Four hundred people from the local business sector, along with special guests, including representatives from the third sector, gathered together on 10th November to enjoy the first-ever Wrexham Business and Community Awards.
The event took place in a stunning marquee on the grounds of Net World Sports on Wrexham Industrial Estate. Jason Mohammad, the popular BBC radio and TV presenter, hosted the ceremony and presented eight awards to local organisations on the night – recognising best practices and excellence.
More Than 80 Entries
Over 80 entries came in across all categories. Llay-based Best Companies expertly guided a group of 20 judges to determine a shortlist and winner for each award category.
Elliot Knox, Head Chef at The Lemon Tree, and his team prepared a five-course dinner from locally sourced ingredients. After this, The Delta Ladies Choir performed some music and the Delta School of Performing Arts showcased their dancing skills.
“Function band” Rhythm Train then took to the stage to a packed dance floor.
WBCA founding member Clara Hughes said: “We are delighted so many people came out to celebrate some of the very best of Wrexham. We’ve got a lot to be proud of and tonight highlighted just how much.
“Volunteers manage the awards and it could not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors, suppliers and supporters.
“We hope they were all proud to be a part of what was an amazing evening and hope they are keen to continue to support us again in 2024. We were particularly delighted to have worked with our event management partner, Skellon Events and production partner, Film Café, who both really pulled out all the stops to ensure our first awards night went smoothly.”
“Brilliant Opportunity”
WBCA sponsor Katie Bellis, director at haulage company RF Bellis, commented: “It was a privilege to support the very first Wrexham Business and Community Awards. As a local firm, Wrexham as an area has enabled us to develop and flourish, and so it felt right to be a part of what we hope to be an annual event.
“The networking evenings throughout the year also provided a brilliant opportunity to meet so many different groups of people and learn more about the fascinating businesses we have out there.
“To sit on the awards judging panel as a sponsor was an honour and responsibility we didn’t take lightly, and we feel very proud to have contributed to the success of WBCA 2023!”
The awards evening was a culmination of months of planning. The team also tried several networking evenings at some great Wrexham locations, including Net World Sports, Moneypenny and Wrexham University.”
Over £3,000 was raised for local charities on the evening, again only made possible by gift donations from local businesses.
Plans are now underway for WBCA 2024. If you would like to find out more about the sponsors, the charities supported or how to participate, visit wrexhambca.co.uk. You can also find out more about our sponsors and winners.
Awards and Winners
Next Generation Award: Winner: Moneypenny
Up and Coming Award: Winner: The Uncommon Practice
Social Enterprise Award: Winner: Glyn Wylfa
One Wrexham Award: Winner: Wrexham AFC
Gwobr Cymraeg Award: Winner: Saith Seren – Clwb Clebran
Business Learning Award: Winner: Xplore!
Green Wrexham Award: Winner: Platts Agriculture Ltd
Spirit of Wrexham Award: Winner: Queensway Community Group
The sponsors
Platinum sponsors: Castle Green, Net World Sports and Wrexham County Borough Council
Gold sponsors: Glyndwr Business Enterprise Team and Lloyds Banking Group
Silver sponsors: GAP, Gorton Brothers, Moneypenny, RE-V Power and Solar, RF Bellis and Barlows
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