Congratulations! Llongyfarchiadau!
South Wales Aviation Museum
Third Sector Organisation of the Year 2023
Why did you enter The Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards?
We put ourselves forwards for ‘The Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards’ to bring awareness of the museum being run as a not-for-profit charity and recognition to our volunteering programme. Without the volunteers’ support the museum could not open. We are proud to give back to the community. Volunteering at the museum has formed social bonds, created new friendships and a greater sense of unity.
How did you find the interview process for the awards?
The atmosphere of the interview was welcoming, and the questions were appropriate, providing you with the opportunity to talk about the museum with great excitement.
What did winning mean for you or your business?
Being awarded is hugely significant for us, given that we are a newly established, not for profit charity where all our funds are used for rent and upkeep of the museum. We are limited in resources and depend on the goodwill of volunteers, so getting recognition is a huge morale boost, providing satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment for everyone.
How did you find the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony was brilliantly assembled and was an amazing opportunity to get together with other local businesses to exhibit our accomplishments, co-operate and get to know each other. The night was skilfully planned for local businesses to engage.
What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why?
In the past 12 months, numerous successes have been achieved, such as being crowned ‘Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year’ at the Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards 2022 and winning ‘Third Sector Organisation of the Year’ at the recent awards of 2023. Additionally, visitor numbers have been at a record high, funding approval for a platform lift and disabled toilet and most recently gaining ‘working towards accreditation status from the Welsh Government.
What are the business goals for 2024?
With a view to 2024, the objectives of the business are enlist new volunteers, draw in more visitors, make the museum more accessible for all, expand its area to the rear of the museum, initiate a fundraising drive to move the BAE146 Queens plane from St Athan Airfield to the museum, commence a collections project and support students undertaking their masters degrees., all the while taking advantage of the museum resources to begin the process of accreditation.
What’s the best thing about running a business in The Vale of Glamorgan?
The Vale of Glamorgan is currently a lucrative place to set up a business with its population steadily growing, businesses being established, employment opportunities created. Leisure and Tourism is on the rise boosting the local economy and the county receiving more recognition.
