BUSINESS NETWORK Issue 9, Autumn 2013

Pictured, from left, Kelly Haynes, Vernon Oliver, Phil George and Mark Salisbury

New Chapter for Historic Law Firm Lloyd George and Staff

One of the longest established legal firms in Gwynedd is entering William continued to preside a new chapter of its history. William George & Son, based over the family firm, practising in Porthmadog, has just joined forces with Gamlins in a merger law until he died at the age of which will put them at the forefront of the legal profession in 101. Carrying on the family North . The new company, Gamlins LLP, will employ a staff tradition for longevity, his son of 45 solicitors with ten offices across the region, providing a William Richard Philip took greater pool of expertise over a larger geographical area. over control of the business having qualified as a solicitor The firm of William George & Son in 1934. He remained in practice has an illustrious past. It was until his death in 2006 at the originally founded in 1885 by local age of 94. William’s son Philip solicitor David Lloyd George who continues to run the firm set up his own company in the from the Porthmadog office back parlour of his Uncle’s house and is looking forward to the in . Success enabled company’s new era. He says: William George expansion into neighbouring towns and his brother William “This merger is a significant and exciting development in the joined the partnership in 1887. history of William George & Son. Not only does it secure the As Lloyd George began his rise to continuation of the business founded some 125 years ago by fame, eventually becoming the my great uncle David Lloyd George but it also means we will first and only Welsh Prime Minister, be able to provide a far wider range of legal services.” William took responsibility for the company providing much needed There may have been some changes since Philip’s grandfather funding for his brother’s political and great uncle bought the 103 High Street premises some David Lloyd George 1915 career. 100 years ago but it seems that now, with the formation of the new company Gamlins LLP, the future is assured.

www.gamlins.com www.gwyneddbusnes. net 01 Boost for Creative Industries in

Production company Cwmni Da is celebrating a move to new premises at Doc Fictoria in . The expansion follows a £2.1m investment, backed by funding from the Welsh Government and Cadw. Cwmni Da’s good news story highlights the creative sector’s growing importance to © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales the economy of North Wales. On the Right Track this Summer

Passenger numbers on two of Wales’ most popular narrow gauge railways have steamed ahead this summer. and Welsh Highland Railways report a substantial increase in year-on-year business with further development of the lines already well underway. In the year to the end of June Ffestiniog Railway traffic income was up 14% on 2012 and Welsh Highland Railway up 20%.

It’s been two-way traffic for the Railways: not only have more Cwmni Da’s new premises and more visitors been flocking to get on board, but some Dylan Huws & Carwyn Jones, of the locomotives have been on excursions of their own, far the First Minister of Wales away from their North Wales home. Railway operators have been undertaking an extensive marketing programme, with Established in 1997 and now employing 73 staff, Cwmni Da locomotives on show in Heuston Station Dublin and London’s has built a reputation as one of Wales’ leading independent TV Paddington Station, at the Shrewsbury Flower Show, and the production companies. A major producer for S4C, Cwmni Da Great British Beer Festival at Olympia. also produce content for the BBC and C4. It enjoys a successful track record in the international market, with Paul Lewin, Managing Director, is pleased with the upturn existing co-productions in Germany and Brazil. Programme in visitor figures. “We’ve run a couple of eleven-car trains to formats have also gone global, such as Fferm Ffactor on Caernarfon because of the increased demand,” he says. “One Chinese TV. train left Porthmadog with 270 people on board and picked up more passengers on the way!” Dylan Huws, Cwmni Da Managing Director, says: “As well as our current initiative in Brazil, we are also working on a project The Railways development programme has continued apace with a German company for a World War I documentary using in 2013, with its current phase, the extension of the Cob at 3D imaging. Given the proximity of Manchester and London, Porthmadog, using 25,000 tons of rock. A new wall, signal box though, not to mention our long-standing links with Cardiff, and relay room have already been built, and work will proceed there are also great opportunities closer to home. over the winter to lay a new platform. The completed station layout should be receiving visitors by the summer of 2014. “We’re proud to be part of the North Wales creative hub and Government funding is currently being sought for the this investment is a statement of our commitment to our redevelopment of the station and Slate Quay area of future, the industry and the area.” Caernarfon, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

