All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Pilot project vision to unify optometry services for future of eyecare in Wales

A UNIFIED approach to optometry will be the future of eye-care in Wales.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has been selected to pilot a new cluster programme focused on further strengthening primary eye care services nationally.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the sector, former Southeast Wales Regional Optical Committee Chair Ian Jones has been selected to lead the project, supported by fellow optometrist Danielle Mealing.

Funded by the Strategic Programme for Primary Care (SPPC), they will help realise the Welsh Government’s vision for a wholly clinical approach to eye care, providing more support closer to home and reducing unnecessary referrals to GPs and hospital emergency departments.

“For years we have worked closely with GPs and hospitals but there have been challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic has played a big part in accelerating the need for a more joined-up approach,” said Ian, a partner optometrist in a small independent group in the Rhondda and Vale of Glamorgan.

“We are already in discussions with colleagues and looking to move forward together with more signposting, collaboration, and a cohesive plan that benefits everybody, especially patients.

“As a profession, we are perfectly placed to do this and believe this is going to be the future for eye-care because we know there is a need – and an appetite – for optometry to integrate with other health professions and a great deal of Welsh Government support for this in partnership with local health boards and community groups.”

Ian added: “The pandemic has allowed us to be more innovative, widen our horizons and led to a natural amount of cross referral.

“An example of this was in putting independent prescribers within specialist practices, which made a tremendous saving. That system has been preserved, which demonstrates optometry can work within a cluster model.”

Ian said they will now look to harness interest and build momentum and engagement, garnering best practice and feedback from the optometry arena on next steps.

“We have recently introduced new technology which has been particularly valuable in remote and emergency situations in hard-to-reach areas, but the bigger picture is centred on widening the service overall,” he added.

“The clusters we have in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board area are a good mix of independent and corporate practices, engagement has been positive and because we know a lot of them personally there is a foundation to build on, with the aim of eventually rolling this approach out across Wales.

“The nature of our profession, especially in this area, is to rise up to the challenge, which reflects well on our industry and is the best way forward for the people under our care.

“Crucially, for me it’s about giving back, striving to try and improve things and recognising patients are the priority. We will work closely together for everybody’s benefit – that will be at the forefront of our thinking during this pilot scheme.”

Sali Davis, Chief Executive of Optometry Wales, welcomed Ian and Danielle to their ‘proof of concept’ roles and said they could provide the template for the way in which practices operate in the advent of contract reform.

“We will likely see mandated formations of optometric practices to form their own professional collaboratives and then feed into the wider primary care cluster in their area which will allow all practices to be involved in local pathways that are properly funded,” she added.

The pilot will be monitored and evaluated to harness lessons learned and will be reported on in 12 months’ time.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Help Us Help You campaign, NHS Wales is encouraging people to get to know the services available to them.

The way you access NHS services has changed but we are still here for you. Help Us Help You by getting to know the different ways you can access the NHS so you can get the right help at the right time by checking online using NHS 111 Wales. Every change you make will help us help you.

Visit www.cwmtafmorgannwg.wales for more news and information from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

For more information on Optometry Wales, visit the website: www.optometrywales.org.uk.

Please use the hashtags #HelpuNiHelpuChi and #HelpUsHelpYou to support the Welsh Government’s Help Us, Help You campaign.

News

Industrial supplier unveils post-pandemic growth plans at Skills Olympics

A PROMINENT industrial supplier unveiled plans for post-pandemic growth at a popular Skills Olympics.

Organised by GE Tools in partnership with Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, more than 60 students competed in myriad disciplines including Vehicle Body Repair (VBR), Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Services and Repair, and Carpentry.

The event was a huge success and welcomed leading names in the trade, engineering, construction, automotive, employment and training sectors for community activities and demonstrations; RWE Renewables, Read Construction, North Wales Police, Creating Enterprise, Makita, Job Centre Plus, Draper, Globus, Rockfall, Stahlwille, Gedore, the Armed Forces, Woody’s Lodge and the CITB were among those in attendance.

Celebrating 34 years in business, Deeside and Rhyl-based GE Tools had a strong start to 2022, welcoming three new members of staff ahead of further recruitment this summer.

