West Wales Business Growth Awards: Why Local Recognition Matters

Building a business is hard work: the hours can be long, the rewards few and the stress can at times seem overwhelming, especially in those early days when the light of success can only be glimpsed in the far distance down a long and winding tunnel. Even after all those initial headaches and heartache have been overcome, there is rarely ever any let-up, yet even the most loyal customers and appreciative clients often fail to grasp the blood, sweat and tears that have brought a small company to fruition.

Therefore, it is important business owners sometimes take a moment to stop, breath and celebrate the progress they have made. Sometimes, the need a realise that all their hard work is being recognised by the peers, their rivals and the wider business community. Sometimes all it takes is a round of applause to make it all seem worthwhile. The Business Growth Wales awards is a celebration of all the hard work, late nights, long hours and passion that makes a company stand up, stand out and succeed. The Business Growth Wales awards offer all of that, but they also provide so much more. The event is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to take that breath and savour the recognition of a job well done, but it also provides a platform to help spread the word about their business while also offering the chance to meet like-minded others, build networks, find inspiration – and quite possibly enlist new clients and customers. The awards began life in South Wales in 2016 but by 2023, a Business Growth Awards – West Wales edition had been added to the fold. The Business Growth Wales awards are the brainchild of catering company boss Kevin Gutteridge. “The Business Growth Wales awards are an opportunity to celebrate and signpost some of the best businesses in the region,” said Kevin. “I created the awards as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work that goes into making a small business a success.

Business owners are often so focussed on the work they are doing that they never take a moment to give themselves – or let anyone else give them – a well-deserved pat on the back.” Kevin decided to launch his own set of business honours after enduring a rather sour experience when shortlisted by another awards organiser. “Back in 2015, I owned multiple catering businesses,” said Kevin. “Several of my businesses were approached by an awards organiser and I was delighted to think my teams were being recognised for all our hard work. But then a week later, I had a call saying that if I advertised, I would have a better chance of winning. I understood what was being said. It left a bad taste in my mouth. “Then when it came to the judging, the judges supposedly tried things on our menus, but in the feedback, they talked about dishes that we didn’t even serve.

Why the awards were created

“The Business Growth Wales awards are an opportunity to celebrate and signpost some of the best businesses in the region,”

When I questioned that, I was told that there was nothing that could be done. At that point, I just thought to myself “This isn’t right. We can do better.” And so, Business Growth Wales was born.

The core philosophy behind the Business Growth Wales awards is to be transparent, says Kevin. “When a business applies for the awards, the very first part of the application clearly explains our commitment to tickets and prices. We do not operate a system whereby the more tickets you buy to the event, the more likely you are to win. It’s just not about that. “We take the same approach to judging.” “As organiser I have minimal input into the judging – I judge food, drink and hospitality because The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate a business’ successes, but it is also a really useful opportunity to network, find new suppliers and new customers.

A wider perspective

that is my background, but judging is done purely on merit. All the judging is independent so there is a complete disconnect between tickets booked and judging to ensure that the process is as fair as possible. The awards are given out on who is judged the best – not on who bought the most tickets” In addition to recognising excellence, the Business Growth Wales awards provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their wares and connect with other entrepreneurs. “Businesses often struggle to find content to promote themselves,” said Kevin. “The awards application process allows them to take a proper look at their own business, and if they become a finalist, it gives them a lot of content that they can use to promote themselves.

“Of course, the central purpose of the awards is as an opportunity to celebrate a business’ successes, but it is also a really useful opportunity to network, find new suppliers and – crucially - new customers.” All businesses shortlisted in the West Wales awards trade and - ideally – are located in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire or Ceredigion. This year, there were 24 separate categories encompassing all industries, but the awards are primarily focused on SMEs. “West Wales has some really great entries this year; there are some very inspiring people that have applied,” said Kevin. “Ultimately, I just want businesses to support and help each other to grow and thrive, and to always try to be better. “I’m really looking forward to this year’s event. It is going to be our best ever.”