Llandrindod Wells visitor attraction wins Powys Micro Business Award

An award-winning visitor attraction in the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells added another accolade to its name at the Powys Business Awards.

Lakeside Boathouse won the Micro Business Award, sponsored by The County Times, at the annual awards ceremony held this year at Dering Lines, Brecon last Friday.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

Lee Percy who runs Lakeside Boathouse with his wife, Jenni, said: “It’s amazing and we are really chuffed to win this award which we didn’t expect to win. We have learnt so much about our business by entering the Powys Business Awards for the first time.”

Launched by Lee and Jenni  during the pandemic in 2020, the business has four employees which swells to 26 during the summer months.

The business offers a variety of family activities with a fleet of dragon boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) for hire on the scenic 13-acre lake.

In addition, the business has an award-winning ice cream parlour, a small mountain bike centre with scooters, electric and normal bikes to hire and offers team building sessions and activities for stag and hen parties.

Lakeside Boathouse is a dedicated community supporter and passionate about bringing local people together for low-cost activities and free events, Lee and Jenni are members of Llandrindod Community Events, a non-profit organisation that provides low-cost events throughout the year.

With its stunning location, Lakeside Boathouse attracts visitors from across the UK who enjoy boating escapades, cycle hire and engaging community events. It’s such a business success story that Powys County Council has extended an initial five-year tenancy for a further 10 years.

Awards won include Best Boat & Canoe Hire Venue Wales and Best of British Getaways 2024 Boat Rental Company of the Year 2024/25.

Lakeside Boathouse runs a series of courses as a Paddle UK delivery partner and all staff gain qualifications related to their work, which includes running canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking lessons.

Collaborating with Sports Powys, Lakeside Boathouse runs a 10-week wellness programme for local people to try activities free of charge The business has also set up a Paddle Club to give local people of all ages the chance to paddle on the lake at low cost and to qualify as a canoeing instructor.

“Lakeside Boathouse has proven itself to be one of Mid Wales’ most exciting attractions and we are excited to see what the future holds,” said Lee.

The award judges said: “Through hard work, dedication and strong, focused leadership, Lee and Jenni have grown Lakeside Boathouse into not just a fantastic and successful business, but also a business which really is at the heart of the community.

“Their commitment to the community and their customers is outstanding and their determination to offer all staff valuable and life-changing training and opportunities goes above and beyond.”

Award runners up were Rural Foodies Limited – home of Coco Pzazz, Llanidloes and Hawksdrift Limited, Cwmbach.