One of the largest independent distributors of tools, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), hygiene products and personalised workwear in the region, they plan to continue supporting events that inspire the next generation of trades and thanked everyone for their contribution to the day.

Managing Director Chris Owen said: “The learners were fantastic and showed a great level of skill and ability.

“The feedback was very positive, it was great to have so many businesses and organisations from different industries, demonstrating the career opportunities out there for the students.

“We thank them for their support and the college for its commitment to the next generation of workers in this arena. The talent on show gives us confidence that the future of the trade sector is in safe hands.”

He added: “GE Tools is all about giving back, to our customers, partners, and the community, so we will continue to help organise events like this, providing a platform for young men and women to shine in their chosen fields.

“As a business we have taken on three new staff and will look to recruit another four in the next year at Deeside and Rhyl, which demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality employment opportunities in North Wales.”

“We’re also delighted to announce GE Tools is now an accredited Living Wage Employer, which means every member of our team will earn a real Living Wage from day one.”

The Skills Olympics were hosted by Coleg Llandrillo’s Cefndy Road campus, which includes the multi-million pound Centre for Automotive Technology and a dedicated sixth form hub.

Salah Berdouk, Assistant Principal for Computing and Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, congratulated the medallists and those taking part on the day.

“Our learners rose to the challenge and gave their very best to put into practice everything they have learnt this year,” he said.

“This time, not only Engineering and Construction took part but other areas of the campus including students in Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care and Public Services.

“The learners were so pleased and felt empowered they can achieve anything they want if they work at it. The generous prizes from partners like GE Tools and Howdens made all the difference.”

Salah added: “This was the perfect example of industry doing everything it can to inspire young people from Rhyl and Denbighshire.

“The event was made even more beneficial to the community as so many companies and organisations were there, and local school pupils – well done, everyone.”

For more information on GE Tools, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact sales@getools.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01244 836968 and follow them on social media at @getools.

NOTES:

Visit www.gllm.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

More information on the Living Wage can be found by visiting www.livingwage.wales.

News

Leading law practice unveils post-pandemic growth plans

AN ACCLAIMED law firm unveiled plans for post-pandemic growth after taking on new staff and celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors has been a mainstay on St Asaph Business Park since 2000, rising from three to 24 employees and gaining prominence for delivering high quality personal and commercial legal services while holding prestigious accreditations including Lexcel, CQS, SIA and the Legal 500.

The firm, which also has offices in Chester and Menai Bridge, will extend its footprint later this year having secured more national clients in multiple sectors, including healthcare, tourism, hospitality, and property.

Founded by director Richard Jones, they have also experienced demand for wills and probate support, divorce, clinical negligence and catastrophic injury cases, and conveyancing.

With Andrew Foley-Jones and Anna Mills Morgan – the company’s first ever trainee – joining him at the helm, Richard – who hails from Rhyl – believes they are well placed to build on their long-standing reputation.

“Like many organisations, we have faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, but we believe we have managed to navigate them successfully and are in a strong position moving forward,” he said.

“We had already made significant investment in cloud-based software and new technology, so staff working from home and dealing with cases and clients virtually was a smooth process and allowed us to continue operating at a high level.

“As a result, we plan to open a further office in North Wales later this year and are recruiting new bilingual administrative staff to our St Asaph headquarters.

“Coronavirus is the biggest crisis this sector has faced in the three decades I’ve been a solicitor, and certainly the time we have been here, but I’m so proud of how our team dealt with it – it has given us a platform to grow further.”

Andrew, who was raised in Prestatyn, echoed those words and said the firm’s ability to pivot and adapt to what was uncharted territory will make them even more efficient in the future.

“We have clients across North Wales but also in many different parts of England and Wales, so taking many of our meetings and conferences online has made us extremely efficient,” he added.

“Of course, we would always rather meet people face-to-face but in terms of sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint and being able to deal with a case or legal issue at the touch of a button, the move towards hybrid working conditions has created a fresh and more focused approach to the law.”

Anna, originally from Hope, Flintshire, says the business is focused on “giving back” to the community in 2022 via fundraising activities and the continued development of their talented workforce.

Mackenzie Jones also recently secured more than £559,000 of estimated future income for charity members of the Free Wills Network.

