Faces of vibrant economy revealed in list
GWENITH ClossColgrove from the United States will be visiting Ty’n Llan, Nant Peris at 5pm on Thursday, August 4, and would be grateful if any members of the Closs family could join her.
She met 40 members eight years ago and would like to meet as many as possible again while she is in the area paying a visit to her ancestors’ home village and burial ground by the church in Nant Peris. ON Sunday July 31 Rhodwyr Llŷn Ramblers have a circular walk from Llangybi to Moel Bronmiod and Pen y Gaer led by Kath Spencer.
On Thursday August 4 there will be a circular walk from Y Fron led by Ian Spencer. For more information call the walk leaders (01766 810997).
TWO business leaders from North Wales are on the list of 100 Faces of a Vibrant Econ- omy.
The list is composed of individuals representing cities, communities and corporations across the UK.
They have been selected for proven skills in at least one of three categories, innovation, social purpose and inspiring leadership.
The list has been created a part of professional services network Grant Thornton’s ambition to shape a vibrant economy by working with with government, businesses and communities.
The North Wales representatives are Gwyn Roberts from the Galeri Caernefon community enterprise and businessman Mark Gould of Wrexham-based Wholebake.
Gwyn Roberts is at the forefront of breathing new life into Caernarfon.
Over the last 25 years, Galeri Caernarfon, the not for profit community enterprise Gwyn founded, has purchased derelict buildings – shops, offices and housing – within the walled town and has successfully refurbished and re-developed 20 previously vacant and run down properties.
A Grant Thornton spokesman said: “Underscored by a companywide belief that anything is possible through creative thought and sustainable action, Galeri Caernarfon contributes almost £2.5 million to the Gwynedd and Anglesey economy and has established itself as a centre for creative companies in the Caernarfon area.”
Gwyn also wants to bring performing arts to the people.
Opened in 2005, Galeri Creative Enterprise (GCE) has been the largest and most ambitious of the enterprise’s projects so far, he describes it as an “innovative solution to the problem of sustaining a 400 seat theatre in an area of relatively low population.”
GCE uses art projects to improve the skills and confidence of individuals and groups. Ever year, around 400 events and projects are produced at the GCE.
Gwyn believes in the power of social enterprises. He said: “The sector has a socially innovative energy which has provided many low cost solutions to some major economic and community challenges.”
After recently securing the funding, Galeri’s next project is the town’s only fully dedicated two-screen cinema.
At Wholebake, the clue is in the name. Founded more than 30 years ago, each product Wholebake makes contains only natural ingredients and are all gluten-free.
Although the company has outgrown its original bakery in North Wales to generate a turnover of £16m a year, every bar is still made by hand in their factory at Abenbury Way, on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
Since joining the company in 2003, Mark has made sure that the vision of the company remains constant.
His mission is for the company’s 16 products to become the mainstream alternative to nutrionally poor snack products and he has overseen a growth in sales from £4 million in 2011 to more than £16m.
But health is not Mark’s only concern, he is also building a sustainable and ethical business.
Wholebake’s flagship brand, 9BAR, runs a good energy twice initiative – for every 9BAR sold, a lifechanging solar light is provided to a rural African family through their partnership with SolarAid.
To date, more than 160,000 people have benefitted from Wholebake’s initiative, saving an estimated 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
9BAR also gives back to the sporting community, with is support for a number of international athletes in sports ranging from triathlon to climbing. It sponsors the Great Britain women’s white water raft team and Ed Clancy, the double Olympic gold medal winning track cyclist.
The Faces have been photographed by Magnum Photos, the international photography cooperative, as a celebration of the contribution they are making to a more vibrant economy.
Carl Williams, managing partner at Grant Thornton, said: “Earlier this year we set out a clear purpose to shape a vibrant economy, and we know that no one organisation or individual can do this alone.
“Following the result of the EU referendum it is even more important than ever that we all work together to help the UK to build upon its strengths and ensure that our economy continues to grow. Today we’re celebrating the achievements of these Faces driving a vibrant economy and sharing their stories to inspire others. Some are inspiring leaders, empowering their employees to reach their full potential. Others are using innovation to help their local communities, and some have created businesses with a clear, social purpose. We are connecting and convening these inspirational figures to help us unlock the true potential of Wales.
“Instead of seeking out the challenges, and focusing on the problems, we believe that by sharing inspiring examples from businesses, government and communities, we can look at how to replicate these across the UK for the good of the economy, and the communities in which we live and serve.”