The finalists for awards showcasing the best start-up firms in Wales can be revealed.
Now in their fifth year, the Wales Start Up Awards 2020, will celebrate the achievements of those new businesses that are making the greatest impact on the Welsh economy.
The awards, for firms set up over the last three years are due to take place on Friday September 18 at the Depot in Cardiff.
Having received a record 540 entries — with 40% coming from female-owned firms — a total of 108 finalists (see full list below) have been selected across 26 categories covering all sectors in Wales.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, assistant pro-vice chancellor at the University of South wales and the creator of the awards back in 2016, was surprised but delighted at the enthusiasm demonstrated by the high number of entries into this year’s competition during the worst economic crisis ever.
“ I would have expected that the Covid-19 pandemic would have resulted in fewer applications this year but the entrepreneurial community across Wales has surprised all of us. More importantly, this year’s competition was not only about quantity but the quality of entries which made the job of the judges very difficult in shortlisting this year.
With new firms creating the majority of jobs as countries emerge out of recession, this year’s finalists, along with thousands of other start-up businesses across Wales, will be critical in ensuring that the Welsh economy recovers quickly over the next twelve months.
"I am looking forward to celebrating the enterprise, creativity and sheer hard work of all those that have made the 2020 shortlist later this year."
A new category for 2020 – Rising Stars – recognises those new start-ups set up in the last 12 months that could be the growth businesses of the future. Sponsored by Town Square Spaces, this special award has shortlisted ten firms from all over Wales that the judges considered to have potential for further growth.
Gareth Jones, founder of Town Square, said: "This new award highlights the nascent entrepreneurial talent that exists in every part of Wales and I look forward to following the progress of this list of start-ups over the next year as the economy recovers from the current recession”.
The category and finalists
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Business to business services start-up of the year
Cardiff start-up of the year
Construction start-up of the year
Consumer services start-up of the year
Rainwild Spa Aberystwyth
Creative start-up of the Year
Cyber start-up of the year
Digital start-up of the year
Equity-backed start-up of the year
Financial and professional services start-up of the year
Fintech start-up of the year
Food/drink start-up of the year
Global start-up of the year
Graduate start-up of the year
Green start-up of the year
Innovative start-Up of the year
Manufacturing start-up of the year
Medtech start-up of the year
Mobile and emerging technologies start-up of the year
North Wales start-up of the year
Retail start-up of the year
Rural start-up of the year
Social enterprise start-up of the year
Helo Welsh
Tourism start-up of the year
Valleys start-up of the year
Young entrepreneur of the year
(Cameron Edwards)
(Martyn John)
(Robyn Walters)
(Amy Price)
(Abigail Chamberlain)
Rising stars
O'honii
Chris Coughlan, senior associate of the overall sponsor Capital Law said: “The unprecedented number of applications which we received this year, all of a very high-calibre, is testament to the talent and resourcefulness of Welsh entrepreneurs.
"It was inspiring to read about the progress achieved by so many start-ups, despite the challenges brought by Covid-19. At Capital, we’re passionate about developing and maintaining a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wales. This year’s applications leave me in no doubt that this support network will help us come out of this crisis even stronger.”
