Sponsor Spotlight - Welsh Government
As we count down to the Wales Director of the Year Awards 2026, we’re proud to spotlight the organisations whose support makes this celebration of leadership possible. This year, we’re delighted to welcome Business Wales, part of the Welsh Government, as the sponsor of the Director of the Year – Sustainability Award.
Empowering Welsh Businesses
Business Wales is the Welsh Government’s bilingual business support service, dedicated to helping micro-businesses, SMEs, social enterprises, and aspiring entrepreneurs thrive. With a mission to make business support accessible at every stage, Business Wales offers impartial advice and guidance to those starting out or scaling up across Wales.
Operating within a dynamic ecosystem of support, Business Wales collaborates with partners in government, academia, finance, and the private and third sectors. By fostering shared learning and entrepreneurial collaboration, it ensures businesses benefit from a wide network of expertise and opportunity.
Why Sponsor the Awards?
Business Wales’s sponsorship of the Sustainability Award reflects its commitment to recognising outstanding leadership that drives innovation, growth, and positive change. Supporting the IoD Wales Director of the Year Awards aligns with its mission to promote excellence and nurture entrepreneurial spirit across the nation. By celebrating directors who lead with purpose, Business Wales helps shine a light on the individuals shaping Wales’s economic future.
Defining Great Leadership
For Business Wales, great leadership is about inspiring others, championing innovation, and demonstrating integrity—especially in times of challenge. Exceptional leaders set a clear vision and empower those around them, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Crucially, they also make a positive impact beyond the workplace, contributing to their communities and laying the foundations for long-term success.
Why Enter or Nominate?
Business Wales encourages directors and business leaders to enter or be nominated for the IoD awards. These awards offer a unique platform to celebrate achievements, benchmark against the best, and gain recognition for the positive impact made within organisations and communities. Participation not only enhances reputation but also opens doors to new connections and reinforces a commitment to leadership excellence in Wales.
Entries for the 2026 awards will be accepted across multiple categories, including innovation, sustainability, and emerging leadership. Directors from all sectors and regions of Wales are encouraged to apply.
For more information visit Wales Director of the Year Awards | Institute of Directors
