Menter Môn is celebrating 30 years of making a difference across north west Wales this year. From re-establishing the red squirrel on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) to developing Wales’s first tidal energy scheme, supporting thousands of businesses, and promoting the Welsh language – the social enterprise has played an important role in the community and economic development of the region since 1995.
To mark the occasion, a series of activities will be held throughout the year – including an exhibition showcasing the organisation’s work over the past 30 years, a film capturing community memories, and an evening to celebrate the success of its numerous projects.
Menter Môn was first established to distribute European funding within the rural communities of Ynys Môn. Since then, it has grown significantly, expanding its activities across Wales and into sectors including digital innovation, sustainable energy, heritage, and conservation.
Dafydd Gruffydd has been the company’s Managing Director since 2017 and has been part of Menter Môn’s team for 27 years. Celebrating the milestone, he said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved over the last 30 years – and I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us over the years, especially our staff, partners and funders.
“We will also take this as an opportunity to look ahead to the future as we launch our new vision for the next chapter of Menter Môn’s story. Our aim, as always, is to unlock the potential of local communities and resources – and we have some exciting projects underway that we hope will continue to help communities thrive into the future.”
Since 1995, Menter Môn has attracted over £200 million for community, economic and energy projects, with the support of local authorities, government, the European Union, and various partners.
Rebecca Coley Jones, Chair of the company, was pleased to add her voice in celebrating Menter Môn’s anniversary, while reinforcing the organisation’s continuing role in the future of local communities. She said:
“We’ve always been led by our belief that the things that make us different make us interesting and strengthen our identity. This is as important to us today as it was when the company was founded 30 years ago — and it’s reflected in everything we do.”
“I’m looking forward to a year of celebrating Menter Môn and sharing the stories behind our work, which has helped strengthen local communities.”
