About

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 Poole MBE is the former Head of Economic Development at Cardiff Council, where he led the delivery of the Council’s economic strategy and drove sustainable growth across the city and wider region. He now works on a part-time basis, supporting the Council  on strategic assignments.

During his tenure, Ken played a leading role in attracting major inward investment to Cardiff, including securing Rolls-Royce Submarines, and worked closely with many of the city’s leading businesses to establish and grow their presence in the capital. He was also instrumental in delivering key regeneration initiatives as well as leading UK and international marketing activity to promote the city.

Ken’s career spans both the private and public sectors, with over half of his professional life spent in the private sector with PwC, followed by senior roles in local government with South Glamorgan Council and Cardiff Council. This breadth of experience has given him a deep understanding of public-private sector collaboration and the ability to align partners to deliver significant  outcomes.

Ceri McMillan

Ceri is the Managing Director at Go.Compare and has been with the business for 14 years leading departments such as Trading, Marketing, Data and Product to name a few over her years. Coming from a data background, Ceri has always been passionate about using insights to solve problems and make smarter decisions. Over the years, she has helped shape the company’s growth through a mix of data know-how and a focus on what really matters to customers. As a judge, she is looking forward to seeing fresh ideas, smart thinking, and businesses making a real impact.

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 an award – winning Former General Counsel, Civic Leader, and Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

She is the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award and the High Sheriff’s Award for community service.

Her portfolio includes serving as Master of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales (2024–2025), Magistrate, Deputy Lieutenant of Gwent, Higher Education Trustee and a member of the Cardiff Business Club. She is a Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of London Livery Companies supporting their philanthropic work.

Paul Lewis

Paul is the CEO and former Co-Founder of Hoop Recruitment, one of the largest independent specialist recruitment consultancies in Wales, He has nearly 20 years’ experience in leadership and talent management. In 2024, Hoop transitioned into Employee Ownership and was given the prestigious accolade of being named the Cardiff Business of the year along with Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year and Employer of the year. Paul also chairs a forum for EOT C-Suite leaders with the purpose of reshaping & driving employee ownership & productivity in Wales.

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.

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.”

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 6th November 2025.

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.

Charity

The Cardiff Business Awards 2025 are supporting Boomerang Cardiff

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. We appreciate everyone’s kind generosity and support for the incredible work of Boomerang Cardiff.

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.