North Wales Tourism provides marketing and promotional opportunities through the “Go North Wales” brand; provides access to visitor and member networks, and business support and networking events.
North Wales Tourism have and are still working hard on behalf it’s members on issues that are affecting the industry.
Our collaboration with local MSs, MPs, and Visit Wales enables us to tackle key issues, advocate for necessary changes, and underscore the significance of tourism to the Welsh economy.
We will continue with our advocacy work lobbying the political parties with issues affecting the industry. These discussions are vital as we work to ensure tourism remains a priority for growth, support, and investment in North Wales.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to amplifying your voice through our interactions with the local press and media, ensuring that your concerns and contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.
Your continuous support plays a pivotal role in our efforts to showcase the beauty of North Wales, not just in the UK but also internationally, and also in ensuring future sustainability of our industry, it is much appreciated.
If you have any questions/queries please do not hesitate to contact us, by email (contacts below), social media channels, online chat on the Trade website or phone. Please email jim.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk; eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk or deborah.nettleton@gonorthwales.org.uk with any issues etc you may have.
Please also make sure that you are kept up to date with all the information as they happen by visiting our Trade site www.northwalestourism.com and following us on our NWTBiz social media platforms (facebook and X), all of which are regularly updated.
Summer Conference and Annual Trade Forum
A huge thank you to our fantastic expert speakers at this year’s trade forum and conference at Caer Rhun Hall, Conwy Valley. The annual event brought together tourism businesses and industry professionals from across North Wales to share ideas, hear industry updates and build valuable connections.
We were honoured to be joined by:
- Jim Jones, CEO – NWT/GNW Update
- Lucy Rawes, NWT/GNW – Getting the most out of your GNW listing
- Angus Hay, Vereus – Growing a Tourism Business with AI
- Joe Bickerton, This is Wrexham – Wrexham: From the Global Spotlight to Sustainable Success
- Angela Williams, Great Orme Mines – Extending the Season: Great Orme Mines’ First Winter Opening
- Sid Madge, Meee – The Magic Ingredient – Finding Energy, Motivation and Purpose in Tourism and Hospitality
View some highlights of the day below
Thank you also goes out to our Supplier Exhibitors which this year included:
- Leonard Curtis
- Castell Howell Foods
- Live Tech
- BCR Wales
- The Hospitality Accountants
- NFU Mutual Ruthin & Dolgellau
- Bragdy Conwy Brewery
- Harlech Food Service
- 360 Vision Solutions
- Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors
- Carbon Zero Renewables
The following members were also re-elected to the board for a period of 3 years:
- Andrew Plimmer, Everbright Group
- Sara McKee, Life Full Colour
- Frankie Hobro, Anglesey Sea Zoo
- Yvonne Jackson, Condor Hotels
And Ronald George, General Manager for the Imperial Hotel Llandudno was elected for a term of 1 year.
Congratulations to all and we look forward to working with you. Full details of all our board members can be viewed on our trade website – https://northwalestourism.com/about-us/nwt-directors/
The Magic Ingredient
A huge thank you to everyone who attended this year’s North Wales Tourism AGM and for making my session ‘The Magic Ingredient – Finding Energy, Motivation and Purpose in Tourism and Hospitality’ such an enjoyable experience.
Tourism is often measured in visitor numbers, occupancy rates and economic impact, but behind every great destination are people. Whether you’re welcoming guests to a hotel, serving coffee in a café, running a visitor attraction or sharing local knowledge, it’s the human connection that creates lasting memories.
During my talk, I explored a simple idea: while beautiful landscapes, castles and coastlines may attract visitors to North Wales, it’s the warmth of the welcome, the kindness of a conversation and the feeling people leave with that keeps them coming back.
As someone who has spent many years working in branding, I’ve always been inspired by the idea that the most successful organisations don’t simply earn respect, they create emotional connections. In tourism, that connection is built one interaction at a time.
I also spoke about something that’s easy to overlook: looking after ourselves. Those working in tourism and hospitality spend so much time creating memorable experiences for others that it’s easy to forget our own wellbeing. Yet when people feel energised, valued and connected to purpose, they naturally create better experiences for everyone around them.
Small moments really do matter. A smile. Remembering someone’s name. Asking one more question. Taking a little extra time. These seemingly tiny actions create ripples that extend far beyond a single visitor—they strengthen businesses, communities and the reputation of North Wales as a destination.
For anyone who couldn’t attend, or for those who would like a reminder of some of the key messages, I’ve recorded a short video that captures the essence of the talk:
Finding Energy, Motivation and Purpose in Tourism and Hospitality Sid Madge
Thank you once again for the warm welcome, and for everything you do to make North Wales such a special place to visit.
