Success Stories: Empowering the Future, Celebrating Achievement
Come and meet the entrepreneurs who have harnessed the power of Welsh not only to thrive today, but to shape a bright tomorrow.
Culture is the heartbeat of our communities, and we are proud to support initiatives that celebrate and preserve Welsh heritage. Share your experiences, insights, and successes as we celebrate the diverse voices that make ARFOR a dynamic and thriving community.
Case Studies of ARFOR communities
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Name of business: Gwin Dylanwad Wine
Year established: 2014
What the business offers: Wine and artisanal foods in the shop and café-bar; an online shop and wholesale to restaurants, shops and pubs
Business contact: 01341422870 | dylan@dylanwad.co.uk | dylanwad.co.uk
Advice to someone thinking of starting: Ensure there’s demand in the area first. Then plan carefully and stick to the plan — it takes a long time to establish. Make use of any business and marketing courses available.
What you contribute to the area: Steady PAYE employment throughout the year that helps staff get mortgages and buy homes; wine service that brings locals and businesses of high profile that help attract people to the area.
Do you think your business could do more in terms of bilingualism?
We try to keep our web presence updated in Welsh. But our staff speak Welsh, and we use Welsh on social media.
Have you had access to any resources to help your business on the journey?
Yes, many from Gwynedd Council, Business Wales, and Digital Wales.
What is the biggest lesson so far, with your business?
The importance of staff training and keeping an eye on figures.
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Additional opportunities for Anglesey and its people to shine thanks to investments and exciting Aria Studio plans.
Aria Film Studios has received significant investment from the Anglesey Menter Communities programme to improve the external infrastructure of their studio to allow two productions to run at once. We caught up with Iddon Jones, Studio Manager, to talk about the film & TV industry in Wales and Anglesey.Advice for a young person considering leaving the area to look for film/TV opportunities?
The film and TV world is a dynamic, exciting industry and experiences enriching a bright career exist worldwide from LA to London to Llangefni. The industry also can be difficult and unstable with many freelancers being out of work. The industry in North Wales is thriving, with local companies doing great work alongside BBC and S4C. We’re very fortunate to have beautiful locations in the north of Wales that attract major companies to the region (HBO, Universal etc.). No one doesn’t need to leave the area to get work if home is their ideal choice.Is recruiting/hiring locals important to you? Why?
It’s very important. Our industry depends on people. Bringing skills together and creating programmes is a human endeavour that teaches and entertains. The local community is integral to bringing work to screen.
Is there a connection between Welsh and the economy in your view? Explain.
There’s a very strong connection. We depend heavily on the language in Rownd a Rownd (a TV series). Over 100 Welsh speakers work on the programme, which leaves a strong impression on the local economy.
Is there a demand for a bilingual service in the film/TV world?
Welsh is very important. When non-Welsh clients come, it’s essential they can communicate important messages to the local community. Safety documents, road closures, communication about jobs are all important. A bilingual service is essential for any production trying to establish itself here.
What are your future plans?
Our hope is to continue the important work at Aria: produce quality programmes in Welsh and attract more international productions to the area. Our partnership with Screen Academy Wales has brought nearly 1,000 local children into the building for special experiences, tours and workshops. Experiences that really give a taste of the industry to inspire the next generation. A resource like Aria is a beacon of creativity in Wales, and we want to bring work and opportunities to the area for many years to come.
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A bit of a “buzz” on the island as Gwenyn Môn expands its provision even further…
The business has already received Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) accreditation and operates bilingually, and thanks to investment from the ARFOR Programme through the Anglesey County Council’s Enterprising Communities Project, more Welsh-medium resources are being developed — including training on beekeeping. Here’s what Dafydd, the owner, had to say to Bwrlwm ARFOR about what’s in the pipeline…
How important is it to offer a bilingual service when teaching people about beekeeping?
Welsh and bilingualism are seen as the norm in the work and services of Gwenyn Môn.
