Ponthenri-based company Lloyd & Gravell has been working in partnership with the Scarlets since the opening of the iconic Parc y Scarlets Stadium and continues to sponsor the Scarlets kit during the 2012-13 season.
They have also been announced as player sponsor to young centre Adam Warren from Burry Port, who won his first cap for Wales at the end of last season after impressive performances.
Lloyd & Gravell Ltd. is a family run local business with 20 years’ experience in construction. In 2006 they established their own Waste Management division before expanding into Plumbing and Heating in 2008. Established in 1991 and becoming incorporated in 1998, Lloyd & Gravell Ltd. has successfully completed numerous contracts within both the private and public sectors. The company continues to strengthen and currently directly employs a local workforce totalling 70 employees.
The company has a proven track record and continued commitment to supporting local regeneration, reinvestment in its workforce and local communities. Director Paul Lloyd confirmed the company’s commitment to delivering community benefits within the locality. The importance of supporting local initiatives, creating employment and training opportunities are far reaching and have made an impact on the lives and well being of many individuals living in the communities where L&G work.
Working in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd., the innovative Next Step programme was developed in 2010, repeated in 2011, and 2012. Providing training opportunities for people living in Carmarthenshire, the winners received a paid apprenticeship with L&G and remaining 15 finalists offered placements on the Shared/Pathways to Apprenticeship courses.
The 2012 Next Step Candidates left a lasting legacy in the community through the creation of a spectacular new sensory garden for children with special needs at Llanelli’s Ysgol Heol Goffa. Over the summer, they worked alongside Lloyd & Gravell staff to completely overhaul the garden area at the school, creating a Safari-themed adventure playground with different textures and themes designed to stimulate the childrens’ senses.
Headteacher Nikki Symmons said: “I had no idea when Lloyd & Gravell first approached me the extent of the project they were proposing. It has completely exceeded all our expectations, and we are all so very grateful for everything they have done.
“They have worked so hard, in all kinds of weather, to get the work done on time, and I know that this will be enjoyed by our pupils for many years. They should be so proud of what they have achieved, and I hope that they know how grateful we all are here at Ysgol Heol Goffa.”
The sensory garden made its first public appearance at the school’s family fun day on Saturday, September 8.
Kevin Gravell said that “this year’s competition demonstrated that a wealth of potential talent for the construction industry exists within our local community. The youth of today receive a lot of negative press, however, these individuals have proved beyond a doubt that, given the opportunity, young people can make a very positive impact in our communities. They are a credit to their families, their generation and more importantly themselves. They have all shown tremendous commitment, enthusiasm, determination and willingness to learn.”
He added “the tasks have tested their character, abilities and enthusiasm and they should all be very proud of their achievements. It has been a pleasure to have them work and train alongside our team.”
Like the Scarlets, the company endeavours to remain close to the local community and maintains strong Welsh traditions. A bilingual service is offered to all clients, with 65% of the workforce being able to converse fluently through the medium of Welsh.
From its inception, the company introduced an annual company holiday on 1st March to celebrate St. David’s Day in recognition of the Patron Saint of Wales.
The company has its roots firmly fixed in the Scarlets region and works closely with another of their partners, Coleg Sir Gar, in helping support young people, nurture excellent skills across the construction trades and provide real opportunities for their future careers and professional development. An annual award is presented to the company’s Apprentice of the Year. These are values that the Scarlets try to implement in developing local rugby talent.
In recent years L&G worked closely with former Scarlets No 8 Ben Morgan, who undertook an apprenticeship in plumbing.
Scarlets Sponsorship Manager, Leyton Williams said: “The Scarlets are proud to be associated with a thriving local business. Lloyd & Gravell share our goal of being at the heart of our communities.
“Lloyd & Gravell has supported us for a number of years now and are in their thirdseason as a kit sponsor. They are also committed to supporting young talent within our rugby region. We are thrilled to continue this partnership with them and hope to build a strong future together.”
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