Gower Granary on awards shortlist

Gower Granary Entrepreneur Shortlisted for Most Inspiring Business Person Award

Louisa Harry-Thomas, owner of Gower Granary, has been shortlisted for the Entrepreneurs Circle Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year Award 2025, recognising her resilience, leadership and determination in growing a rural family business through significant challenges.

Based on the Gower Peninsula, Gower Granary was launched in 2021 as a farm diversification project in response to the increasing pressures facing traditional farming. Using straw from the family's arable farming operation, the business began producing sustainable animal bedding and forage products for horses and other animals.

Since then, the company has grown, supplying customers across Wales and southern England, including stockists, universities, visitor attractions and leading equestrian venues.

Louisa's award shortlisting reflects a remarkable personal journey. Shortly after the business was established, her husband, who originally founded the venture, was forced to step back because of ill health. With no farming background and a previous career as a journalist, Louisa suddenly found herself leading a business involving manufacturing, transport, machinery and agriculture.

"Running men, lorries and heavy machinery was never part of my life plan," said Louisa.

"But when circumstances change, you find strengths you didn't know you had."

Alongside caring for her husband and supporting her family, Louisa took on responsibility for the business during a period of rising costs and challenging trading conditions which affect both farming and manufacturing.

Despite increases in staffing, packaging and raw material costs, Gower Granary has continued to grow. The business now supports the equivalent of more than six local jobs across Gower Granary and the family farm, while also providing work for local suppliers, contractors and tradespeople.

Sustainability remains at the heart of the company, with many of its raw materials being grown on the farm, and waste from the bedding production process is also being used in sustainable construction materials.

Louisa credits much of the company's development to the support and guidance she has received through the Entrepreneurs Circle business community.

Nigel Botterill, founder of Entrepreneurs Circle, praised Louisa's achievement.

"Louisa's story demonstrates the resilience that exists within so many family businesses across Britain," he said.

"She has navigated personal challenges, rising costs and changing market conditions while continuing to grow a business that supports local jobs, sustainable farming and the rural economy. That's exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit we are proud to recognise."

Reflecting on her award shortlisting, Louisa said: "This recognition means a great deal because it reflects not only the growth of Gower Granary, but also the challenges we've overcome as a family and as a business. There have been times when it would have been easier to step back, but we've remained focused on moving forward, supporting our customers and creating a sustainable future for the business. We know our bedding and forage is top class and it’s great now to see riders at all levels appreciating what we do.”