The shortlist for the 2019 Wales Start Up Awards has been announced.
Now in their fourth year, they are exclusive to Welsh companies that have launched within the last three years and provide a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those new businesses that are making the greatest impact on the Welsh economy.
Having received nearly 250 entries, 74 finalists have been selected across nineteen categories covering all sectors and regions of Wales. Sponsors of the awards include Capital Law, NatWest Cymru, Abel and Imray, ALS Managed Services, Bluegg, Business in Focus, Cardiff University, Freight Logistics Solutions, Swansea University School of Management, Thermal Compaction Group, Tramshed Tech, Universities Wales, University of South Wales, WCVA the Welsh Government and Business News Wales.
Alys Carlton, partner at Capital Law said:
“The calibre of applications into this year’s awards has been hugely impressive, especially from the high number of women that had applied to enter. Capital Law fully supports the development of the Welsh Government’s Approach to Supporting Entrepreneurial Women and this year’s award shows that Wales is leading the way in encouraging greater numbers of women to start-up their businesses across the economy.
Siwan Rees from NatWest Cymru added:
“At NatWest, we are passionate about supporting Entrepreneurs empowering them with an unparalleled network, coaching and enabling them to become part of unique entrepreneurial community.
Wales is home to such a rich vein of entrepreneurial talent and the NatWest Accelerator programme plays a vital role in ensuring these start-up and scale-up businesses get the opportunities and support they need to reach the very top.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, chairman of the judging panel, believes that this year’s finalists demonstrate, yet again the incredible potential of the Welsh entrepreneurial community.
“It was an absolute pleasure to read so many high quality applications from entrepreneurs located across all parts of Wales. We know that new firms create the majority of jobs in any economy and many of the firms that have made the final cut for this year’s awards have the potential to become real players within their sectors over the next few years”.
The organiser of the awards is Grapevine Events Management and its founder Liz Brookes said
“We cannot wait to return to the Depot in Cardiff for the fourth time to celebrate the achievements of a group of talented entrepreneurs that recognise the best of new businesses in Wales. By utilising its informal and relaxed atmosphere, the Wales Start-Up awards have become a unique event that presents the best platform in which the success of the fantastic finalists can be showcased”.
The shortlist is as follows:
Construction Start-Up of the Year
- Cerrig Property Developments
- The Lady Paint & Decor Company
- Trades Work Wales
Creative Start-Up of the Year sponsored by University of South Wales
- Animated Technologies
- Forrest & Fox
- Lauren Catris Design
- Sadler Jones
Digital Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Tramshed Tech
- Motokiki
- Perago-Wales
- Signum Health
- Weekly10
Financial & Professional Start-Up of the Year
- Front Door Communications
- LimestoneGrey
- LINKS Recruitment Group
- Sweetmans & Partners
Food and Drink Start-Up of the Year
- #Sober
- Aber Falls Whisky Distillery
- JT Hospitality Group
- Swshi
Global Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Freight Logistics Solutions
- Concoxia
- Disberse
- Paradigm Human Performance
- The Youth Development Agency
Graduate Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Universities Wales
- Alpacr
- Letzshare
- Route Konnect
- SmallSpark Space Systems
Green Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Thermal Compaction Group
- Afallen
- BioPaxium Technologies
- Natural Weigh
- Surple
Innovative Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Welsh Government
- Credas
- Cufflink.io
- Disberse
- Hexigone Inhibitors
Manufacturing Start-Up of the Year
- Clydach Farm Group
- Limb-art
- Wardill Motorcycle Company
Retail Start-Up of the Year
- Barr & Co Jewellery
- Coffee Blue
- Letterbox Lab
- TP Feeds
Rural Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Business in Focus
- 68 Degrees West Glamping
- Bargoed Farm Caravan, Camping and Glamping Park and The Moody Cow Farm Shop and Welsh Bistro
- Coles Distillery
- Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding
Services B2B Start-Up of the Year
- ComLink Fire & Security
- LINKS Recruitment Group
- PiQ Laboratories
- Route Media
- Security Foundry
Services B2C Start-Up of the Year
- Brushbox
- Jonny Blades Barbershop
- Ross Mitchell Wealth Management
- The Retreat Canine Hydrotherapy & Wellness
Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year sponsored by WCVA
- All Stars Gymnastics Club CIC
- Awen Trading
- Enbarr Foundation CIC
- The Good Wash Company
Technology Start-Up of the Year sponsored by Cardiff University
- Concentric Health
- Credas
- Datalyse Group
- Hut Six Security
Tourism & Leisure Start-Up of the Year
- Adventure Tours U.K.
- EGNI Fitness Fun
- Melin Llynon
Valleys Start-Up of the Year sponsored by ALS
- Drone Evolution
- Help4Wales Foundation
- miFuture Group
- The Youth Development Agency
Young Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Swansea University School of Management
- Joelle Drummond and Sarah McNena from Drop Bear Beer Co.
- Emily Hicks from Studio Hicks
- Dominic Bonaker from We Are Odyssey
For information about the Wales Start-Up Awards, please visit http://www.walesstartupawards.com/
