Ceredigion County Council have called for entries for the Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024, a celebration of the county’s businesses and communities. The awards will be held on Thursday 12 December and will celebrate the special contributions made by businesses, community projects and individuals in the area.
There are 12 categories in total, and they include awards for innovative developments in the community, awards that recognise young entrepreneurs, awards for successful events and also for the tourism industry. Applications are now open and the Council is keen to see applicants from small and large businesses, nonprofit organisations, charities and community groups.
The event is held under the Caru Ceredigion banner and the awards are organised by Cynnal y Cardi. The aim of Caru Ceredigion is to foster pride for the county among its people, encouraging them to engage in activities that improve the environment, support local businesses and strengthen the community.
The full list of awards is as follows:
- Community Innovation Award – For communities or projects that have made a positive impact through finding innovative solutions to challenges.
- Business Innovation Award – Creative businesses that have thought outside the box to meet challenges and find solutions.
- Caru Ceredigion Inspiration Award – The essence of community spirit, this award aims to recognise individuals, groups or initiatives that raise money for good causes or help the wider community through volunteering work.
- Community Business of the Year Award – Relevant for charities, not-for-profit organisations, campaigners and volunteer groups – this is a celebration of their work and achievements.
- Large Event of the Year Award – This award is open to organisations/businesses/individual who have organised a large-scale event in Ceredigion in 2023/2024 that has had a wider impact on the county, through attracting more visitors to the area, (more than 5,000) a positive economic impact and raised the profile of Ceredigion.
- Commmunity Event of the Year Award – This award is open to organisations/businesses/individual who have organised a local/community event in Ceredigion in 2023/2024 that has had a wider impact on the community, through attracting more visitors to the area (less than 5,000) a positive economic impact and raised the profile of Ceredigion.
- Young Entrepreneur Award – Recognising young entrepreneurs who have shown the desire to succeed with their own ideas and have the ambition to turn those into a successful business.
- ARFOR Award – Businesses that support the Welsh language.
- Discover Ceredigion Award – Businesses that have been successful in attracting visitors to Ceredigion and boosting the tourist industry.
- Agri-food Award – For those working in food or agriculture and have found success through growth, innovation or new products and can demonstrate how the business has had a positive impact on the green environment, the local economy and or community.
- Apprentice of the Year Award – This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking an apprenticeship with a business operating in Ceredigion and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.
- Ceredigion Worldwide Award – This award recognises Ceredigion businesses or initiatives that have helped put Ceredigion on the map, and helped raised the county’s profile outside of Wales.
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.’
You can find more information and the criteria for every award on Ceredigion County Council’s website: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/caru-ceredigion-awards. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 13 November 2024.
