Awards debut is for women who mean business

By ejjones

A WOMAN who helped turn a failing company into an international success is in the running for a gong in a new business awards programme.

The nominees for the first Welsh Women Mean Business Awards include two local businesswomen who have succeeded against the odds.

Connie Parry, chief executive of the Hurns Brewing Company in Swansea, left school at 16 and has built up several successful businesses in the pub trade. She took over a brewing business after liquidation in 2002 and runs a chain of 17 pubs in South Wales.

Through six years of hard work and sheer determination, she has created an internationally recognisable, award-winning brand which produces the Tomos Watkins beer.

Now she hopes to secure the title of Best Woman in a Manufacturing Business at the awards ceremony at Cardiff's Mercure Holland House Hotel tomorrow.

"I am delighted to have been short-listed for the award," said Connie.

"I've been in the drinks industry since I left school at 16 to work at Hurns Mineral Water Company with my father and grandfather. Sadly for my family, they both died very suddenly within a month of each other when my two brothers and I were very young.

"The company went into free-fall as a result and it wasn't until my brother and I took it over that we were able to slowly build it back up. We now own one of the largest independent wholesale distribution companies in South Wales and 17 pubs of our own.

"We bought the failed brewery in 2002 and have won numerous awards for our beers. We are very proud of our Welsh heritage, our culture, language and the warmth and wit of our people.

"We are delighted that we are producing a fabulous range of products for the people of Wales — as we feel they only deserve the very best."

Jayne Davies, director of financial, marketing and business support company Ciotek is also in the running for an award. She was one of the company's first employees when it was incorporated in 2004 and has been instrumental in building the firm. She has since been made a director and owns a 25 per cent stake in the business.

Jayne is hoping to walk away with the Best Small Business Leader award.

The awards are the brainchild of entrepreneur and former Welsh Woman of the Year Sarah Cornelius. Following the death of her son Joshua, she used her business acumen to raise funds for The Joshua Foundation, which provides holidays and experiences for children with terminal cancer and Cardiff Women's Aid.

"I started Welsh Women Mean Business as there was a gap in the market following the closure of the Welsh Women of the Year awards," she said.

"Despite supposed equality in modern day society, women still struggle to achieve parity with men in the workplace.

"This is why it is imperative that we shout about their achievements from the rooftops not only to celebrate them but also to inspire others."