A fast-growing specialist construction and maintenance firm has taken the top accolade at this year’s Caerphilly Business Forum Awards.
Contract Services Group, which has an annual turnover of £11 million, was named the Premier Award winner in addition to taking Business of the Year (with over 25 employees).
With a growth strategy aiming for an annual turnover of £20m by 2020, the firm, which is based on Pontygwindy Road, Caerphilly, was among seven companies and individuals honoured at the awards ceremony, held on Friday, November 18, at Bryn Meadows in Maesycwmmer.
Speaking at the event, Benn Gleaves, Commercial Director at Contract Services, said: “We’re ecstatic to have won two awards tonight. It’s been an amazingly successful night for the business and we can’t really put into words how we feel. Many of our employees are from Caerphilly themselves and so this acknowledgement means a lot to us.
“We’ve invested a lot of money into jobs in the area – we’re committed to tackling Wales’ skills shortage and providing more opportunities for the region’s young people and so it’s great to see our hard work gaining recognition. Tonight’s achievements provide the perfect end to a fantastic year for the business.”
It is the 15th year the Caerphilly Business Forum Awards has been held.
Caerphilly Business Forum chair Denise Lovering said: “Caerphilly is a great place to do business. From industrial flagship businesses that Caerphilly’s roots are based upon, to the start-ups and SMEs that are nurtured at hubs like Welsh ICE, the borough is thriving with exciting business prospects.
“The awards programme has showcased how much ambition there is within the borough, ideally placed to benefit from developments in the creation of the Cardiff Capital region in the next few years.”
Other winners at the awards ceremony included Service Tracker UK, an IT solutions firm which was presented with the Innovation Award sponsored by Coleg y Cymoedd; and Cwm Carno Farm, part of the five cooperative farms in Cig Mynydd Cymru, was awarded the Contribution to the Rural Economy accolade, sponsored by Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd, for its dedication to animal welfare.
Elsewhere, Asbri Golf, a branding company for golf accessories picked up the Business of the Year Award (with under 25 employees) sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Speaking after the awards, Eryl Williams, managing director of Asbri Golf said: “We have a really talented and dedicated team, and this year has been such a success because of them. In what has been a turbulent year for business across the whole of the UK, we have managed to continue expanding the company year on year.”
He continued: “We currently distribute products to 30 countries, and have just starting operating in America. We’ll now put our efforts into growing the business in that huge market, while continuing to service our current clients.”
Individual winners at the event included Gavin Moulsdale, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Educ8, following his work with British Airways Interiors Engineering. Mandy Weston of start-up hub Welsh ICE was chosen as this year’s Women in Business sponsored by Glenside Commercials, for her passion in encouraging women into enterprise.
Finally, Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council, was awarded to DW Studio, a Welsh ICE based CGI visuals company.
The company boasts international clients such as Dyson as well as high profile national names including Network Rail.
After receiving the prestigious award, David Wiffen, owner of DW Studio said: “The business has set its roots in Caerphilly and received great support from Welsh ICE from the very beginning. Over the next few years we’ll be looking to grow the company sensibly and sustainably.
“Winning the award tonight will give us a huge boost for the future.”
Held in association with Coleg Gwent, the awards took place with the support of sponsors Norgine Pharmaceuticals, recruitment firm Acorn, Lorica insurance brokers, Smart Money Cymru, Horizon Digital, Rose-Innes designs and Bryn Meadows.