North Wales has a growing reputation for being at the Research has shown that it has been a bumper year for tourism forefront of the creative industries. Industry insiders identify in Wales, due in no small part to the soaring summer temperatures the potential for major development in the coming years in and fine weather. The success of the Railways reflects the areas such as TV production, software innovations, and overall good news story for attractions in the prinicipality. publishing. It is estimated that the sector employs 30,000 According to a recent survey 57% of Welsh tourism businesses people in over 4,200 enterprises across the whole of Wales reported an increase in August visitor numbers, with the figure and generates over £1.8bn annual turnover. To support the rising to 73% for the attractions sector. industry the North Wales Creative Industries Network (C6) launched in April. www.festrail.co.uk www.cwmnida.tv

02 www.gwyneddbusnes. net Tafarn y Fic Spearheads Go Full Circle Campaign

A community enterprise run by locals since 1988, Tafarn y Fic in has been selected as an ideal focus for a new pan-Wales campaign. Go Full Circle seeks to raise awareness of social enterprises and highlight their value to the communities they serve. As part of the campaign launch, some of Wales’ best known musicians entertained locals at the Fic in a birthday celebration of its success over the last twenty-five years.

Run by the Wales Co-operative Centre, Go Full Circle aims to show that social enterprises provide essential services in nearly every community, not least in some of Wales’ most deprived areas. They’re varied in nature, and can act as catalysts for community regeneration and hubs for development in fields including health, leisure, welfare, education and skills.

Tafarn y Fic director Bleddyn Jones says: “There’s no doubt Tafarn y Fic has given confidence to the whole area. Seeing a Welsh business thrive is encouraging for people and there is a great deal of goodwill in the area towards what’s happening here.”

Research has shown that social enterprises are actually outperforming some mainstream businesses, with 63% anticipating that turnover will increase over a two to three year period, compared with 37% of traditional SMEs. The Co-operative Centre’s chief executive, Derek Walker stresses the importance of the Campaign in highlighting the potential of community ventures:

“Raising awareness of the existence and contribution of social enterprises and co-operatives like Tafarn y Fic in Wales will be key to increasing their number, sustainability and growth in the future.”

Tafarn y Fic is renowned as a premier venue for Welsh language music in the area, and its birthday celebrations were marked by a concert starring artists that have supported the pub over the last quarter of a century. To ensure that the party went with a swing, singers Meic Stevens, Tecwyn Ifan and Geraint Lovegreen, together with folk-rock band Cowbois Rhos , all stepped up to the mic.

www.supportsocialenterprise.org.uk / www.tafarnyfic.com

New Management Courses

As part of the Elevate Cymru project, three new management training courses are on offer in November 2013. Designed to enable employers to boost the skill level and leadership capability of employees, the short courses are fully accredited and can contribute towards further qualifications. For private or third sector companies with employees based in Gwynedd, support provided by the programme is either fully or part-funded.

The courses on offer are:

• Effective Management & Performance: begins 11 November 2013, comprising 6 x day sessions ending on 9 December 2013 and delivered at The Management Centre, Bangor

• Social Media Marketing: begins 15 November 2013, comprising 6 x day sessions ending 20 December 2013 and delivered at

• Introduction to Leadership: begins 19 November 2013, comprising 4 x day sessions ending on 10 December 2013 and delivered at The Management Centre, Bangor

The emphasis is on the delivery of outputs which can be put to immediate practical use. Participants do not require an existing qualification in order to benefit. These courses are part of a rolling programme set to continue throughout 2014.

