The hotly anticipated shortlist for the 2018 Wales Start-Up Awards has been announced, with over 140 entries across 14 categories received from new businesses throughout the country.
The Awards, now in their third year, are exclusive to Welsh companies that have launched within the last three years. They provide a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those new businesses that are making the greatest impact on the Welsh economy.
Alys Carlton, partner at Capital Law said:
“The calibre of entry into this year’s awards has been hugely impressive. With digital transformation prevalent across the country, it’s never been a better time to take the leap and start your own business. Being part of the awards has been inspiring and I look forward to seeing the success stories of those shortlisted.”
Jamie McGowan, Campus Director at Welsh ICE, added:
“We are, and always have been, extremely proud to be involved in this event. The quality has risen yet again, and we are thoroughly looking forward not only to the awards evening to celebrate with all those shortlisted, but to the future, given what we know about the investment winning an award like this can secure.
“This really cements Wales’ reputation as one of the fastest growing entrepreneurial hubs in the UK, boasting an increasing number of amazing entrepreneurs and start-ups.”
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, chairman of the judging panel, believes the Wales Start-Up awards are important in highlighting the important role that Welsh entrepreneurs play in boosting growth in the Welsh economy.
“Research has shown time and time again that new firms are important for generating economic prosperity, employment opportunities and innovation. The Wales Start-Up awards will again celebrate this amazing contribution by entrepreneurs on our economy and the impact they have on communities across our nation.”
Liz Brookes of Grapevine Events, co-founder of Wales Start-Up Awards, said:
“We’re thrilled that we can do this all again for the third time. There is no other event like this in Wales, and we are proud to be the ones pioneering the most innovative, bold and creative talent in the country.
“This year’s Awards will be held at The Depot in Cardiff Bay, and we are looking forward to seeing all the amazing teams, and celebrating the bright futures they have ahead of them.”
With overall sponsorship from Capital Law – itself a Start-Up just 12 years ago – the Wales Start-Up Awards 2018 are being supported by some of the country’s biggest organisations from across a wide range of sectors.
Wales Start-Up Awards 2018 shortlist
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[accordion title=”Construction Start-Up of the Year” load=”show”]CAUKIN Studio
CDB Design & Build
Oakwater
Rails Direct[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Creative and Digital Start-Up of the Year ” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by DevOps Group
BabApp
CineMerse
Red Squirrel Marketing
Steelhouse Productions [/accordion]
[accordion title=”Financial and Professional Services Start-Up of the Year” load=”hide”]Chatterbox Communications
Mango HR
Paradigm Human Performance
Talentbe[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Food and Drink Start-Up of the Year” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by kukd.com
Cobbles Kitchen & Deli
Dyfi Distillery
JT Hospitality Group
Volare Italian Dining & Bistro[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Global Start-Up of the Year ” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by Swansea University
AMPLYFI
Freight Logistics Solutions
POW! Virtual Running
The Youth Development Agency [/accordion]
[accordion title=”Green Start-Up of the Year ” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by Clearly PR
Awel Co-op
CASA Facilities Management
Surple[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Innovative Start-Up of the Year” load=”hide”]- Sponsored by Welsh Government
AMPLYFI
Credas Technologies
Hut Six Security
Paperclip
Simply Do Ideas
Surple[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Manufacturing Start-Up of the Year” load=”hide”]- Sponsored by Wynne Jones IP
CDB Design and Build
Mon Naturals
Odddot[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Retail Start-Up of the Year” load=”hide”]Barr & Co Jewellery
FUTT
Letterbox Lab
Live Spiffy
UK Leisure Living [/accordion]
[accordion title=”Services Start-Up of the Year ” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by HSBC
Apollo Business Village
Codez Academy
Freight Logistics Solutions
Mochdre Vets
Passport to Employment[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year ” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by WCVA
Awel Co-op
Help4Wales Foundation
ShedNet
Upside Down Circus[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Technology Start-Up of the Year ” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by IQE
Credas Technologies
Four Minutes
Hut Six Security
Sports Injury Fix
We Build Bots[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Tourism & Leisure Start-Up of the Year” load=”hide”]Beacons Trike Tours
EverTrek
Katag UK
The Forge[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Young Entrepreneur of the Year” load=”hide”]– Sponsored by Acceler8me
Chloe Smith – BigMoose Coffee
Rhiannan Falshaw-Skelly – CineMerse
Jarrad Morris and James Forrest – Elite Vehicle Sourcing
Jade Fisher – Jade Fisher
Lian Poulson – Lian Cara
[/accordion]
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For information about the Wales Start-Up Awards, please visit http://www.walesstartupawards.com/
