Llandrindod Wells Lakeside Boathouse's secret to success
Lee Percy, who runs Lakeside Boathouse with his wife, Jenni, said entering the Powys Business Awards in 2024 made them look at every detail of the business and improve efficiency.
The couple, who went on to win the Micro Business Award, sponsored by The County Times, now have their eyes set on completing a double by entering the Business in the Community Award this year, sponsored by EDF.
Mr Percy said: "Just entering the awards last year helped because I restructured some of the business.
"When we launched the business, we had a five-year business plan which we achieved in the first year.
"We made the mistake of not doing a new plan and when I sat back and looked at the figures, we found that there was a lot of fishing equipment sat there hardly being used.
"We decided to create two axe throwing lanes and they made more money in one day than the fishing equipment did in a whole year.
"Entering the awards forced us to look closely at the little things which has made the business much better and more efficient."
Since winning the award last October, the couple have opened a tea room in Rock Park, Llandrindod Wells, which has created nine new jobs.
The Rock Park Tea Room venture uses the 14 acres of woodland surrounding it for a range of activities, including orienteering, board-walking across a river, and archery.
The Lakeside Boathouse employs three full-time and 22 part-time staff.
The couple are considering another new venture, canoe polo.
Their son, Gethyn, is a member of the Wales Under 17 canoe polo squad and they believe there is a gap in the market for the sport in Llandrindod Wells.
Lakeside Boathouse offers a variety of family activities with a fleet of dragon boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for hire on the scenic 13-acre lake.
The business also has an award-winning ice cream parlour, a small mountain bike centre with scooters, electric, and normal bikes for hire, and offers team building sessions and activities for stag and hen parties.
Ceri Stephens, group manager of Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, who organise the Powys Business Awards, said: "Lee and Jenni's journey with Lakeside Boathouse is a testament to the transformative power of the Powys Business Awards.
"Their success story highlights how the awards not only recognise excellence but also inspire businesses to innovate and grow.
"We encourage all enterprises in Powys to seize this opportunity to showcase their achievements and drive their businesses forward."
This year's Powys Business Awards has 12 categories, including a new one - the Business-Education Partnership Award, sponsored by Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership.
The awards, organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.
The closing date for entries is July 27 and the award ceremony will be held at The Hafren, Newtown on October 17.
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