A Gwendraeth Valley-based retailer have been named Welsh Family Business of the Year at a prestigious award ceremony organised by Family Business United.

Leekes, which has a store in Cross Hands, was recognised at the recent award ceremony in London with Matt Leeke, Senior Finance Manager at Leekes, proudly receiving the accolade on behalf of the company.

Celebrating the family business sector, the awards are now in their fifth year and recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms across the UK and seek to highlight the contribution that family firms make to the UK economy.

Emma Leeke, Managing Director of Leekes Retail added, “We are delighted to have been awarded Welsh family business of the year. We’re very proud of our family owned and run company and it’s an enormous honour to have been recognised with this achievement as we celebrate our 120th anniversary.”

Founder and Managing Director of Family Business United (FBU) Paul Andrews explains, “Leekes are proud to be Welsh, proud to be family owned and although a lot has changed since they started their business back in 1897 their core values remain the same and they are worthy winners of the title.

“We were delighted to pull together such a vibrant bunch of family businesses for the 2017 awards, some that have succeeded for numerous generations and continue to thrive, and others that are relatively young but have great values at the heart of what they do.”

“The judges were impressed with the long term view that the business has taken since its inception, their response to changing market conditions, strong family values and continued investment in the business.

“From humble beginnings this business has grown into a firm supporting families with strong governance and solid financials, a family business that brings ideas to life in doing what they do. They represent a great Welsh firm that truly deserves all the plaudits that winning this award brings."

Open to family firms of all generations, sizes and sectors, these awards really do recognise some outstanding firms and really help to put family businesses on the map. Judged by a panel of experts from the world of family business advising together with a group of family business representatives, the awards are well respected and sought after accolades.