Latest news with #BestofWelshBusinessAwards2025
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
Garage run by Powys man from Lithuania voted region's best
A LITHUANIAN man who came to the UK as a teenager and has had jobs chasing sheep, picking potatoes, and working at Heathrow Airport, has seen his business named the best in Mid Wales. Arvydas Kazlauskas not only won 'Best Garage' at the Best of Welsh Business Awards 2025 last month, but the 40-year-old also took home the overall title too, after his firm, EV Sales and Repairs, received the most votes out of any other business nominated. 'I can't believe it,' said Arvydas. 'To win the award is brilliant, but to beat all the other businesses at the awards too was very special.' Arvydas, who has always loved cars and dreamed of working for Tesla or BMW, launched the Pennorth-based business, located between Brecon and Llangors, in 2018. He started specialising in electric and hybrid cars, buying, repairing and selling them, as well as offering a wide range of parts. It started out as a hobby, but Arvydas started doing so well that he opened a garage in 2015. 'I wanted to go and work for Tesla but they told me I needed a university, college or a specialist degree,' he added. 'I didn't have that as I come from Lithuania. I came to the UK in 2002 as a teenager and have an agricultural degree from back home, but that was mainly fixing tractors.' In 2017 he undertook several courses in Yorkshire aimed at furthering his ability to work with hybrid and electric cars. RECOMMENDED READING: His love of cars is what brought Arvydas to the UK in the first place. 'Friends had been to the UK and bought back with them nice cars, so I wanted one,' said the entrepreneur, who has lived in Talybont-on-Usk since 2007. 'Wages are much lower back home. I came over for 3 months then went back to Lithuania. I had earned £5,000 from hard work; working on a farm, picking potatoes, celery and onions. 'My job was to go in a big field and cut them down, driving big machines. 'I have also worked on the roads, on building sites, I even worked at Heathrow Airport. I ended up in Wales as we did some work for Welsh Water, so I stayed here. 'A local farmer wanted help in lambing time so I stayed on the farm and helped him catch sheep. I stayed for eight years. 'I didn't think I would ever be any higher than a farm worker but I knew wanted something more.' He added: 'I would buy cars in my free time. I started renting the premises in 2015 and I have since sold a lot of cars. I've sold over 180 electric cars, after buying and rebuilding them. 'I wanted to work for Tesla or BMW. BMW Hereford knew of me and wanted me to work for them, but I didn't have the qualifications. 'Now, everyone knows me round here and what I'm doing. I have a good reputation. I got a specialist licence, which took a long time.'
Leader Live
06-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Owners set to step down at Toast Cafe and Deli
It's business as usual for Toast Cafe and Deli on Charles Street as Claire and Paul Wright confirm it's an end of an era for the pair who have transformed the space into a popular independent eatery. However, customers can be assured the cafe will remain open amid this new long process to find the right buyer for the business. An announcement on social media reads: "We have just uploaded one of the hardest posts we've ever had to write but after much soul-searching we have decided now is the time to sell our beloved to^st cafe and deli. "We know this will come as a surprise/shock to most of you, but we feel it has come the time for Paul and I to hang up our aprons! "We have put our heart and soul into creating a successful award-winning business over the last 3 years, that is loved by so many customers but we feel it is now the time to take a well-deserved rest before moving onto the next chapter and opportunities in our lives. (Image: Toast Cafe and Deli) "WE ARE NOT CLOSING! Please don't worry, we're not planning on going anywhere for a while and it is very much business as usual but we just feel it is time to hand the reigns over to someone new who has the drive and energy to expand the business further which we feel is needed at this time. "We have lots of ideas on how the business has great potential to be expanded further, which we will share with interested buyers. "We would also offer a period of training and handover for the new buyers (if required) so our customers can still get the same to^st experience that they love so much. "We have also just told our wonderful team of the planned sale and we ask that you be mindful of this when visiting us as we all come to terms with this announcement." The owners have also secured new four-year lease which isn't included in the sale. Buyers interested in purchasing the business can contact them directly at toastcafeanddeli@ The much-loved cafe, operated by husband and wife team, is known for its locally sourced ingredients and delicious menu, including dishes like eggs benedict, grilled cheese toastie and Wrexham Lager Welsh rarebit. It's cosy atmosphere and wide selection of coffee and gifts means it's no surprise the cafe has been shortlisted to the final of the Best of Welsh Business Awards 2025 alongside others across the Wrexham area. An event will be held on June 18 at the Flint Mountain Park Hotel to celebrate. MOST READ Since the announcement, customers have expressed their sadness and well-wishes. One said: "Best of luck in your new adventures, but what a great achievement you have done in such a short period of time." Another individual added: "I'm completely in shock, we are gutted, there is nowhere in Wrexham quite like toast cafe and deli and I've tried them all. "You have created a great, safe and happy place which is family orientated and with the best owners and staff. We will miss you so much." For now, it's business as usual and customers can continue to book tables at the deli until further updates are shared in the future.
