The Awards ceremony, which attracted almost 200 guests, was the highlight of the 2007 Gwynedd Business Week organised by Gwynedd Council.
The Awards attracted dozens of entries, from all over the county. The independent panel of judges, consisted of Dr. David Joyner, Director of University Innovation Bangor; Sioned Rees, Head of Regional Customer Services at the Welsh Assembly Government’s Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks and Edward Jones, Commercial Manager, Gwynedd & Anglesey Commercial Centre at HSBC.
The judges, who had a difficult task choosing a winner in each of the twelve categories, commented that the high quality of entries reflected favourably on the county’s business sector and augured well for future prosperity.
The successful businesses awarded at the ceremony were:
- Young Entrepreneur Award * open to individuals aged 16-30 (sponsored by British Nuclear Group on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority)
Ymgynghoriaeth Madryn Consultancy Cyf, Pwllheli - Science and Technology Award (sponsored by University of Wales Bangor)
Draig Technology Ltd, Bangor - Bilingual Business Award (sponsored by the Welsh Language Board)
Sain (Recordiau) Cyf., Llandwrog, Caernarfon - Learning to Venture Award * open to local schools and youth groups (sponsored by Gwynedd Economic Partnership)
Cwmni Cŵl, Ysgol Gynradd Eifion Wyn AND
Ysgol Edmund Prys, Gelli Lydan, Blaenau Ffestiniog - Creative Industries Award (sponsored by University of Wales Bangor)
Cerrig Cyf., Pwllheli - Employer of the Year Award (sponsored by Careers Wales)
Cymorth Llaw Ltd, Bangor - Best New Business Award (sponsored by Venture Wales & Menter Gwynedd)
J&B Willbrook Ltd., Dyffryn Ardudwy - Environmental Business Award (sponsored by Envirowise)
GEWS Ltd., Penrhyndeudraeth - Contribution to the Community Award (sponsored by Synnwyr Busnes - Business Sense) Galeri Cyf., Caernarfon
- Tourism Award (sponsored by Tourism Partnership North Wales & Tourism Partnership Mid Wales)
Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli - Business of the Year Award (turnover of less than £1M) (sponsored by Menter Môn)
Beacon Climbing Centre, Ceunant, Caernarfon - Business of the Year Award (turnover of more than £1M) (sponsored by Business Eye)
Cerrig Cyf., Pwlllheli
Each category winner was awarded a cash prize and certificate, as well as a specially commissioned trophy designed by local artist Anne Smith.
In addition to the main categories, this year’s Event also featured the Special Contribution Award presented by the Gwynedd Business Network, to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual to business life in Gwynedd. Local politician and economist Dafydd Wigley was honoured for his contribution to business and tourism in Gwynedd.
Sioned Williams, Head of Economy and Regeneration at Gwynedd Council said: “The response to the Gwynedd Business Awards has been incredible again this year. It was very encouraging to see so many partners working together to showcase the rich variety of businesses enjoying success locally here in Gwynedd.
“Gwynedd is an excellent place to live and succeed, and the Business Week and Awards has been an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the best examples of success among the county’s businesses, schools and organisations.”
