Corwen business owner hits the target with tourism award

Andy Franks worked with giants Chelsea and Everton, as well as Crewe, before he and his wife, Jen, bought an old farmhouse at Llandrillo, on the River Dee between Corwen and Bala, and set about creating Rivercatcher.

Now the family-run operation has been named the Go Self Catering business of the year, sponsored by Pario Leisure Group, at the North Wales Tourism Awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

The headline sponsor for the glittering event was food distribution company Harlech Foodservice, that’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and it was hosted by acclaimed journalist Sian Lloyd, who hails from Wrexham.

Andy and Chris have transformed the property into the Rivercatcher complex of nine luxury log cabins and cottages scenically sited beside the River Dee with accommodation for up to 38 people and employing 10 staff.

Winner of the Go Self Catering of the Year award, sponsored by Pario Leisure Group, is Rivercatcher, Corwen. Andy Franks is pictured with his award (Image: Rick Matthews)

The couple bought the property, Cilan, 10 years ago and opened in 2014 after two years setting up the business and has been busy ever since despite a nine-month Covid lockdown.

Andy who was head of sports science medicine at Chelsea and Crewe, and has also worked with the Football Association and with Everton, said: “We started off as a family venture and it’s really gone from strength-to-strength.

“We set up the original five holiday cottages as a family venture with my wife running it and it kicked off so well we decided to build another four log cabins and ideally we’d like to add to that now.

“I took over the running of it five years ago and it’s become quite a big business with four virtually full-time staff and six part-time.

“We provide welcome hampers for guests with products sourced locally, from the bakery and butcher, fresh eggs from the farm and we’re looking to have electric vehicle charging points fitted as well.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in people visiting this area because I don’t think they realised that this part of North Wales had so much to offer.”

The night’s top award, for a special contribution to tourism, went to former Royal Marine Commando Sean Taylor who has was honoured for his “immense contribution” to the industry.

The founder of the fast-growing, adrenaline-fuelled Zip World empire was given the special contribution to tourism award.

READ MORE: North Wales attractions are in for awarding times!

In addition, the Go Skills Award, sponsored by North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, went to Denbighshire County Council's Ambassador.Wales, while UK Leisure Living, of St Asaph and Mochdre, picked up the Go Tourism supplier of the year accolade, sponsored by Orenda-Luxe Exclusive Holiday Homes.