Baravelli’s artisan chocolatiers in Conwy is one of many companies to show their support for the Daily Post and North Wales Economic Ambition Board’s #BacktheBid campaign.
Husband and wife team Mark and Emma Baravelli met with Cllr Aaron Shotton, chairman of the Bid, to discuss possibilities for smaller enterprises in the region, and how the drive to secure investment for projects in a range of sectors – including tourism, manufacturing, housing, digital and renewable energy – will impact on the wider population.
Speaking at their shop on the walled town’s Upper Gate Quarter, Cllr Shotton said:
“The possibilities are endless.
“The Bid and subesquent Growth Deal is about ensuring North Wales becomes a beacon for growth and jobs, and that goes far beyond the Bid. We have a vision that will impact upon every part of the region for generations to come.
“As well as significant capital investment this is about more than that; it’s is about ensuring we take devolution even further so the public sector in North Wales, working with businesses, can have control and powers that will shape the economy for every North Walian.”
He added:
“I think for every resident in North Wales, whether they’re in south Gwynedd or north east Flintshire, there is something for them. Whether that be transport connectivity improvements, access to digital or the best possible jobs and the best possible skills.
“What we are saying is, while all six North Wales councils, colleges and universities and businesses are united with the Welsh and UK governments to make this happen, we want local businesses and residents to get behind us and back the bid.”
Emma and Mark Baravelli are multi award-winning chocolate and preserve producers who opened the shop three years ago after relocating from a unit on Morfa Conwy Business Park.
They were the first in Wales to produce their own chocolate from bean to bar, and now supply Harrods, among other top retailers.
Throwing their weight behind the campaign, Emma said:
“I think the Bid could make a huge difference for companies like ours, and any help the region can get to help generate tourism, big business and transport will be beneficial.
“Small businesses and big businesses here believe in this area and we need the rest of the country and the world to see what we can do – hopefully the Bid will deliver that.”
Send your short video clips backing the Bid to the North Wales Economic Ambition Board team on 07743252658 or post them on social media using the #backthebid hashtag.
