A TYWI Valley man has been recognised for his achievements at one of the construction industry’s most prestigious events.

Dai Thomas attended the Builders Merchants News Awards 2017 and walked away with the ‘Achiever of the year’ award.

Dai joined LBS Builders Merchants in 1986 a summer job on the Trade Counter in the firm’s original Llandeilo branch.

At that time, the business comprised of a single branch, a handful of staff and two vehicles.

In the 30 years that followed, Dai built and opened 21 new branches, managed refurbishments and was appointed Operations Director, the first non-family Director in the business - something he notes as his proudest achievement.

Mark Davies, Managing Director, said Dai has been a major contributor to LBS’ growth and success.

“Dai is a natural leader and is an inspiration to all at LBS.

“The areas that set him apart are his values, honesty, work ethic and compassion.

“Dai is a persuasive negotiator and is universally respected by colleagues, friends and pretty much all who know him.

“He has worked with me for more than 30 years, and both commercially and personally I could not have asked for a better friend and colleague.

“He is a vital cog in the LBS operation.

“I speak for all at LBS when I say that we are delighted that he has been recognised as Achiever of the Year 2017.”

Dai Thomas said: “This is a huge team effort and is all down to the people that we work with.

“This award is shared by the entire LBS family.

“I’ve been part of the LBS family since 1986, when I first joined for a role on the trade counter at Llandeilo.

“Since then, I’ve worked my way through the company, helping the business grow to where it is now.

“I haven’t looked back from day one and love what I do.

“To receive this award is humbling and one of my proudest achievements.”

LBS also walked away with the ‘Independent Builder’s Merchant of the year’ award for the third year, and the ‘Branch Manager of the year’ award for the second year.