Elevate Cymru is a pan Wales project providing access to a range of funded leadership and management courses. The project is part of the Work Based Learning programme supported by the European Social Fund, through the Welsh Government. In North Wales the programme is being led by Bangor University in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Glyndŵr University.

http://elevate.bangor.ac.uk Email: [email protected] www.gwyneddbusnes. net 03 The APPlication Of Technology New Networking Event for LEAD Wales Suppliers

Question: What links a quiz on fish, an historic tour, a resource For the very first time businesses that have completed for Welsh learners, and a B & B late availability system? Answer: the LEAD Wales Leadership Programme will be coming They’re just some of the new mobile apps devised by students together to promote their products and services. Local taking part in a groundbreaking new Menter Môn initiative business owners and suppliers are invited to the inaugural designed to maximise the effectiveness of social media in a ‘Meet the LEAD Wales Suppliers’ event taking place at the business context. The APPrentis project took place this Management Centre, Bangor University on Friday 29th summer, with forty-five undergraduates working with November 2013. This free event will give attendees a chance businesses across Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey to develop to network and find out more about some of the best products apps and websites. and services North Wales businesses have to offer. Inigo Jones Slateworks in played host LEAD Wales is a Leadership Development programme to Celt, a third-year designed with owner-managers of small and medium sized undergraduate student businesses and social enterprises in mind. Alumni of the from Aberystwyth Programme automatically become members of the LEAD University. Proprietor Wales Network, helping keep each other in touch and share John Lloyd tells us: “The information about new leadership developments and APPrentis scheme is an initiatives. excellent project which has had great results for One of the exhibitors at the event, Delsol’s Tony Parry, says: both parties. Celt got “Since joining the LEAD Wales Programme and subsequently experience of working in industry and we got the LEAD Wales Network, I’ve realised just how many the benefit of a new app, class-leading talented companies exist within our local area. an updated website and increased coverage on social networking The Network allows us to tap into a wealth of knowledge, skills sites.” Celt’s app offers an interactive audio tour of the slate and experience that can benefit all our companies”. workshop, allowing visitors to wander through the workshops at their own pace and see the machines and craftsmen in action. For further information regarding the event, which runs from 2pm to 6pm, please call Jackie Whittaker on 01248 382569 The Old Rectory on the Lake welcomed Alaw, who designed an or email [email protected] app informing users of last-minute availability at the popular B&B near . Ricky Francis, joint owner, says: “Alaw has www.leadwales.co.uk been a great asset to the business over the summer – she has even been praised on Trip Advisor! Her simple but effective app will help us increase our occupancy rates.” Other businesses taking advantage of the APPrentis offer included the Anglesey Sea Zoo, with their fun fish quiz, Y Bwtri delicatessen, who launched a new cheese guide, and Bys a Bawd Bookshop in Llanrwst, whose app is aimed at Welsh learners and will provide information on the resources available in the shop.

Piloted this year, the scheme has drawn praise from businesses and organisers alike. Says Menter Môn’s Dafydd Gruffydd: “At first I was unsure whether we were being too ambitious. However, the success of the project has shown that it is possible to create a simple mobile app with some basic training and the right attitude.” Menter Môn paid the lion’s share of the students’ salaries with the host companies making a contribution. The best of the app ideas were showcased at a special event in September and prizes awarded for the most innovative. www.mentermon.com/apprentis.htm

04 www.gwyneddbusnes. net Daffodil Foods, Morfa

Calling All Produce Suppliers

The UK’s largest retailer Tesco are sending out a message to Whilst there is the possibility for expansion – ’s food businesses in Gwynedd. They wish to increase the choice Daffodil Foods supplies over 50 Tesco stores across Wales with on offer to customers by extending the range of local produce their delicious yogurts – Enfys explains that this should not act on the shelves of local stores. The chain currently have 70 Welsh as a deterrent for smaller firms: “There is support for local suppliers and 500 products in their supermarkets in Wales – suppliers, we work with them and the team here is local to accounting for more than £100m in sales. Wales. This is good for the local economy, and is why I am passionate about what I do. I love my job, it is the best job at They have urged companies, both large and small, to step Tesco.” forward if they are passionate about their products. Wishing to allay the concerns of smaller producers, they are keen to Tesco have identified changes in consumer demand, flagging reassure potential suppliers that they need not worry about the up an 18% upturn in the demand for local products and pressure of meeting national supply chains. It’s not unusual for pointing to the fact that buyers regularly attend food and a product to appear initially in one or two local supermarkets, farming events across Wales in order to source new high giving the supplier time to establish themselves before thinking quality ranges. about upping production and securing wider distribution.

