 £95+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.

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 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.

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