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YNYS MÔN MEMBER WINS WALES YFC NATWEST CYMRU ENTERPRISE SCHEME!
The winners of the Wales YFC NatWest Cymru Enterprise Scheme were announced at an award ceremony at the NFU Building were announced during an award ceremony at the Winter Fair.
The scheme, run by Wales YFC is sponsored by NatWest Cymru, encourages past or present members of Wales YFC up to the age of 31 to gain confidence to try out business ideas and past entries have included farm diversification projects, beauty businesses, hamper businesses, pet sitting services and even the setting up of very successful shops.
This year’s top prize of £800 was awarded to Elfyn Wyn Jones Llantrisant, Ynys Môn and a member of Bodedern YFC. Elfyn detailed his business “Trisnat show boxes and signs” where he makes boxes for cattle, sheep and horse exhibitors to keep all the necessary equipment needed by them for exhibiting at a show. The boxes are made by hand using wood only. Customers are able to choose the wood used, the style and the size of their box making each individual box unique to suit the customers needs. He also creates signs and plaques to be placed on the boxes or to be used near the stock in a show or a sale or even to be placed at the end of the drive way to advertise the stock. Currently Elfyn advertises his product at agricultural sales and local shops and in the future he hopes to be able to market his business online. He also hopes to expand by purchasing machines that will enable him to be able to carry out the engraving on the boxes, which is currently done at another business. Following this, he hopes to be able to employ a person to work on the marketing and financial side of the business. Elfyn is currently studing for a degree in design and technology which is of great assistance to his business, which is based in a workshop on his home farm.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Andy Woodthorpe, NatWest Director Rural Wales Banking, said: “Judging this year was as challenging as any other year, however we came to the decision that Elfyn Jones had shown the greatest entrepreneurial flair establishing his business and deserved the first prize.”
Leon Morris a member of Erwood YFC in Brecknock earned the second prize of £500 after describing his property maintenance business. Leon decided to set up his own business ‘Leon Morris Property Maintenance’ in April this year after his employer informed him that there was not enough work to keep him on. Leon is able to undertake work such as laying patios, painting, landscaping and groundwork’s and has informed local farmers that he is also able to help with any work that they may have. The first six months of the business has been successful and Leon has ensured that he has work lined up until Christmas. In the future Leon hopes to undertake courses such as tractor driving, and mini digger certificate to assist him with his business.
Third prize of £300 was awarded to Emyr Harries of Llandeiniol YFC, Ceredigion who is a carpenter and joiner working on new builds and restoration projects. The business is currently located at his home where he has constructed a workshop and hopes to be able to build larger premises to further expand his business in the future, he also hopes to be able to employe a carpenter and a labourer to assist him with his business.
Tim John, Wales YFC Chairman, also part of the judging panel said, “All of the applicants we interviewed were outstanding. They showed real encouraging signs that even though there are hardships being felt in rural Wales, that young people are not deterred and are still working hard to set up new and exciting Welsh rural businesses, I wish all the candidates luck with their businesses and hope they go from strength to strength”.
The four other highly commended businesses were;
Bedwyn Rees from Capel Iwan YFC, Carmarthenshire and his Ffin Furniture business, which was set up in January this year and creates unique furniture of the highest quality made to the customers specification.
Deian Thomas from Llanfynydd YFC, Carmarthenshire with a business proposal to set up his own personal training business in 2010. His vision is to establish a professional and reputable company; where clients feel comfortable, supported, motivated and able to achieve their goals within a trusting and committed environment.
Gwyn Johnson a member of Llantrisant YFC, Glamorgan who has established a new enterprise on his home farm that includes the production and sale of quality small bale hay.
Anwen Hughes of Talybont YFC, Ceredigion with her business proposal for ‘Triple A’ – Admin, Accounts and Advice where she will provide administration, accounts and advice in human resources law to trades men.
All of the highly commended applicants along with the first, second and third placed members received a £100 pounds each to further develop their businesses.
Dylan Jones, Wales YFC’s Rural Affairs Chairman, said that,
“The Enterprise Scheme is gaining in popularity from year to year and without the valuable support from NatWest these inspiring young people would not have received so much support for developing their fledgling businesses.”
The judges this year were Andy Woodthorpe, NatWest; Emyr Jones, Welsh Assembly Government; Tim John from Wales YFC and Sara Downes from Menter a Busnes. Wales YFC would like to extend a thank you for their support and advice given through this scheme.