Today we reveal the winners of the second annual IWA Western Mail Business Awards
Young Achiever, Sponsored by RWE npower renewables: Dale Williams – Yolk Recruitment Ltd.
Mr Williams founded Cardiff-based Yolk Recruitment in 2009 during the recession, but has experienced strong year-on-year growth. The business specialises in niche commercial and technical recruitment – with around 40% of turnover derived outside of Wales.
Company of the Year < £10m, Sponsored by ACCA Cymru Wales: Comtek Network Systems UK Ltd.
Deeside-based Comtek Network Systems is the UK’s fastest growing multi-vendor IT and telecoms repair services. The business is a global player with 99% of its revenue derived out of Wales and more than 45% outside of the UK. It aims to become a global leader in the repair of data networking and telecoms equipment by 2016.
New Start Up Company of the Year, Sponsored by Gocompare.com: Hydro Industries Limited
Hydro Industries, based in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, provides innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions to water treatment. Its growing client base – with a focus on the overseas market – includes Tata in India. It sees itself as playing a key role in developing South Wales as a global centre of excellence for water treatment.
Go Green Environmental Award, Sponsored by The Waterloo Foundation: Nuaire
Caerphilly-based Nuaire designs and manufactures energy-efficient ventilation products for homes and businesses. In a wide-ranging and ongoing environmental strategy the company has achieved significant reductions in waste and energy use and increased the efficiency of its plant.
Creative Marketing Award, Sponsored by Orchard Media and Events Group: Peter’s Foods Limited
Bedwas based Peter’s Foods is shortlisted for its innovative marketing campaign that raised awareness of the Peter’s brand across Wales. The campaign used a variety of platforms, including its “Luv Wales, Luv Peter’s” Youtube video which was viewed by more than 51,000 people in Wales.
The Best Use of Foreign Languages in Business Award, Sponsored by CILT Cymru, The National Centre for Languages in Wales: Eriez Magnetics Europe Ltd
Caerphilly-based Eriez Magnetics Europe has developed a strong foreign language capacity to help develop new markets overseas. Last year 72% of its turnover was generated from exports.
Training & Developing Staff Award, Sponsored by University of Glamorgan Commercial Services: Arriva Trains Wales
As holder of the current all-Wales train franchise until 2018, Arriva Trains Wales invests heavily in the development of its staff at all levels. This investment is reflected in the fact that its has retention levels of 96%
Entrepreneur of the Year, Sponsored by We Fight Any Claim.com: Julian Baines – EKF Diagnostic Holdings plc
Julian Baines is chief executive of Aim listed, EKF Diagnostics – which he established in 2010 following a reverse into a cash shell. Since then, the point of care diagnostics business has made a series of global acquisitions, as well as raising £28m in an over-subscribed equity issue. The aim is to grow Penarth headquarters EKF into a £250m market capitalisation business and become Wales’ best performing plc.
Company of the Year > £10m, Sponsored by Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff Metropolitan University: IQE plc
Stock-market listed IQE is a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor wafers with products that cover a diverse range of applications within the wireless, photovoltaic and electronics markets. Founded in 1988 it has grown organically and by acquisition and now has eight facilities worldwide, with its HQ in Cardiff.
