Holiday season in upon us and with it comes the headache for businesses across Gwent trying to cope with absent staff of on their annual two-week breaks.

Business Argus asked local businesses how they get through the summer and where their dream holiday would take them...

Laura Griffin, director of Solar Buddies, Cwmbran

Work never stops for Kelli and I regardless of the time of year! Whether it's the summer holidays or Christmas holidays we still have to work, therefore during the holidays we work from home. Luckily we are able to do this as a lot of our work is web based. Solar Buddies is a business focussed around the summer, so it's our busiest time and there's really no let up – despite having seven children between us. Six weeks is a long time to be away from the office but it allows us to spend quality time with the kids and family, while working. Kelli and I try to get away for a holiday during the summer holidays just to have a break, but we always do it at different times so HQ is constantly manned. It can be hard juggling a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week business along with a family, but when you and your business partner are in sync you can work around each other.

Ashley Harkus, managing partner, Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt Solicitors, Newport Pontypool and Usk

Everyone deserves and needs time away from work but we are fortunate enough to have departments with enough staff to cover for people on planned leave so it's rarely an issue. We do have fairly strict rules on the minimum levels of staffing we need and a procedure for agreeing time off with heads of department and our office manager but most of the time staff talk with their colleagues before booking time and check our holiday diary to avoid clashes. Having a team in each department helps avoid work calls on the beach as colleagues can look after clients.

Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin, Newport

We have a varied staff age profile, so not all of our admin team need to take time off during school holidays. Holidays are arranged initially in January, so no more than two out of our support team of seven are away at the same time. We don’t usually have any problems. As to where I go to get away from it all, if it’s in the UK, then Tenby fits the bill. Further afield, I often go to Madeira. This year, I am off to Sardinia in August. A group of us go on holiday each year. We call ourselves 'The Famous Five'! We always have a good time and, no, I don’t take my mobile phone with me.

David Spear, director, David Spear Commercials, Tredegar

Our core values are based on service and quality without any compromise. When we are away on holiday we expect and demand from our people the same consistency in performance, which includes – leadership and good management, clear communication, adherence to solid processes, and a conscientious attitude towards our clients. Our communication channels always remain open, but we trust our management team to deliver and follow the processes that are set in place. The focus is always to serve the customers and exceed their expectation levels whenever possible. With regards to our preferred holiday destination, Sarah and I are keen cyclists and we love the challenge of the open road in Croatia and some of its beautiful islands. From sleepy villages in Brac, to the lively party Island of Hvar followed by the hustle and bustle of the ancient and intriguing cities of Split and Dubrovnik - it’s the perfect destination for us to explore, relax and unwind. The local cuisine, particularly the choice of organic food & wine makes Croatia our favourite holiday bliss.