Find it. Live it. Give it.
Go North Wales Tourism Awards 2026
Nominations and tickets for the 2026 Go North Wales Tourism Awards, sponsored by Harlech FoodService have now opened and the website is now live – https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website/ .
The tenth Go North Wales Tourism Awards will be held on Thursday 19 November at Venue Cymru, Llandudno to celebrate and recognise excellence and outstanding achievement by our businesses and individuals working in the tourism hospitality sector of North Wales.
Think your business has what it takes to be one of North Wales’ best? Now’s your chance to shine! The Go North Wales Tourism Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals who help make North Wales a premier destination for visitors. From innovation to exceptional customer service, the awards spotlight the very best across the region. There are 19 categories in total to choose from so why not complete the online form and submit?
Deadline for applications will be midnight Sunday 4th October 2026
Full details on the awards including how to join us on the Awards evening will be announced shortly.
Some sponsorship opportunities are still currently available – please contact a member of our team for further information at digital@gonorthwales.org.uk.
Survey Headline Report : Hospitality Sector
Thank you to those of you who completed our recent midway through the season survey.
Your feedback is important to us to ensure we capture an accurate and comprehensive picture of the industry as well as understanding the current landscape and advocate for your needs.
Responses from the survey have been collated and the summary is below.
The overall picture is mixed but leaning negative. While a small number of businesses report stable or improving performance, the majority have experienced lower visitor numbers, shorter booking windows and increased financial pressures. Rising operating costs continue to erode profitability, even where revenues have remained stable.
1. Visitor Numbers
- Most respondents reported declining visitor numbers compared with 2025.
- A few businesses experienced similar or slightly increased numbers.
- Several reported:
- Visitor numbers down by 10–30%
- Particularly weak trading during April, May and June
- Hope that July–September will recover some losses.
2. Booking Trends – The strongest recurring trend was:
- Last-minute bookings becoming the norm.
- Visitors are increasingly waiting for:
- weather forecasts
- better prices
- greater flexibility.
- Shorter stays are becoming more common.
- Several accommodation providers reported:
- increased cancellations
- reduced forward bookings
- greater price sensitivity.
Corporate bookings generally remain positive but are also being made with shorter lead times.
3. Revenue – Revenue performance is mixed:
Positive examples:
- Some businesses reported revenue in line with expectations or slight growth.
- Hotels that invested in food, beverage or new experiences have diversified income successfully.
Negative themes:
- Many respondents reported revenue reductions of around 10–15%.
- Some have maintained revenue only through:
- price increases
- tight cost control.
- Profit margins continue to be squeezed by rising costs.
4. Main Challenges – The most frequently mentioned issues were:
Rising operating costs
- National Insurance
- employment costs
- utilities
- food costs
- insurance
- business rates
- VAT
Weather
- Poor weather continues to have a significant effect on outdoor attractions and accommodation.
- Businesses believe weather has influenced both visitor numbers and booking behaviour.
Recruitment and staffing
- Recruitment has improved for some.
- Others have reduced staffing entirely and now operate themselves.
Government policy – Several respondents expressed concern regarding:
- proposed visitor levies
- business rates
- taxation
- council policies
- wider political uncertainty.
Marketing – Many smaller businesses feel unable to invest sufficiently in marketing and would welcome additional promotional support.
5. Successes – Despite the challenges, businesses highlighted several positives:
- Excellent customer feedback.
- Tripadvisor awards and strong online reviews.
- New products and experiences, including:
- new kart fleet
- immersive sauna soundscape
- improved food and beverage offers
- online booking enhancements.
- Continued investment in facilities despite difficult trading conditions.
- Strong levels of repeat business and loyal customers.
6. Support Requested – The most common requests were:
- Stronger destination marketing.
- Increased promotion of North Wales.
- Business grants and investment funding.
- Reduced VAT and business rates.
- Greater lobbying against additional tourism-related taxes.
- Better collaboration between tourism organisations and local authorities.
- Skills development and workforce support.
Other Comments – Several respondents raised wider concerns beyond their own businesses:
- Perceptions that Wales is becoming less welcoming to visitors.
- Lack of transport infrastructure in some rural areas.
- Concern that tourism taxation could discourage investment.
- Worries about long-term sustainability for small independent tourism businesses.
- Recognition that the remaining summer months will be critical to annual performance.
Overall Conclusion – The feedback suggests a tourism sector that remains resilient but under considerable pressure. Businesses continue to invest in improving visitor experiences and maintain high customer satisfaction, yet many are facing:
- declining visitor numbers,
- increasingly unpredictable booking behaviour,
- rising operational costs,
- and uncertainty around future government policy.
