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Caru Ceredigion Awards News

Celebrating outstanding talent in Ceredigion - Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024 winners announced

13th of December 2024

The inaugural Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024 were held last night [12 December] and celebrated the exceptional contributions and achievements of businesses, community projects, and individuals across the county.

Organised by Cynnal y Cardi under the Caru Ceredigion banner, over 130 applications were received for the awards, with 36 finalists featuring across 12 categories. The event was a night of celebration and recognition, which saw County Councillors, officials, representatives from across the business world and community groups honour the exceptional efforts and accomplishments within the county.

The evening was hosted by BBC Cymru Wales presenter Ifan Jones Evans and ITV Cymru Wales journalist Nest Jenkins, who both hail from the county. Meanwhile, the trophies for the evening were lovingly created by Coleg Ceredigion Level 3 furniture students, along with Lampeter blacksmith Alec Page.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“The awards reiterate how we have worked together to ensure strong and sustainable economic growth for Ceredigion, created and shared by all.”

“It was a pleasure to witness the outstanding contributions and achievements of all our winners, and those shortlisted. I know our judges were very impressed with the quality of the nominations and I would like to congratulate all those who featured during the evening.”

“The evening was a celebration of the exceptional work that takes place in businesses and communities across Ceredigion, and to help develop an ambitious, resilient and unique society where generations can see a clear future for themselves.”

“Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved in the event for making it a memorable celebration of our community’s achievements.”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Caru Ceredigion Award, which went to Sion Jones, Cigydd Sion Jones Butcher, and was the overall winner across the various categories.

The company displayed an ethos of offering local produce of the highest quality to every single customer, with Sion having over 10 years of experience in the industry. Sion has shown an interest in butchery from a very young age and works closely with local farmers. Additionally, Sion visits schools to teach them about sustainable food choices. His vision is to establish the business as a cornerstone for the community. He is known for quality, trust, and sustainability, making him a deserving winner to cap off what was a memorable night.

Caru Ceredigion is a community-driven campaign aimed at fostering a sense of pride in the county, while encouraging people to take part in activities that enhance the environment, support local businesses, and strengthen the community.

Meanwhile, Cynnal y Cardi, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, works to help boost the economy and tackle some of the challenges faced by people and enterprises, with a focus on developing opportunities to help the economy grow and thrive.

With plans already underway for next year’s event, you can keep up to date with all the latest developments by visiting the Caru Ceredigion Awards page.


Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024 shortlist announced

4th of December 2024

The shortlist for the inaugural Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024 has been officially unveiled, with an impressive line-up of finalists spanning 12 categories.

Organised by Cynnal y Cardi under the Caru Ceredigion banner, the awards are a celebration of the exceptional contributions and achievements of businesses, community projects, and individuals across the county.

Having received a remarkable response of over 130 applications, the 36 nominees range from volunteer-led community projects and events that have made a huge impact on their local communities, through to some of the leading businesses that are helping put Ceredigion on the map, both at home and overseas.

The winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony on 12 December. Hosted by BBC Radio Cymru presenter Ifan Jones Evans and ITV Cymru Wales journalist Nest Jenkins, the evening promises to be a celebration and recognition of the outstanding contributions that all have made to Ceredigion’s economy and communities.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“We are thrilled with the incredible response and the high calibre of entries we've received. The County is home to some outstanding businesses, young entrepreneurs, and vibrant community projects, and these awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate some of the remarkable work being done.”

“We’ve been extremely impressed by the depth and breadth of the talent and good work taking place, and the fantastic response we’ve had is testament to that. I’d like to thank all who have taken part this year, and a huge congratulations to all those who made the shortlist, and best wishes for the final.”

Caru Ceredigion is a community-driven campaign aimed at fostering a sense of pride in the county, while encouraging people to take part in activities that enhance the environment, support local businesses, and strengthen the community.

Meanwhile, Cynnal y Cardi, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, works to help boost the economy and tackle some of the challenges faced by people and enterprises, with a focus on developing opportunities to help the economy grow and thrive.

A full list of the shortlisted companies can be found on the Caru Ceredigion Awards page.


Final call for nominations for Ceredigion business and community awards

6th of November 2024

Businesses, community projects, and entrepreneurs in Ceredigion have just one week to submit their entries for the highly anticipated Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024.

Entries close on Wednesday 13 November, with the awards recognising the exceptional contributions and achievements of businesses, community projects, and individuals across the county.

The awards feature 12 categories, ranging from innovations in the community, to recognising young entrepreneurs, the tourist industry, successful events, and businesses that support the Welsh language.
On the final call for nominations, Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“We are thrilled with the incredible response and the high calibre of entries we've received so far. The county is home to some outstanding businesses, young entrepreneurs, and vibrant community projects, and these awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate the remarkable work being done.”

“I’d strongly encourage groups to consider entering, or nominate someone they believe is deserving, as this is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellence in Ceredigion.”

The awards are being organised by Cynnal y Cardi under the Caru Ceredigion banner. Caru Ceredigion is a community-driven campaign aimed at fostering a sense of pride in the county, while encouraging people to take part in activities that enhance the environment, support local businesses, and strengthen the community.

Meanwhile, Cynnal y Cardi, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, works to help boost the economy and tackle some of the challenges faced by people and enterprises, with a focus on developing opportunities to help the economy grow and thrive.

The full list of eligible categories and criteria can be found on the Caru Ceredigion Awards page. Judging will take place in November by a panel of expert judges, with a shortlist announced ahead of the winners being unveiled at a ceremony on 12 December 2024.


Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards launched

14th of October 2024

Ceredigion County Council is calling for entries as it gears up for a celebration of the county’s businesses and communities.

The Gwobrau Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024, to be held in December, will recognise the exceptional contributions and achievements of businesses, community projects, and individuals across the county.

Entries for the awards are now open and feature 12 categories, ranging from innovations in the community, such as finding new uses from old buildings, through to awards recognising young entrepreneurs, successful events and the tourist industry. Applicants from small enterprises, through to larger businesses, non-profit organisations, charities and community groups alike, are all welcomed to take part in a celebration of those that help make Ceredigion a better and more prosperous place to live.

The event is being organised by Cynnal y Cardi under the Caru Ceredigion banner. Caru Ceredigion is a community driven campaign aimed at fostering a sense of pride in the county, while encouraging people to take part in activities that enhance the environment, support local businesses, and strengthen the community.

Meanwhile, Cynnal y Cardi, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, works to help boost the economy and tackle some of the challenges faced by people and enterprises, with a focus on developing opportunities to help the economy grow and thrive.

While new business start-ups have some of the best survival rates across Wales, and the Ceredigion workforce has higher than average skills and qualifications, along with boasting a thriving knowledge sector through two universities, there are also some key challenges. These include attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and providing opportunities for younger people to remain in the county and reversing the trend of lower earnings compared to the rest of Wales.

Looking ahead to the awards and speaking of his pride at the fantastic work taking place across Ceredigion’s businesses and communities, Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Economy and Regeneration said: “We are proud and excited to be hosting our first ever Caru Ceredigion Awards to celebrate the success and achievements of businesses, young entrepreneurs and communities across the County. It is an opportunity for us to congratulate and celebrate success, talent, creativity and innovation in Ceredigion. I’m encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to nominate those who truly make a difference in your communities so we can recognise and give credit for their exceptional work within the County.”

The awards are free to enter, with the closing date for entries Wednesday, 13th of November, 2024. Judging will take place in November by a panel of expert judges, with a shortlist announced ahead of the winners being unveiled at the ceremony on 12th December 2024.