The Cardiff Business Awards has revealed the winners for 2025, shining a spotlight on the vision and ambition driving the city’s business scene. Now in its 11th year, the event drew a record number of finalists and filled the Holland House Hotel, marking its most successful ceremony yet.
A standout moment saw Nick Saunders of the DEPOT Group receive the Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of his work transforming Cardiff’s live events scene and helping put the city on the UK live music map.
BESL/CMB Engineering took centre stage, securing the top title of Cardiff Business of the Year as well as winning Construction Business of the Year, cementing their status as one of the city’s leading firms.
The evening brought together influential leaders and changemakers from across the city. Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, highlighted the powerful role local businesses play in shaping the city’s future. With Go.Compare as headline sponsor, the awards underscored Cardiff’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation, resilience, and unstoppable momentum.
Co-Founder of Cardiff Business Awards, Liz Brookes, Director of Grapevine Event Management said:
“These awards give us the chance to come together and recognise the remarkable people and ideas powering Cardiff’s business community. For almost 11 years, it’s been a privilege to champion the businesses and entrepreneurs who make our city thrive — and tonight is no exception. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”
Ceri McMillan, Managing Director, Go.Compare said:
‘‘As proud headline sponsors, we’re honoured to have supported an evening dedicated to celebrating the heart of our business community. The awards brought together passionate people, big ideas, and inspiring stories of success. It’s a reminder of the strength and diversity that make our city thrive and we’re grateful to share in this celebration and look forward to seeing how these outstanding businesses continue to grow and inspire others’’
Winners of Cardiff Business Awards 2025
- Digital Business of the Year- THE CADMEN LIMITED
- Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year- AllClear Travel Insurance
- Technology Business of the Year- Rocket Science Group
- Innovation Business of the Year- A1 Diagnostics
- SME of the Year- iGP
- Creative Business of the Year- Great Point Studios
- Leisure & Hospitality Business of the Year- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Green Business of the Year- FleetEV
- Manufacturing Business of the Year- EBD Steel Doors
- Start-Up Business of the Year-PharmaFootpath
- Construction Business of the Year- BESL/CMB Engineering
- Family Business of the Year- AG Meek
- Young Business Person of the Year- Jake Appleton- Meritus Talent
- Retail Business of the Year- River Island Cardiff
- Third Sector Business of the Year- Boomerrang Cardiff
- Employer of the Year- Ceaton Secrurity Services
- Entrepreneur of the Year- Giovanni Malacrino
- Cardiff Business of the Year- BESL/CMB Engineering
- Outstanding Contribution- Nick Saunders- Depot Group
Highly Commended
- Green Business of the Year- Boomerang Cardiff
- Third Sector Business of the Year- AP Cymru- The Neurodiversity Charity
- SME of the Year- Body & Soul Autoworks
- Young Business Person of the Year- Morgan Wilce- Birchwood Motors
- Retail Business of the Year- The Television and Movie Store
This year the awards are sponsored and supported by; Go.Compare, Cardiff Gold, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Dale Building Maintenance, Felicitas, FleetEV, iungoworks Cardiff, Landsec, Meet In Cardiff, Premier Asset Finance, Redkite Solicitors, Stills and Business News Wales.
