BEST DIVERSIFICATION AWARD

2025 – EMILY WILLIAMS

Back in September 2022 Emily and her husband Dyfrig, held their wedding reception in the barn on their farm, Tanygraig. Previously, the place was used to keep sheep for over a hundred years and they spent months getting the old stone building ready for the big day.

On their wedding day, some mentioned the idea of keeping the barn as a permanent venue for events and weddings, and after receiving a number of messages from people asking to hire the building, the business was started: “Tanygraig”. They both work at Tyngraig alongside their full time jobs as a farmer and trainee GP. But, none of this would be possible without the help of their casual staff, especially on a wedding day or event!

In addition, the business also works with a number of other local businesses such as caterers, flower arrangers, lodgers, photographers and a number more.

2024 – CATRIN MEDI OWEN & GWION PUW JONES

Tafolog Luxury Stay Wales began in the winter of 2020. Two brothers Dylan and Gwion along with their partners Mared and Catrin have equal shares in the business. With the uncertainty of farming and not knowing what the future holds they decided to diversify into the tourism industry for extra income. Located in the picturesque Welsh countryside, their unique underground homes are eco-friendly and blend in with the rolling hills of Snowdonia. It is a luxury sanctuary in the form of hobbit-style holiday pods complete with wood-fired hot tubs, walk-in showers, and a stunning private outdoor area. Catrin & Gwion had a vision to provide an eco friendly holiday let where people would be able to go and stay without worrying about harming the environment. Since opening the doors to their first guests back in May 2022, they have received over 200 bookings between both pods and also won the Best Holiday let property in the UK and Ireland along with Best Glamping in the UK and Ireland.