Gareth Jones, CEO at the Caerphilly-based Welsh ICE has been named the Entrepreneurs’ Champion of the Year 2015, at an award ceremony held at the Millennium Stadium.

The Entrepreneur Wales Awards celebrates the hard work and inspiring stories of Welsh entrepreneurs and businesses in Wales.

Gareth said: “It was a real honour to be recognised as the Entrepreneurs’ Champion of the year. This win is recognition of the fantastic work the ICE team has put in over the past year, from the board right through to our staff, partners and associates.

“Unfortunately I was not at the event to receive the award with the team as I was in Milan - working with other operators of co-working spaces, discussing potential projects and partnerships. It was also a pleasure to see our very own Cariann Jones from Wize Virtual Admin nominated for Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Professor Jonathan Deacon, reader in entrepreneurship and marketing at the University of South Wales, and one of the judges at the awards, said: “Gareth Jones is a worthy recipient of the Entrepreneurs’ Champion of the Year award. He has done a great deal to encourage enterprise and support entrepreneurial growth through the vision of Welsh ICE and the ongoing hard work to make it happen.

“He is, however, far more than just the leader of a great team. He is obviously passionate about helping others realise their dream and grow their business.

"On my visits to ICE, I am always impressed by his knowledge of enterprise and business start-ups and his willingness to spend time with others. Gareth is a true Enterprise Champion and one who is quickly becoming the 'go to' expert in the field.”

The award comes after Welsh ICE secured £250,000 to help support start-up businesses in Wales through their ICE 50 programme that includes a full-time desk and mentoring for 12 months.