Start-up business hub’s CEO wins at national award ceremony

The CEO of a Caerphilly-based start-up business hub has been crowned a winner at a national award ceremony.

Lesley Williams, of Welsh ICE, was a joint-winner of the Inclusive Director category at ThinkEDI’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards Wales 2024.

The ceremony, held on December 18, celebrated individuals and organisations making extraordinary strides in boosting diversity, equity, and inclusion across Wales.

Following her award win, Ms Williams, who was appointed CEO in 2023, said: “At ICE, we are deeply committed to ensuring that entrepreneurship is accessible to all. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the collective impact of inclusive leadership.”

Meanwhile, Welsh ICE was amongst the finalists in the Inclusive Professional Community Award category, while it sponsored the Inclusive Creative Professional category, which was won by Cerebral Palsy influencer Emily Nicole Roberts.

Ms Williams continued: “Emily Nicole Roberts is a trailblazer, using her voice and talents to inspire others and dismantle barriers in the creative space. It’s this spirit of courage and creativity that aligns so beautifully with ICE’s values.”