Anglesey’s Haia Communications emerged as the big winner at the Wales Start-Up Awards 2023, taking home the prestigious title of Wales Startup of the Year. The online and hybrid events platform based at M-SParc in Gaerwen also scooped the Digital StartUp of the Year accolade. The awards ceremony recognized and celebrated the achievements of new businesses across Wales, with a total of 35 awards presented in various categories.
Haia Communications, alongside other winners from North Wales, showcased the impressive entrepreneurial talent thriving in the region. Ceridwen Oncology was named Medtech and Healthtech StartUp of the Year, while Carnedd won Mobile and Emerging Technologies StartUp of the Year. PlantSea received the North Wales StartUp of the Year award, and Explorage clinched the Rising Star Award.
Other winners included Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts, located near Pwllheli, which won the Tourism and Leisure StartUp of the Year award. Xscape Rooms in Bangor took home the High Street StartUp of the Year title, while Familiarisation Videos from Wrexham secured the Creative StartUp of the Year award.
The Wales Start-Up Awards were established to celebrate and highlight the success of start-ups in Wales and their contribution to the economy. In its eighth year, the awards have grown to encompass all ten UK nations and regions, partnering with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards to recognize the achievements of newly formed businesses on a national scale.
Helen Bierton, chief banking officer at Starling Bank, praised the winners and finalists, noting their inspirational success in driving job creation, innovation, and economic growth. Bierton highlighted the diverse range of businesses recognized, ranging from a supercar community to a board game cafe, emphasizing their positive impact on both local and national levels.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the awards, expressed his admiration for the entrepreneurial talent showcased at the event. He congratulated Haia Communications on winning the prestigious Wales Startup of the Year award, highlighting the company’s evolution and innovative use of artificial intelligence in hosting events in multiple languages, positioning them as a standout player in the online and hybrid events industry.
Sponsored by regional and national sponsors including Starling Bank, British Business Bank, and the Welsh Government, the Start-Up Awards provided a platform for new businesses to gain recognition and support. By spotlighting their achievements and contributions, the awards help foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and economic growth across the UK.
The Wales Start-Up Awards 2023 demonstrated the resilience and determination of entrepreneurs who launched their ventures amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals spotted opportunities and took calculated risks to establish successful businesses, fortifying the economy and creating job opportunities in the process.
As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, events like the Wales Start-Up Awards play a vital role in celebrating and nurturing new businesses. By recognizing and honoring their achievements, these awards inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs while underscoring the importance of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in driving economic prosperity.
