About - Vog Business AwardsVog Business Awards

Introduction
Our Judges
FAQs

Introduction

The Vale of Glamorgan continues to thrive as a hub for local businesses, cementing its reputation as one of the best places to live and work in Wales. As the county’s economy grows, so does its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Now in its fourth year, the Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards is back to shine a spotlight on the outstanding businesses and individuals driving success in the region. Through a rigorous judging process, the most innovative and enterprising ventures will be recognised, culminating in a prestigious black-tie awards evening.

Join us on Friday, 3rd October 2025, at The Vale Resort for a night of celebration. The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Liz Brookes

Founder of the Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards
Director of Grapevine Event Management

Our Judges

David Stevens

David Graham Stevens, Group Chief Executive Office, Admiral Group plc

From Oxford, to Cadburys to Admiral, David had a varied and interesting start to his career and Henry Englehardt’s invitation to join him in 1991 to help set up Admiral was well timed and gratefully received.

David became Admiral’s CEO after Henry stepped down in 2016 and handed over to Milena Mondini at the end of 2020.

David married one of the other founding managers of Admiral, Heather Naylor, in 1994 and they have three children.

In 2007, David and Heather started their own charitable foundation, The Waterloo Foundation (TWF). The Foundation mainly focusses help on: world development; environment; child development and supporting areas in Wales that are underfunded areas, such as unpaid carers.

Jill Gorin

Jill has always had a passion for business, from Head Designer at a leading thread manufacturer in the North of England, which gave the zest for starting and running her own business for 18 years designing for leading magazine titles to flag ship stores including John Lewis and Liberty.

The last few decades was sharing this experience advising 100’s of early start talented entrepreneurs grow and succeed and more recently being in a formidable team within Economic Development, Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Ben Joakim

Ben is an experienced executive and non-executive leader, having held a number of senior roles in multiple sectors, across Wales and internationally.

Ben is currently the Chair of the IWA, working to ensure effective governance and strategy. He is also an Advisor at the Celtic Freeport, working closely with the CEO and Board to build a green energy corridor for Wales.

Previously, Ben led strategy at Principality Building Society as a member of the executive team responsible for delivering corporate strategy. He was also a Board Member of Fintech Wales, helping finance and technology companies start and scale from Wales.

Ben spent a significant part of his career working across sub-Saharan Africa, investing in employment and enterprise initiatives across the region. He subsequently founded Disberse, a fintech company driving transparency and efficiency for global aid, influencing global policy.

Ben is a UWC Atlantic College and Cardiff University alumnus. He lives in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Liz Brookes

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 founder of the Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards.

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 Vale of Glamorgan and business rates must also be paid to the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The business should have started to trade on or before 3rd October 2024.

Can I save my application form and return later?

The application form is required to be completed in one go as you cannot save and return later. We suggest you make a note of the application questions and prepare offline before submitting your details.

What is the judging process?

The judging process can be found here.

How many people can attend the interview?

We kindly request that only 2 representatives attend the interview.

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.

Can someone attend in my absence?

Yes of course, we welcome any passionate member of your company/team to attend to let us know why you are so great!

If I/my company is shortlisted, do I get any free tickets to the Awards night?

Everyone is asked to purchase tickets from the website in advance of the evening. Tickets will be available to purchase from the website soon. Priority is given to shortlisted companies and sponsors but it is on a first come first served basis so you are advised to book early to guarantee the tickets you require.

How much are tickets for the Vale Business Awards?

Tables of 10 can be purchased for £950+VAT individual tickets are £95+VAT. Payment must be made prior to the event.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a networking drinks reception and a 3 course meal with coffee, as well as the awards ceremony and entertainment.

How do I book tickets for the Awards?

You can purchase your tickets via the booking link which will be live shortly, we will be in touch to confirm your order and request any dietary or access requirements.