“Promoting internally and supporting trainees on their legal journey is important to us, but it’s also vital for the future of our industry,” she said.

“I think the pandemic has allowed us to look at the bigger picture, to reflect on what kind of business we want to be and how we can best serve current and prospective clients, given the increase in interest and enquiries we have seen across all areas.”

“We are known as a bold, forward-thinking law practice which is why we are attracting more and more clients UK-wide on the commercial side, and why we have been able to strengthen our roots here in Wales.

“One thing is for sure; the coming months are going to be busier than ever – these are exciting times for Mackenzie Jones Solicitors.”

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466. Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Welsh student success at national agriculture awards

THE dedication and drive of Animal Management students was rewarded at a national agriculture awards ceremony.

Coleg Cambria Llysfasi learners Emma Roberts and Caitlin Mann were among the finalists at this year’s Lantra Cymru Awards.

Emma, 22, from Llangollen, received the College Lifelong Learner of the Year Award.

Nineteen year-old Caitlin, also from Llangollen, was Highly Commended in the College Young Learner of the Year category.

Both former pupils of Ysgol Dinas Bran, they were delighted to be part of the event – held at The Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells – and thanked Level 3 Animal Management tutor Alex Morgan for nominating them.

Emma, who plans to study Agriculture with Animal Science at university from September, has her heart set on becoming a teacher.

She said: “My mum and grandmother both grew up on dairy farms but I was unsure what career I wanted to do until spending some time on a farm doing work experience.

“I loved it and from that point knew I wanted to work in agriculture, particularly education.

“I look forward to seeing what the future brings and was really happy and surprised to win this award, it’s given me a huge confidence boost as I come to the end of my time at Cambria, which has been fantastic.”

Caitlin, who works at Llangollen Wharf and on a dairy farm, will return to Llysfasi next year to begin a Level 3 course in Agriculture.

She added: “I’ve never been nominated for an award before so that was lovely, and it was a great night.

“It has been a challenging time as over the last two years a lot of lessons were held online and we weren’t working, but luckily things are getting back to normal now and the college have been very supportive.

“I’m looking forward to coming back next year and beginning a new qualification, with my long-term aim to work in the dairy sector. The guidance and help I’ve had from the college is a big reason I’ve decided to return, and the fantastic lecturers we have here.”

Alex paid tribute to Emma and Caitlin for their diligence and dedication, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Both learners were nominated for the same principal reasons, they are very hard-working, dedicated and show a genuine interest in the industry,” she said.

“It’s been a very difficult couple of years, so it was a great privilege to have had an opportunity to nominate them and celebrate their fantastic achievements. Congratulations again to you both, your success is so well deserved.”

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, added: “Each one of this year’s very worthy Lantra Cymru Awards winners and runners-up is, through their commitment to lifelong learning, making a valuable contribution to the modernisation and professionalism of the agriculture industry in Wales.

“Your collective efforts are helping our industry safeguard the future of family farms and rural communities for future generations. I want to congratulate all this year’s nominees and in particular, our very worthy winners.

“I wish you all well as you make your mark on agriculture in Wales and beyond – the future of our industry is in very safe hands.”

For more on the Lantra Cymru Awards, visit www.lantra.co.uk

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.

News

Booming town businesses reap the awards after strong start to 2022

MOLD businesses are celebrating success in a series of national award ceremonies.

Organisations have enjoyed a prosperous year with a glut of nominations in a wide range of industry competitions.

And there is the opportunity to achieve even more this Spring as voting is open for this year’s Mold Community Awards, which acknowledge the outstanding contribution and commitment of groups or individuals living or working within the town and supporting residents.

Categories include Business of the Year, Volunteering, Sporting Achievement and Event of the Year, and the closing date for entries is April 6.

Among those to enjoy a recent period of prize-winning is Celtic Financial Planning, which secured clients and increased its capital management portfolio during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Director Rob Lewis was named in the Citywire: New Model Adviser Awards’ Top 35 under 35 IFA (Independent Financial Adviser) list, and the company was crowned IFA of the Year for Wales.

