A former reality TV star is celebrating a monumental rise in business after setting up his own car leasing firm.

Liam Powell rose to fame in 2012 after appearing on Wales’ answer to Geordie Shore; The Valleys. The MTV show famously took a handful of young people from across the Welsh valleys and dropped them into city living in Cardiff.

Now five years on from the controversial show, Liam has a thriving business that is making heads turn for all the right reasons.

Ask4Leasing, a contract hire and car leasing specialist, was set up in 2015 by Liam alongside business partner Gareth Brideaux.

Despite less than two years of trading, the business boasts a turnover of £240,000; more than doubling the business’ turnover in its first year.

Speaking of how the business came about, Liam said:

“The Valleys was an amazing experience and one I’ll always be thankful for. Not only has it brought me to where I am now, but it taught me to never take anything for granted. “I was gutted when I wasn’t invited back onto the show, I felt as though I had lost this great opportunity. When in reality, it was just the start of my career.”

Prior to joining the MTV show, Liam worked for his father’s furniture business in Ystrad Mynach between stints of travelling.

“I suppose I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life until The Valleys came about,” explained Liam, 31. “So when I had the opportunity to enjoy myself on TV and be paid for it, I jumped at the chance. When it was clear I wasn’t going to be kept on by MTV, after a short period I soon found myself in the car leasing game.”

It was then in 2015, along with friend Gareth, that Liam took the opportunity to set up his own firm.

Liam said:

“Between us, we had built up quite a bit of industry knowledge and experience. We both wanted to be our own boss, and luckily, it has paid off since we took the leap.”

Ask4Leasing is based off Ocean Way in Cardiff and has supplied over 1000 vehicles to businesses and individuals in under two years of trading.

Well known faces such as Cardiff Blues and Wales wing Tom James, his teammate Josh Navidi and Manchester United rising star Regan Poole are all customers.

Speaking of how the business is going, Liam said:

“It’s not easy, but we’re experiencing some really rewarding times at the moment. Confidence is high in Cardiff and we’re being equally ambitious. “Our aim is to grow at least 30% per year and hope to create more jobs as the business expands.”

For more information on Ask4Leasing visit www.ask4leasing.co.uk, call 02920 461437 or email [email protected].