Swansea-based Just Stay Wales was founded by Managing Director Jany Shaddick-Williams. With a proven track record and a wealth of experience and expertise in the hospitality and hotel management sectors, Jany decided to invest her passion for delivering excellence in customer service and start her own business.
Just Stay Wales was launched in 2018 and provides serviced holiday apartments across South Wales. The business idea was inspired by the demand for holiday lets which give guests more space and flexibility to do what they want, when they want, for example, cleaning their clothes, preparing their own food or drinks.
What they did
“Having been brought up in an entrepreneurial environment with my father and uncles owning and operating small skip-hire businesses in Swansea for many years, I have always had a desire to follow in their footsteps and run my own business” says Jany.
Following a successful 25-year career in hospitality, working for Holiday Inn, Marriott International and Premier Inn, and briefly as a Director of Swansea Business Improvement District, Jany identified a gap in the market for serviced apartments, which provide hotel-like amenities for commercial and leisure guests, requiring short, medium and long-term stays in South Wales. This encouraged her to utilise her expertise and start Just Stay Wales.
What would they do differently?
“I would’ve talked to Business Wales sooner.”
Their proudest moment in business
“Some of my proudest moments in business to date are:
- Building strong teams of people who truly support each other to bring out the best in them.
- Launching my own business Just Stay Wales Serviced Apartments on St David’s Day 2018 and receiving the keys to my first property in Sir Harry Secombe Court, with several more to follow over the coming weeks, months and years!”
In 2012, Jany received an outstanding personal contribution award from Premier Inn, and oversaw the opening and refurbishment of several hotels across South Wales.
Describe the type of support (financial / non-financial) they’ve received from Business Wales / Welsh Government
Jany approached Business Wales as she was seeking support to set up her own serviced apartments business in South Wales and to raise £25,000 working capital towards refurbishing the apartments and general set-up costs.
“I went along to a ‘Starting and Running a Business – Taking the Plunge’ workshop which inspired me further to work for myself and be in control of my own destiny, doing something I was passionate about.”
Jany was then allocated a Relationship Manager, Kris Hicks, who guided her through the start-up process. He provided advice and guidance on business planning and marketing, and helped her secure funding through the Start-Up Loans Company.
As a result, Jany was able to secure a £15,000 loan and successfully launch Just Stay Wales in Spring 2018.
Jany commented: “As soon as I met Kris Hicks, my Relationship Manager at Business Wales, I felt at ease and was confident that he had the business knowledge and skills to support me at this critical stage of forming a business. He listened carefully and asked questions to get a real understanding of the business model I wanted to use, giving me sound advice on how to tackle things and direction on what suppliers to approach. We have kept in touch and meet up regularly for updates to discuss the next steps to keep my business moving forward. To say I value his support is an understatement, I truly do appreciate it.”
Top Tips
Here are Just Stay Wales’s top tips for anyone looking to start or grow their own business:
- find the right space in the market that plays to your strengths
- ask for help from experienced people and utilise your contacts
- be organised, do your research and plan thoroughly
- believe in yourself and overcome challenges by being creative
- enjoy the journey