Nomadic Washrooms flushed with success at Powys Business Awards

Being unable to find a quirky, eye-catching toilet facility for their wedding, which had a rustic travel theme, inspired Kate and Stuart Richards to launch their own award-winning business which is booming.

Nomadic Washrooms, based at Forden, near Welshpool, specialises in the hire of bespoke luxury shepherd’s hut toilet and shower trailers for weddings, events and festivals across the UK.

The success of their enterprise saw Kate and Stuart collect the Start-up Business Award, sponsored by EvaBuild, at the Powys Business Awards ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday night.

Showcasing the diverse range of successful enterprises in the county, Powys Business Awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors.

Established in October 2019, eco-friendly Nomadic Washrooms has seven employees and adds the Powys accolade to the 2022 Leisure and Tourism National Start-up Award for Wales.

The business was also voted Best Luxury Toilet Trailer provider in the Luxlife Global Awards and was a finalist at the 2021 National Wedding Awards.

“Our hard work and determination are definitely paying off,” said Stuart. “We are gaining a reputation within the events industry for our unique concept with demand for our units at big events such as Glastonbury, Silverstone, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire.”

Spotting a gap in the market, they designed and commissioned their first mobile shepherd’s hut toilet and secured 30 bookings for 2020 weddings which were all rearranged for 2021 and this year because of the pandemic.

Fortunately, the shepherd’s hut toilet was booked for an extended period in 2020 for the set of BBC Repair Shop, which enabled the couple to buy a second unit to be let to the same customer.

Huge demand for the company’s products has seen Stuart and Kate become full-time directors. They now have a fleet of eight units, which will increase to 12 next year and to 16 by 2024 when they expect to double their current turnover.

The fleet will be equally divided between Forden and a new satellite yard in Oxfordshire where most of the company’s customers are located, with plans underway to franchise the business model to maintain and grow market share.

Following a full order book this year, the company has already secured 40% of bookings for 2023.

Stuart said: “We came here tonight not expecting to win because the other finalists were so strong. The fact that we have been recognised for what we are doing is just amazing.

“It’s only when something like this happens that you realise all your hard work is paying off.”

Powys Business Awards judges said: “Nomadic Washrooms has been astute in creating a product and service that is quality, high-end, easily identifiable and has an environmentally friendly ethos.

“The company has successfully navigated the Covid pandemic and is now strongly positioned for future growth and success. Definitely one to watch for the future.”