2024 Véyaon Awards showcase Guernsey's thriving entrepreneurial spirit

29 November 24

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Véyaon Awards, a night that celebrated excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship across our island community. Last week, we hosted our annual black-tie event at Beau Sejour, where nine incredible individuals and organisations were recognised for their outstanding efforts and achievements.

The evening ran at a great pace and was made even more special by our host, John Fernandez, whose wit and warmth guided us through a memorable celebration. Damon Hackley, Director of Operations at States of Guernsey opened the evening with a compelling speech on the strength of Guernsey's economic ecosystem, detailing the support given through the Digital Greenhouse programmes to our 300 guests.

Our evening’s keynote speech was delivered by Jasper Joyce from Blenheim Chalcot, our key sponsor, who shared invaluable insights into innovation and the future of the economy.

As the awards ceremony began 26 businesses held their breath as the shortlist showcases and winner announcements were made by the judges from each sponsoring business. Each of the winners stood out not only for their talent and vision but for the impact they’ve had on the island’s community. The Véyaon Awards is a testament to the incredible work being done by individuals and organisations on our island, and we couldn’t be prouder of all the nominees and winners.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, partner and team, who helped bring this event to life for the third time. Your support makes all the difference in shining a light on the exceptional achievements we celebrate each year. We also want to sincerely congratulate all the nominees for their outstanding contributions. You make this event what it is, and we are privileged to be a part of your journey.

We can’t wait to see what next year brings! Until then, let’s continue to inspire and support one another as we push the boundaries of what’s possible.

“The 2024 Veyaon Awards were a fantastic celebration of Guernsey’s entrepreneurial achievements and potential. Given the immense importance of innovation and technology-driven transformation, it's vital that we recognise the pioneers contributing to it across the Bailiwick.”

Jasper Joyce, Chief Operating Officer at Blenheim Chalcot

Pictured: The winners of the 2024 Véyaon Awards and Judges

The 2024 Véyaon Awards Winners:

Creative Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by TPA

For entrepreneurs in the creative sector who are making waves in their industry. Celebrating entrepreneurs in the creative sector whose business demonstrates economic and/or social impact through creative output.

The winner is: Jordan Mauger, Island Web Design

The judges thought that the Founder of Island Web Design, Jordan Mauger stood out as somebody who's doing something differently and really listening to the customer. The portfolio of work and customer feedback show that he has really 'gone for it' this year.

Pictured: Jordan Mauger and Victoria Falla, Strategic Director of TPA, judge of the Creative Entrepreneur Award.

Digital Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Sure Business

An award to recognise exemplary leadership within an organisation where evolving technology is embraced. Celebrating individuals who can demonstrate driving positive digital transformation through exceptional leadership.

The winner is: Lucy Ann Kirby, Praxis

The judges thought that Lucy Kirby's application demonstrated the extra mile that you go to as a leader to do more for the people around you, and the community impact of initiatives she has worked on.

Pictured: Lucy Ann Kirby and Mike Fawkner-Corbett, Chief Commercial Officer for Sure, judge of the Digital Leader of the Year Award.

Disrupter of the Year Award, sponsored by C5 Alliance

An award that advocates those willing to take on risks in order to bring about radical change. Celebrating pioneers for change, and those demonstrating innovation in their business or industry sector, having a measurable impact and positively disrupting the status quo.

The winner is: Daniele Harford-Fox, The Ladies College

Judges felt that Principal Daniele Harford-Fox is an advocate for change in education and her application for the Ladies' College reminded the judges that innovative thinking takes many forms, which is symbolically quite important for the whole awards.

Pictured: Daniele Harford-Fox and Chris Ash, Managing Director of C5 Alliance Guernsey, judge of the Disrupter of the Year Award.

Entrepreneur for Good Award, sponsored by Islands

An award to celebrate social entrepreneurship and positive action in mission-based businesses.
Celebrating entrepreneurs whose business contributes to public good, including founders of organisations with a mission to create and sustain social value, with a measurable impact for good.

The winner is: Grow

Judges thought that Grow's positive impact on society is highly impressive. They have proven time and again that their business model is sustainable. The judges liked the fact that they were always prepared to challenge themselves to innovate, going from strength to strength.

Pictured: Grow team and crew members and Islands Insurance Sales Director Will Woodford, judge of the Disrupter of the Year Award and associates.

