Conwy's business champions are revealed at annual award ceremony

The winners of Conwy Business Awards 2017 have been revealed this evening.

The awards are now in their fourth year and celebrate the best of Conwy’s private sector businesses and their contribution to communities and the local economy.

Awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at Venue Cymru on Friday night that included a performance by youth choir Cor Canwy and dance group Autonomy.

Cartrefi Conwy were headline sponsors of the awards.

There was also support from the FSB, worldspan, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Bennett Brooks chartered accountants, Superfast Business Wales, Powlsons printers, and Social Business Wales.

Conwy Business Awards 2017 Winners

Business of the Year

CAIS

CAIS is a registered charity founded in Llandudno in 1976 which now operates from their Head Office in Trinity Square

The charity is one of Wales’ leading providers of personal support services, using their expertise and experience to help people overcome complex life challenges

In recent years the range of services has extended to include employment initiatives and employability programmes, peer mentoring schemes, tackling homelessness, engaging with military veterans, offenders and those with experience of mental illness.

Small Business of the Year

3rd Space at the Great Orme Brewery

3rd Space at the Great Orme Brewery, set in the 100 year old Llandudno abattoir in Builder Street, is in its second year of business in 2017.

In this time it has become one of Conwy and Llandudno’s go to venues for live music, comedy, pop up restaurants, community outreach projects and much more.

New Business of the Year

Llandudno Bike Hire

Llandudno Bike Hire was started in August 2015 by Debbie Richardson. Whilst riding along Llandudno Promenade enjoying the wonderful location, Debbie saw a gap in the market and was inspired to start a bike hire business.

Initially this was a mobile business with just six bikes and has grown so much that Debbie now has business premises based in St Georges Place in Llandudno.

Business Person of the Year

Andy Ainscough – Surf Snowdonia

Andy is Managing Director of Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc which opened in 2015. Previously the Operations Director, Andy took on the position of Managing Director in 2016.

Following a high profile launch, Surf Snowdonia suffered several engineering problems – which was not an ideal beginning.

Andy’s key achievement has been turn that less than ideal start around. He also facilitated additional investment to broaden the appeal of the parc to younger families.

Social Enterprise of the Year

Welsh Mountain Zoo

The Welsh Mountain Zoo opened in 1963 and is the only zoo in North Wales, attracting 160,000 visitors per year. It was awarded charitable status in 1983. In 2016 the Zoo welcomed its 8 millionth visitor.

It is an attraction that appeals to people of all ages and works continually to attract new and repeat visitors, and in doing so generates £2.1 million for the local economy each year.

Apprentice of the Year

Ffion Lloyd

Ffion was nominated for this award by her employer Cartrefi Conwy. Ffion initially came to Cartrefi Conwy as a Business Administration Apprentice and performed so well in her role that she was invited to move onto a Project Manager Higher Apprenticeship through Grwp Llandrillo Menai , which she has now successfully completed.

Destination Conwy Tourism – Attractions and Accommodation

Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel is an elegant four star hotel majestically positioned in the heart of Llandudno offering panoramic views across the bay.

The hotel opened its doors in 1872 and has seen many changes over the years. The management continually invest in the hotel, with the exterior recently being totally refurbished.

Destination Conwy Tourism – Food and Drink

Gwinllan Conwy Ltd

Charlotte and her partner’s dream of owning their own vineyard started when they moved to a small holding in Llangwstenin in 2011.

In 2012 they planted the first few hundred vines. There are now over 2,000 vines over three acres.

Award for Community Involvement

Llandudno Football in the Community

Llandudno FITC began its journey in 2010. Long standing club member Dorothy Langley lead the idea of having a thriving community club working within the community using football to engage with locals.

Llandudno FITC aim to bring about a positive change to the community.

IT/Digital Business of the Year

Livetech

Livetech will be entering their 18th year in business this Summer. Founded by Paul Levy in 2000 out of a belief that almost all business would by influenced by the web in the future, the vision is certainly taking shape.

Livetech have had an incredible year that has seen digital partnerships with local North Wales businesses achieve world recognition.