Businesses of all shapes and sizes have been celebrated in this year’s prestigious annual Business Club Awards organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Business Club.
Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and television personality John Sergeant was guest speaker at the event which recognises and rewards the successes of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s businesses.
With awards for marketing excellence, new business start-up, environmental business of the year and more, the event has become a way to honour the achievement of firms as well as being an inspiration for others.
Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: “Congratulations to all our winners and runners up in the 2011 Business Club Awards!
“Credit must be given to all applicants as the standard of their entries was very high and drove up the level of the overall competition, meaning there were many strong contenders this year.
“The Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club which is run by the Council is just one of many initiatives we have developed to help grow the economy, create jobs and encourage entrepreneurial spirit.
“Since the Business Club was re-launched five years ago, it continues to go from strength to strength and provides important opportunities to network and share best practice.
“It is part of the Council’s efforts to play our part in having the right environment for businesses to flourish. This work includes the use of our business grants to help companies grow and expand or improve the way they do things.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club welcomes all businesses. If you are interested in networking, growing your business and building upon your customer and supplier base please visit: www.rctbusinessclub.co.uk. Alternatively call Claire Curtis on 01443 495183 to find out more about Business Club events and membership.
This year’s winners are:
Business Start-up of the Year – in association with Venture Wales – Winner – Cannon & Smith Law Practice LLP – based in Pontylcun
Cannon & Smith Law Practice LLP clearly demonstrated a firm grasp on the business development, branding of their business, route to market and a flexible placement of their service. They offer the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf with first class affordable and accessible legal services in family law.
This business has produced a very creative business model to compete and excel, unique in the legal sector.
Environmental Business of the Year – in association with Groundwork & Rhondda Cynon Taff – Winner – Eden Shelving based in Hirwaun – 2nd Year Running
It was evident that this company’s culture has sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact at its heart.
This company specialise in the manufacture of shelving systems for the retail sector. Based on Hirwaun Industrial Estate they employ 61 people and have put in place a continuous environmental improvement programme across all their departments which has resulted in substantial reductions in the use of paper, gas, water and electricity. CO2 emissions have fallen, as is the use of landfill, packaging and the production of steel scrap. As a result of these measures Eden Shelving’s carbon footprint has reduced significantly.
Independent Retailer of the Year – in association with L’Oreal UK Ltd – Winner – Wonder Stuff Ltd – based in Treorchy
Wonder Stuff Ltd has clearly demonstrated a firm grasp on their customers needs, creative thinking in promoting their shop, the product offering and development of business.
Innovative Company of the Year – in association with the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme (HOVIP – Winner – Dragon Savers Credit Union – based in Treorchy
Dragon Savers Credit Union is a model example; this project has been set up in a socially deprived area and has made innovative use of volunteers from the village of Perthcelyn by developing new skills and sharing their knowledge throughout the community.
The project also displays clear innovative links through the use of local radio and Social Media activities as well as making full use of partnership working.
Marketing Campaign of the Year – in association with The Chartered Institute of Marketing – Winner – Bouchard & Jones – based in Treorchy
What impressed the judges most about Bouchard & Jones was they demonstrated a marketing-led and driven solution to an objective developed from market intelligence.
This company has use of a wide range of Marketing and PR tools in a highly competitive marketplace. Based in Treorchy, with a clear vision of improving housing across South Wales.
Manufacturing Business of the Year – in association with the Local Investment Fund South East Wales – Winner – Allevard Springs Ltd – based in Clydach Vale
Allevard Springs Ltd is a model example of cutting edge, high tech product development through research, testing, partnership working and industry confidence building in the reliability, quality and above all effectiveness of their product.
Business of the Year – in association with Markes International Ltd – Winner – Allevard Springs Ltd
The winner of Business of the Year was required to demonstrate all round achievement; a clear vision for the future, success against objectives, sustained growth and to be a standard bearer for success in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
This winner ticked all those boxes and more.
With ever increasing turnover, commitment from a range of very impressive and high profile partners and the ability to bounce back from adversity this firm is definitely worthy of the title Business of the Year.
