2010 Winners - National Showcaves Centre is Powys Business of the Year
Winner of the Business of the Year Award (Sponsored by Powys County Council):
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Winner of the Judges Award (Sponsored by RES Ltd):
Mr. Philip Wolstenholme
Winner of the Growth Award (sponsored by Finance Wales Plc):
Dulas Ltd
The Judges concede that by any standards Dulas is one impressive company. With over 30 years of experience the company has established a world renowned reputation for innovative green technology. Its environmental products and expertise are in growing demand both at home and abroad and each year of its recent existence its performance has exceeded expectations. Turnover has risen from £10.9m in 2008 to an estimated £18m in the current year with an equally impressive profit margin. Against this the company also expect to double their staff numbers within five years. The Judges recognise that these achievements by Dulas are extraordinary, particularly in the current economic climate.
Winner of the Innovation Award (Sponsored by Welsh Assembly Government):
Plant i
With fuel prices escalating every fleet operator is endeavouring to save costs. Plant-i's lateral thinking approach to this problem has resulted in the development of a ground breaking telemetry system that extracts live data from vehicles which enables operators to maximise their efficient usage. The Judges noted that the Plant -i products were already being used by an increasing number of large corporate entities and that the technology was making a significant contribution to the environment by reducing CO2 output. As if this was not enough the Judges were further impressed by the company's continuing programme of imaginative development of related technologies.
Winner of the Training & Development Award (Sponsored by Coleg Powys):
CastAlum Ltd
In the depth of the recession the Management team bought CastAlum from its bankrupt US parent. To add that the company operated exclusively in the world automotive trade illustrates the management's extraordinary belief in their ability to survive. The Judges noted that from the outset the executive team have recognised the value of investing in a comprehensive training regime for all staff. This in turn has motivated the workforce and has been an essential element of the company's resurgent growth. Now the company has significant long term orders from the likes of BMW, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Ford and the staff are helping justify the management's original leap of faith.
Winner of the Small Business Award (Sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses):
The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir
Paul and Victoria Humpherson have created an extraordinary and undoubtedly unique tourist attraction in The Hall. The Judges however were particularly intrigued by the way this whole enterprise operated as a small business, starting with the way that the owners had used many local crafts people to refurbish the building and bring life to their creative designs. Now open to the public The Hall continues to provide employment for an enthusiastic group of local staff as guides and maintenance personnel whilst the Humphersons work tirelessly promoting the venue with enthusiastic zeal and a great deal of flair.
Winner of the Start Up Business Award (Sponsored by TGAL- Tattum Guest Associates Ltd):
Monty's Brewery
It is most men's dream to own a brewery. So it comes as some surprise to find that Montys Brewery is the brainchild of a lady - Pam Honeyman. However the Judges recognise that this is one determined and formidable person. Armed with an industry qualification, she started brewing just 18 months ago and the resulting products soon gained a deserved reputation, winning numerous prestigious brewing awards. It's the way that Monty's have developed their market by following a well conceived strategic model that captured the Judges imagination. Success and profitability has quickly followed and the opening of their first real ale pub The Sportsman in Newtown demonstrates the business potential of this company.
Winner of the Export Award (Sponsored by HSBC):
Broadcrown Limited
In a fiercely competitive global marketplace for diesel generators, Newtown based Broadcrown Ltd has over the last few years consistently out performed its formidable competitors. With annual turnover now exceeding £12m the plant is producing over 1500 generators per annum, with over 95% of these going for valuable export. The Judges were particularly impressed with the breadth of markets being exploited in Europe, Africa, Asia and the America's and the impressive strategy for further expanding their overseas sales. They also noted the intense pride the staff had in the design and quality of their products and most of all applauded the fact that Broadcrown's continuing success was being translated into increasing employment.
Winner of the Social Enterprise/Charity Award (Sponsored by Mid-Wales Housing Association Ltd):
Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre
This organisation impressed last year with the quality and humanity of its dedicated team. Who better can people turn to when they are the innocent victims of domestic abuse? Celebrating 30 yrs of achievement the Crisis Centre has always been an industry leader. It pioneered the introduction of male safe houses and recently has opened the superb Cherubs Day Nursery which provides not only a much needed service, but also creates employment for local students. The Judges pay credit to the unselfish ability of the staff to deliver 24/7 support to vulnerable people who need protection, shelter and comfort.
Winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by Cambrian News and Brecon & Radnor Express):
Gloversure Ltd
Once again this year this category has unearthed an exceptional talent. The Judges were impressed by the plethora of successful achievements this company under its founder Richard Glover-Davies has achieved in its relatively short existence. Richard is already a reputable player in the highly competitive web design/development marketplace with many major clients. The business has also added further strings to its profitable bow in text messaging, commercial property development, warehousing and more recently innovative electronic products. The Judges are in admiration of Richards's infectious enthusiasm for business and are amazed that he still has the time and energy to remain involved in farming and YFC.
Winner of the Retail Award (Sponsored by County Times):
Ty Morgans
The Judges were impressed when given the opportunity just how Andrew Lewis had built on the previous business success of his parents. Using the criteria of meeting customer needs Andrew has moved the whole business into another league. The Judges liked the way he had employed considerable panache to link his thriving food outlet selling home made cakes, sandwiches and coffee to his adjoining bistro/restaurant and his boutique style guest house. The integration of all these operations including a nearby fish & chip shop, provides a retail outlet complex that promotes quality products either produced in its own kitchens or sourced predominantly from Welsh suppliers. The Judges noted Andrew's attention to proper planning, his eye for seeking business advantage and importantly his engagement with staff and customers alike.
Winner of the Manufacturing Award (Sponsored by MWMG - Mid Wales Manufacturing Group):
Wipak UK Ltd
This category proved to be one of the toughest to judge due to the quality of the finalists. However, in the end the Judges were persuaded by Wipak's very determined and professional approach to continual investment in people, plant and technology. So it comes as no surprise that this programme of shrewd investment has already achieved a 62% growth in business over the last three years against a market growth of just 2.5%. You would hardly believe that we are supposed to be in recession when you see the intensity of manufacturing activity at Wipak or listen to the inspirational strategy to make the company potentially one the largest businesses in Powys.
Winner of the Excellence in Food & Drink Manufacture Award (Sponsored by Tesco Stores Plc):
Clam's Handmade Cakes
Clams are an excellent example to others of how to turn a cottage industry into a thriving multi outlet business without losing the individuality of the original product. Clams resolutely stick to their boast that their products are indeed hand made despite the size of their business and this is evident from the quality of their products. The Judges were particularly impressed by the way that the company had recovered from the sudden collapse last year of one of its major clients. Not only in the process replacing the lost business but substantially increasing overall sales & profits. The Judges also appreciated the continuing investment that Clams are making in new equipment, new products, staff and innovative approaches to product marketing.
Winner of the Tourism Award (Sponsored by Tourism Partnership Mid Wales):
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
In making an award for tourism the Judges were aware that the winner must be able to deliver a memorable experience. This is one such venture that has been very clearly created with this purpose in mind and provides an appeal to all ages. What really impressed the Judges was the quality of the management of the business notably its focussed marketing, its involvement with education and its use of the Welsh culture. Other outstanding elements include its close relationship with locally drawn staff many of whom populate the management team. Finally, here is a business that pays minute attention to detail and is constantly seeking innovative ways to re-invent itself