Ynys Môn entrepreneur helps young people stay local

Local entrepreneur Richard Holt, the man behind Mr Holt’s Chocolate, Mônuts, and Melin Llynon, recently opened a Chocolate Factory in Llangefni, Anglesey and has employed local talent to join the business.

Proud of its Welsh roots and identity, the company is the first to brand daily chocolate using the Welsh language and is passionate about offering opportunities to young talent from the area.

Luke Rhodes, 30, recently joined the company as a chocolatier, his role involves producing sweet treats sold in food shops. Having previously worked as a postman, Luke found this opportunity through the Llwyddo’n Lleol Gyrfaol (Career) initiative, which promotes career and social opportunities in the Arfor area.

The Gyrfaol incentive is a Welsh Government funded venture between Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd, and Anglesey Councils. It aims to create opportunities in Welsh-speaking heartlands through entrepreneurship and economic development projects.

Luke said, “I’ve been working for the company since last summer, and during this time, I’ve learnt so much about the sector and the business. I started working at the Melin Llynon site, helping with creating Mônuts, before recently moving to the Chocolate Factory. Working close to home and learning about different parts of food production has been an excellent opportunity for me.

“I previously thought that roles like this were only available in larger towns or cities and had this idea that I would have to choose between my career or living close to home. I’m grateful I can now do both.”

So far, over 56 young people have benefitted from the Llwyddo’n Lleol initiative across Arfor counties and have gained professional career opportunities, allowing them to work in unique and varied sectors. The incentive aims to encourage young people to stay, live and work in these areas, which often see a high percentage of their young talent leaving to find new opportunities.

Passionate about keeping opportunities locally, Richard has long advocated for Welsh communities and is well-known for his entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to the chocolate factory, he is also responsible for safeguarding the last working windmill in Wales, is the author of a children’s book, Elin and the Mill, and the creator of unique artisan doughnuts, Mônuts. Richard also presented a cooking TV competition on S4C called ‘Academi Felys’ and recently opened an escape room called ‘Fix the Factory’. He said, “I’m delighted to have Luke join the team. Llwyddo’n Lleol’s support has been key to offering this opportunity, and it’s great to support a young person who wants to stay in his local area.

“Having only recently opened the doors to our Chocolate Factory, I’m excited to see how we can now grow as a business and offer more of these opportunities to local people, especially in more rural areas such as Anglesey.”

Mr Holt’s Chocolate is one of the many businesses that have benefited from Llwyddo’n Lleol’s Gyrfaol initiative. In addition to professional roles, participants receive social opportunities which aim to highlight the quality of life in the area.

For more details or to find out how Llwyddo’n Lleol is making a difference, visit: llwyddonlleol2050.cymru