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Business News Wales
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Sustainable Agriculture Champion Takes Top Award for Outstanding Contribution
A sustainable agriculture champion has scooped a top award at a major celebration of Wales' food and drink sector. Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025, held in Llandudno, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry. Sponsored by Food & Drink Wales, the award celebrated individuals who are leading the way in Wales' food and drink sector, and those who have demonstrated the ambition to turn bold ideas into successful businesses, and who continue to drive innovation, growth, and resilience across the industry. Lord Newborough is the driving force behind the Rhug Estate, a 12,500-acre property in North Wales. He is a prominent figure in the world of organic farming and sustainable agriculture, known for his pioneering work and dedication to quality. Rhug Estate has become internationally recognised for its organic produce, with Lord Newborough's leadership playing a key role in its success. Lord Newborough said: 'It's a tremendous honour to receive this award, especially among such inspiring peers in Wales' vibrant food and drink sector. Building a business in this industry demands vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to quality, and I'm proud of what we've achieved at Rhug Estate. 'This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and our shared belief in sustainable, organic farming. We remain ambitious about the future and excited to keep driving innovation and excellence in Welsh food and drink.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards, now in its fourth year, sees hundreds of Welsh producers and suppliers from across the sector join together to celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals that are innovating, scaling up, and creating employment in the industry and who will be an inspiration to others. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Welsh Government Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: 'The Entrepreneur of the Year award is a powerful reflection of the innovation, ambition, and resilience that define Wales' food and drink sector. It celebrates those who are not only building successful businesses, but also helping to shape a dynamic industry that is central to our economy, our communities, and our national identity. 'I warmly congratulate Lord Newborough of Rhug Estate on this well-earned recognition. His leadership and commitment to sustainable excellence are an inspiration to others across the sector.' The Welsh Government, through Food & Drink Wales offers a comprehensive support ecosystem for food and drink businesses, helping them grow sustainably and competitively. From financial aid and skills training to export assistance and innovation programmes, entrepreneurs benefit from a wide range of resources. Initiatives like the Scale-Up and Investor Ready programmes help businesses overcome barriers to growth, whether navigating post-Brexit challenges, rising energy costs, or supply chain disruptions. Since 2018, the Investor Ready programme has supported over 240 businesses, raising more than £22 million in investment and achieving a 97% average survival rate among participants. Access to market intelligence has also proven invaluable for businesses looking to expand and enter new markets. In addition, technical and commercial support through Project HELIX has played a vital role in helping companies innovate and expand. This is complemented by a robust cluster network that brings together producers, suppliers, academia, and government to foster collaboration and accelerate growth. With advanced infrastructure, high-quality raw materials, and strong government backing, Wales has become an increasingly attractive destination for investment in the food and drink industry. For more information about Food & Drink Wales and the support available, visit
Business Mayor
25-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Some 140 Irish business leaders head to Japan as part of Entrepreneur of the Year retreat
Some 140 Irish entrepreneurs and business leaders have travelled to Japan on what's being dubbed the biggest unofficial trade mission to the Asian country. The trip has been organised by EY as a CEO retreat that is part of the Big Four firm's annual Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme. The visit includes the 27 Irish entrepreneurs representing 24 companies who will vie to win awards across three categories – emerging, established and international – later this year. The overall Entrepreneur of the Year is then chosen from the three category winners from a panel of judges chaired by Harry Hughes of Portwest. Former EOY winners and finalists are also making the trip to Japan. The group will meet local business leaders, academics and Irish agencies during the weeklong trip. [ Shortlist for 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards revealed ] In a busy itinerary, they will visit the Tokyo Stock Exchange, be hosted by Japanese