There is a strong consensus that enhanced destination marketing, financial support, and measures to reduce business costs would provide the greatest benefit for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Extending VAT online marketplace liability to combat non-compliance – Reminder
The Government is consulting on plans to more effectively enforce VAT collection rules for online marketplaces, with a commitment that “any revenue raised will be ploughed into improvements for the business rates system for pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses on the high street”.
Hotels and restaurants faced the most significant increases to business rates following the most recent revaluation, with three-year increases of 115% and 54%, respectively.
Responses should be sent by 18 August 2026
Croeso i Bawb Grant Scheme
Tourism and hospitality businesses across Wales are being encouraged to apply for a new £2 million grant scheme to improve accessibility and create more inclusive visitor experiences.
The Croeso i Bawb grant scheme has been launched to support practical improvements that help remove barriers for disabled visitors and those travelling with them.
Grants of £5,000 to £20,000 are available to support up to 75% of eligible capital costs for accessibility improvements.
The application form will be available from 31 July 2026 with businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector being asked to submit applications by 21 September 2026.
Guidance notes and further information available here – https://industry.visitwales.com/supporting-you/funding-information-and-advice-available-tourism-businesses
Byw’n Iach
Discover more things to do in Gwynedd with Byw’n Iach!
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a way to stay active during your visit, Byw’n Iach is here to help your visitors make the most of their time in Gwynedd. With 12 leisure centres across the county, we offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages – from swimming, padel and fitness to family experiences, relaxation sessions and much more.
Our Things to Do in Gwynedd guide brings all these opportunities together in one easy-to-use place, helping you plan the perfect day out – whether that’s a fun-filled family activity, a relaxing session after a day of adventure, or a chance to keep your body moving while enjoying the beauty of Gwynedd
With Byw’n Iach, there’s something for everyone, whatever your age, ability or the weather. Come and discover new experiences, stay active and create lasting memories in Gwynedd.
Byw’n Iach – your gateway to more experiences, more activities and more enjoyment in Gwynedd.
Things to do in Gwynedd – Byw’n Iach
Darganfyddwch fwy i’w wneud yng Ngwynedd gyda Byw’n Iach!
P’un a ydych yn chwilio am antur, ymlacio neu ffordd o gadw’n actif yn ystod eich ymweliad, mae Byw’n Iach yma i helpu eich gwesteion i wneud y gorau o’ch amser yng Ngwynedd. Gyda 12 canolfan hamdden ledled y sir, rydym yn cynnig amrywiaeth eang o weithgareddau dan do ac awyr agored i bob oed – o nofio, padel a ffitrwydd i brofiadau teuluol, sesiynau ymlacio a llawer mwy.
Mae ein canllaw Pethau i’w Gwneud yng Ngwynedd yn dod â’r holl gyfleoedd hyn ynghyd mewn un lle hawdd ei ddefnyddio, gan eich helpu i gynllunio’r diwrnod perffaith – boed hynny’n weithgaredd llawn hwyl gyda’r teulu, sesiwn i ymlacio ar ôl diwrnod o antur, neu gyfle i gadw eich corff yn symud tra’n mwynhau harddwch Gwynedd.
Gyda Byw’n Iach, mae rhywbeth i bawb, beth bynnag fo’ch oedran, eich gallu neu’r tywydd. Dewch i ddarganfod profiadau newydd, cadw’n heini a gwneud atgofion parhaol yng Ngwynedd.
Byw’n Iach – eich canolfan i fwy o brofiadau, mwy o weithgareddau a mwy o fwynhad yng Ngwynedd.
Pethau i wneud yng Ngwynedd – Byw’n Iach
Be Mighty. Recycle Summer 2026 Campaign
Join Wales’ out-of-home recycling campaign this summer
Running throughout summer 2026, Be Mighty. Recycle. encourages people to choose the right bin while they’re out exploring the region during the peak holiday season, helping make recycling an easy and worthwhile and part of what we do in Wales.
By joining the campaign, you’ll help visitors put the right things in the right bins, improve recycling rates, reduce contamination and be part of a national movement to get Wales to No.1 in the world for recycling – Wales is already the world’s 2nd best recycling nations.
Everything you need is ready to go
The free toolkit includes videos, animations, a social media calendar, customisable articles and eye-catching posters.
Step 1: Register here for WRAP’s Partner Resource Library (if you don’t already have an account).
Step 2: Download the bilingual toolkit in English or Welsh and start using the resources straight away.
Want to know more?
🎥 Watch the webinar HERE
Together, we can help make recycling a natural part of every visit to Wales this summer.
Download the toolkit, join the campaign and help get Wales to No.1 this summer.
