North Wales entrepreneur Nina Sardar has been recognised with the Influential Woman Award in Business & Community Leadership 2026, marking more than two decades of work supporting businesses, entrepreneurs and communities across the region.
The award recognises Nina’s contribution as founder of The North Wales Business Network (NWBN) and, more recently, Big Business North Wales (BBNW).
Judges highlighted her longstanding commitment to bringing business owners together, creating commercial opportunities and strengthening connections across the North Wales business community.
Nina founded The North Wales Business Network in 2010 and has since developed it into a major regional networking organisation, delivering more than 150 events each year across North Wales and towards the Cheshire border.
Its community includes entrepreneurs, business owners and managers alongside representatives from larger companies, public bodies, government, charities and voluntary organisations.
According to NWBN, members generated more than £14 million of invoiced business between 2012 and 2025 as a direct result of connections made through its events. Members have also collectively raised more than £21,000 for local charities since the network was established.
Nina expanded that model in 2026 with the launch of Big Business North Wales, a large-scale exhibition designed to bring businesses, organisations, investors, educators and decision-makers together under one roof.
The inaugural event at Venue Cymru in June attracted more than 1,000 attendees, with organisers reporting that more than £2 million in contracts and business was generated alongside new introductions, referrals and follow-up meetings.
Big Business North Wales will return to Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Tuesday 15 June 2027, with plans for more than 160 exhibitors – around 30% more than in its first year – and dedicated zones representing different areas of the regional economy.
The ambition, Nina says, is to use the event to showcase the strength of the North Wales economy, encourage more organisations to source locally and create opportunities for businesses of different sizes to build relationships.
Nina said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to receive the Influential Woman Award in Business & Community Leadership 2026.
“For me, business has never simply been about building a company. It has always been about people – bringing people together, opening doors, making introductions and creating opportunities for businesses to grow.
“North Wales has an incredible business community. There are so many talented, ambitious and passionate people here, and I feel incredibly privileged to play a small part in bringing that community together.
“The North Wales Business Network has been built around relationships and genuine support, and Big Business North Wales has allowed me to take that vision to an even bigger stage.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have created, but I’m even more excited about what comes next for North Wales.”
Nina’s career in business development, marketing, entrepreneurship and community engagement spans more than 20 years.
Before establishing NWBN, she held senior business development and marketing roles and worked with organisations supporting women, entrepreneurs and businesses across Wales. She has also worked as a mentor and contributed to industry panels focused on leadership and management.
Her previous recognition includes being named a Wales Business Insider Rising Star and receiving the iON Leadership Award at the Conwy Business Awards, alongside recognition from UK small business and female founder communities.
Nina added:
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my wonderful family for their continued support and my incredible team at The North Wales Business Network for their dedication to supporting the North Wales business community.”
With NWBN continuing its programme of events and Big Business North Wales preparing for its second major exhibition in 2027, Nina said her focus remains on strengthening connections and creating opportunities for businesses across the region.
