CONGRATULATIONS to Hayley Parsons, the local girl who has just sold her business and has banked £43 million. Hayley is a shining beacon amidst the economic gloom. She sets a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination whilst still having the respect of her workforce and friends.

People have to get their foot in the door of businesses and take the jobs that they do not really want. This can open up opportunities within that business or improve their work experience to go on to better things. Hayley certainly did this by starting in an insurance company.

I took a job as a janitor once and in six years was promoted to production foreman and stock controller. Then went on from there. We know times are hard and wages are low, but with the right attitude and by taking jobs we don’t really want to do, there is nothing that we cannot achieve.We cannot just walk into the job of our choice. Well done, Hayley.

Rob Hatherall, Spring Grove, Cwmbran