Our business activities convey a sense of Welsh identity — not only through our use of Welsh in correspondence, marketing, social media, and event presentations, but also in the landscape that participants immerse themselves in during our events, and the connection with that landscape which they take with them when they buy our honey.Our events, honey production, and environmental protection promote our cultural heritage and contribute to a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity. We promote events with local and community appeal that have a distinct Welsh flavour — for example, our Open Garden events and local Gŵyl Mabsant (Patron Saint Festival).
We support fundraising events for Welsh cultural causes, such as Bro Esceifiog’s appeal for the Urdd National Eisteddfod to be held on Anglesey in 2026. From time to time, we contribute articles to local newspapers (papurau bro), give talks to community groups such as the WI, Rotary Club, and beekeeping associations, and take part in radio and TV programmes — including the S4C series Gwyliau Gartre and Heno, BBC Wales news items, and interviews on Bore Cothi and the Aled Hughes Programme on Radio Cymru.
All of this encourages a sense of engagement, community, and opportunities to use the Welsh language naturally in everyday life.
In your view, what makes a successful “Welsh space”?
A successful Welsh space is a place where the Welsh language and bilingualism are seen as the norm, and both languages are visible side by side with equal importance. This can be a physical location or a virtual one — on a website or social media.
In addition to our established Welsh space here at Gwenyn Môn, from time to time we take our Welsh space out to the people — for example, by giving talks on beekeeping to societies and clubs, or by holding honey stalls at Christmas fairs in village halls, at Llanddaniel Fab’s Gŵyl Mabsant, or at “Meet the Beekeepers” events in Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens or Bodnant Gardens.
Is recruiting local people important to you? Why?
I believe that recruiting local people is essential in order to reduce depopulation in Anglesey’s rural areas and the decline in the number of Welsh speakers on the island.
What are your plans for the future?
Gwenyn Môn is already working towards achieving net zero and sustainable development.
Honey harvesting is a sustainable process that does not depend on extracting limited resources from the environment. Moreover, it produces no waste or surplus.Our honey is sold exclusively in recyclable glass jars, and we rely on short, local supply chains — including local craft markets — to reduce food miles and our carbon footprint.
We plan to increase our honey production annually to meet the growing demand from retailers and wholesalers within our local food supply chains. In addition, we intend to develop new honey-based products in collaboration with the Helix Project at the Food Technology Centre in Llangefni, and also to create varieties of honey by sowing specific crops for the bees to influence the flavour of the honey.
Gwenyn Môn intends to continue going from strength to strength as the leading provider of beekeeping training and experiences in Wales. To support this, we have invested in more beekeeping suits of various sizes, machinery for site maintenance, an additional training room, and a cosy shelter at the training apiary — ensuring that bad weather will not disrupt our activities.
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New sessions and staff for Sensory Sara — thanks to investment from Cymunedau Mentrus Môn (Enterprising Communities Anglesey)
Sensory Sara is already well known on the island for creating Welsh-language content for baby sensory classes. Now, she has a variety of new sessions to offer through the medium of Welsh — and exciting plans in the pipeline to benefit children and their parents…
How important do you think access to Welsh-language material is in sensory classes?
Access to Welsh-language material is absolutely essential in bilingual sensory sessions. The sessions are delivered mainly in Welsh, featuring Welsh songs full of varied vocabulary, repetition, and drama. This forms the foundation of children’s language development for the future.
The Seiniau Sensori Sara (Sensory Sara Sounds) CD is a great help with this — parents can sing the songs at home with their babies or children.
How important is the ability to communicate in Welsh to the success of your business?
The ability to communicate in Welsh is vital to the success of a business where the Welsh language is one of the main objectives. It helps to build a strong relationship with parents who appreciate that we offer sessions in their mother tongue.
It also provides an opportunity for parents who are learning Welsh to expand their vocabulary by learning and singing the songs with their babies or children.
What are your plans for the future?
Following receipt of the grant, we will be able to add a variety of new sessions — Baby Bible, Baby Buzz, and Sensory Fun. Hiring a new staff member has enabled us to start in new locations and to run additional sessions for cylchoedd meithrin (Welsh-language playgroups) and Ti a Fi groups (parent-and-toddler groups).
