famous Welsh business personalities listing...

Laura Ashley
Laura began her highly successful fashion empire in the 1950's with her husband Sir Bernard Ashley from their home in London. In 1961 they moved to Carno, Wales, their business continued to develop, expanding steadily they moved into a disused railway station!

Apparently, Laura began designing as a hobby whilst raising her children. The idea occurred to her that there would be a market for classic 'period' designs after she visited the Victoria and Albert Museum. The company was originally called 'Ashley Mountney', it was Bernard who suggested the change to 'Laura Ashley'. It was also his innovation with the screen printing process that became the catalyst for their incredible growth during the next two decades. He'd developed a way of printing patterns quickly.

In the early 1970's Laura's designs arrived on-screen and in magazines, they were everywhere and sales went ballistic. Suddenly you could buy Laura Ashley all over the world. According to the official Laura Ashley website, on opening in 1974 their shop in Paris sold out on its first day! The following year Laura turned down an OBE since it did not honor Bernard's efforts. She did however accept an award for exports a few years later and indeed Bernard was knighted in 1986.

It was with great sadness that we learned of her death in 1985, it was even reported on the UK National News bulletins and to make matters worse, it happened on her 60th birthday.
Born in Merthyr Tydfil in 1925. Remained true to her roots right to the end. Now a trust set up in her name 'The Laura Ashley Foundation' continues the good work with projects in mid-rural Wales.
Posted by EdWelsh
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Steven Bletsoe
Co-founder of homefinder uk. An innovative company that allows the public to buy and sell property in a completely different way.
Born and raise in Bridgend. Now living in Yorkshire. Also lived in Tonyrefail and Coity.
Posted by mistyeyed
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Mike Catris
Self made entrepreneur and millionaire.
Born in Cardiff.
Posted by crash3burn13
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John Chiplin
Founded 'Geneformatics', leading biotech company in 1999. Founded 'Newstar Music' 1995 and creative vehicle for the band, 'Vita Nuova'.
Born in Cardiff.
Posted by NewstarMusic
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James Cooke
Assisting Dr Price and Myfyr Morganng in their literary work.
Well known publican and druid in 19th century Pontypridd. Close literary friend of Dr Price and Myfyr Morgannwg - 'Archdruid of the isle of Britain'. Died in a tragic accident in 1884.
Posted by Myfyr2005
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Johnny Potato Creek
He found one of the largest gold nuggets ever. Laid to rest next to two of the most famous wild west characters, Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.
Potato Creek Johnny, real name John Perrett, a Welshman who emigrated to deadwood in 1883 when he was just seventeen years old. He was described as being one of Deadwood?s most colourful characters, standing just over four feet tall.
Posted by mikework
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Jack Daniel
Creator of the famous Bourbon.
Misnomer. A second generation American. Born in Tennessee. Although there may be some truth in the 'Welsh connection legend' since we can not trace his family back beyond his grandfather, who was known to have lived in England.
Posted by EdWelsh
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Jerry Davies
Jerry founded Davies Veterinary Specialists, one of the most successful veterinary referral hospitals in Europe.
Welsh father. Born in gibralter but raised in west wales, haverford west. Attended prendergast county primary school, haverfordwest.
Posted by MCSquare
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