Global smash: 8 Welsh businesses that are taking over the world

This Global Entrepreneurship Week, we’re celebrating the success of Welsh businesses that have made their mark on the global stage. From humble beginnings to worldwide growth, these companies showcase the innovation, resilience, and ambition that define Welsh entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply inspired by bold ideas, these stories prove what’s possible when vision meets drive. Let’s take a closer look at the Welsh businesses reshaping industries worldwide and smashing it globally.

Tell us your favourite Welsh brand that’s making it big overseas?

Creo Medical

Creo Medical, one of Wales' leading life sciences firms, is making a global impact from its base in Chepstow. With a mission to transform patient care, Creo Medical develops cutting-edge endoscopic healthcare solutions that empower clinicians and healthcare providers worldwide. Their technology is protected by numerous patents and is in use daily across dozens of countries, including more than 20 NHS hospitals in the UK.

Creo Medical's achievements have earned it prestigious awards, including the 2024 King's Award for Enterprise in Innovation, the 2022 Gold RoSPA Award which is an internationally recognised award, and a 2021 Innovation award, highlighting its commitment to excellence and innovation.

In line with its rapid expansion, Creo Medical has also established regional hubs worldwide to facilitate its growth and reach. In 2021, the company opened a US headquarters in Danbury, Connecticut, to support its North American operations, followed by the launch of a regional hub in Singapore in 2022. 

Strengthening its entrepreneurial reputation, Creo’s founder was featured in the 2019 Sunday Times Maserati 100 list of top UK entrepreneurs, showcasing the company’s leadership and global impact in healthcare.

Connect with Creo Medical via GlobalWelsh >>

Health & Her

Health & Her, founded in 2019 by Kate Bache and Gervase Fay, is a pioneering Welsh brand based in Cardiff, focused on empowering women through the complex journey of hormonal health. Combining technology, science, and natural solutions, Health & Her offers evidence-based care across all stages of hormonal health, including a popular supplement range, a self-care app, and an online clinic. 

Since its launch, Health & Her has rapidly grown, securing placements in major UK retailers like Boots and Waitrose. By 2022, it entered the US market via Amazon, becoming a top menopause brand, and expanded to Ireland and Germany in 2023. In 2024, the brand launched online in China and debuted in US retail through Vitamin Shoppe, solidifying its global presence. More recently the company was acquired by Venture Life Group for a multi-million pound deal, read more about this here >> 

AU Vodka

Founded in 2015 by childhood friends Jackson and Charlie in Swansea, Wales, Au Vodka has quickly become a global sensation, recognised by its signature gold bottle. In the UK, it is now the most popular and fastest-growing vodka brand, with a powerful social media presence of over 340,000 Instagram followers and endorsements from celebrities like Floyd Mayweather. 

Responding to high demand, Au launched in the US in August 2022, selling 50,000 bottles in its first week and opening an office in Atlanta. Today, Au Vodka is available online in 35 US states and in stores across 8, with exports spanning 40 countries, including Spain and Australia, and furthering its expansion across the US.

Au Vodka has even travelled to space, check it out here >>

FinalRentals

Finalrentals, a tech startup based in Cardiff, Wales, is fast becoming a major player in the global car rental industry, providing a platform that allows users to compare rental options across locations. Founded in 2016 by Ammar Akhtar, who brought a decade of industry experience from the UAE, Finalrentals has rapidly expanded its global presence with operations in over 32 countries and 191 locations.

As both a booking platform and franchisor, Finalrentals has received several prestigious awards, including the Gulf Capital MEED Award for innovation in 2018, Poland Prize recognition in 2019, and the Seamless Middle East Award for design and innovation at Expo 2020-2021 in Dubai. Recognised as one of the top innovative UK companies by Fintech Wales, Finalrentals is now the leading car rental platform among UAE ex-pats and travellers, allowing customers to earn and spend rewards through its travel-centric technology.

Connect with Final Rentals via GlobalWelsh >> 

Nortech Control Systems

Nortech Control Systems, an independent British company based in Torfaen, South Wales, has specialised in the design, manufacture, and distribution of advanced access control solutions for over 25 years. 

Founded in 1987 by Managing Director Stephen Blackler, Nortech has grown into a leading provider of card access, door entry, and vehicle control systems, supplying products to the UK and global markets. From government buildings to hotels, schools, and airports, Nortech's solutions helps its customers ensure secure access across  a wide range of environments. With a mission to expand its global reach, Nortech is committed to innovation in both people and vehicle access solutions.

Connect with Nortech Control Systems via GlobalWelsh >> 

LIMB-art

LIMB-art, a design and manufacturing company based in Conwy, North Wales, creates innovative and stylish prosthetic leg covers to help users express confidence and personality. Founded in 2018 by former Paralympic swimmer Mark Williams and his wife Rachael, the company started by taking individual orders through its website. It then partnered with NHS England and NHS Wales to provide covers to amputees in the UK before expanding internationally.

LIMB-art’s products, designed for both above and below knee prostheses, combine quality materials with cutting-edge design, offering affordable, durable, and appealing solutions. Exports now account for a quarter of its sales, with products sold in Australia, the US, and the Netherlands. Recently, the company participated in OT World 2024 in Germany, forging potential distribution partnerships in Europe. With plans to double its international trade in the next two years, LIMB-art is on track to reach £1 million in revenue by 2026.

Discover the revolutionary impact of LIMB-art >>

Hexigone Inhibitors 

Hexigone Inhibitors, a high-tech manufacturer based in Baglan, is tackling a global corrosion problem with its patented micro-reservoir technology, developed from research at Swansea University. Since its export journey began in 2021, Hexigone has expanded rapidly, with exports now making up 95% of its turnover. Its corrosion inhibitors, used in paints and protective coatings across industries like construction, oil and gas, marine, and aerospace, help prevent damage to infrastructure such as vessels, planes, and buildings.

Hexigone has earned several awards, including the Royal Society of Chemistry's Emerging Technology Award in 2019, the Corrosion Innovation Award in 2021, and the British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Innovation Award in 2022. 

With new funding, the company is strengthening its presence in markets like India, Brazil, Mexico, and Europe, supported by a network of 17 global distributors. Recently granted patents across regions such as Europe, the US, and China, the company signed export deals in 2023–2024 with markets in India, Mexico, and South and Central America, with more global deals on the horizon.

Connect with Hexigone Inhibitors via GlobalWelsh >>

Trigwell Cosmetics

Trigwell Cosmetics, founded by Welsh makeup artist Zoe Trigwell during the pandemic, has seen its powder puffs become a global sensation after going viral on TikTok and being recommended by US music star Lizzo’s makeup artist. 

Based in Cwmbran, Zoe’s innovative beauty products have led to skyrocketing sales, fulfilling thousands of orders both in the UK and internationally. At just 29 years old, Zoe is on track to achieve a £1 million turnover this year, solidifying Trigwell Cosmetics' place in the global beauty market.

Read about howTrigwell Cosmetics is captivating celebrities and taking the beauty world by storm >>