Powys entrepreneur rewarded for pioneering burnout prevention and wellbeing work

An entrepreneur, whose mission is to work with businesses to prevent staff burnout before it becomes long-term sickness absence, has won a prestigious Powys Business Award.

Serena Taylor, owner of The Serenity Reset in Knighton, received the Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges, at the annual awards ceremony held at The Infantry Battle School, Dering Lines, Brecon at on Friday night.

The awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG).

Having experienced the devastating effects of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and burnout herself, Serena is passionate about helping others avoid reaching that point.

An ex-lawyer and school teacher, she is an advanced yoga teacher, somatic movement coach, breathwork and meditation practitioner, who has experience of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and life coaching.

“My vision for The Serenity Reset extends far beyond our studio in Knighton, particularly into workplace wellbeing, burnout prevention and helping people with chronic illness,” she explained.

“It is wonderful to have won this award, especially as the other two finalists were so strong. As a new business, this will help build that trust that I need to help people.

“It is so important to understand that 92% of the workforce this year has said that they have come under immense stress and 35% of our workforce say that they are constantly under stress. When you are living with that kind of stress and worry, it sucks the joy out of life and creates illness.

“We are responding to real community needs, removing barriers to participation, investing in professional excellence and continuing to grow.”

Research by Deloitte estimates that poor mental health costs UK employers £51 billion every year through sickness absence, reduced productivity and staff turnover, she explained.

“My ambition is to help businesses identify burnout before it becomes absence and, where possible, eliminate unnecessary workplace stress at its source.

“It’s not simply about giving employees a couple of hours to relax. It’s about creating meaningful, sustainable changes that improve wellbeing, productivity, job satisfaction and staff retention.”

As an advanced breathwork and yoga teacher, Serena combines her knowledge to help people reduce stress and develop greater capacity to cope with life’s challenges and recover more effectively.

Since opening in 2023, The Serenity Reset Studio has become a busy community hub. It’s a place where babies, parents, older adults, people with chronic illness, athletes and families feel welcome and classes are now available online, bookable at www.Serenityknighton.co.uk .

Serena has created a business focused on deep rest and strong discipline, therapeutic movement and martial arts, individual healing and family connection under one roof.

Earlier this year, she published ‘The Serenity Reset’ and ‘The Serenity Kitchen’, companion books outlining the method for burnout, fibromyalgia and nervous system recovery.

The judges said: “We were impressed by Serena Taylor’s clear vision, strong leadership and determination. She has combined hard-earned life skills with a well-developed business plan, sound finances and a focused approach to growth.”

Award runners-up were Quabbs Cabin, Knighton and Mid Wales Lodges, Llandrindod Wells.