corporate giant SoftBank and meet with its president Kunihiro Fujinaga and executive vice-president Daichi Nozaki. They will also meet the Irish Ambassador Damien Cole to discuss Irish-Japanese business ties, travel to Osaka for the World Expo, and have a 'mini MBA' experience at Hitotsubashi University. Japan is the world's fourth largest economy and is Ireland's second largest trading partner in Asia Pacific. Many of the entrepreneurs travelling to Japan are already conducting business there, while others are seeking to expand their markets. Commenting on this year's retreat, Roger Wallace, partner lead for EY Entrepreneur of the Year said: 'This year we are taking the biggest ever cohort of entrepreneurs on the retreat. Read More Here's the Roundup for the Week Ending March 28 'Japan is renowned as an innovative leader across various industries, including manufacturing, electronics, automotive and robotics, with world-class Japanese companies such as Sony, Honda, Yamaha. This retreat is an opportunity for Irish entrepreneurs to delve deeper into new market opportunities in Japan and expand their knowledge of business and trade in the region.' The finalists in the emerging category are: Alan Doyle of Aerlytix; Eoin Cluskey of Bread41; Eddie Dillon of CreditLogic; Laura Dowling of fabÜ; Caitríona Ryan & Nicola Ralph of Institute of Dermatologists; Liam Dunne of Klearcom; Aidan & Hilary O'Shea of Otonomee; and Áine Kennedy of The Smooth Company. In the established category, the finalists are: Karl Fitzpatrick of Chevron College; Derek Foley Butler of Grid Finance; James Kelly of LMH Engineering Group; William McColgan of McColgans Quality Foods; Gareth Sheridan of Nutriband Inc; Terry Hughes of Pivotal; Larry Bass of Shinawil; and Gary Lavin of VitHit Drinks. The international category finalists are: Donnchadh Campbell of Europlan; Conor Buckley of Granite Digital; Seamus Fahey of ICS Medical Devices; Brendan Noud and Desmond Anderson of LearnUpon; Brian McGrath of MSL Engineering Limited; Martin Tierney of Seating Matters; David Corcoran of Soltec Ireland Ltd; and Edward McCloskey of WaterWipes. The EOY programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and Julius Baer, with The Irish Times and Newstalk as media partners. Some 650 alumni have come through the EOY awards programme since inception. According to EY, three-quarters of them conduct business with one another. Together, EOY alumni generate revenues in excess of €25 billion and employ more than 250,000 people across the island. Read More Neysa Wilkins Retiring From WJHG in Panama City After 32 Years
North Wales Live
24-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
North Wales country cafe with Royalty approved roast dinners expands to meet demand
Royalty approved roast dinners are in such demand that a cafe on a rural estate has added an extension. The meat served at Café Rhug - which comes from the Rhug Estate where it is based - has a Royal Warrant of Appointment from King Charles III. It is one of the reasons the cafe has seen demand grow. This has led to them building a conservatory with glass canopy - adding 15 covers to the already bustling venue. They say it is "already proving a hit with customers". The 12,500-acre Rhug organic estate, near Corwen in Denbighshire, has also welcomed head chef Jordan Richardson to the team and was recently nominated Sustainable Values and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Wales Food and Drink Awards. Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough says improvements on site will continue into the summer. "The new-look outdoor terrace has been very busy since opening, with visitors keen to dine al-fresco given the recent sunny weather," he said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "It has been particularly popular with cyclists and people travelling and in need of a quick pitstop, purchasing food from the café or takeaway." Lord Newborough added: "Following the redevelopment of our offices and HQ, the café and farm shop are looking fantastic, and we have plans to continue investing and upgrading the site over the coming months, including the retail units. There are also events in store over the summer into the autumn and winter, so watch this space for more – it's going to be another big year for Rhug Estate." Managing Director Amy Coleman added: "We are thrilled with the feedback so far and have seen an upturn in customer numbers and footfall. It's heartening to see so many people enjoying the café and the new dishes Jordan has brought to the menu, as well as the outdoor space. "We have a talented team of kitchen and front-of-house staff, complemented by our drive-thru and takeaway offering, so we are excited to see the response as we head towards the summer." The estate added: "As well as local produce supplied by businesses across the region Café Rhug uses high-quality meat from the Estate – presented with a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen for its care of the countryside and animal welfare standards. "And Sunday roast dinners have proven incredibly popular, featuring Rhug's award-winning lamb and beef."
