Wales accommodation provider Find me a Bed has new chief

Katie Weaver has taken over the reigns at Find me a Bed – the Hay-on-Wye-based operator that handpicks places for you to stay that put you close to Wales’ most captivating landscapes, events and culture.

Katie, a proud Hay local, whose family own Hay-on-Wye Booksellers – one of the oldest in a place known as ‘the town of books’ – has taken over the findmeabed.co.uk website from founder Sarah Greenow.

Find me a Bed is the official accommodation provider for the renowned Hay Festival, as well as the Royal Welsh Show, held near Builth Wells.

“Find me a bed was founded by Sarah and I've recently taken over,” said mum-of-three Katie, 36.

“Essentially, it's a website that provides local accommodation. It is the official provider for and affiliated with Hay Festival and their winter weekend, and Builth Wells’ Royal Welsh show.

“They endorse us and we provide accommodation for people wanting to stay in the area. “Obviously, this is great for local hotels, B&Bs and glamping, but there was a shortage of places to stay.

“Lots of people in the area now choose to go on holiday or stay elsewhere over these events and list their personal homes for those days.

“This gives more opportunity for tourists to stay close by and they make some money too.

“It's such an easy and quick process to add your property to the website, it's been really successful.

“Now I've taken over, I would like to spend more time endorsing local businesses and events, expand as much as I can and, instead of just offering accommodation over the events, provide it all year round.”

A post on the Find me a Bed Facebook page last month said: “Katie brings fresh energy, creative ideas and a deep passion for our beautiful area.

“Her focus is on enhancing your stays, building new collaborations and continuing to showcase the best of Wales.”

Katie, from just outside Hay, added: “My parents started a book business before I was born and it is one of the oldest. It's still going strong.

“We have a bookshop in town and a warehouse on the edge of town that we sell online, as well as sell wholesale to schools, universities and more.”

Find me a Bed is the official accomodation provider for the Hay Festival, as well as the Royal Welsh Show.

Katie intends to carry on helping brother Charlie out at the family business, while stepping into the new role with Find me a Bed.

“Since starting I've really enjoyed the local interactions with people and Hay really is such a close-knit place,” she added.

“Everyone has been so helpful. I've met with the festival and tourist information and everyone has been amazingly accommodating. So, fingers crossed, I can stay the official provider for Hay Festival and the Royal Welsh Show.”

For more information on Find me a Bed, visit the Facebook page, check them out on Instagram too, @findmeabed, email info@findmeabed.co.uk or visit the findmeabed.co.uk website.