2025
Creative and Digital Business of the Year
- This award recognises those businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan that are operating in highly important creative and digital sectors.
- The Judes are looking for creative and digital companies that have achieved growth and strong financial performance through innovation, exceptional customer experience and are focused on future business success.
Employer of the Year
- This award will recognise those businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan that continue to invest in their employees for sustainable growth and development.
- The judges are looking for evidence of staff development, retention and recruitment; career development and training for employees; commitment to diversity; and embedding of a learning culture.
Entrepreneur of the Year
- This award will recognise those individuals who have shown the desire to succeed with their own ideas and have had the ambition to turn those ideas into a successful business.
- The judges will be looking for an outstanding individual who can best demonstrate exceptional vision and leadership and personality in the development of their own business.
Financial and Professional Service Business of the Year
- This award is open to any business operating in the financial and professional services sector.
- The judges are looking for companies that have achieved growth and strong financial performance through innovation, exceptional customer experience and are focused on future business success.
Food and Farming Business of the Year
- This award recognises those businesses who showcase the very best of the food and farming sector in the Vale of Glamorgan. This could be a business focussed on, the highest production standards, innovation, sustainable growth or diversification of the local agricultural sector. It could also be a local primary food or drink producer who has consistently made a positive and lasting impact in the Vale and wider Welsh Food sector. Entrants to this category could also be the best of both who has developed a food or drink product from field to fork.
- The judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment, passion and energy to their business and the sector. Evidence of tangible business success will need to be demonstrated as well as a clear sustainable growth strategy.
Green Business of the Year
- This award recognises those businesses for whom sustainability is at the core of their activities or whose products, processes or practices have resulted in significant environmental improvement.
- The judges are looking for businesses that have developed an environmental product, process or service or have built sustainability into the strategic operations of the business, either of which has resulted directly in increased profitability.
Growth Business of the Year
- This award is open to all businesses who have shown significant business growth and development.
- The Judges are looking for evidence of profitable growth and commercial success of the business and a clear growth strategy.
International Business of the Year
- This award is open to any Vale of Glamorgan business that is trading overseas.
- The judges are looking for evidence of a detailed internationalisation strategy, growth in overseas markets and a commitment to improving export performance.
Retail Business of the Year
- This award is open to any retail business within the Vale of Glamorgan.
- The judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate retail excellence. Businesses will have achieved growth and strong financial performance through innovation, exceptional customer experience and are focused on future business success.
Start-Up Business of the Year
- The start-up award aims to celebrate and support the Vale of Glamorgan’s newest businesses. Entrants to this award must be independent and have been trading for up-to a maximum period of three years on 4th October 2024.
- The judges will be looking for real passion, a strong plan, an innovative product or service and exceptional forecasts for further growth.
Technology & Innovation Business of the Year
- Recognises the success of companies that have created and developed innovative products or processes that have improved the performance of the organisation or led to significant job creation.
- The judges will be looking for a technology-based firm with a clear commitment to research and development, innovation and future growth potential. Applicants need to describe the technology and how it has benefited the company and/or customers.
Third Sector Business of the Year
- Calling all charities, not-for-profit organisations, campaigners and volunteer groups - here is your chance to showcase your work and achievements.
- The judges want to hear from large and small charities, hospices, third sector organisations and non-profits that are helping those in need, bringing about real social change or raising awareness and campaigning on key issues.
Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year
- This award is open to any business based in the tourism and leisure sector in the Vale of Glamorgan.
- The judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to provide an outstanding experience for visitors, tourists and business travellers.
Young Business Person of the Year
- This award is made to individuals under the age of 30 on 3rd October 2024 who are involved in business. These include young entrepreneurs that are building their own venture or those employees who had had an outstanding impact in contributing to the success of a larger organisation.
- The judges are looking for individuals who demonstrate ambition, energy, skill and vision, as well as a tangible business success. Applicants should have raised the profile of their organisation, developed and implemented plans that have achieved growth, and who have exceeded customer expectations.