Why set up a business on Anglesey?
My connections to Anglesey are strong — and the demand for sensory sessions is growing!
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Big things are happening for Y Pethau Bychain — thanks to the ARFOR Enterprising Communities project…
Y Pethau Bychain received investment to establish a forest school and run wellbeing workshops and outdoor sessions through the medium of Welsh — promoting and celebrating the traditions and identity of the people at the same time.
Bwrlwm ARFOR caught up with Nia Jewell and Nia Dooley, the founders of Y Pethau Bychain, to see how things have been going since receiving the investment.
How important is it, in your opinion, to offer a bilingual service outdoors?
Being able to facilitate outdoor sessions bilingually, or in Welsh only, is extremely important to us as a business. By working closely with the Mentrau Iaith (Welsh Language Initiatives), we know that maintaining the use of Welsh names for wildlife is of the utmost importance, as this has been in decline for many years.
It’s essential that we can speak to local people in their mother tongue and also provide a stimulating and exciting environment where Welsh learners can thrive. Supporting new speakers to use Welsh while out in nature is something we actively encourage.
How do you ensure that Welsh folk traditions and identity are celebrated and promoted in your work?
Our guiding principles are Wellbeing – Nature – Wales.
We are passionate about protecting our Welsh heritage — particularly our creative arts, storytelling, legends, and keeping Celtic traditions alive.We provide a range of workshops that are intertwined with the changing seasons and enriched by the annual traditions that would once have been part of Welsh life, such as May Day (Calan Mai), harvest celebrations, and the Festival.
Previously, we have held Halloween (Calan Gaeaf) sessions featuring the stwmp naw rhyw (traditional stew), games, and legends about Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta, Ladi Wen, and y Gwyllgi.
We’ve also worked with schools and communities to learn about the Mari Lwyd, to create natural Christmas wreaths, and to celebrate Calennig (New Year traditions).
Celebrating and promoting Welsh folk traditions and cultural identity is a very important part of our work.Is recruiting local people important to you? Why?
At present, we don’t have the capacity to recruit new staff members, but we are keen to welcome local volunteers who would like to take part in workshops and help with maintaining the site.
What are your plans for the future?
We have a few more Winter Wellbeing sessions planned for the Bethesda community — these are woodland wellbeing sessions for fathers, aiming to create a sense of community and belonging while offering subtle yet practical tools to support fathers’ mental health.
These sessions are run in partnership with Aled from “Sut mae dad? / How’s dad?” and with the support of Gwynedd Council and Mudiad Meithrin (the national Welsh early-years organisation).We are also in the process of organising short courses for Bangor University students from our woodland site, and we will be offering training for educators in March on the importance and impact of connection with nature on wellbeing.
We now hold a diploma in trauma-informed schools and attended a Nature Wellbeing training week in Bodfari this September. The coursework is nearly complete, and we hope that this qualification — through Agored Cymru — along with the diploma, will enable us to support more people’s wellbeing, more effectively.
Success Stories…
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Tetrim Teas, based in Trimsaran, was founded in 2021 — and began marketing its products in 2023. Here’s five minutes with Kelly Stockwell, Business Manager at Tetrim Teas, who has lived in Carmarthenshire all her life.
What does the company offer?
Tetrim Teas is a family-run, non-profit business based in Carmarthenshire.
We craft wellness teas, wrapped in sustainable packaging, using natural, locally sourced ingredients that have a variety of health benefits (supported by research in collaboration with Aberystwyth University).What’s your favourite thing about running a business?
Meeting new people — and also being able to provide job opportunities for people within the company and across Wales.
What’s your favourite local business, and why?
We support Plas Y Sarn (Trimsaran Leisure Centre) because it’s a place that brings the community together.
How do you integrate the Welsh language into your business?
We promote the use of Welsh in the workplace and also offer online lessons to team members who would like to learn.
Your company’s best-seller?
