Congratulations, Llongyfarchiadau, to Tidy Tea for winning Start-Up Business of the Year at this year’s Carmarthenshire Business Awards. Hear what the team had to say:
Why did you enter the Carmarthenshire Business Awards 2024?
We decided to enter the business awards with encouragement from our neighbour who told us about the event. We felt as a business based in Carmarthenshire that we should support the event but also we had nothing to lose but a lot to gain from entering – we would encourage any Carmarthenshire business to enter as you never know what might happen!
How did you hear about the awards?
We initially had no idea about the Business Awards, it was a neighbour of ours that mentioned about the awards and that we should enter. That’s what’s great about living and working in Carmarthenshire, the community that’s around us and the support that we get.
How did you find the interview process for the awards?
The actual interview process was very straight forward with great judges who wanted to listen and understand about our Tea company. We were stressing so much on getting to Parc Y Scarlets on time for our interview, we never had the chance to worry about the actual process and what questions might be asked – and yes we were slightly late!
What did winning mean for you or your business?
Winning ‘Start Up Business of the Year’ for Carmarthenshire means everything to us – it gives us recognition for what we have achieved but more importantly the belief in what we are doing and for the future plans we have.
What did you think of the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony was fantastic, from the very first moment walking into the stadium with the Male Voice Choir in full voice it really added to the occasion and setting. This then followed with awesome food and great company. The self titled King of Carmarthenshire did not hold back with his comical compare for the evening – it made for a very relaxing . We never thought we would win but when our name was called for the Start Up Business category we had that moment when it was ‘Oh Tidy Tea has won, ah well never mind…oh wait we are Tidy Tea!’
Wat’s been a challenge for you or your business during the last year and how did you overcome it?
Our biggest challenge over the last year has been split into two areas – with getting our name out to highlight who we are to increased customers ,and also scaling the business with purchasing stock for anticipated increased orders.
What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why?
We have had so many highlights within the last 12 months – from getting our teas listed with Selfridges and Chester Zoo from having so many positive feedback from our customers.
What are your goals for 2025?
Our goals for 2025 are to push on with getting our name and our teas a household name with drinkers and to launch new blends.
What’s the best thing about running a business in Carmarthenshire?
We feel that there are two main benefits from running a business in Carmarthenshire – the community and support that is given and also the recognition of quality for running a food business.