Tesco’s local sourcing marketing manager for Wales, Enfys Fox points out: “Our customers tell us that they like seeing Welsh produce on the shelves. It’s not just the high quality products that attracts them – they want to buy local because they want www.tescofoodnews.com to support the local economy. [email protected]

“We want to increase our number of suppliers in Wales and our range of Welsh products and I would urge companies in Gwynedd to come and speak to us. We are accessible; they do not have to traipse down to London to make a big presentation.”

www.gwyneddbusnes. net 05 In Brief

Note the Next Network Night Relocation Means Expansion for Adra Be sure to make a diary entry for a joint Gwynedd Business Welsh gift and homeware Network and Coleg Menai event this Wednesday 6th November business Adra is relocating to at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. Coleg Menai will be on a larger site in Parc Glynllifon hand to outline the great range of business development near Caernarfon. Following services they have on offer, together with full details of staff a sustained period of growth training provision. Starting at 5.30 for 6.00pm, it promises to the company were able to be a fun evening with a chance for local companies to network employ a third member of and learn about the varied business support opportunities on staff earlier in the year and offer. Topics covered will include the Food hope to make a further Technology Centre, Product Design and recruitment drive in the Engineering, the Dyfodol project and coming months. Adra is the apprenticeships. Refreshments are provided brainchild of former BBC and there will be a prize draw to win a producer Angharad Gwyn, Angharad Wyn Blackberry Smart Phone sponsored by who sees the potential of Gwynedd Business Network and the now having three units at Federation of Small Businesses. For further Glynllifon. Angharad says: “It is ideally located for us because details and to book a place contact: of its association with arts and crafts studios and the fact that Julia Jones, [email protected], it’s close to home.” Having previously run Adra from her family 08445 460460 home in , Angharad says she’s looking forward to the extra space and reclaiming the garage! www.adrahome.com

Cycling Stars Excel in Festival No. 6 – Rain Didn’t Stop Play! The tourism industry in Over 10,000 festival-goers braved the weather and attended the Gwynedd received an second annual Festival No. 6 at this September. Autumn boost this Following fabulous reviews for the inaugural event, organisers September 18th, as the Tour were concerned that the atrocious weather forecast might have of Britain cycle race visited had a detrimental impact on attendance and the feel-good the county for the first time. factor at this year’s event. As it turned out, however, the rain and Tour de France champions wind couldn’t put a damper on proceedings. Headliners James Sir Bradley Wiggins and Blake, Nile Rodgers and Manic Street Preachers wowed the Mark Cavendish provided crowds, while a host of other arts and culture events taking place a thrilling finale to the Mark Cavendish at the in and around the Village kept people entertained throughout 4th stage of the event. the three days of the festival. Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir made Finish Line in Llanberis Cavendish led the field a triumphant return to Portmeirion, after their interpretation of home and Olympic gold New Order’s “Blue Monday” proved an unlikely YouTube smash in medallist Wiggins regained overall pole position in the race 2012. which finished alongside Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. Witnessing the triumphs, Sir Dave Brailsford, team principal for Sky www.festivalnumber6.com Procycling, felt quite at home having grown up in nearby . It is hoped that the national and international media Any Comments coverage of the Tour will encourage a new audience of potential visitors to come to the area and consolidate Gwynedd as a venue We hope you have enjoyed this, our latest Gwynedd Business for prestige sporting events. Network Newsletter. We would greatly appreciate your input. If you have any comments, or ideas on ways in which we www.thetour.co.uk can improve it, then please don’t hesitate to let us know. E-mail Editor Jacquie Knowles on: [email protected] To join (membership is FREE) or to find out more about the Network visit: www.gwyneddbusnes.net © 2013 Gwynedd Business Network Written and edited by: Jacquie Knowles Design by: Please note that the publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions therein. www.gwyneddbusnes. net 06