Welsh ICE shortlisted for national award

Caerphilly-based innovation centre Welsh ICE has been nominated for a national award for its excellence in nurturing start-up businesses.

It’s the only Welsh organisation to be up for the coveted title of Entrepreneurial Co-Working Space of the Year at the 2016 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The awards were launched in 2012 to recognise emerging entrepreneurs and business success in the UK. It celebrates the contributions and innovations of British business people.

Gareth Jones, CEO of Welsh ICE, said the news is a big boost for his team and organisation. The award gives ICE a way to put itself on the map and make others aware of the work it does.

“Putting ICE on the map at a national level has been one of our objectives for 2016, and this takes us one step closer. When people think of these kinds of spaces, they usually imagine city centre co-working offices with a bunch of people comparing their seed and series A size,” he said.

“At ICE, we work to create an environment where people can grow companies of all shapes and sizes, fully connected to the global markets but with the beautiful backdrop of Caerphilly.”

The award ceremony, sponsored by Natwest and a range of other companies, is to take place on November 22nd at the ballrooms of the prestigious Lancaster London Hotel.

Business leaders from multiple industries and from all across Britain will be recognised in 20 awards categories, all of which embody a spirt of new innovation and enterprise.

Winners have included Julie Deane MBE, founder of the Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt, co-founder of Brewdog and Alexander Solomou, founder of Lad Bible.

Nick James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “This year we have yet again enjoyed an increase in the amount of entries for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and every single category is fiercely contested. There is no doubt that Entrepreneurialism is alive and well in the UK despite any uncertainty over Brexit.”

Gordon Merrylees, head of entrepreneurship for NatWest, said: “Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators and the lifeblood of the UK economy. It’s incredibly important that we support them, throughout their journey with access to finance and networks.

“Relevant mentors, general business advice and knowledge, all vital ingredients whether they are start ups, early stage or high growth ventures. The standard of this years awards’ finalists shows just how much talent there is to support in the UK.”