THIS year’s Gwynedd Business Week was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate local business success and offered a great opportunity for all kinds of local businesses to come together to network and exchange ideas.

The week was based around a programme of various business support events held across the county in venues including Dolgellau, Botwnnog, Bangor and Bethesda.

The highlight of the week – now in its 13th year – was the Gwynedd Business Week Gala Dinner held at Bangor University’s Management Centre.

It was a chance for business leaders from all over Gwynedd to meet like-minded people, to share ideas and experiences.

An address was given by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Ssport, who confirmed the importance of tourism businesses in Gwynedd and the contribution that they make to the local economy.

Guest speaker Helen Walbey, UK Diversity Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) outlined the importance of diversity and sustainability in the workplace and also the importance of encouraging people from all backgrounds into business so everyone can reach their full potential.

As part of the evening, Cllr Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for economic development, presented awards to St David’s Leisure holiday park company who have a location in Caernarfon, and Zip World who run outdoor activity facilities in the Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog areas of the county in recognition of their companies contribution to the local economy.

Cllr Thomas said: “Many congratulations to all the businesses who have been recognised – the gala dinner was a real highlight of the Gwynedd Business Week and provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich variety of companies that are succeeding here in the county."

See this week’s north papers for the full story and more pictures from the gala dinner, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow