Supporting Small Business Saturday across the region

We wanted to showcase some of the many Ammanford, Amman Valley, Towy Valley, Gwendraeth Valley and Swansea Valley small businesses out there and what better way to do so than to ask you, our readers, what your favourite local business is and more importantly – why.

You didn’t disappoint us, recommending dozens of businesses across various sectors including pets, beauty businesses and food and drink companies.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Ruth Bennett suggested Carys Cakes for ‘great treatboxes and chocolate blocks’ and the cupcakes.

The most popular food and drink location amongst our readers was Has Beanz Coffee Bar. Darren Daniel said: “Great coffee bar, even better staff. Best coffee and cold drink selection in Ammanford. Smoothies are amazing, cakes are even nicer.” Matthew James added: “Great atmosphere and quirky interior. Staff are amazing and the coffee is outstanding.”

The most popular amongst our readers was definitely Mountain View Feeds Ltd. We had quite a few recommendations including Abigail Thornton who said that owner Tanya “always goes above and beyond for all her customers. She has worked incredibly hard over the last few years to be where she is now. She is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, very friendly and always provides a great service.” LadyJeanette OfThe Mill added: “I travel for an hour just to get all my animal items from them, staff are amazing and they are always so welcoming and very friendly. I would highly recommend. I always get a coffee offered when I visit and they work so hard to accommodate everyone.”

Has Beanz (Image: Google Street View)

Lin Martin Thomas added: “Mountain View Feeds Ltd is owned by my youngest daughter, who goes out of her way to help anyone that needs feed or medical supplies out of hours. Her staff are also amazing at looking after everyone. I am really grateful to all her customers and one very proud mum.” Emma Goode said: “So helpful and friendly. Offers excellent advice and guidance on a range of topics and issues. Fantastic range of products and loving the long lasting natural chews for my boys.” Dawn Graham said: “Has everything you need for your animals and also an excellent nursery section. Tanya is always chatty and gives excellent advice. She also supported our PTA event for wreath making by providing the straw (supports the local community) and that needs to be recognised in the day and age given cost of living crisis.”

Tori Soprano highlighted Mel’s Chippy in Penygroes saying: “Beautiful food, great service, fabulous staff and so community spirited.”

Jaimie Louise Treharne nominated Kris of all Trades Ltd highlighting that he has been in the trade for around 20 years and specialises in external works including patios, fencing, drainage and driveways and that he went out on his own full time last year, becoming a limited company earlier this year. “He has a fantastic reputation in the area, great feedback and reviews on socials and Google.”

Another popular one was Be Your Happy Place Activewear which was nominated by a few people including Roisin Finch who said: “Amazing running clothes, support local social running clubs, very friendly and helpful.” Lucinda Daniel added: “Amazing customer service. Always go out of their way to make sure customers are happy. Even make custom orders.”

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.