Congratulations to South Wales Aviation Museum on winning Tourism and Leisure Business of the year at the inaugural Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards. Here’s what they had to say:
Why did you enter the VOG Business Awards?
We applied for the VOG Awards to recognise the hard work and achievements of our employees and volunteers. In addition, applying was to act as an endorsement for the museum. Being nominated or winning give’s a seal of approval of our activities and is a sign of quality for potential customers and helps build future business and relationships.
What did winning mean for you or your business?
Winning showed what a great team we are and how proud we are to be a part of the museum as we continue to strive and grow. Our employees and volunteers are constantly working on improving the museum and ensuring our visitors have the best experience. Hard work and perseverance paid off and what an achievement. We are still very much overwhelmed and delighted with the award.
What did you think of the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony was a great evening and was a great opportunity to meet other businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan and to win in the category of ‘Tourism and Leisure Business of the year’ was an amazing experience, and we are honoured to have been recognised, especially in such a tough category of worthy winners!
What’s been a challenge for you or your business during the last year and how did you overcome it?
Challenge in the last year is people not knowing we exist. We are trying hard to use social media platforms, leaflets, word of mouth and marketing events.We are also self-funded which can be difficult in current times. We hope to work towards accreditation in 2023. Which will allow us to apply for funding on future projects, increase in volunteers and employment.
What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why?
Our biggest highlights for our museum were winning in the category of ‘Tourism and Leisure Business of the year’, Queens BAE146 aircraft being donated to the museum, increase in visitor numbers and increase in school / group trips. We continue to grow and hopeful for 2023. These highlights demonstrate our achievements and pushes us to keep moving forward and improving what we have on offer.
What are your goals for 2023?
Goals for 2023 are to work towards accreditation, increase visitor numbers, increase number of volunteers, open during the week, open our café downstairs for ease of access and to continue being recognised as the best ‘Tourism and Leisure Business’ in the Vale of Glamorgan.
What’s the best thing about running a business in the Vale?
The Vale of the Glamorgan is great location as it offers easy access to the coast, countryside, airport, and city. The Vale of Glamorgan is a great tourist destination bringing in customers from further afield, all helping with the local economy.
