North Wales's business stars have been revealed as the shortlists are announced for the Daily Post Business Awards 2019.
The shortlists are packed full of the region's fast growing firms with an award ceremony next month at Bangor University – joint headline sponsors of the awards with the Welsh Government.
The awards have also been supported by a long list of category sponsors who help to make this celebration of business a success.
It was another fantastic year for entries - making choosing the winners particularly difficult for the panel of six judges.
Dewi Williams, business development manager, North Wales Regional, Welsh Government, said: “The standard of entries this year has been extremely high and it is pleasing to see so many start-up companies demonstrating strong growth potential
“It has also been challenging to shortlist a top three although this goes to show the quality of companies we have here in the region.”
The shortlists for the Daily Post Business Awards in association with Bangor University and the Welsh Government are as follows:
Business Start-Up Award, sponsored by Welsh Government & Business Wales
■ Animated Technologies Ltd. Technology marketing agency based on Anglesey.
■ Cufflink.io Ltd. Tech company developing cutting-edge software at M-SParc on Anglesey.
■ Limb-art. Denbighshire firm that creates designer prosthetic leg covers.
Business of the year (up to 10 employees), sponsored by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai
■ Fast Way To Fitness. Mochdre based fitness firm with ambitious growth plans.
■ RibRide. Adventure boat trip company based in Menai Bridge.
■ The Pet Joint. Luxury pet home boarding hotel for pets which aims to open franchises around the country.
■ JVP Group: Rapidly growing recruitment marketing specialists with offices in St Asaph.
Business of the Year (up to 50 employees), sponsored by The Development Bank Wales
■ Delta Rock Group Ltd. Rapidly expanding automation and electrical firm based in Flintshire.
■ EvaBuild Ltd. Fast growing builder based in Newtown.
■ ITAS. Successful software specialist in Mold.
Business of the Year (over 50 employees) sponsored by Disclosure Services
■ Brenig Construction. Leading civil engineering and construction company based in Mochdre.
■ Carelink Homecare Services Ltd. Successful care company with bases on Anglesey and in Conwy.
■ Celtest Company Limited. Respected construction materials testing firm that is a leader in its field. Based in Bangor.
Welsh Exporter or the year, sponsored by Welsh Government
■ Celtest Company Limited. Respected construction materials testing firm that is a leader in its field. Based in Bangor.
■ Purple Moose Brewery Ltd: Long established Porthmadog brewery now sending beer around the world.
■ Worldspan: Communications and event management agency in Abergele that works globally.
North Wales Tourism Award, sponsored by Adventure Parc Snowdonia
■ The Forge. Glamping experiences with a twist near Corwen.
■ Venue Cymru: Theatre, conference centre and arena in Llandudno.
■ Welsh Mountain Zoo: Popular and long established zoo in Colwyn Bay that is continuing to expand.
Best in Food & Drink Award, sponsored by Harlech Foodservice
■ Aber Falls Distillery Ltd. Gin and whisky distillery in Abergwyngregyn.
■ Paysanne. Highly rated restaurant that has been serving fine French cuisine in Deganwy since 1988.
■ Red Boat (Ice Cream Parlour) Limited. Ice cream firm with plans to expand across North Wales from its base in Beaumaris.
Community Award, sponsored by Pendine Arts and Community Trust
■ Gamlins Law. North Wales law firm that wants its staff to be at the heart of local communities.
■ Morgans Hair, Beauty & Wigs Ltd. Hair and Beauty salon in Prestatyn that works to support people in the community.
■ North Wales Dragons. Football team that aims to make a difference, by raising funds for charity.
Green Award, sponsored by Calon Homes
■ Anglesey Sea Zoo. Popular tourist attraction near Brynsiencyn that works to raise environmental issues and leads by example.
■ Beech Developments (NW) Ltd. Developer based in Llandudno Junction working to improve sustainability in the sector.
■ Venue Cymru. Theatre, conference centre and arena in Llandudno that is working to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Judges’ Choice Award, sponsored by ADRA and the Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Bangor University do not have a shortlist.
The winner is selected by the judges and will be revealed at the awards ceremony.
■ The awards ceremony and black-tie dinner takes place at Bangor University on Thursday, November 21.
To book tickets call 01492 574 472, email events@dailypost.co.uk; or visit dailypostbusinessawards.co.uk
A spokesman for Bangor Conferencing, who are hosting the event, said: “The grandeur of Bangor University’s historic Main Arts building is the perfect setting for the Daily Post Awards and we’re delighted to be hosting the event once again.
“We’re keen to ensure that there is a real sense of occasion and all guests will enjoy canapés and prosecco in the elegant surroundings of Neuadd Powis and the Shankland library, before moving on to the awards ceremony in the majestic Neuadd Pritchard Jones.
“Our chef is currently designing a menu which will ensure that all those attending enjoy a meal worthy of winners.”
