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The mantra for many in the business community at the start of this year was “survive 25”.

But this year’s winners of the Caerphilly Business Club Awards have shown that not only have they survived – they’re thriving.

A total of 14 companies and individuals were recognised for their efforts contributing to the local economy – in addition two special recognitions.

Opening the awards ceremony, held on Friday November 28 at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa, Caerphilly Business Club chair Matthew Tucker spoke of the challenges facing business leaders.

He said: “This hasn’t been an easy year. We’ve faced economic uncertainty, political change, and global market pressures. Yet, despite these challenges, our businesses have shown remarkable resilience – adapting, innovating, and continuing to invest in people and communities.”

Among the winners on the night were some of Caerphilly County Borough’s most significant employers and big names, such as PHS Group and Transcend Packaging, but also some up-and-coming firms.

Tyre Glider is the company behind the namesake tool to help cyclists repair punctures quickly and won the overall Caerphilly Business Club Award.

Founder Kevin Baker came up with the idea while opening a can of tuna one day in his kitchen.

Manufactured by OGM in Ysyrad Mynach, the handy item has recently achieved £500,000 in annual global sales in just four years. 

Kevin said it was important for him to get the tool made locally – especially as costs were still competitive when compared to overseas manufacture.

He said: “After being nominated for two awards and not getting one, getting the big one was very surprising. I’ve got to be honest, I am very proud.”

The White Cross Inn, in Groeswen, was named the winner of the Rural and Tourism Economy Award.

Last year the pub featured as a location in Dr Who – attracting visitors from China, Spain, and Texas – and will also be featured in the upcoming series of the BBC’s Death Valley.

Landlady Mair Arthur said: “This is fabulous for the pub.”

Like many other businesses, the White Cross was affected by the pandemic – but Mair said Covid 19 made people realise how important  the pub was to the community.

Selling bread, milk, and real ale through the pub shop, the business battled through.

Mair, who returned to running the pub in 2011 after initially taking it on for a two-year stint in 1998, added: “Words cannot explain what it means. The pub is not like a Wetherspoons where people come and go. People make friends there, fall in love there, and bring their children there.”

Christina Kerr Barnett, 34, of Hengoed, was named Employee of the Year for her work with childcare provider Clwb Y Ddraig.

Sarah Lerwill founded the company with her daughter Rebecca Bennett.

Said: “We took Christina on as a playworker, but we immediately made her a play leader in Ysyrad Mynach.

“She developed as a leader and then moved to Bryn. She’s always wanted to get back to Hengoed, so when we opened there she was the obvious choice.

“For a council house girl she hasn’t done bad, and she is proud of her roots.”

The award was a complete surprise for Christina, who didn’t even know she was nominated.

She had attended the awards to support her colleague Hannah Carter who was up for apprentice or the year.

Christina said: “I’m still a bit in shock.”

This year’s awards supported Rose’s Way Foundation. Established by the family of Rose Elizabeth Jeans, who died from a rare form of cancer aged just one, the charity supports families of terminally ill children.

A total of £2,375 for the charity was raised on the night.

Singer Rhiannon Stone, who entertained guests, also donated her fee to the Sparrows ALN Group in memory of the late Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, who was a big supporter of the group.

Small Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by JNP Legal: Colliers Adventure Farm.
Rural and Tourism Award – Sponsored by RDP Cwm a Mynydd: The White Cross Inn.
Leadership in Business Award – Sponsored by Smart Energy Homes: Mech Tech Professionals.
Medium Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Elavon UK: Checkfire Limited.
Digital and Innovation Award – Sponsored by FireRite: Doopee Doo.
Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by Educ8 Group: Hannah Carter – AJC Medical Secretary.
Micro Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Development Bank of Wales: Foreman Maths Tutoring.
Environmental and Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council: Crafty Legs Events.
Start-Up of the Year Award – Sponsored by Welsh ICE: JM Selection.
Community Champion of the Year – Sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council: JNP Legal.
Export Business of the Year – Sponsored by Caerphilly Business Club: Transcend Packaging.
Employee of the Year – Sponsored by JCP Solicitors: Christina Kerr Barnett – Clwb Y Ddraig.
Large Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Caerphilly Business Club: PHS Group.
The Caerphilly Business Club Award – Sponsored by Caerphilly Business Club: Tyre Glider.
Special Recognition: AP Cymru; Volt Secure.