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Brightening Tea with Welsh Heritage Apple & Cinnamon.
What’s the biggest challenge facing local businesses right now, in your opinion?
Public transport is a barrier for workers — and therefore for businesses in the area.
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What happens when you combine Welsh slate, resin, and a talent for crafting?
You get the unique creations of Llechi Ronw Slate, of course!
The business was founded in 2020 in Pontgarreg, Ceredigion, offering statement pieces that are often personalised.
Bwrlwm caught up with the craftsman behind the business, Dafydd…What’s your advice for someone thinking of starting a business?
Make sure there’s enough demand for your product or service.
Don’t worry if you plan to grow your business in small steps. Llechi Ronw is a small part-time business, and that suits me well at the moment.
Adding a story helps make your business unique and adds character.
Where do you like to escape to when you take a break from work?
Cwmtydu or Ynys Lochtyn.
Do you have any advice for someone thinking of moving back to the area?
Make sure you’re ready for a better way of life.
The west is very different from urban living, so it’s quite a shock to the system at first.
But once you’ve found your feet, you’ll never look back.How do you integrate Welsh into your business?
Llechi Ronw shouts “Welsh” — both as a brand and through its products.
I use old Welsh slate tiles from my childhood home (Ronw), so there’s an element of Welsh history and culture in my work.
I’ve found that some craft events in Wales lack Welsh-language presence, so it’s important for me to make sure I start conversations in Welsh, and that I’m supportive of those learning the language and wanting to build confidence.Your company’s best seller?
A framed map of Wales in slate — with the option to personalise it by adding a heart over a specific area.
My ‘pop art’ house signs are also very popular.Have you accessed any resources to help your business along the way?
Quite a few sessions, workshops, courses, and trips, to be honest.
I had an amazing experience taking part in the ‘Mentro’ element of Llwyddo’n Lleol, where a group of individuals interested in business met weekly to discuss their ventures with experts. It was a great opportunity to make friends, connections, and develop confidence.
I also had the chance to join a shop stand project with Antur Cymru, where I could run my business from a retail space — a great opportunity to learn the best way to sell my products.
Earlier this year, I also had an incredible experience joining the Sbarc Ceredigion trip, where a group of us met over three weekends to take part in workshops and visit local businesses to learn how they started and developed. One weekend was even spent in Iceland — a special opportunity to see how businesses and individuals there grow and succeed.
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Cara Magazine is a publication by women, about women, and for women — with Meinir and Efa Edwards producing an 80-page, full-colour glossy magazine three times a year (spring, summer, and winter).
Founded in 2019 by Meinir and Efa, the directors and editors of Cara, the business is based in Llandre near Bow Street, Ceredigion. Here’s what they had to say about their journey so far...
Why did you start the company?
We’re a mother-and-daughter team, and we realised there was a gap in the market for a Welsh-language lifestyle magazine for women.
We wanted to offer a platform for women’s voices of all ages and from all walks of life.We have regular contributors, and we also give new writers the opportunity to see their work published in print. Each issue includes articles on health, food and drink, travel (in Wales and abroad), current affairs, home styling, fashion and beauty, the stars, the arts, taboo subjects, crafts, and much more!
What’s your favourite thing about running a business?
Running a business was completely new to both of us, and we learn something new every day!
It’s wonderful to be able to offer a platform and get to know so many brave, open-minded, and inspiring women across Wales.We’re also very proud that we pay fair fees to our contributors, many of whom are freelancers.
Meeting our readers, having a stand at festivals, and speaking to different societies gives us great joy — and a few words of encouragement go a long way!
But it’s not without challenges — with the rising costs of paper, printing, and distribution, and less advertising funding available from businesses.
And while Cara has thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram, it’s hard to turn those into paying customers.How important is the Welsh language to your business, and why?
The Welsh language is central to Cara.
Our aim is to publish accessible, varied Welsh-language reading material and to encourage more people to read in Welsh — that’s been Cara’s core ethos from the beginning.Everyone involved with the magazine — contributors, editors, printers, designers, artists, writers — speaks Welsh, and all our social media posts are in Welsh.
