Penderyn produce award-winning Welsh whiskies and spirits at their Brecon Beacons distillery. Their products can be found in over 48 countries. The secret of Penderyn’s success is their unique still producing a spirit at 92% abv. This results in a fruity, fresh and flavoursome spirit, managed by Penderyn’s all-women distilling team.
The judges said "Penderyn is a home-grown success story, flying the flag for Welsh manufacturing, Welsh food and drink and promoting Wales. ICONIC!! This was a really tough decision with lots of discussion among the judges and a special mention to the runners up for this award, Makefast and Wales Interactive. Three deserving winners who are flying the flag for Wales."
Wales Interactive is a multi-award winning publisher & developer of video games and interactive movies.
The judges said: "Innovative, exciting and a true digital company! Wales Interactive are a leading global company flying the flag for Wales on the digital stage!"
City Hospice is Cardiff’s local hospice providing specialist palliative care to people with life limiting and terminal illness in their own homes. In addition, we offer support and counselling services to patients and families as well as bereavement support to anyone in Cardiff who needs it.
The judges said "City Hospice created a cohesive campaign and worked tirelessly through covid to bring people together during a difficult time, tapping into unmet needs to support and care for the wellbeing of families.
The judges were moved by the stories from all 4 of the finalists and would like to commend the hard work undertaken by all in such difficult circumstances."
An award-winning, top-100 accounting firm that provides a wide range of professional services to businesses and entrepreneurs.
The judges said: "A genuine strategic focus on bringing through the next generation of employees, creating a fun and good place to work. Multi-layered, comprehensive and impressive!"
Drop Bear Beer Co. is a multi-award-winning brewer of 0.5% ABV craft beers. On a mission to brew the best alcohol-free beers and build a better world in which to drink them, Drop Bear is Wales' first B Corp brewery.
The judges said: "They encapsulated everything you would want to see in a young entrepreneur. Creating a product and a brand with a purpose while overcoming bias."
Makefast are a globally-recognised manufacturer of stainless steel hardware and marine systems to the safety and marine industries, exporting to over 60 countries. Founded in 1974 with a policy of continual improvement and development Makefast have their own in-house design department and state of the art CNC manufacturing equipment.
The judges said: "They have achieved significant year on year export growth over a sustained period of five years, and have pro-actively and positively dealt with and overcome both Brexit and Covid related challenges. They have exciting expansion plans for the future in Wales and the USA!"
CatSci Ltd is an award-winning innovation partner for medicines development, dedicated to developing economically and environmentally sustainable pharmaceutical processes. By leveraging our decades of experience we help our customers navigate complex scientific and manufacturing challenges, adding strategic value to their journey from molecule to medicine.
The judges said: "Well being is clearly embedded into the organisation, creating an environment where people can achieve. Pure passion! Where do we sign up??"
EverTrek is an adventure travel company that runs expeditions and treks to majestic mountainous destinations like Everest base camp, Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu for their awesome community of adventurous EverTrekkers.
The judges said "They've been creative in their response to challenges and have placed a huge focus on doing what is right for the customer, over financial gain. Their attitude and attention to detail has ensured brand loyalty and built an enthusiastic and engaged EverTrek community."
Watkins & Gunn Solicitors are a values driven, award winning South Wales law firm. They champion jargon-free advice across a range of legal services. Their specialist and approachable lawyers provide clear, innovative solutions to solve their clients’ legal problems. #ProblemSolved
The judges said: "Very impressive! This is a business that walks the talk on the ED&I engagement. They've clearly spent a lot of time thinking through what they need to do and implementing processes so they can really make a difference.
A special mention to the passion of the individuals we spoke to across all the shortlisted businesses, harnessing the passion to drive a more inclusive culture in business and the wider community."
Drop Bear Beer Co. is a multi-award-winning brewer of 0.5% ABV craft beers. On a mission to brew the best alcohol-free beers and build a better world in which to drink them, Drop Bear is Wales' first B Corp brewery.
The judges said: "Sustainability is part of their DNA from the very start. A new dynamic business with a clear purpose and commitment and great beer!!"
Since 1981, Purolite has grown into the world’s premier resin-based separation, purification and extraction technology manufacturer and innovation leader, with manufacturing facilities, advanced research laboratories based at our R&D Centre of Excellence in Llantrisant, Wales.
The judges said: "Purolite impressed the panel with their approach to innovation and use of new technology. This was evidenced in their adaptability to meet increased market demand and make significant environmental improvements, together with impressive plans to showcase success and establish Wales as a leader in resin-based technology."