Latest news with #WalesPrestigeAwards
South Wales Argus
13 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Abertillery's Clare's Cabs named best taxi company in county
Clare Parry, owner of Clare's Cabs in Abertillery, was crowned 'Best Taxi Company of the Year' for Blaenau Gwent at the Wales Prestige Awards for 2025/26. Miss Parry said: "I'm truly honoured to receive this award of best taxi company of the year 2025/2026 for Blaenau Gwent. "Driving a taxi isn't just about getting people from A to B — it's about being part of the community, helping people feel safe, and being there through all kinds of moments in people's lives. "I want to thank everyone who nominated me, the organisers of this award, and my passengers — without them, I wouldn't be standing here today." Clare and her fiancée Kelly with her award for 'Best Taxi Company of the Year' award (Image: Clare Parry) Miss Parry launched her company in August 2023 after winning the Outstanding Service Award at the inaugural Gwent Taxi Awards in April. She was previously a driver for a big taxi firm and decided to branch out on her own. The awards were designed to reward taxi drivers for their service and help raise awareness about the dangers of being a night-time taxi driver. Clare has become known as the 'driver who cares' (Image: Clare Parry) Miss Parry has made sure her service is available in the evenings and weekends, between 10am and 11pm. She has a specialist disability vehicle available for clients with mobility issues, and has become known among her clients for being the 'driver that cares'. The trophy in all its glory (Image: Clare Parry) Miss Parry said: "A special thanks to my fiancée Kelly for her amazing support and hard work, and of course, to my lovely fellow taxi drivers and friends Nicola and Dean — we all work hard and I couldn't have gone this far without you all. "We really have got a great little team and I share this with all of you. This means a lot to me, and I'll continue to do my best every day." As she is booked up with a slew of regular customers, Miss Parry is already looking to expand her business. She has plans to grow her reach to include surrounding areas such as Ebbw Vale and Blackwood in her routes. You can book Clare's Cabs by calling +44 7399 040144 or by visiting their Facebook page.
Leader Live
23-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Henry's Barbers named Leader finalist in 'Best Barbers'
Previously called Man's World, Henry's claims to be the 'oldest traditional barbershop' in Wrexham, cutting hair since 1968 on Charles Street. Last year, it received an impressive transformation by owner Saira Griffiths-Hughes who took over in 2023 following the retirement of her employer Henry Kupski - who had owned the shop for nearly 30-years. READ: Leader search for best barbers in Wrexham and Flintshire - top 10 revealed She has created a fresh, modern space that continues to honour the heritage and character of the original barbershop. Saira Griffiths-Hughes, Henry's Barbers in Wrexham (Image: UGC) Henry's Barbers is praised by customers for its skilled, experienced staff who provide high-quality cuts and traditional grooming services at affordable prices. Making it as a Leader finalist, she said: "Wow, I'm so grateful to be up for such a local award! "We are a place full of characters and banter with welcoming staff who really are the backbone to the place. "Huge thanks to our amazing team of talented barbers — and to the Wrexham community for all their support and votes. "We wouldn't be here without you!" And this isn't Henry's first award nomination. Last month, the business won 'Barbershop of the Year 2025/26' for North East Wales at the Wales Prestige Awards celebrating excellence among small and independent businesses across the country. Henry's Barbers is among the top 10 nominated across Wrexham and Flintshire. Voting opens on June 23 until July 4 with voting slips available in our newspaper.
South Wales Guardian
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford business owner wins prestigious Welsh award
Connor Strange won Event Production Service of the Year at the Wales Prestige Awards for 2025/2026. Despite opening Connor Strange Tech just five years ago, Connor will be presented with the award at the ceremony on July 17 at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol. Connor started his business in January 2020. (Image: Connor Strange) Connor said: 'I set my business up in January 2020. Receiving this award is something I never thought would happen. It's something I never imagined occurring but it's nice to get recognition and it is testament to the journey I have been through. 'I do everything from my own home and I'm able to run my business the way I like it. It's also a great feeling to put Ammanford on the map. There is still a lot to work on, but Rome was not built in a day. 'My mum is really proud of me as are my friends and colleagues. I've received nothing but love from them because they know how hard I have had to work to get to this point. 'My plan for the future is just to keep going. I've got plans to get more freelancers involved, bring in a business development manager and break into new markets. But my primary purpose is event organisation.' Connor has worked with a range of stage companies, including Starquest at the Ammanford Miners Theatre. (Image: Connor Strange) Connor realised he wanted to work in the event industry full time when working in a pantomime for the first time in 2019. Since then, he has worked with a range of stage companies, including Starquest at the Ammanford Miners Theatre. Connor feels 'satisfaction' when helping a production flourish. (Image: Connor Strange) He continued: 'Before I started this venture I worked in retail and sales and stuff like that, but I wasn't happy. I wasn't satisfied with my life. When I was first offered a role to be a light manager on stage, it gave me a new lease of life. 'For my own business I am a sole trader. I am not a limited company. I've never had government funding. There were a lot of barriers before I started my own business. Working in event production gave Connor a 'new lease of life.' (Image: Connor Strange) Connor worked for the first time in a pantomime in 2019. (Image: Connor Strange) 'Helping to bring a show from pre-production to performance has given me a lot of satisfaction, especially when knowing that I am helping someone to flourish into something even bigger. 'The event industry has a big impact on the UK economy. People don't realise how stuff like the Olympics and live broadcasts like Britain's Got Talent helps to generate money. I'm proud to be part of that jigsaw puzzle with my business.'
