RCT Business Club Awards
Rhondda Cynon Taf companies of all shapes, sizes and specialities attended the Rhondda Heritage Park for the first-ever Business Club Engaged for Growth Gala Awards and Dinner.
3 Rhag 2006Television personality Jason Mohammed and Freeserve entrepreneur Ajaz Ahmed were guests of honour at the event, accompanied by Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Mayor, Cllr Joyce Cass and Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Skills.
The event was organised to mark the success and innovation of the county’s businesses and to also celebrate the first anniversary of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club.Companies from across the county attended a Black Tie dinner and awards ceremony at the Rhondda Heritage Park on Friday (26 January) to hear the much-anticipated results of the awards, for which some 5,000 nomination forms were sent out.
Audiences were treated to a dinner and ceremony at the hotel, and an inspirational speech from Ajaz Ahmed, who was working for an electrical chain store when he identified the need for wide-spread internet access and founded the Freeserve empire.
His story of inspiration and innovation was brought to the event thanks to the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, which sponsored his appearance.
"This was an excellent event and a pertinent way to mark the first anniversary of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club, by celebrating innovation and achievement in companies of all sizes across the county," said Cllr Robert Bevan.
"This awards evening and the achievements of companies here tonight reflects the whole ethos of the Business Club, recognising success, sharing best practice, engaging and networking in a mutually beneficial matter and working together to realise the potential of our economy."
The winners at the evening were:
Dectek Ltd - The Best Use of E-Commerce Award - Sponsored by Opportunity Wales
Borders - Bilingual Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by Bwrdd Yr Iaith Gymraeg
South Wales Mines Rescue Service - People Development Company of the Year Award - Sponsored by KTS Owens Thomas
Complete Background Screening Ltd - Best New Business Start-Up Award - Sponsored by Venture Wales
Crownford International Ltd - Exporter of the Year Award - Sponsored by International Business Wales.
L’Oreal Manufacturing (UK) Ltd - Environmental Company of the Year Award - Sponsored by Groundwork Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Andrew Lord, Managing Director, Serious Food Company - Business Achiever Award - Sponsored by Business in Focus
The Serious Food Company - Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors!
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club Awards 2008 will be taking place on Friday 25th January at the University of Glamorgan, Treforest.