A champion of the region’s economic potential was named Business Person of the Year at the Daily Post/North Wales Live Business Awards. The glittering awards ceremony was hosted last night by Bangor University, headline sponsor of the event.
Due to the pandemic it was first event since 2019 and was an opportunity to recognise every type of business, from small ventures to the giants of the region.
It was hosted by ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson with 10 top awards handed out - supported by category sponsors ADRA, Development Bank of Wales, Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Cartrefi Conwy, Harlech Foodservice and M-SParc. It also backed by Business Live.
Daily Post Brand Editor Dion Jones told the audience: “It has been more than two years since we were last able to stage this event - and what an incredibly difficult period that has been for us all. I think I speak for everyone when I say we owe an immense debt of gratitude to our dedicated staff in the NHS and all of our key workers for what they have done to try to keep us all safe during this time.
“But the business community has also risen to the unprecedented challenges the pandemic has posed. In the face of many difficulties, sheer hard work alongside innovation has kept the economy on track and more importantly, people in jobs.
“Our entrepreneurs have refused to lie down - continuously diversifying and often expanding in the face of adversity. In addition, businesses have really gone that extra mile to support the communities in which they operate - feeding people, giving accommodation to key workers and providing logistical support for health and care staff in their time of need.
“Tonight is all about celebrating those businesses who have risen to the many challenges which have surfaced in recent years. We are extremely proud of the achievements of every single business and entrepreneur here tonight. I also want to thank Bangor university and all our sponsors for making the event possible.”
The prestigious Business Person of the Year award went to Askar Sheibani. Mr Sheibani is a highly successful entrepreneur in his own right, running Flintshire based telecomms firm Comtek, which has a global reach. But away from his own business ventures he also proudly flies the flag for North Wales.
His various roles include chair of Ambition North Wales’s Business Delivery Board, Chair and Founder of the UK Fibre Connectivity Forum, Chair of Deeside Business Forum and he is a Welsh Government Entrepreneurship Champion for Wales.
He has always championed other entrepreneurs - helping others start or grow their businesses and has been behind campaigns to improve digital infrastructure in North Wales and create the Deeside Enterprise Zone.
Sadly he was in the US signing his latest big deal last night but was able to ‘virtually’ accept his award on the night. A full response from him and the other winners, along with pictures from the evening, will be in the business section on Wednesday.
The David Williams Judges’ Choice Award – Sponsored by ADRA - went to Gwyn Jones, managing director of Castle Green Homes.
He has made remarkable progress in the construction sector - becoming managing director of MacBryde Homes in 2018, aged just 30.
The MD later lead a management buy-out of the company backed by Redrow founder Steve Morgan, a man who knows a thing or two about property development.
The business has since rebranded as Castle Green Homes and under our winner’s leadership has plans to quadruple in size over the next few years.
Winners on the evening:
Business Start Up Award – Sponsored by M-SParc
This was won by Enhanced Healthcare, a Colwyn Bay agency that specialises in the recruitment and training of nurses and healthcare professionals.
Also shortlisted were Scuba Escape.
Best in Food and Drink Award – Sponsored by Harlech Foodservice
This award went to Abergwyngregyn spirits maker Aber Falls Whisky Distillery.
Also shortlisted were cheesemaker Castell Gwyn Ltd and award winning Signatures Restaurant, Conwy.
■ Diversity and Inclusion Award – Sponsored by Development Bank of Wales
Leading outsourced communications company Moneypenny, in Wrexham, took this award.
Also shortlisted were: Not-for-profit organisation RCS and Theatr Clwyd.
Green Business Award
This was scooped by Rhug Estate, the organic farm estate near Corwen that has pioneered a sustainable eco-friendly approach.
Also shortlisted were Always Aim High Events and Anglesey Sea Zoo.
Community Award – Sponsored by Cartrefi Conwy
This went to Iorwerth Arms, a Bryngwran pub that was saved from closure by the community.
Also shortlisted were The Little Wren and North Wales Dragons Community Football Team.
Business of the Year (up to 25 employees)
John Kelly Construction Services, based on Anglesey, took this award.
Also shortlisted were Finance firm FFP Solutions Ltd, and ice cream parlour and pizzeria Glaslyn.
Business of the Year (over 26 employees) – Sponsored by Busnes@llandrilloMenai
The award was scooped by Harlech Foodservice, a fast growing Gwynedd-based firm supplying food to catering establishments in Wales and North West England.
Also shortlisted were Brenig Group and Godfrey Group Facilities Ltd.
Innovation and Technology Award – Sponsored by Skills Factory Bangor University
The award was won by Aparito, a Wrexham firm transforming healthcare by unlocking real-world patient data through mobile apps and wearable devices.
Also shortlisted were Anglesey tech companies Cufflink and Haia.
■ See next Wednesday’s Business Post for pictures and quotes from the evening.
