Fast food boss scoops Post's business award

The monthly prize is also supported by the West Wales Chamber of Commerce, Swansea University's School of Business and Economics, and Swansea Bay Partnership.

Mr Mounsey, aged 54, gave up farming to enter the fast food industry and now runs eight of the global brand's restaurants in South West Wales under the name of Lonetree. These include branches in Carmarthen, Junction 47 of the M4, Cwmdu and Fabian Way, as well as the two Swansea city centre stores.

In the past 12 months he has increased staff from around 380 to 510, revamped the menu and refurbished his restaurants, including a £700,000 makeover for two outlets.

An extra 360,000 customers were served at his outlets in 2008 ” a total of 3.6 million” compared to the previous year, helping to generate a turnover of £12.5 million.

Up to 25 jobs are to be created at his local McDonald's restaurants by August.

"Since December 2007, we have created about 120 to 130 new jobs across the restaurants,"� said Mr Mounsey.

"We are still looking to continue to grow as a business and need another 25 workers by August, which is one of our busiest periods of the year.

"There are also other opportunities in customer care and front-of- house roles."

"I'm very proud to win this award," said Mr Mounsey.

"I'm completely surprised by it and grateful to the Swansea Marriott and Evening Post for it."