The Bromfield Lane firm is also in the running for the FSB Cymru Community Award and Micro Business of the Year, and has secured several other titles since last summer, including SME News’ Best IFA in North Wales.

“It is fantastic to be recognised for any award, but for us the biggest prize is client satisfaction and the ongoing trust and belief of our customers, which we pride ourselves on,” said Rob.

“To see Mold thriving as a town is fantastic, we are very proud to be a part of it and congratulate all the businesses who have achieved so much during such challenging times.”

Another to have thrived in past months is Michelle Williams, who opened Eyelicious Brow, Lash and Skin Clinic during Covid.

She picked up five trophies at the British Hair and Beauty Awards, including the UK title for Brow Specialist of the Year.

“This was the first time I’d ever entered, so to win five awards was a huge surprise, a great honour,” said Michelle.

“The clinic was launched in November 2020 and was not open for very long before I was forced to close due to the Coronavirus. It has been a turbulent time but the businesses here in Mold are so supportive, it’s a fantastic place to be.

“And we have the most amazing customers who are more like friends and family, they’re on this journey with me and I’m so thankful for that.”

Other successes include Daniel Morris Butchers, which won medals at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and reached the finals of the Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward’ competition; Mold Alehouse was named Vale of Clwyd CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022; Asia Sensation is among the top 10 Asian food establishments in Wales vying for the Food Awards Wales title; Pure Beauty is up for the Best Customer Experience accolade at the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards; and The Bookshop was among just six Welsh finalists in the running for The British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year.

Caroline Johnson, a partner in the High Street store, says it was the first time they had entered the competition, despite being a mainstay in the town for more than 40 years.

“We were absolutely delighted to be shortlisted, and to see more and more people returning to reading even before the pandemic, something we are very passionate about,” she said.

“We have had so much support from customers and are delighted to be part of the vibrant retail community here in Mold, which continues to go from strength to strength.”

For more information on Mold Community Awards, email or visit www.moldtowncouncil.org.uk. Alternatively, call 01352 758532.  

News

Supportive students raising cash for hospice at Wrexham pop-up shop

BENEVOLENT BTEC Business students are using their commercial talents to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

A seven-strong group from Coleg Cambria Yale opened a pop-up shop at the site’s Enterprise Hub in Wrexham to sell items in-person and online for Nightingale House Hospice.

They have already secured £440 for the charity, including proceeds from the sale of a signed Wrexham AFC shirt.

The cohort is now aiming to garner even more funds before their temporary outlet closes tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3pm.

BTEC Business Lecturer Anne Williams-Redfern said: “This is part of their course but also a chance for them to make a real difference by donating all the money raised to the hospice.

“They have worked so hard and been incredibly resourceful in gathering a wide variety of products to sell at the pop-up shop.

“They are operating as a team and also marketing the space and event to create engagement and attract as many customers as they can in this two-day window.”

She added: “We hope students, staff and visitors will come and show their support, so these learners can experience a real-time, real-life commercial premises and make a positive impact for Nightingale House Hospice.

“We are very proud of them all, they’re doing a brilliant job and are a credit to Coleg Cambria.”

The group is also raffling an Easter Hamper – with tickets available from reception at Yale’s new Hafod building all this week – and there will be a picnic basket and other treats available to purchase.

Sarah Povey, Community and Events Fundraiser for Nightingale House Hospice, thanked the students for their efforts.

She added: “We are so incredibly grateful to this creative group of students for choosing Nightingale House Hospice to be the beneficiary of this project, it will make a huge difference to patient care and the services we provide.

“It’s wonderful to see students so proactive and committed to their future and I hope the Wrexham community gets behind them and pops in to see the excellent variety of products they have to offer.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.

For more news and information from Nightingale House Hospice, visit www.nightingalehouse.co.uk.

News

Launch of mental health courses to support post-pandemic working conditions

THE importance of mental health in the workplace has never been more prevalent.

But with more and more people based at home or operating in hybrid conditions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, that workplace is now often the kitchen table or a spare room.

This has raised widespread issues, from isolation to anxiety, which is why Coleg Cambria’s Northop Business School unveiled a suite of programmes to support managers, directors, HR staff and employees dealing with these issues every day.