Excellence in Resilience Award, sponsored by Armstrong Resilience

An award to recognise a business that has shown resilience. Celebrating businesses and entrepreneurs that have demonstrated adaptability and leadership in the face of adversity.

The winner is: Sure

The judges thought that Sure had dealt with significant unforeseen challenges in a comprehensive and proactive manner. Their application demonstrated business resilience in how they had overcome adversity on several occasions to continue to provide services to the island.

Pictured: Cyrille Joffre, Chief Operating Officer at Sure and Chris Oliver, CEO of Armstrong Group, judge of the Excellence in Resilience Award.

Innovation in Customer Service Award, sponsored by Resolution IT

An award to recognise organisations that are providing first-class customer service experience through the use of technology-driven innovation.

The winner is: Stage Portal

The judges were inspired by Stage Portal's solution to the customer painpoints. It is changing people's lives in a material way so they can spend more time doing what they actually want to do.

Pictured: Co-Founders of Stage Portal, Dave & Ben Wratten and Steve Brehaut, Managing Director of Resolution IT, judge of the Innovation in Customer Experience Award.

Innovation in Technology Award, sponsored by PwC

An award to promote organisations that are leading by example in technology-driven innovation projects. Recognising a product or service that demonstrates the use of technology to deliver a creative business solution.

The winner is: Indulge Media

The judges were impressed by the sophisticated orchestration of AI in IndulgeMedia's product - Baxter. Noting that they are providing an innovative solution to existing clients from within their high-performing technology business.

Pictured: Indulge Directors & Co-Founders Patrick Cunningham and Russell Isabelle and Junior Digital Marketing Executive Mayna Jackson-Gill with Alex Burne, Transformation Leader at PwC, judge of the Innovation in Technology Award.

Learner of the Year Award, sponsored by JT

An award to champion learning, underpinned by the importance of upskilling for the future of work. Celebrating individuals of any age who are extending their knowledge for the future of work.

The winner is: Fran de Garis

The judges thought that Fran stood out because not only has she proactively sought out and self-funded challenging qualifications, but Fran set up opportunities for other students to learn and participate, demonstrating how she has gone beyond self-motivation to nurture and help other people.

Pictured: Fran de Garis and Kate Marshall, Head of Guernsey Enterprise at JT, judge of the Learner of the Year Award.

Sustainable Growth Award, sponsored by Specsavers

An award to recognise growing business success. Celebrating entrepreneurs with established businesses that have demonstrated success through strong and sustainable growth.

The winner is: Crewdentials

The judges were impressed by Crewdential's strategic approach to growth, investing in new technology to future-proof their platform as they scale.

Pictured: Ellen and Dan Armsden, Co-Founders of Crewdentials and Tracey Pellett, Group Sustainability Director at Specsavers, judge of the Sustainable Growth Award.

Other awards also presented on the night included:

2024 Guernsey Venture Challenge

Taking place for the third consecutive year, the Guernsey Venture Challenge gives the opportunity to attain early-stage funding to accelerate their development and to help them get established.

Eight promising local tech ventures were selected for the 2024 Guernsey Venture Challenge and embarked on a six-week accelerator programme, mentored by seasoned professionals from Blenheim Chalcot. The culmination of this journey was the Pitch Night Final in September, where the businesses competed for substantial grant prizes from a pool of £70,000.

First Prize winner is: UN1TY

Second Prize winner is: MAP Health

Third Prize winners are: Kloakify

Find out more about the Guernsey Venture Challenge

YBG Bill Green Award

Presented annually by the YBG, the Bill Green Award aims to showcase the skills of local innovators.

This year YBG encouraged applications from businesses of any age, delivered by an individual or team who could demonstrate how their product, service, initiative or sense of entrepreneurial spirit is thriving amidst ongoing global uncertainty.

The shortlisted entries this year were The Seaweed Food Co., Concise and C-SectionUK The judges were thoroughly impressed by each of the entrants, feeling that they each demonstrated what it means to possess a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Guernsey.

The winner is: The Seaweed Food Company

The judges felt that the variety and calibre of entries this year was extremely high and were thoroughly impressed by each of the entrants, the winner displayed a strong social mission, a dedication to innovation and overall, embodied the values that Bill Green himself would have championed.