A LLANDEFALLE-based cattle hide tanning business, which produces fashion accessories and other items made from leather, has been shortlisted for a national entrepreneur’s award.

The Hayley Hanson Group beat off tough competition in order to make the regional shortlist of the 2018 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Family Business of the Year category.

Business owner Hayley Hanson, who set up the operation in 2011, was invited to a celebration evening in Cardiff on Tuesday (September 11) for all the Wales-based finalists, judges, sponsors and partners to get together to toast the success stories highlighted by this year’s competition.

Hayley will be attending the gala final, also in Cardiff, on Thursday, November 22 when the winners in each category are announced.

The Hayley Hanson Group comprises Hayley Hanson Luxury leather goods, Hayley Hanson Country fashion goods and Hayley Hanson Hide rugs and leather. The business also provides a farmer’s tanning service and manages a 100-acre cattle farm.

Hayley set up the business after she struggled to find anywhere in the UK that could tan the hide of one of her pedigree cattle. She found that there was a “real gap in the market for a company selling hides from British cattle” and decided to set up her own operation.

The company now sells a growing range of artisan products made with leather and hide produced on the family farm, including rugs, handbags, furnishings and other accessories.

Hayley makes the point that all her leather and hide “is a byproduct of the beef industry”, meaning that products are produced ethically.

“We are so thrilled to be a finalist in the Family Business category. As the fifth generation farmers at Maescoed, we couldn’t do what we do here without my parents, granddad and great granddad having gone before us to pave the way,” said business owner Hayley Hanson.

“With the next generation at our heels, it’s essential to be as efficient as possible in both the farm and the businesses as we approach Brexit, to be able to raise a family and live on a farm is the best feeling in the world, and ensuring the future for the children and their children is our ultimate aim.”

Creator of the awards, Francesca James, said: “We have been inundated with some incredible entries this year, and all shortlisted applicants should be extremely proud of themselves! This year has yet again seen a record number of entrants and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity of applications.”

“We cannot wait to celebrate entrepreneurship across Great Britain with them, and put a spotlight on the incredible talent within the British entrepreneur ecosystem.”

More information about the awards can be found at www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.