Question and answer session with Caru Ceredigion Awards 2024 main winner
Following the remarkable success of butcher Sion Jones from Llanon, Ceredigion at the 2024 Caru Ceredigion Awards, we had the opportunity to catch up with Sion and Sulwen to see how the Cynnal y Cardi Fund has helped their business.
Give us a brief introduction to your business before receiving the Cynnal y Cardi Fund.
Cigydd Sion Jones Butcher is a butcher’s shop located in Llanon, Ceredigion. As a young couple raised on family sheep and cattle farms, we are passionate about providing high-quality, locally-reared meat, supporting farmers and the community. We offer a variety of fresh products, including barbecue packs, breakfast packs, and ready-to-cook meals.
Explain briefly what your business has received through the Cynnal y Cardi Fund.
Through the Cynnal y Cardi Fund, we received financial support that enabled us to establish and grow the business. We needed to invest significantly in specialist equipment, which has allowed us to expand our product range and improve the efficiency of our internal processes. This has enabled us to supply more shops in the local area, and to introduce new things to the business such as ready-to-cook and frozen meals, offering convenient choices to our customers.
What positive impact has this fund had on your business?
Cynnal y Cardi has enabled us to invest in creating a brand, developing a website and digital content to strengthen our connection with customers. The fund has helped us expand our product range and attract more customers, especially those who need convenient food options. In addition, this support has enabled us to think more strategically about long-term growth.
Has this fund helped your business become more sustainable?
Yes, definitely. By investing in frozen ready meals, we’ve reduced waste and increased our ability to provide consistent products. The support has also helped us secure a more stable future for our business, enabling us to adapt to customer needs and new markets.
How will this affect the local economy and community?
This will have a positive impact on the local economy by enabling us to support more local farmers and suppliers, ensuring that money stays within the community. We strongly believe that farmers deserve a fair price for their produce.
Furthermore, we have been able to - and will continue - to carry out visits to local schools, educating pupils about local food, the butchery process, and the importance of sustainability, inspiring the next generation to support local produce. Our ready meals provide nutritious and convenient options for busy people and older individuals, helping them access high-quality local food.
Would you have been able to implement this without the Cynnal y Cardi Fund?
Like all small start-ups, cash flow is challenging, and the support has enabled us to invest in essential equipment and expand the business faster. The funding has allowed us to adapt to challenges and build a more resilient business. Without this support, we wouldn’t have been able to invest on the same scale, which would have led to delays in our expansion plans and reduced our opportunities to grow and attract attention in a competitive market.
Would you consider applying for the Cynnal y Cardi Fund in the future?
Absolutely! The support from the Cynnal y Cardi Fund has been invaluable in helping us grow and innovate. In the future, we would like to explore further funding opportunities to expand our facilities, create more local jobs, and continue to support our community.
For more information about UKSPF and Cynnal y Cardi projects, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Ceredigion County Council or contact the Cynnal y Cardi team via email at ce.cynnalycardi@ceredigion.gov.uk.