Reality TV star swaps viewing figures for growing revenues
HE was once a star of MTV’s hit reality TV show The Valleys, but now Liam Powell is more interested in revenue growth than audience ratings.
Mr Powell, from Ystrad Mynach, set up his car-leasing business Ask4Leasing three years ago after he stopped appearing on the show.
In that time the business, based off Ocean Way, Cardiff, has leased more than 1,000 vehicles to clients including Welsh rugby internationals Josh Navidi and Tom James and rising Welsh football star Regan Poole.
He said: “The last three years have been an incredible journey. To reach our third-year anniversary, as well as shifting well over 1,000 cars, is something I am incredibly proud of.
“We set up the business after working for others and felt we could provide a great service to those who want quality vehicles at a fair price.
“Despite our experience, the amount we have learned in three years has surprised us. It has been a huge learning curve but an enjoyable one to boot.”
He set up the company with business partner Gareth Brideaux, from Llanbradach. Both have an equal 50% stake in the company, which last year generated revenues of £240,000.
On his brief period of TV fame, he said: “Being on television was an amazing experience and one I’ll always be thankful for. It has helped me to get to where I am now and it taught me to never take anything for granted. Tasting the success we have is all that bit sweeter when you have been through tougher times.
“I was gutted when I wasn’t invited back on to the show – I felt as though I had lost this great opportunity, when in reality it was just the start of my career. I am unbelievably proud of what we have achieved in three years.”
And on the outlook for the business, he added: “We have made decent strides in growing the team further, with Rhys Lloyd joining the sales team along with a couple of part-time admin staff.
“I’m sure we can hit new heights in the three years to come. Our aim was to grow 30% year on year, and we are well ahead of that target.”