For three decades, the Arts & Business Cymru Awards have celebrated the remarkable partnerships between the private sector and the arts, fostering creativity and community across Wales. Hern & Crabtree, Cardiff’s longest-established independent estate agents, is thrilled to announce its role as the Principal Sponsor for the 30th-anniversary celebration of this prestigious event.
The black-tie dinner and awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at the iconic ICC Wales. Reflecting on the sponsorship, Mike Baillie, Company Director of Hern & Crabtree, shared: “After many years of supporting Arts & Business Cymru through category sponsorship and project involvement, we are honoured to step into the role of Principal Sponsor for such a milestone year. This partnership aligns with our values of fostering community and celebrating creativity. We look forward to highlighting the incredible collaborations between businesses and the arts that enrich lives and communities across Wales.”
Championing Creative Partnerships
As Principal Sponsor, Hern & Crabtree reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the cultural fabric of Cardiff and the wider Welsh community. With a heritage rooted in the city since 1849, Hern & Crabtree has always valued the importance of innovation, connection and collaboration - qualities celebrated by the Arts & Business Cymru Awards.
The 2025 awards feature an array of categories celebrating diverse creative partnerships:
Arts, Business & the Community
Arts, Business & Diversity
Arts, Business & Employees
Arts, Business & the Environment
Arts, Business & Health
Business of the Year
Hodge Foundation Arts Award and the Nicola Heywood Thomas Arts Prize
Adviser of the Year
Robert Maskrey Award for Arts Philanthropy
Hern & Crabtree’s involvement will extend beyond sponsorship, with Mike Baillie joining an esteemed panel of judges representing both the arts and the private sector. The panel includes notable figures such as BAFTA-winning actor and producer Rakie Ayola and Bluestone Wales’ Finance Director, Giles McNamara.
Celebrating Welsh Talent and Sustainability
A highlight of the 2025 ceremony will be the bespoke awards trophies, designed by West Wales-based blacksmith and sculptor Angharad Pearce Jones. Crafted from the final sheet of virgin Welsh steel from Tata Steel’s Port Talbot blast furnace, the trophies symbolise growth, green enterprise and the enduring power of creative arts - themes resonating strongly with Hern & Crabtree’s values.
Rachel Jones, CEO of Arts & Business Cymru, emphasised the importance of this year’s event: “A&B Cymru is delighted to name Hern & Crabtree as the Principal Sponsor of its 30th Awards. Our flagship celebration would be impossible without the support and vision of the business community, and we are hugely excited to have such a successful, home-grown company heading up our list of key Awards partners.” Reflecting on this recognition, Hern & Crabtree’s Company Director, Mike Baillie, shared: “It is an honour to work alongside A&B Cymru to spotlight the power of creative collaboration. Supporting this event not only reflects our dedication to the Cardiff community but also highlights the incredible partnerships that drive innovation and cultural enrichment in Wales.”
Join the Celebration
The search is now on for Wales’ most inspiring creative partnerships. Nomination Forms can be downloaded from the A&B Cymru website and the deadline for submissions is 7 March 2025. The launch event, held on 22 January at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, will be live-streamed for all to witness the beginning of this exciting journey.
Hern & Crabtree is proud to play a pivotal role in championing the collaboration between business and the arts, celebrating the vibrant cultural landscape of Wales. Together, we look forward to a future where creativity and innovation continue to thrive.