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Darren Briggs
CEO / MD - Ascona Group : Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Helicopter Pilot PPL (Type Ratings - B505 and R44)
Darren Briggs is the Managing Director and CEO of Ascona Group, a leading UK independent forecourt operator. He founded Ascona in 2011 in Pembrokeshire, South-West Wales, after previously working in roles at Elf Oil UK Limited and Total UK Limited. Before founding Ascona, he also founded BigOil.net, which he sold to the PRA in 2008.35
Under Darren's leadership, Ascona has embarked on a high-growth strategy since 2018, transforming forecourts into world-class roadside retail destinations through a strategy known as "Asconarisation." This approach focuses on creating vibrant retail spaces with a strong emphasis on Food-To-Go offerings, both through partnerships and in-house brands.35
Darren has received significant recognition for his entrepreneurial achievements. In 2023, he was awarded the Wales Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, acknowledging his leadership and Ascona's remarkable growth.1 He was also shortlisted for the same award in 2024.4
In addition to his business acumen, Darren is known for his philanthropy and is an avid helicopter pilot.6 His LinkedIn profile highlights his role as CEO of Ascona Group, where he leads the management team in driving business performance and growth.5
You can find Darren Briggs on LinkedIn under the username darrenbriggs. However, it appears there might be confusion with another LinkedIn post from a different individual with a similar name, so ensure you are viewing the correct profile associated with Ascona Group.25
Highlights
From today's 🚁 flight 2500 ft above Carmarthenshire looking towards Pembrokeshire ❤️
Very rarely do I post anything personal on LinkedIn, but today is an exception.
Happy heavenly Father's Day to this amazing unassuming absolute legend. Sadly lost his battle to cancer at the age of 55 after a 4 year battle. He was misdiagnosed (thats another story) I was 27 years old.
So the really important part I'd like to share. My Dad brought me up with two golden nuggets -
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Before you do anything, do nothing! How many of us have responded immediately in anger and haste after receiving a sh*tty voicemail, text or email?
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The difference between a poor man and a rich man - the poor man looks for his dinner today, while the rich man looks for his dinner tomorrow. I'll let this sink in!
Miss you DHB ❤️ Never forgotten.
Not sure what you'd say about my helicopter passion though! 🚁❤️
