Federation of Small Businesses announces Welsh winners…

Federation of Small Businesses announces Welsh winners at annual awards

The winners of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards were revealed at a ceremony in Cardiff.

Presented by journalist and presenter Andrea Byrne at voco St. David’s Cardiff Hotel, the ceremony saw awards collected by small businesses from across Wales for 12 categories.

Platts Agriculture in Wrexham took both the Environmental and Sustainability Business of the Year, and Family Business of the Year, after their operations impressed the judges.

The Environmental and Sustainability award recognises the most ethical, socially responsible or green business, and was open to small business owners who have helped drive environmental improvements across their businesses and the wider green economy. The Family Business of the Year award recognises how family values best influence the values of the business.

Established in 1973 by then-farmers Robert and Christine Platt, the business is now a market leader, manufacturing and delivering specialist dairy cattle bedding Nationwide, and employs 60 staff across three sites in Wrexham.

Run by their daughter Caroline Platt, Managing Director, they divert thousands of tonnes from landfill annually, transforming this into finished products, to promote increased milk production and cattle welfare. Recently, third generation and grandson of Robert and Christine, Chris Whittaker joined as a director, catalysing business development, and bringing new entrepreneurial energy

Other winners included Adra, a premium Welsh gifts and homeware brand in Gwynedd, which took home the Digital E-Commerce Business of the Year award, while responsible lifestyle clothing brand Onesta took home the Start-Up of the Year award.

Poppy Johnson, from Bangor, took home the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, for her marketing and make up business service Faces by Poppy.

Poppy Johnson, owns Faces by Poppy (Poppy Johnson)

Ben Francis, Chair of the Wales Policy Unit said: “Celebrating the achievements of small businesses is more important than ever before, after a particularly challenging few years. The Celebrating Small Business awards offer a chance to recognise the strides small businesses have taken and really showcase the fantastic talent and innovation that is alive and well in Wales today.”

Full list of winners include:

Family Business of the Year- sponsored by Aldermore Bank