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Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Village Bakery MD Honoured for Industry Contribution at Wales Food and Drink Awards
A top baker has been honoured for his 'outstanding contribution' to the Welsh food and drink industry. The accolade was bestowed on Robin Jones, who has led the Wrexham-based Jones Village Bakery through a period of growth, at the Wales Food and Drink Awards. The ceremony to recognise the best of the best in the sector was held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno and was hosted by former BBC journalist and TV presenter Sian Lloyd, who also hails from Wrexham. It was the latest in a long line of awards Robin has received, having previously been named Baker of the Year at the bakery industry Oscars and winning the Enterprise category at the Welsh Government's annual St David's Awards. Last month the Village Bakery was given a King's Award for Enterprise after achieving record overseas sales over the past three years. Robin said that receiving the Outstanding Contribution award was special because he was among his peers in the Welsh food and drink industry. He is a third generation master baker at the Village Bakery which was bought by his father, Alan Jones, and his grandfather, Harry Jones, in 1964. As a teenager, he helped out at the bakery every weekend and in the school holidays and after qualifying as a baker he joined the firm full time, later becoming managing director. He and his brother Christien, an engineer by trade, formed a team at the top of the company as it expanded rapidly over the past two decades. Robin said: 'The outstanding contribution award came as a big shock. We went there to celebrate the success of one of our apprentices, Tilly Squire, who was one of the finalists, which was fantastic. 'I was quite humbled because the success of the Village Bakery isn't down to me per se. It was an award for Christien, for Dad, all the staff and everyone who's worked at the Village Bakery and has put a lot of effort in. 'We've worked very hard with some amazing people and we've seen the bakery grow but without Christien we wouldn't have built such a successful business. 'We've got complementary skills. He's the engineer and I'm the baker – I think that's the ethos of a small business when it comes to growth. We make a good team. 'My Dad always said to me that you don't create a legacy by standing still and I think we have created a heck of a legacy thanks to everybody involved, past and present. It's been one hell of a journey.' Among the major highlights for Robin was the opening of their ground-breaking gluten free bakery in 2008 and the opening of a new, state-of-the-art bakery in 2015 by the then Prince of Wales, and the then Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla. But tough times lay ahead when their flagship bakery was destroyed by a devastating fire but, most importantly, all the staff evacuated the building without anybody being hurt.. Robin added: 'The fire on the 19th of August in 2019 was a terrible shock but I think it showed what was in the DNA of the people at Village Bakery. 'We turned it around. We've gone from strength to strength and have never looked back. Our darkest day became our finest hour. 'I'm very proud of what we've achieved. The Village Bakery is now recognised as one of the best bakeries in the UK. 'I recently attended a bakery exhibition in Germany and we had a lot of positive feedback from people across Europe which was great. 'We have built our business on innovation and sheer quality and we have more exciting plans in the pipeline so the company keeps evolving and growing – it's great to be part of that. 'The secret of our success is that we never stand still – it's one of things I insist on and that will be in our DNA forever.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales Food and Drink Awards, said: 'Robin Jones has not only helped drive incredible growth in the family firm over the past 30 years, he has also inspired others through his passion to upskill local young people and his contribution to the wider Welsh food and drink sector. 'Jones' Village Bakery is now one of the biggest employers in the Welsh food and drink industry and its successful export story is flying the flag for Wales.'
