Swansea Bay Young Achiever of the Year - Winner Announced |
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The winner of the 2009 Swansea Bay Young Achiever of the Year sponsored by gas distribution company Wales & West Utilities, was announced at an exciting ceremony on 5th June presented by 96.4FM the Wave’s award winning breakfast team –Badger & Emma.
Martin Davies from Britannia Inn, North Gower was awarded the prestigious title of Swansea Bay Young Achiever of the Year 2009. With experience in the hospitality industry gained in the UK and across the world, Martin and his partner Lindsey were determined to start their own business. In 2006 they bought the 18th Century Britannia Inn set in two acres of land in the village of Llanmadoc in North Gower. Despite the property being in much need of some TLC, looking as though it hadn’t been touched in 300 years, they could clearly see its potential! Their vision was to create a gastro pub providing high quality food from local suppliers and a friendly service in an idyllic setting. Three years on, they are convinced that they have the right ingredients to make the Britannia a little gem on North Gower.
Martin – who also won the Business Category before going on to scoop the overall title - was found to be a truly inspirational role model for youngsters and businesses across the region. Graham Edwards, Chief Executive, Wales & West Utilities, who presented the prestigious award to Martin, commented “Last year we were impressed by the calibre of entries and this year is no exception. These youngsters are an inspiration. We are thrilled for the third year running to be supporting these very special awards. I found it so rewarding to meet the finalists and winners – they were all winners really – great ambassadors for Swansea Bay”
The category winners were:
Cwmni Cwtsh, Ysgol Gyfun EmlynSimply Irresistible, Neath Port Talbot CollegeMuppets, Cefn Saeson Comprehensive.
Winners Profiles
Winner: Martin Davies. Runners up in this category were Adam George, InHouse Entertainments and Claire Whomes, Blue of Mumbles.
Winner: Alhaji Kamara.Alhaji first came to live in the UK back in 2003, after fleeing the civil war in West Africa. In his homeland he witnessed government and guerrilla killings and is proud that he resisted the pressure applied by both sides to pick up arms. Alhaji is now a volunteer at the African Community Centre, working on the “I Can Project” a mentoring programme for young people. As well as this, Alhaji also contributes to the Swansea Bay Asylum Seekers Support Group managing the group’s football team “Swansea World Stars”. He recognises the importance of integrating others into the team to help promote inter-community relations; providing a positive vehicle for diversity awareness. For the future Alhaji would like to enrol on to a Public Services Degree with the view to furthering his studies to a MA in International Relations. This month he fulfils one of his personal ambitions as his book of poetry entitled “Peace” is published.
Runners up in this category were Katie James, Neath Port Talbot Open Duke of Edinburgh Awards Centre and Ryan O’Malley, Swansea Foyer.
Creative Award sponsored by ITWales: sought to recognise the work being carried out by young people studying or operating in the creative industry.
Winner: James GoodJames’ youth was spent at his Grandad and Dad’s print factory and these early experiences fuelled his creative side. At just 17, he set up his own graphic design business which developed into “James Good Ltd”. In 2007 James made a conscious effort to grow the business and develop his dream team, which now consists of 6 members of staff. James shares his experiences with his team, encouraging and nurturing their creativity and helping them realise their full creative potential. Working in both digital and conventional media, James’ business offers graphic design services with the goal of positioning their clients brand at the top of their market sectors. For the future, James would like to see his company regarded as one of the UK leaders in identity design.
Runners up in this category were Danielle Carter, Coleg Sir Gar and Kelly Goss, Rock ‘n’ Needle.
Winner: Dean Watkins.Dean has overcome some personal problems in his life which led him to addiction, low self esteem and poor morale. This made it difficult for Dean to prove to employers despite his background that he was a honest, hard working person. Dean has secured employment with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in conjunction with the Workways project. His work involves assisting in painting works, grass cutting, garden maintenance and much more. He has been working for the last two years and wants to continue in his job. His long term ambition is to support young people who experience difficulties in life and give back help he has received over the years. Dean has overcome barriers in his life and through the support of Workways and his friends and family he will continue to be focused and be proud of his achievements to date.
Runners up in this category were Naomi Jones, Richard Bateman Decorators and Catrin Morris, Mentro Allen.
Company Programme Winners Simply Irresistible Simply Irresistible are a group of Hospitality students at Neath Port Talbot College producing high quality luxury chocolates and biscuits. Their best sellers are the hand made chocolate truffles and fudge. The company ensured that new products were introduced on a monthly basis, this decision was proved to be successful when they discovered their highest sales were at the beginning of the month immediately after the launch of each product. They found that selling at trade fairs and to the general public was far more difficult than they anticipated, as they were used to a captive audience of 5000 students on campus who endorsed their truffles as ‘the best in the world’.
Team Programme Level 1 Winners Cwmni Cwtsh Cwmni Cwtsh, a group of five pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn wanted their business to help towards cutting our carbon footprint by selling hot water bottle covers, scarves and hats, using fabric sourced from recycled plastic. Sales have been phenomenal due to the cold winter of 2008 and the credit crunch. High sales at the school meant they had to rush their production line in order to ensure enough stock was available to attend community events. The team fulfilled their aims by learning how a business works, how to make money and how to have fun whilst doing it.
Team Programme Level 2 Winners Muppets Trading from Cefn Saeson Comprehensive, Muppets are a company who make Clocks, Mirrors and Photoframes from Driftwood. Their aims and objectives are to stay ahead of the game by supplying a quality environmentally friendly product, and to build up an excellent reputation by honouring their promises and focusing on the customers. Their marketing strategy includes building a trade stand from driftwood in order to enhance the visibility of the company, and advertising their products on the school website. They agreed as a team that a potential threat to the business was that even though the driftwood, their main source of material, was free of charge there was no guarantee of its availability.
Over 200 people from across Swansea Bay gathered at Margam Orangery, Margam Park to celebrate the achievements of youngsters and recognise the contribution they make to their communities through business, training, education and community work. The evening also included live music from local band Last Republic. |
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