WCS Group, founded by entrepreneur Chelsea Pinches-Burrowes, is proud to announce its acquisition of the Cardiff Life Awards, the most prestigious celebration of business excellence in the Welsh capital. WCS Group has acquired the awards, for an undisclosed sum, from Bath-based MediaClash, who have spent the past decade establishing the Cardiff Life Awards as a pillar of Cardiff’s business community.
The Cardiff Life Awards, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, have long been recognised as the standout event in the city’s business calendar – a night of glamour, celebration and recognition for Cardiff’s brightest, boldest and most inspiring companies. Known for being highly contested, with record entries in 2024 and involvement from a wide range of local businesses, the Awards are a true reflection of the city’s proud business and creative landscape.
The acquisition marks another key step in WCS Group’s ambition to build a modern, integrated media and creative business that champions Cardiff’s business community. In 2023, the group acquired Cardiff Life Magazine, and now, by bringing the Cardiff Life Awards into the fold, it continues to strengthen its vision for a joined-up approach to storytelling, promotion and celebration for the Cardiff business community.
The WCS Group now brings together WCS Agency, Cardiff Life Magazine, Talent Cymru and the Cardiff Life Awards – creating a connected network of brands that combines strategy, creativity and media, all with a strong focus on celebrating and supporting Welsh business and culture.
Chelsea Pinches-Burrowes, Founder of WCS Group, said:
“It’s an honour to acquire the Cardiff Life Awards – a staple in our city’s annual events calendar. These awards celebrate the energy, resilience and innovation of Cardiff’s business community, and we’re excited to take them into their next chapter.
MediaClash has done some fantastic work over the past 10 years, shaping the Awards into one of the city’s most respected and anticipated events.
Bringing the awards into the WCS fold allows for powerful synergy with Cardiff Life Magazine and its digital platforms – enabling us to create year-round momentum, content and celebration for our city’s businesses. We’re already looking ahead to 2026 and beyond. Exciting developments are coming – watch this space!”
Greg Ingham, co-founder of MediaClash added:
“We’re delighted to agree this deal, which reunites the Cardiff Life Awards with Cardiff Life. They’ll be in great hands with Chelsea and her team.
We went out on a high note on March 6 with an excellent Cardiff Life Awards, our tenth and last. I’m proud of what we’ve done with the Awards: singular, celebratory, much loved by the Cardiff community. Proud too of the superb support we’ve had from the Cardiff business community.
We’ll be working with WCS to ensure an excellent handover – and we’ll be there next spring, cheering on the new era of the Cardiff Life Awards. Thank you. It’s been a blast!”
The WCS Group is focused on future-proofing the Cardiff Life Awards while enhancing its reach, visibility and impact. Plans are already in motion to elevate the 2026 awards with new categories, expanded business involvement and a dynamic campaign across print, digital and in-person channels.
To stay up to date with developments for the 2026 Cardiff Life Awards, visit www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk | @cardifflifeawards