We want to promote women who run businesses, shops, organisations, artists and makers who work and promote their craft through Welsh, as well as develop new writing talent in journalism, creative writing, and factual writing.
We also published the first-ever Welsh-language book about the menopause, titled Menopositif: Cara dy Hun drwy’r Newid Mawr (Menopositive: Loving Yourself Through the Big Change).
Do you think your business could do more in terms of bilingualism?
Cara is innovative in publishing articles on topics that haven’t been widely covered in Welsh print before, and sometimes there’s a lack of Welsh vocabulary in certain areas — for example, architecture, fashion, and beauty.
We want to make this Welsh vocabulary more common and used more widely.
For instance, we often include a Welsh word in our food recipes that might be unfamiliar to some, followed by the English word in brackets.Recently, Cara has been focusing more on new Welsh speakers, and we plan to expand our online offering by providing a bilingual vocabulary list specifically for those who aren’t yet confident in their Welsh.
What’s next for the business?
We’re celebrating five years this year, and to mark the occasion, we held a successful May Fair on the Aberystwyth Promenade Bandstand, inviting 14 women-owned businesses to sell their products.
We’re considering holding similar events regularly.We’d like to continue publishing a high-quality magazine — in terms of content, language, and design; to develop our website blog, which has been very successful so far; to attend more festivals in the coming year; to raise awareness through marketing and advertising; to publish books and other Cara materials; to grow our social media presence; and to strengthen our brand, making our logo more recognisable and visible.
Have you accessed any resources to help your business along the way?
We receive a magazine grant from the Books Council of Wales, which helps with printing and design costs.
Business Wales was also very helpful in offering practical advice before we began setting up the magazine.
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Ani James — Owner and Founder of Ani-bendod
Ani James is the owner and founder of ani-bendod — a Welsh clothing, gifts and stationery shop in Aberystwyth.
Founded in 2018, it’s fair to say that the business has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Here’s what Ani had to say…Business contact details:
📧 Email: ani-bendod@hotmail.com
📱 Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok — @ani-bendod
🌐 Website: ani-bendod.comWhy establish the company?
It started as a small hobby rather than a “business.” I’ve always loved the creative side of things since I was young and was desperate to make creative things again after university. I began experimenting with different mediums like ink and felt — just creating, trying things out, and taking the odd stall here and there at local events.
Why establish the business in Ceredigion specifically?
This is where the business began — at home. The local people were really supportive and wanted to see a small business succeed. The Welsh language is an integral part of the business, so Ceredigion naturally lent itself to that. The growth of the business was very organic, and it has since moved online — now benefiting from customers all over Wales and beyond.
How important is the Welsh language to your business, and why?
It’s absolutely essential — there’s no ani-bendod without the Welsh language. I’m very proud to be able to say that. It’s a completely natural part of the business, and that’s what people enjoy seeing. I’m also incredibly proud that a large proportion of Welsh learners follow and support the business, saying they benefit from learning the language in a different way. Supporting our learners is just as important as supporting fluent Welsh speakers.
What’s next for the business?
We’re currently building a brand new HQ in Lledrod, which will be the business’s new home. It’ll be a permanent base for us to settle into and put down roots here in Ceredigion — making the most of our local surroundings while also taking advantage of technology and the ability to sell across all of Wales, all while working from the countryside.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in business?
There’s a different lesson every week — I’m always learning and not afraid to make mistakes or admit when something hasn’t quite worked out. But the biggest thing I’ve learned is to listen to that little inner feeling — it’s usually right about a lot of things.
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“I believe there is significant market potential for a business through the medium of Welsh…”
What is Gwenyn Môn?
A company that offers experiences, events, and bespoke training related to beekeeping.
Where are you based?
Llanddaniel Fab, Anglesey.
What’s the story behind setting up the company?
I had grown tired of being employed — first in education and previously as a research scientist.
Starting our own business was an opportunity to gain creative freedom and explore a new world without restriction.Why did you choose to start your business in Llanddaniel Fab?