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Honour of a lifetime' as Wexford businessman is nominated for global Entrepreneur of the Year award
A global awards initiative spanning 60 countries, the programme recognises and celebrates outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional vision, leadership and innovation in building and sustaining a successful business. He follows in the footsteps of fellow acclaimed Wexford entrepreneurs like Sam McCauley, Liam Griffin, Fred Karlsson and Ed Murphy. Chevron College is Ireland's largest privately owned further and higher education institution, employing 135 staff and delivering online programmes in sustainability, technology, healthcare, business and childcare to over 15,000 students annually. Mr Fitzpatrick has also been invited on the CEO retreat, where the 24 finalists travel to Japan to participate in a week-long immersive event, designed to foster strategic growth, global insights and peer-to-peer learning. "It's a unique and exciting opportunity to engage with and learn from the distinguished business leaders, which epitomises the Entrepreneur of the Year programme,' he said. The Wexford CEO also paid tribute to his 'fantastic' team in Chevron, whose 'commitment to delivering education programmes of the highest standards to our students has solidified Chevron's reputation within the education industry'.
Cision Canada
16-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Alshazly named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs
HALIFAX, NS, May 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Faten Alshazly, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of WeUsThem and Chief Executive Officer of HealthEMe, has added yet another honour to her growing list of accolades, this time being named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs. The prestigious award celebrates CEOs who demonstrate exceptional vision, meaningful community involvement, and a commitment to excellence in their industries. Ms. Alshazly was recognized for her outstanding leadership in driving WeUsThem and HealthEMe's growth and positioning it as a growing powerhouse in the ever changing advertising and health technology spaces. "I am incredibly honoured to receive this award," said Ms. Alshazly. "This award reflects the support I have from a dedicated team, the quality of our work, and the dedication we give to those we serve. Together, we are reimagining the marketing and healthcare worlds in a way that highlights creativity, collaboration and empathy." Since its founding, WeUsThem has grown into a media powerhouse. Offering full services to brands, governmental bodies, and nonprofits across sectors and borders, WeUsThem has served a diverse range of clientele over its tenure. Its impressive roster of clients across 6 continents includes Telus, The Kempinski Group, Kaplan International, Nestle, Cambridge University, Sinai Health, USAID, and several government agencies such as the Canadian Space Agency, Health Canada, the State of California, Wyoming, Colorado, and Virginia, among others. With Ms. Alshazly's steadfast commitment to reflecting the diverse communities its clients serve, WeUsThem continues to set new standards in the industry, promoting positive social change and influencing a more inclusive and equitable world reaching and engaging with customers in 142 countries. "Faten's clarity of purpose, empathetic leadership, and commitment to promoting positive social change is reshaping how we think about advertising and healthcare," said Ashwin Kutty, Co-Founder of WeUsThem and HealthEMe. "She is setting a new benchmark for what visionary leadership can achieve and is doing so while bettering her local and global communities alike. The status quo has never been acceptable for this leader, and we continue to look forward to what she does next to better the places we live, work and play in." This latest recognition joins an impressive roster of honours for Ms. Alshazly, including her induction into the Women's Executive Network Hall of Fame and being named a Woman Leader in Digital Health by Digital Health Canada, among various other accolades namely, Woman of Inspiration, a Global Enterprising Woman, an International Diva of Colour, Entrepreneur of the Year, and a Woman of Excellence. About WeUsThem WeUsThem is a globally acclaimed full-service advertising agency offering end-to-end solutions from international brand campaigns across broadcast, digital, and print, to managing social platforms, mobile apps, media buying, brand strategy, and experiential campaigns. WeUsThem works across industries and sectors, with clients including Telus Health, Nestlé, USAID, Cambridge University, and multiple government agencies. Committed to inclusive marketing, WeUsThem creates respectful, community-driven content that reflects diverse voices and drives meaningful social impact, setting a new standard in the advertising industry.
