ICE members Visionary Food Solutions and Bearhug Sports have both been shortlisted in the ‘New start-up of the year’ category at the South Wales Business Awards. The startups are run by friends and colleagues Gareth Hobbs and Rhys George.
The awards were created to highlight achievements and successes from businesses in Wales.
On being shortlisted they said:
“It was a big surprise to us for both companies to make it through as finalists of this award and get some recognition for both companies. It really feels nice following the challenges we’ve faced running two start ups and in different markets.”
For Visionary Food solutions its recognition of a niche they’ve found using they’re expertise in the food industry to help out food manufactures from start ups to SMEs.
“Helping people realise their dreams by taking products to market or larger companies forge their way into new markets through planning strategically for sustainable growth, and working in conjunction with some of the UKs top retailers.”
Bearhug Sport are supporting some of Europe’s most exciting elite athletes and have seen their products worn in professional sports. They launched across Europe with a mainstream online retailer, have developed a host of new products ready to launch this Summer and have grown a social media brand presence. The company has agreed partnerships with some top sporting names and brands including Elite Sports Nutritionist Matt Lovell, Wales award winning OCR brand iNVNCBL, the Flair Bears rugby team and MMA fight management team BattleReadyFM.
Gareth Hobbs said:
“Its been a whirlwind that within 6 months of launching a first to market sports product, supports made using bamboo charcoal, that we’ve had so many highlights.”
He added:
“Moving to ICE to support our growth has been a great step in the right direction for both companies and has allowed us to create jobs.”
This year’s awards are being held on Wednesday 14th June 2017 at the Bear Hotel. Congratulations and good luck, both!