I’ve lived at Trefnant Bach, a smallholding on the outskirts of Llanddaniel, for over 10 years now.
It’s a great location for the bees to gather nectar and pollen, and there’s plenty of space here to develop the business.What’s your favourite thing about running a business in the area?
There’s already a ready-made local market, and with visitors coming for our courses, experiences, and products, it’s an ideal base.
Do you employ staff?
At the moment, the company employs the two of us, with one additional person hired occasionally.
What does the company offer the local area?
I receive a lot of enquiries from local businesses about selling honey, and I hope to be able to meet this demand in the future.
We also collaborate with Curious Cymru, which promotes local activities and experiences, and with a group of smallholders on Facebook who are developing their own businesses.How important is the Welsh language to your business?
I believe there’s significant market potential for the business through the Welsh language.
There have been very few Welsh-language enquiries so far, but with the right marketing, I believe we’ll be able to tap into that market soon.How do you use the Welsh language in your business?
I’ve designed and printed a series of bilingual roller banners, with Welsh appearing first, to present information.
They’re used both here on site when delivering courses and experiences, and also when I travel to give talks and demonstrations about beekeeping to groups and societies.Welsh words such as gwenyn (bees) and mêl (honey) often spark curiosity among non-Welsh visitors, helping to raise awareness of the language.
I also advertise and share information in both Welsh and English on our website and Facebook page.What’s your favourite thing about running Gwenyn Môn?
I enjoy learning new skills like marketing, website design, and making the most of social media.
I also get tremendous satisfaction from educating the public about the importance of bees and pollinators, and from seeing the reactions and feedback from our clients.What’s your favourite place on Anglesey?
Anywhere along the Anglesey Coastal Path.
I love walking, and the path allows me to do trips of any length depending on how much free time I have.
I enjoy how the view changes around every corner, and the peace and tranquility of the more remote sections.What makes you proud of your area?
I’m proud of the richness of place names we have on Anglesey, and I take great delight in them when walking or studying maps of the area.
Any advice for someone thinking of starting a business?
Don’t hesitate — go for it!
But make the most of all the advice and support available, e.g. from Menter Môn, ARFOR, Business Wales, and Prime Cymru.And do you have any advice for someone thinking of moving (or returning) to the area?
Learn to speak Welsh, make sure your children are fluent, and get involved in your local community.
If someone wants more information, what’s the best way to contact you?
Via the website or by email: dafydd@angleseybees.co.uk
Bocs ARFOR 💬
Each week we hear from businesses across different industries — Owain Llyr talks about their use of Welsh.
Watch the full interview with Castell Howell here! ⬅️
Bocs ARFOR : Dolydd
Next, Owain Llyr visits Dolydd garage between Caernarfon and Groeslon on the Bocs ARFOR tour.
It's fair to say this week's business has an impressive story behind their use of the Welsh language 👏
Bocs ARFOR yn MSParc
75% of Dafydd Hardy’s workforce speak Welsh. But does speaking Welsh really matter in estate agency?
bocs ARFOR:
Welsh Beekeeping Association Ceredigion
Did you know a Welsh-medium beekeeping association exists? Does it matter? Full story below…
Bocs ARFOR: Are you always making an effort to learn the language of the place you visit, I wonder?
C.L. Jones Timber & Builders’ Merchants recognises the importance of a Welsh language service for its customers in Wales, and how this should be mirrored elsewhere.
Young Farmers Club
As one of Wales’ pioneering organisations, YFC is essential for the future of young people in the countryside, offering experiences, skill development and supporting future ambitions.
Last week at the Royal Welsh Show, we unveiled a special project in partnership with Wales’ Young Farmers Club — shining a light on contributions by some of its members to the local economy, in Welsh.
Bocs ARFOR: Proof that Welsh allows more job opportunities?
Being a Welsh speaker is a must for this business, located within Carmarthen market, when recruiting new staff — with the owner herself admitting she feels she's missing out by not siarad Cymraeg.