Level 2 and Level 3 courses include Highfields Introduction to Mental Health Awareness; Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health; Mental Health for Managers; Certificate in Mental Health; Mental Health First Aid Wales, and NEBOSH Working with Wellbeing.

Mental Health and Wellbeing lecturer Caroline McDermott says learning is available in person or online, and specialist, tailored modules can be created for specific industries.

“We have had interest from North Wales and further afield given the innovative and advanced content we will be delivering,” said Caroline.

“Our partnership with the awarding bodies Highfield, IOSH and NEBOSH are a particular USP and attracting managers wanting to enrol day or night, which we can accommodate given the demand.

“And the topics are across changes in the workplace to ensure the wellbeing of employees and those with specific mental health conditions.”

She added: “Larger organisations have explored the possibility of bespoke programmes designed for their sector, given different arenas have different pressures and needs.

“Again, we can support this and have had a lot of interest already.”

Professions including construction, farming, medical and veterinary, and hair and beauty are among those which have experienced high levels of mental health problems, suicide rates and stress.

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Northop Business School, urged people to get in touch to find out more about upcoming programmes and funding.

“Many industries and businesses have suffered because of Covid and issues which may have never been experienced before, from furlough to self-isolation in lockdown,” said Jane.

“Our courses tackle these factors using expertise and examples that will no doubt prove invaluable to participants.

“Financial support may be available and with many companies looking to promote mental health champions and ambassadors the time is now to introduce the importance of wellbeing and mindfulness into strategies and day-to-day operations for the future.”

The courses will be running throughout 2022. For more information, visit employers@cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 006.

For more news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

News

100+ young women attend event designed to attract more females into engineering and construction

MORE than 100 young women attended an event designed to attract females into construction and engineering.

Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham invited all secondary schools in north east Wales to join a day of workshops, seminars, and activities ahead of International Women’s Day this Tuesday (March 8).

Leading names from both sectors were in attendance, such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), and companies including Anwyl, Magellan, Redrow, Jones Bros, Wilmot Dixon, Kronospan, Read Construction, DECA, M&P Surveying, Blue Print, and TACP Architects.

Pupils also travelled from Shropshire and Cheshire to be a part of the programme, enjoy a tour of facilities – featuring the £10m engineering complex – and talks from some of the region’s top women in industry.

Karl Jackson, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology and Site Lead at Bersham Road, said it was “fantastic” to see such a positive response from the students.

“Engineering and construction are traditionally male-dominated fields but there are so many opportunities out there for women to be successful, the barriers that were once there are disappearing,” he added.

“Of course, the challenge now is to demonstrate what these opportunities are and how working in these arenas is an attractive proposition, which is why we held this event.

“The feedback we’ve received has been brilliant, it’s fantastic to see the interest and hopefully the next generation of engineers and construction workers will see far more of a gender balance.”

The expo also included practical and interactive sessions, career guidance and support, and ‘have a go’ simulation exercises in welding, trades and more.

Gemma Booth, a Member of the CIOB (MCIOB) recently moved from construction into education with Cambria and says the event showcased what they and the organisations in attendance have to offer.

She herself succeeded in what was a traditionally all-male environment but says times have moved on.

“In some careers there is still a stigma about women’s ability to do the job, but at Coleg Cambria we are all about breaking down barriers and giving our learners the best possible chance to progress and flourish on whatever path they take,” said Gemma.

“And we do so in partnership with many of the country’s top engineering and construction companies and trade bodies.”

She added: “Thanks again to everyone who came today, it’s been a very rewarding and insightful event, for us and for those who attended. We hope it has inspired more young women to think about their futures and broaden their horizons when considering the years ahead.”

For more information and the latest news from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk

Visit www.internationalwomensday.com for more on International Women’s Day.

News

North Wales college unveils education partnership with leading university

COLEG CAMBRIA has unveiled a suite of higher education programmes in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Prospective students can apply to study Foundation degrees in Criminal Justice, Tourism and Hospitality and Sport Coaching at the north east Wales college’s University Centre from this September.

The courses will be validated by the Merseyside institution, which is ranked 49th in the UK (Times Higher World University Rankings).

