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A business that helps independent retailers has been named start-up of the year at the 2023 Caerphilly Business Club Awards.

Crafty Legs Events runs regular markets across Caerphilly County Borough with their distinctive yellow and green gazebos.

They were among nine companies and individuals celebrated during the award ceremony held at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa, near Maesycwmmer, on Friday November 24..

Launched in March 2022 as a means to restart Caerphilly town’s craft market, Crafty Legs has since expanded with the help of council grants. It now runs regular markets locally and outside Caerphilly County Borough.

Hancox’s Pies won Independent Retailer of the Year and is about to move into new premises.

Founder Alex Hancox said: “We are super excited for the future. We are looking to open on Pontygwindy Industrial Estate in December. They are bigger premises with a wider offering to our customers.

“We’ll have seating for 50 and an industrial kitchen. It is now or never.

“This award brings us confidence – being such a small business and being recognised in the borough.”

Also celebrating a win was start-up was Colliers Adventure Farm, which opened in April this year near Nelson.

Rhian Matthews Davies, whose family runs the new attraction, said it had been fully booked.

She said: “It’s amazing how much interest and support we’ve had.

“This is a real achievement for us for the first nine months. A lot of the family are involved in the business and we all work day and night.”

Apprentice of the Year Award Sponsored by Educ8 Training: Erika Cyrnow – Hydro.
Independent Retailer of the Year Award Sponsored by TownSq: Hancox’s Pies.
Small Business of the Year Award Sponsored by JCP Solicitors: Protectorcomms Ltd.
Medium to Large Business of the Year Award Sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council: FireRite.
Environmental and Sustainability Award Sponsored by Alliance Wales and West: Capital Coated Steel Ltd.
Leadership in Business Award Sponsored by Coleg y Cymoedd: Team Metalogic Ltd.
Rural Economy Award Sponsored by RDP: Fferm Gelli.
Tourism Venue and Provider of the Year Award Sponsored by Caerphilly Tourism Association: Colliers Adventure Farm.
Start-Up of the Year Award Sponsored by Welsh ICE: Crafty Legs Events.

Matthew Tucker, chair of Caerphilly Business Club said: “The awards are about recognising the success of businesses in Caerphilly and the value and contribution they provide.

“Our finalists this year were the strongest yet – and believe me every category was equally competitive. I had the pleasure of sitting in on almost all interviews, but was thankful I didn’t have to make the decisions.”