3 days ago
- 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.'
