During the official opening of the Annog Cyf office in Porthmadog, Elin Jones AM met with Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd staff members along with individuals who have already made the most of the programme’s support to develop their own enterprise locally.

Opening the new office, Elin Jones AM, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Minister for Rural Affairs said:

“I am delighted to officially open the Annog Cyf office here in Porthmadog and to have the opportunity to meet project staff and individuals who have received support from both the Galluogi/ Enable and  Mentro/ Venture projects. 
 
"The new office will provide a real base for the implementation of both projects, which are aimed at encouraging innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within Gwynedd. This is a particularly relevant theme during these economically difficult times and I wish everyone involved in these projects every success."

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards noted:

“It is wonderful to see the Council working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that our rural areas make the most of the specialized help which is available to promote a spirit of enterprise. Gwynedd’s rural areas have a wealth of fantastic produce – I am confident that the work of the Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd programme will help to make the most of these special resources.”

The Annog Cyf office has been opened primarily to implement two particular aspects of the Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd programme:

• the “Enable” project, which offers practical support to new businesses, small existing businesses who are venturing to a new field, or community groups who are based on a farm
• “Gwynedd’s Offer” project which will support local products and local supply chains

As part of the “Gwynedd’s Offer” project, trial packs containing the best of what Gwynedd has to offer in terms of local produce and crafts will be developed and distributed. Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones was the first person to receive one of these packs during her visit on Thursday.

Councillor Dewi Lewis, who leads on the Economy and Community for Gwynedd Council added:

“Building on the success of the Llwyddo’n Lleol programme, we aim to ensure that Gwynedd’s budding entrepreneurs can develop enterprises which not only suit their rural setting but which also play on the strengths of the area.

“Through the tailored support provided by the various aspects of the Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd programme, we are confident that Gwynedd’s rural communities can deliver successful and sustainable enterprises which make the most of the county’s assets.“

The Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd programme is divided into four projects which aim to deliver targeted support to people who have never ventured before, to those who want to develop a new enterprise, through to those who already own a small business but who wish to develop a new commercial activity. Whilst each of these four projects are implemented by a separate agency, the coordinating work is undertaken by the Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd team at Gwynedd Council.

If you want to find out if there is a Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd project which could help you to develop a business venture, contact the team at Gwynedd Council on 01286 679774 / 01286 679729 or email: rdp@gwynedd.gov.uk

The Llwyddo yng Ngwynedd programme has been funded through the Welsh Assembly Government’s 2007-2013 Rural Development Plan.