Powys County Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Builth Wells butchers is crowned best in Mid Wales
A BUTCHER'S shop in Builth Wells is celebrating after being crowned the best in Mid Wales – less than six months after the proprietors lost their father. Morgans family butchers, run among others by the brother and sister team of Rhys Field and Cerys Hickey, picked up the award for 'Best Butcher' at a glittering Best of Welsh Business Awards 2025 ceremony held at Llangoed Hall earlier this month. Rhys and Cerys have stepped up to take on the running of the shop in Builth's town centre, after they unexpectedly lost their dad, Dave Field, days before Christmas. Dave, a larger-than-life presence who had run the shop on Builth's High Street, for 25 years, died in the early hours of Saturday morning, December 7. He was just 57. Rhys and Cerys, plus mum Carol and grandfather Arwyn, were on hand to collect the award at the ceremony, held on Sunday, April 13. 'We had no words when we found out about our nomination,' said Cerys. 'We thought it was a scam.' 'It's a special moment for the family,' said Rhys. 'We didn't know who voted for us, but it's for dad. We're a proper family-run business, we've carried it on since he's gone and we feel like we're carrying on his legacy.' Watsons Family Butchers, from Rhayader, was runner-up in the category, while Hay-on-Wye's Small Farms Butchers was highly commended. Dave had been butchering for 37 years and had run the shop himself, owned by his father-in-law Arwyn, for a quarter of a century. In more recent years, he had been running it alongside his three children, including Rhys and daughters Cerys and Morgan-Ellen. Wife Carol also helped out at the shop – where customers were regularly greeted by Dave's cheery face and warm character. He also enjoyed a special bond with his grandson, Hugo, who called him 'Pops'. 'I still think even now, it hasn't really hit home that he's not here,' said Cerys, who is Hugo's mum. 'It's weird not having him here,' added Rhys. 'We'd always have a joke and a laugh. Some people still can't come back in because they can't face it. "We still get people coming in choked up about it. He'd been the face of the business for 35 years.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Despite suffering such a devastating loss so close to Christmas, Morgans was back open for business on the Monday after Dave's death, with the family informing customers that Christmas orders would still be fulfilled. The Best of Welsh Business Awards work by businesses receiving an initial vote; after which they are notified and can then collect further votes from clients and customers. There was further success in Builth at the awards, with Georgie Porgie's Coffee Stop named Mid Wales' 'Best Café'.
Powys County Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Rhayader sisters win at Best of Welsh Business Awards
TWO sisters with a passion for fashion have spoken of their 'immense pride' after the clothing shop they opened just before lockdown was named Mid Wales' best fashion shop. Rachel Evans and Shan Williams were celebrating at Powys' famous Llangoed Hall earlier this month, as their shop, No8 Clothing, based in Rhayader, won 'Best Clothing/Fashion Store' at the Best of Welsh Business Awards 2025. Rachel described the win as a surprise and an amazing reward for the duo's hard work – something they are clearly not shy of, as both run the shop alongside full-time jobs. 'We didn't know anything about it,' said Rachel, 52, who revealed she is still not aware who initially nominated No8 for the award, for the Mid Wales region. The awards work by businesses receiving an initial vote; after which they are notified and can then collect further votes from clients and customers. Rachel said she first became aware of their nomination a few weeks ago, after receiving an email from organisers. It was then a case of publishing the news on social media and collecting votes. 'It's very heartwarming to find out people voted for us and appreciate us, it makes the hard work all worthwhile,' said local girl Rachel. 'It's an amazing reward for us, having started in difficult times.' Rachel and Shan took over the West Street shop from a cousin in November 2019 and sell women's, men's and children's clothing. No8 also sells gifts like candles, as well as bags, jewellery and accessories such as socks and scarves. They both run the shop alongside full time jobs, while Rachel's daughter Asha is also a big help too. 'We took over just before lockdown, so it has been a hard beginning,' added Rachel. 'For a small, new business, it was tough. It wasn't just lockdown, it took a long time for people to come back out to the high street, but we're still here and getting stronger and stronger. 'To get this award fills us with immense pride. We really appreciate our customers who voted, and it just makes me feel so proud and happy.' The Mid Wales awards were held at Llangoed Hall on Sunday, April 13. A post on the No8 Clothing Facebook page following the awards evening said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to share that No8 Clothing has been named Best Fashion Store 2025 at the Mid Wales Business Awards. 'A huge thank you to all our amazing customers, friends and family for your continued support since we opened our doors in 2019. 'It's been an incredible journey and this recognition means the world to us. 'Well done to all the other winners and finalists – it was an honour to be in such great company. Here's to the next chapter – we couldn't have done it without you.'
