A BARRY Island dad-of-two has been recognised as a leading businessman at the Entrepreneur Wales Awards.

Russell Pearce, who founded the Neath-based professional car valeting business Grove Autocare, accepted the honour at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, in November.

Mr Pearce, 37, won the Accelerated Growth Business Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Nat West Cymru, for the business which is just over two years old.

The business has expanded rapidly to cover more than 40 vehicle dealerships in South Wales and the South West of the UK.

His client list includes people in Penarth and Newport.

Mr Pearce, who is also a member of the Institute of Directors, said the company was delighted to have been nominated for the award.

He said: “I am extremely proud to have won it. It is a massive testament to the hard work put in by our 120-strong team that support our client partners every day. We have expanded beyond just car valeting in 2016 and now provide facilities management, office cleaning and cladding maintenance to a wide range of businesses. It means everything.”

Business development manager of Grove Autocare, Hannah Brown added: “Our industry is not particularly glamorous, although we do have a Porsche dealership as a client, so it was amazing to see Russell up on stage, under the spotlight collecting his well-deserved award. Clients that we had spoken to before the awards told us that they were convinced that Russell would win, but he is very modest and couldn’t believe it when his name was called out.”

The event hosted by Wynne Evans, also known as Gio Compario, celebrated Welsh entrepreneurs who embody a spirit of disruption, innovation, and enterprise.

The awards recognised business leaders from multiple industries across a range of award categories.