In this series, we're introducing you to our expert AGP Relationship Managers. This month, meet Mandy Weston, a seasoned business leader who combines corporate expertise with hands-on entrepreneurial experience to help Welsh businesses scale with confidence.
Mandy has over 20 years of experience in the multimillion-pound service industry. She spent six years operating at board level while earning a degree in Business Management, specialising in Change Management.
In 2017, Mandy co-founded Town Square Spaces, where she serves as Chief Operating Officer. The company creates collaborative spaces and tailored support for entrepreneurs, helping local communities thrive. Under her leadership, Town Square has scaled to over £4 million turnover while delivering large-scale projects across Wales.
As an AGP Relationship Manager, Mandy specialises in supporting businesses from pre-start through to early-stage growth. She's also Chair of the Caerphilly Rural Development Fund, Vice-Chair of the Caerphilly Business Club, an advisory member of Breast Centre Wales and a Big Ideas Wales Role Model. A breast cancer survivor, Mandy uses her spare time to raise money for the Cardiff and Vale Breast Centre.
We asked Mandy to share what drives her and the advice she most often offers to growing businesses.
What first drew you to working with high-growth businesses?
Through Town Square Spaces, we develop co-working and office space for businesses of all sizes. Over the years, we worked with a wide variety of businesses from pre-start to SME and ran start-up clubs to help them develop. We quickly realised the potential of some of these ventures and launched an accelerator to attract new prospects. Before long, I was coaching businesses and discovered a real passion for providing this kind of support.
What's the most rewarding part of being a Relationship Manager at AGP?
The quality of the one-to-one support we offer is among the best out there, and I always get great satisfaction when someone truly values the guidance they've received. The connections I'm able to make are equally rewarding, whether it's linking clients with potential suppliers, customers or service providers.
What's the best piece of business advice you've ever given or received?
Remember that you're not an expert in everything. Develop your area of expertise and then surround yourself with people who can support the other functions. This can take many forms: paying for services, swapping time or expertise, or offering sweat equity. Being open-minded and creative in this area makes all the difference.
What's one trait you see in the most successful business leaders?
For businesses with teams, it's the ability to listen to people around you and put the right people in the right roles so you can delegate and grow. For entrepreneurs and sole traders, it's the willingness to take support and advice from others to help close skill gaps.
How do you recharge outside of work?
I love the outdoors and have a dog, so walking to clear my head is essential. And being a grandmother to three grandsons provides the best kind of distraction.
What's one thing you'd love every AGP business to know?
The programme and the people involved are here to help you succeed and to support you when times might be difficult.
What challenges do you most often help clients overcome?
For new businesses, it's always more sales. The trick is getting into the details of what that really means, whether it's branding, social media, content, or website improvements. For more established businesses, I often work with clients to step back and review where they are and where they want to go. It's easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day and forget the end game.
Can you share a moment you're proud of from your time at AGP?
I'm always proud when one of my businesses wins an award, gets featured in the press, or appears on a 'ones to watch' list. I like to think I played a small part in their success.
And finally, what's your go-to advice for ambitious business owners?
Never try to do it alone. Surround yourself with positive people who have complementary skills to yours and who will support you on your journey.