Emma Hurst, Dean of HE and an Assistant Principal at Coleg Cambria, said: “To be working with Liverpool John Moores is a fantastic USP for these programmes and I’m sure that relationship will lead to the unveiling of further degree-level qualifications in the future.

“With the state-of-the-art facilities we have at Yale Wrexham and Deeside I’m sure these three programmes will prove popular with learners in north-east Wales and beyond.”

Sports Coaching will be held at Deeside over two years, with the option of a further year to complete a BSc at LJMU’s world-renowned School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Possible careers include sports coach, sports development officer and PE teacher.

Tourism and Hospitality Management is to be held at Yale Wrexham face-to-face, with the opportunity to go on and ‘top-up’ in a different field, and Criminal Justice will be in person at Yale Wrexham over two years (subject to validation) with modules including History of Crime and Criminalisation, Media, Public and Criminal Justice, and the Criminal Justice System.

There is the option to study online if needed.

The collaboration with LJMU comes as Cambria unveils a new website and student guide, taking its HE offering to the next level.

“For those learners who do not want to go away to university we are the perfect option,” said Emma.

“You can study at one of our pioneering north-east Wales sites and have the opportunity to go on and top-up the qualification at Liverpool John Moores or one of our other partner institutions.”

She added: “The University Centre at Cambria has grown in stature, with prospective students deciding to take the opportunity to study for a degree in first-class facilities on their own doorstep.

“We recognise that and will continue to lay the foundations for HE in this region, with the future of our students and their career prospects at the heart of everything we do.”

LJMU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) Professor Phil Vickerman welcomed the collaboration and said: “LJMU is proud to partner Coleg Cambria in offering life-changing opportunities to students in north-east Wales and, hopefully, we will see many of them in Liverpool in the near future.”

News

International recognition for £20m sustainable dairy factory ahead of Spring opening

A £20MILLION cheese factory development received international recognition ahead of its opening this Spring.

Lauded as the cream of sustainability and innovation in the sector, Mona Dairy was visited by Australia’s High Commissioner George Brandis QC and Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon.

The 25,000 sq ft Anglesey facility will be the most modern anywhere in Europe, capable of producing 7,000 tons of Welsh and continental cheeses every year.

Just weeks after the UK signed a historic trade deal with Australia – expected to unlock more than £10bn in contracts annually, and worth a reported £60m to the Welsh economy – Mr Brandis congratulated Mona Dairy Managing Director Ronald Akkerman and colleagues for bringing their vision to fruition.

He added: “One of the great winners of this trade agreement is the processed food sector.

“Welsh cheeses produced from Welsh farm-supplied milk will be one of the beneficiaries of the deal, so there are opportunities to be seized.”

Based on Mona Industrial Park, the dairy was built using the most modern production technology available.

Creating 100 jobs and running entirely on renewable energy, it will be a zero combustion and zero emissions site benefiting from circular systems for inputs such as water and heat.

Mr Akkerman said the project will set new standards for the industry, blending traditional and revolutionary methods to produce Edam, Gouda, Cheddar, and a range of artisan cheeses using milk from local farms.

“This factory is the largest development in the food sector in recent times and is attracting a great deal of interest from across the industry globally,” said Mr Akkerman.

“It is very exciting to now be able to show people around the plant as it is nearing completion.

“We thank Mr Brandis and Mrs Crosbie for coming to see first-hand what an innovative project this is, for us, the region and the dairy sector.”

Mrs Crosbie added: “With a clear focus on sustainable and ethical cheese production, Mona Dairy will set new standards for the industry and the world.

“It is wonderful to see such a market leading initiative on Ynys Mon, which will create 100 jobs for the area.  All with sustainability firmly at its core.”

Mona Dairy’s core ethos is to deliver a better, fair, and transparent deal for farmers, whilst building their sustainability and environmental credentials and encouraging regenerative dairy practices.

Mr Akkerman said: “We want to do this because not only is it fundamental for the environment, there’s also much greater demand from consumers for brands that have sustainable credentials.

“We can deliver that, as our production facility is well positioned to give the products created here a global competitive advantage.

“It’s an exciting time for us and for the industry – we can’t wait for the process to begin.”

Visit www.monadairy.com for more news and information from Mona Dairy.