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Entries Open for 2025 Social Business Wales Awards
Social Business Wales award winners 2024 Social enterprises across Wales are being encouraged to celebrate their impact and enter the 2025 Social Business Wales Awards, which are now officially open for entries. Delivered by the Social Business Wales programme, the annual awards recognise the most inspiring and innovative social enterprises in Wales – organisations that are making a real difference to communities, the environment, and the economy. This year, categories include: • One to Watch – for emerging enterprises less than two years old • Innovation of the year – for creative enterprises developing new products and services • Environmental social enterprise of the year • Social enterprise building diversity, inclusion, equity and justice award • Community-based social enterprise – a place-based organisation making a big impact • Wales social enterprise of the year There's also a new 'Women's champion of the year' category, and a social impact award which will honour an organisation which brilliantly proves its impact through data and powerful storytelling. The 2024 Social Business Wales awards were held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, where the South Wales-based Community Impact Initiative (Cii) won the Social Enterprise of the Year award. The Community Impact Initiative Trystan Jones, Chief Executive of the Community Impact Initiative, said: 'For the individuals we work with, seeing us win the Social Enterprise of the Year award gave them confidence that we know what we're doing, that we're an organisation worth talking to. 'Externally, it was the cherry on the cake. 'Internally, winning rubber-stamped our belief in what we're doing. It provided proof of the positive influence we have. It was a powerful affirmation. 'Winning a Social Business Wales award has been very meaningful for all of us.' Rhondda Cynon Taff-based social enterprise Down to Zero won the 2024 One to Watch award. Project Manager Tom Addiscott said: 'We were very proud of the One to Watch award. It has given us kudos as a company, raised our volunteer numbers, and given our staff that 'feel good factor'. That kind of recognition for volunteers is very important, and was wonderful to see.' Glenn Bowen, Director of Enterprise at Cwmpas, said: 'The Social Business Wales awards are about shining a light on the incredible work happening across Wales's social enterprise sector. 'We've seen how an SBW award win can raise an organisation's profile and open doors to new opportunities – and this year's simplified online entry system makes it easier than ever to take part.' Entries are open until Monday 14 July, with winners to be announced at a celebration event in October. To enter or find out more, visit the Social Business Wales website here.
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Winners of the 2025 Wales Food and Drink Awards Announced
The winners of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards have been announced. The awards ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. From established companies who have become household names to small start-ups, the business awards were set up to celebrate and showcase the best food and drink producers in Wales, whatever their size. Almost 200 entries were received and more than 400 guests attended the awards ceremony. Finalists were recognised for their new and exciting ideas, their growth and resilience. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the key sector in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. The panel of expert judges was chaired by Rhys Iley. He said: 'It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals, for making the judging process both challenging and exciting. Everyone brought something exceptional to the table, and should be proud of themselves.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were supported by headline sponsor Castell Howell Foods, one of the UK's leading independent food wholesalers. Martin Jones, from Castell Howell, said: 'Castell Howell is proud to continue sponsoring the Wales Food and Drink Awards which go from strength to strength each year. Supporting an event that recognises such exceptional performance in this sector feels more important than ever. As the industry evolves, its inspiring to see such talent and determination being celebrated.' The awards were sponsored and supported by Asda, BIC Innovation, Cambrian Training, Food Innovation Wales, FDF Cymru, Food Standards Agency, Hugh James, Mentera, Mauve, NFU Mutual, Pembrokeshire Creamery, Shirgar, Food and Drink Wales, Visit Conwy, QR Squared by Polytag, Business News Wales, Stills, and Cleartech. The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director, Grapevine Event Management and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Liz Brookes said: 'Wales' incredible food and drink producers were rightly put centre stage in Llandudno at an awards ceremony which brings the sector together for a night of celebration while offering a key opportunity to showcase excellence. The hard work and skills within the industry in Wales shone through again this year. Llongyfarchiadau pawb.' The winners of the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025 are: Wales Food and Drink Artisan Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneur of the Year Lord Robert Newborough, Rhug Estates Wales Food and Drink Business Resilience Award Cradoc's Savoury Biscuits Wales Food and Drink Local Community Award Wales Food and Drink Rising Star Award Tom Wickens, Plumstone Welshcakes Wales Food and Drink, Drinks Producer of the Year Wales Food and Drink Small Drinks Producer of the Year Llanfairpwll Distillery Ltd Wales Food and Drink Champion of the Year Wales Food and Drink Exporter of the Year South Caernarfon Creameries Wales Food and Drink Food Producer of the Year Wales Food and Drink Start-up of the Year Wales Food and Drink Innovation Award Wales Food and Drink Scale-Up Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Sustainable Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year Nicola Culkin, Knolton Farmhouse Cheese (Coleg Cambria) Wales Food and Drink Farm to Fork Producer Highly Commended Wales Food and Drink Rising Star Award Naomi Spaven, Iâl Bakery (Coleg Cambria) Wales Food and Drink Local Community Wales Food and Drink Food Producer Wales Food and Drink Champion of the Year Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneur Rory Pitman, A-Head of the Game Nutrition Wales Food and Drink Small Drinks Producer Wales Food and Drink Business Resilience Fresh and Tasty Microgreens Outstanding Contribution Award Robin Jones, Village Bakery Further details of the Wales Food and Drink Awards, which will return in 2026, can be found on the Wales Food & Drink Wales website.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'Too greedy' council slammed for imposing more parking restrictions around Llandudno
