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A record attendance at this year’s Caerphilly Business Club Awards bore witness to a wide range of success at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa on Friday November 22.

Around 260 guests – almost double the figure from last year – celebrated the achievements of businesses based in Caerphilly County Borough.

A total of 11 companies and individuals were recognised for their efforts contributing to the local economy.

The importance of businesses – large and small – and their contribution to the wider community was a key theme of the night, as highlighted by Caerphilly Business Club chair Matthew Tucker in his opening speech.

Drawing attention to recent employment figures he said: “Caerphilly has seen a significant increase in employment over the past year.

“The employment rate has risen to 76% for those aged 16 to 24. Up from 72% in the previous year. This means approximately 86,500 people in our community are now employed.

“This growth is testament to the hard work and dedication of our local businesses, in creating new job opportunities and fostering a thriving local economy.”

Among the winners on the night was Sarah Harris-Clint, of Crafty Legs Events, who won Community Champion of the Year.

Her company, co-founded with her husband Gareth in 2022, runs regular markets supporting independent retailers with their distinctive yellow and green gazebos.

Having missed last year’s awards due to illness, she joked that she had made the effort to attend.

She said: “We were nominated for three awards and Community Champion was the one that meant the most to us. It is what we are all about – bringing the local community and businesses together.”

Ella Samsonov, from IMP Pharma, won Apprentice of the Year. She started with the company in April last year through Ystrad Mynach-based training firm Educ8.

The 21-year-old from Newport, who had no prior experience in the industry, said she almost had a panic attack when her name was read out as the winner.

Having successfully completed her apprenticeship almost six months early, Ella is now a full-time employee with the firm as an operations technician with responsibility over packaging, and the storage and distribution of trial products.

She said: “I had just finished sixth form and took a gap year to earn some money. I was convinced I would be going to university, but I just couldn’t afford it. I needed to get a real job that paid.”

Shaun Skelly is the co-founder of Trust Electrical Supplies based in Abercarn, which won Start-up of the Year. Having decided to leave a corporate job and branch out independently with colleague Jason Ham, the company has just marked two years in business.

Describing the award as “massive”, Shaun said: “We were nominated in a couple of categories, but we went there with no expectations so it was delightful when we won.”

Small Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by TownSq: Vetro Recruitment.
Rural and Tourism Award – Sponsored by RDP Cwm a Mynydd: Basil and Rusty’s Ice Cream.
Leadership in Business Award – Sponsored by Team Metalogic Ltd: Angie Gurdon – CJCH Solicitors.
Medium Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Coleg y Cymoedd: KGJ Price.
Digital and Innovation Award – Sponsored by Route Media: Vantastec.
Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by Educ8 Training: Ella Samsonov – IMP Pharma.
Micro Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by WRI: Hancox’s Pies.
Environmental and Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Caerphilly Business Club: Colliers Adventure Farm.
Start-Up of the Year Award – Sponsored by Welsh ICE: Trust Electrical Supplies.
Large Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by JCP Solicitors: Nuaire.
Community Champion of the Year – Sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council: Sarah Harris-Clint – Crafty Legs Events.