Elfed Roberts from Siop y Madryn, Nefyn was announced as winner of the Gwynedd Business Week Business Person of the Year award at the week’s gala dinner, sponsored by Bangor University and Magnox North, on Friday night.
Presenting the award on behalf of the Gwynedd Business Network at Plas Glynllifon Mansion, Gwyn Jones said, “Elfed Roberts has shown outstanding entrepreneurial achievement over the last 6 years. Everyone on the judging panel agreed that he epitomises homegrown entrepreneurship and ambition, qualities essential to sustaining local communities in Wales.”
Elfed had the vision and drive in 2004 to purchase the former Trenholmes garage site in Nefyn and transform it to a thriving market store under the Londis brand. 12 months later, he purchased the adjacent site which went on to become the main pharmacy serving the north Llyn area.
Today he employs 35 staff (over 10 on a full time basis) and has a £2.5million turnover. In 2009 he achieved the best Londis store in Wales award and came 2nd in the UK wide category. He is seen by Londis UK as an example of good practice and champion of local produce promotion.
In May 2010 Elfed purchased the garage and Londis store in Cricieth and his plans for development on site are underway. His goal for the next ten years is to open further stores and expand his business portfolio.
The rest of Gwynedd Business Week was deemed a success, with the 15 individual events taking place across the county well supported.
Dyfed Edwards, Leader of Gwynedd Council said, “Once again, Gwynedd businesses have taken time out of their busy schedules to attend all kinds of events, and the Gwynedd Business Week goes from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing the Gwynedd Business Awards return in 2011 and once again giving the business community of Gwynedd an opportunity to come together.”
