An inspiring tourism boss who has helped put North Wales on the map has been named as Business Person of the Year at the Daily Post Business Awards 2019.
The prestigious award event which recognises high-flying firms and talented entrepreneurs was held on Thursday evening at Bangor University, joint headline sponsors of the awards with the Welsh Government.
Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Bangor University, was awarded to Jim Jones, the managing director of North Wales Tourism.
He has been at the forefront of selling the region to the 海角视频 and global tourism markets - raising its profile as Europe's 'Capital of Adventure'.
His was one of 11 awards handed out on the evening, which was hosted by BBC presenter Nicholas Owen.
The event also recognised former head of the awards judging panel David Wyn Williams, who passed away earlier this year, aged 77.
The former chairman of North Wales Business Club and champion of the region's business community has had the Judges Choice Award named after him, with his widow Diana handing out the award to Anglesey adventure boat company Ribride.
Professor Iwan Davies, vice chancellor, Bangor University, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the business community to Bangor University and to congratulate the winners on their success.
Most Read
"This is a region with a huge amount of talent, ambitious businesses and a university with world-class researchers and outstanding students.
"Together we are making a difference and putting North Wales on the map."
Economy and North Wales minister Ken Skates said: “It’s been a great year again for the Daily Post Business Awards.
"The Welsh Government was pleased to be involved once again to support this event which showcases the innovation and enterprise which we have here in North Wales.
"I’d like to congratulate all the winners and nominees.”
Full list of all the winners:
Business Start Up Award sponsored by Welsh Government and Business Wales
Winner: Limb-art Ltd
Don’t miss
Finalists: Animated Technologies Ltd & Cufflink.io Ltd
Community Award sponsored by Pendine Arts and Community Trust
Winner: Morgan's Hair, Beauty & Wigs Ltd
Finalists: Gamlins Law & North Wales Dragons
Green Award sponsored by Calon Homes
Winner: Anglesey Sea Zoo
Finalists: Beech Developments (NW) Ltd & Venue Cymru
Business of the Year (up to 10 employees) sponsored by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai
Winner: The Pet Joint
Finalists: Fast Way To Fitness, JVP Group & RibRide
Best in Food & Drink Award sponsored by Harlech Foodservice
Winner: Red Boat (Ice Cream Parlour) Limited
Finalists: Aber Falls Distillery Ltd & Paysanne
North Wales Tourism Award sponsored by Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Winner: Welsh Mountain Zoo
Finalists: The Forge & Venue Cymru
Business of the Year (up to 50 employees) sponsored by the Development Bank of Wales
Winner: ITAS
Finalists: Delta Rock Group Ltd & EvaBuild Ltd
Welsh Exporter of the Year Award sponsored by Welsh Government and Business Wales
Winner: Worldspan
Finalist: Purple Moose Brewery Ltd
Business of the Year (over 50 employees) sponsored by Disclosure Services
Winner: Carelink Homecare Services Ltd
Finalists: Brenig Construction & Celtest Company Limited
David Williams Judges' Choice Award sponsored by ADRA
Winner: RibRide
Business Person of the Year sponsored by Bangor University
Winner: Jim Jones, Managing Director, North Wales Tourism