Ascona Group is pleased to announce that Darren Briggs, the Group’s CEO and founder, was awarded the Wales Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023 on 20th November.
The award recognises Darren’s leadership at Ascona as the Group embarked on a redevelopment programme across its portfolio of sites. In keeping with Ascona’s strategy to evolve unloved forecourts and transform them into vibrant, world-class roadside retail destinations, Darren’s team has made some significant investments in Wales over the last 12 months.
Since Ascona was founded in 2011, the team has focused its attention on the Group’s “Asconarisation” strategy which focuses on transforming forecourts into first-rate roadside assets that cater for their local community’s needs, with a view to sustainable and profitable growth. This year has seen annual run rate revenues in excess of £300m and operational EBITDA of £25m.
Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards received over 5,000 applications this year alone.
The judges were thoroughly impressed with Ascona Group and all the hard work Darren and the Ascona team have done over the years, noting Ascona’s “remarkable ability to transform neglected assets into thriving retail destinations”, which left a lasting impression on the panel. The judges also commended the Group’s growth trajectory and forward-looking vision for the future.
Briggs, CEO and founder of Ascona Group, commented: “I am thrilled to be awarded the Scale-up Entrepreneur of the Year award for our work in transforming unloved forecourts in Wales into some of the best retail destinations in the country.
“As always, my thanks must go to everyone at Ascona. This is not an individual achievement but a reflection of the whole team’s unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in everything that we do.
“This is a proud moment for all of us at Ascona and the award reflects the success of our transformative redevelopment programme and we look forward to delivering on some exciting projects in 2024 and beyond.”
Francesca James, founder of The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “I am thrilled to witness the extraordinary achievements of this year’s winners. Their success stories are a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit that thrives within UK entrepreneurship. These inspiring entrepreneurs embody the creativity, determination, and passion that are at the heart of our nation’s business success. Their accomplishments not only celebrate their own journeys but also light the way for future generations of innovators and business leaders”.
Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, commented: “It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s GBEA awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from this year’s winners really brings to life the important contribution British entrepreneurs make to our economy. At Allica, we couldn’t be more excited to see such a talented group of individuals making their mark in the business world and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what they do next.”
