News
And the Winners Were...
28 Jan 2008Businesses of all sizes and backgrounds have been commended at a prestigious ceremony organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Business Club.
Welsh rugby hero Gareth Edwards was guest speaker at the event, now in its second year, which recognises and awards the strides Rhondda Cynon Taf’s businesses are making.
Accompanied by esteemed journalist and broadcaster Carolyn Hitt, Mr Edwards CBE led proceedings at the University of Glamorgan on Friday (January 25).
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club Gala Award and Dinner evening was launched last year to celebrate the innovation and commitment being demonstrated.
With awards for best use of e-commerce, outstanding new business, Welsh language companies and more, the event has become a way to hold up the achievement of firms as an inspiration for others.
Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Skills, said: "Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is pleased with its ongoing work to create successful, vibrant companies and the workforces they demand.
"Business Club has enabled member companies to take their operation to the next level, thanks to expertise and advice on issues such as marketing, protecting the environment, dealing with HR and legal issues and more.
"Events take place throughout the year and the highlight of the calendar is definitely the Gala Awards and Dinner evening when businesses, irrespective of their size, age or speciality, are commended for their achievements."
Winners of this year’s event were:
Best Use of E-Commerce – sponsored by LightAge Communications Ltd. 
This award went to Completely Organised in Abercynon, which offers secretarial and PA support where it s needed.
The judges were impressed with the use of e-commerce to boost the business, as well as its extensive use of internal systems to ensure it has a competitive advantage, not only across the UK but also the USA.
Bilingual Business of the Year – sponsored by Bwrdd Yr Iaith Gymraeg/Welsh Language Board. 
Was won by Job Trac Cymru, a Welsh language recruitment service that assists employers to find high-quality Welsh speaking employees.
Based in Treforest, the company also works to ensure Welsh speakers find jobs to suit their needs and utilise their skills.
As well as showing continued growth in turnover and profit, the firm impressed the judges by providing a unique service in RCT for employers and employees, providing two or more Welsh-speaking employees to over 50 companies.
Job Trac Cynru has demonstrated a commitment to the Welsh language by developing its own services and promoting the importance of Welsh language in business.
Vincit in Pontyclun was highly commended in this category.
Best New Business Start-up Award – sponsored by Venture Wales. 
This award was won by Bandog Media in Abercynon, which impressed the judges with its ability to identify growing demand in the market place, providing media solutions to clients across Wales and the UK.
With a planned move to larger premises and revised plans to target larger organisations in the UK, Bandog are well-placed for continued improvement.
Amcan Consultancy and Training in Nantgarw were highly commended in this category.
International Business of the Year Award – sponsored by L’Oreal Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. 
Was won by Markes International in Llantrisant, which is now the world’s leading supplier of thermal desorption – researching, designing and making equipment to monitor chemicals in the air, gas and materials to the layman!
Its customer base includes the military, civil defence organisations and forensic science services across Europe, the USA and China.
RWA Ltd of Taffs Welll was highly commended in this category.
Environmental Company of the Year, sponsored by Groundwork Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf. 
Was won by Zenith Media, based in Taffs Well, which is a print and finishing company. The firm won the award thanks to its drive to minimise its impact on the environment, cutting waste by 90 per cent and winning environmental awards and standards.
Plans to further reduce waste and its carbon footprint are in place, as well as a sustained campaign to reduce the amount of waste the firm sends to landfill.
The firm remains active in its role to support organisations that ensure forests are sustainably-managed.
Amgen based in Aberdare was highly commended.
Business Achiever Award – sponsored by the University of Glamorgan. 
Was won by Premier Tooling Solutions Ltd in Llantrisant, a firm that designs and makes parts for the automotive, aerospace, petrochemical and finance industries.
The firm is a local success story in terms of determination of staff and the retraining of the workforce to make a mark on the tough manufacturing sector.
The company has grown steadily in employee numbers and seize and has pledged to be the employer of the best-paid and highest-skilled workforce in Wales.
Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Department for Economy and Transport. 
Was won by Markes International for its all-round achievement, vision for the future, sustained growth and potential to be a standard-bearer for Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Thank you to everyone who attended, we hope you had an enjoyable night!