An independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales has strengthened its team with the appointment of an experienced membership and marketing executive.
Claire Owen, 32, who lives in Aberhafesp, near Newtown, joins Machynlleth-based MWT Cymru from Shropshire Tourism, where she was senior marketing officer for more than six years.
Her new role will be to help promote Mid Wales as a tourist destination and recruit new member businesses from Powys, Meirionnydd, Ceredigion and South Wales.
Married to farmer David Owen, she took a short career break to have her first son, Toby, before securing her new post.
A former head girl of Newtown High School, Claire achieved a first class honour degree in advertising, media and design management from Huddersfield University and is a chartered marketer.
In the past, she worked for LLANI Limited as marketing officer before spending six months travelling in Asia, Africa, New Zealand and Australia. She also taught English in Sri Lanka for two months.
Since her days with LLANI Limited, Claire said she had taken a close interest in the work of MWT Cymru.
“I was very happy at Shropshire Tourism, but careers change and this post at MWT Cymru has worked out perfectly for me,” she added.
“I am enjoying using my skills and experience to contribute to the local economy of Mid Wales and it’s a lovely job to be promoting where I live. I have a real passion for supporting businesses and ensuring that MWT Cymru is giving them the tools to promote themselves more effectively.
“I would encourage any Mid Wales business that is unsure what we can do for them to contact me for more information on Tel: 01654 702653.”
MWT Cymru chairman Anne Lloyd-Jones, said:
“I’m delighted that Claire has come to join the team at MWT on a part time basis. Her past experience and knowledge will be of benefit to all our members, the directors and staff and I look forward to working with her.”
MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins said:
“It’s a real coup to have recruited a member of staff with Claire’s experience and ability to our team and I am sure she is going to grow membership. She is already reviewing our range of membership benefits, which provide exceptional value for money to existing and new businesses.”