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A North Wales council has been accused of being too "greedy" for proposing more parking restrictions in Llandudno. New parking charges are proposed at Craig y Don promenade between Nant-y-Gamar Road and the roundabout at Ty'n y Ffirth Road, near Venue Cymru. The new plans would see controlled parking on The Parade between May 1 and September 30. If approved, drivers would pay £5.50 to park for up to four hours and £7.50 for more than four hours. But Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders fears the charges could damage trade in Craig y Don. Mrs Finch-Saunders made the comments after a long line of cars were ticketed by a Conwy traffic warden at the weekend at West Shore for parking on a yellow line. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox. But whilst the MS is supportive of traffic wardens issuing tickets to drivers parking illegally, she said the council is proposing too many restrictions in Llandudno. Mrs Finch-Saunders said: "If these people are illegally parked, then I support the council and the parking wardens slapping a ticket on them. But there are too many parking restrictions in Llandudno, and it is a bit worrying that people are prepared to get a ticket. 'I believe the council should go back to the drawing board. They want to put new parking restrictions on the promenade at Craig y Don. Now Craig y Don is its own little unique shopping village. That will cause severe problems, I think, for that village. I've written to Charlie (leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey) on that – I've had no response yet – to say do not put parking restrictions in Craig y Don. 'This little village is looking good. It has a bit of everything for everybody, and I'm against it, and I think the council are too greedy. They are short-sighted. They affect the businesses in town. The council would get less business rates if those businesses closed down, and for the cost of putting in the parking restrictions, and for what they'll get back, it's a false economy.' She added: 'No more parking restrictions in Llandudno. It's not to the benefit of the town. It is to the serious detriment.' A council spokeswoman said: "Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to restrict waiting and on-street parking on The Parade was proposed to manage parking demand in the area. "It was advertised in local press, on our website, and on-site notices with a closing date of 18 April for responses. The TRO is still in the consideration period.' Public notices in your area
North Wales Live
20-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
'Too greedy' council slammed for imposing more parking restrictions around Llandudno
A North Wales council has been accused of being too "greedy" for proposing more parking restrictions in Llandudno. New parking charges are proposed at Craig y Don promenade between Nant-y-Gamar Road and the roundabout at Ty'n y Ffirth Road, near Venue Cymru. The new plans would see controlled parking on The Parade between May 1 and September 30. If approved, drivers would pay £5.50 to park for up to four hours and £7.50 for more than four hours. But Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders fears the charges could damage trade in Craig y Don. Mrs Finch-Saunders made the comments after a long line of cars were ticketed by a Conwy traffic warden at the weekend at West Shore for parking on a yellow line. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. But whilst the MS is supportive of traffic wardens issuing tickets to drivers parking illegally, she said the council is proposing too many restrictions in Llandudno. Mrs Finch-Saunders said: "If these people are illegally parked, then I support the council and the parking wardens slapping a ticket on them. But there are too many parking restrictions in Llandudno, and it is a bit worrying that people are prepared to get a ticket. 'I believe the council should go back to the drawing board. They want to put new parking restrictions on the promenade at Craig y Don. Now Craig y Don is its own little unique shopping village. That will cause severe problems, I think, for that village. I've written to Charlie (leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey) on that – I've had no response yet – to say do not put parking restrictions in Craig y Don. 'This little village is looking good. It has a bit of everything for everybody, and I'm against it, and I think the council are too greedy. They are short-sighted. They affect the businesses in town. The council would get less business rates if those businesses closed down, and for the cost of putting in the parking restrictions, and for what they'll get back, it's a false economy.' She added: 'No more parking restrictions in Llandudno. It's not to the benefit of the town. It is to the serious detriment.' A council spokeswoman said: "Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to restrict waiting and on-street parking on The Parade was proposed to manage parking demand in the area. "It was advertised in local press, on our website, and on-site notices with a closing date of 18 April for responses. The TRO is still in the consideration period.' Public notices in your area
