Grove owner wins Best Woman in Tourism accolade (From Western Telegraph)

Grove owner wins Best Woman in Tourism accolade

9:33am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A Pembrokeshire hotelier, who turned a derelict property into a luxury hotel in just nine months, has won the Best Woman in Tourism category at the inaugural Welsh Women Mean Business Awards.

Zoe Agar, joint owner of The Grove, Narberth, fought off tough competition from other business women to win the accolade.

Having previously worked for a large corporation, Zoe and her partner Neil Kedward moved to Pembrokeshire to spend more time with family. They took The Grove from being a derelict house to a luxury hotel and restaurant, which is now rated a five star restaurant with rooms by Visit Wales and the AA. In January, it was also listed by The Independent as one of the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Britain.

The judges were impressed with Zoe’s commitment to the development of a luxury hotel in west Wales, using local labour and creating jobs in the local economy as well as promoting the region to a wider audience.

Said Zoe: “I’m so proud to have won my category, especially against so many talented and inspiring women.

“Having uprooted and left my corporate background behind, the last year has been an uphill struggle. We have had to overcome many obstacles but it has all been worth it. The end result is a beautiful hotel that I’m exceptionally proud of.Our vision is to become established as one of the best luxury places to stay and eat in Wales."

For more information on the awards please visit www.shramevents.co.uk .