Awards champion the very best in indigenous business
ON FRIDAY night 950 members of Wales’ business community enjoyed a glittering night at the Motorpoint Arena to commend the fastest growing companies in Wales.
The Fast Growth 50 awards honoured firms from different sectors and regions.
The event, organised by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, was hosted by the television presenter Sian Lloyd.
Prof Jones-Evans said: “The Wales Fast Growth 50 was launched in 1999 and a small awards lunch was put together for the firms at Jury’s Hotel with Rhodri Morgan – the then economic development minister – attending.
“Fast-forward to 2018 and we are today publishing the 20th list of the fastest-growing firms in Wales following a glittering awards dinner with more than 950 guests at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena last week.”
On the night the Western Mail’s business editor Sion Barry was honoured with an Outstanding Contribution Award.
Prof Jones-Evans said Mr Barry had supported and championed organisations and business across Wales over the past 20 years.
Mr Barry said: “It has been a pleasure being involved in a project that has championed the very best in indigenous business such success spanning two decades Yes, a number of firms o the various lists no longer exist, with the inevitability of some going through or being consumed by larger acquiring entities. However, that number has been far exceeded by those FG50 firms acquiring rivals.
“I have always been amazed at the resilience of what Dylan I refer to as FG50 ‘returnee firms’. Or in other words those which have came back onto the list after a few years away, having achieved another impressive growth period.
“But all of this would not be possible with the continued drive and passion of Dylan Jones-Evans for the Wales Fast Growth 50 project.”
The 21st Fast Growth 50 list and awards will be held in October 2019.
■ Fastest-growing firm in Wales Sponsored by Carbon Law
ALS Managed Services
■ Fastest-growing firm in business-to-business services Sponsored by University of South Wales
Nutrivend
■ Fastest-growing firm in construction and building services Sponsored by WalesOnline
Sennybridge Ltd
■ Fastest-growing firm in retail services Sponsored by RMS
City Energy Network Limited
■ Fastest-growing firm in consumer services Sponsored by Town Square
Regis Healthcare
■ Fastest-growing equity-backed business Sponsored by Development Bank for Wales
Laser Wire Solutions
■ Fastest-growing firm in financial and professional services Sponsored by Sinclair Finance and Leasing
ALS Managed Services
■ Fastest-growing firm in knowledge and creative industries Sponsored by Business Wales
DMSG
■ Fastest-growing firm in manufacturing and engineering Sponsored by Smart Solutions
Laser Wire Solutions
■ Fastest-growing firm in Cardiff Sponsored by IQE Plc
DMSG
■ Fastest-growing firm in north Wales Sponsored by Horizon Nuclear Power
Tir Prince Leisure Group ■ Fastest-growing firm in the south Wales Valleys Sponsored by Valleys Taskforce
ALS Managed Services
■ Fastest-growing firm mid to large-sized firm Sponsored by PWC
City Energy Network Limited
■ Fastest-growing international business Sponsored by Cardiff Airport
Laser Wire Solutions
Sustainable Growth Awards Sponsored by Barclays Bank
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Character.com Spartan Motor Factors Veezu
2016, 2017, 2018 AerFin
CP Hire S3 Advertising Trade Centre Wales Vizolution