North Wales Tourism Membership Survey – Reminder – Final Call /
Arolwg Aelodaeth Twristiaeth Gogledd Cymru – Nodyn Atgoffa
Thank you for being a valued member of North Wales Tourism.
We are conducting this survey to better understand how our membership benefits support your business and where we can improve. Your feedback will help shape future programmes, advocacy, networking opportunities, and member services.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P9K6BVW
————————————-
Diolch i chi am fod yn aelod gwerthfawr o Dwristiaeth Gogledd Cymru.
Rydym yn cynnal yr arolwg hwn i ddeall yn well sut mae ein buddion aelodaeth yn cefnogi eich busnes a lle gallwn wella. Bydd eich adborth yn helpu i lunio rhaglenni, eiriolaeth, cyfleoedd rhwydweithio a gwasanaethau aelodau yn y dyfodol.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P9K6BVW
Join NWTBiz WhatsApp Group
This group is for current North Wales Tourism members to share news that will help other members with updated news on all current industry issues, plus trade information, or just to make contacts.
To join the group please email croeso@nwt.co.uk with your mobile number and confirm your business name.
Please keep adverts, weekly menus and spam off these pages as they will be deleted.
Website listing on Go North Wales
To help us represent you to the best of our ability — whether across social media, newsletters, or other promotional channels — it’s vital that your member listing is accurate and up-to-date.
✅ Why it Matters:
Your listing is our go-to source for information, imagery, and details about your business. When your content is up-to-date, it ensures we share the right images, the correct details, and everything that makes your offering truly shine.
🛠️ What You Can Do:
Keeping your listing fresh is simple! Take a moment to check that:
📸 Your images reflect your business as it stands today. (Please make sure the photos you’re using are ones you’ve got permission to use. If in doubt, do not use!)
📝 Your contact details and descriptions are accurate.
🎉 New updates or additions to your services are included.
💡 Your listing is your voice! By keeping it current, you’re helping us champion you in the best possible way. Let’s work together to make sure your message reaches visitors who love discovering the gems of North Wales.
Need help updating your listing? We’re here for you! Just reach out to us anytime, and we’ll happily guide you through the process.
📩 Update your listing today and ensure your business gets the spotlight it deserves
Please login and update your entry on https://extranet-wales.newmindets.net/. If you have forgotten your password please click on the “forgotten your password” link and enter your registered email address (to reset). If you can’t remember your registered email address, please call 01492 531731 and ask for a member of the digital team alternatively email digital@gonorthwales.org.uk or visit https://northwalestourism.com/go-north-wales/update-your-go-north-wales-listing/ for assistance with updating your details.
For Supplier members only your entries appear on the Trade Directory which can be viewed at northwalestourism.directory. If you wish to update your entry please email membership@gonorthwales.org.uk with your amendments.
Late Availability
Let us help you promote any late availability or midweek deals.
All you have to do is complete the short form here: https://northwalestourism.com/late-availability-form/
Visitors will be able to search through all late availability dates by location and property type from the Go North Wales website. This will also be promoted across our social channels.
Promote your Events
Are you hosting an event in North Wales? Would you like to have exposure on our events section for free? Simply fill out the form on the link below and your event could appear on our webpage.
- It’s free and takes around 5 minutes
- Get more visibility on our site and channels
- Chance to be featured in our monthly newsletter
- Keep footfall and bookings strong post‑summer
What you need
- Event title, dates/times
- Short description (50–120 words)
- Location and booking link (if applicable)
- 1 quality image (landscape), no heavy text posters if possible
- Your contact details
Tip: The sooner you upload, the longer your event is promoted. Running multiple dates? Include them all.
Questions or need help? Just email digital@gonorthwales.org.uk
https://www.gonorthwales.co.uk/whats-on/submit-event
The new duty to prevent harassment: what hospitality and tourism businesses need to know
From October 2026, employers will have a strengthened legal duty to prevent sexual harassment and will also become liable for harassment carried out by third parties their staff encounter at work, including customers. These legal changes will have major implications for tourism businesses, and employers need to act now to get ahead of them.
Sauna and Outdoor Wellness Experiences
Niku-Naku Sauna is a family-run company bringing authentic Finnish sauna traditions to North Wales. Guided by our Finnish heritage, we offer unique wellness experiences in spectacular natural settings, with two locations overlooking Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) and Tywyn seafront.
We believe there is an exciting opportunity to develop partnerships with fellow tourism businesses across North Wales. Whether you offer watersports, hiking, cycling, paddleboarding, wild swimming, adventure activities, wellbeing experiences or visitor attractions, a sauna experience can naturally complement what you already provide, creating memorable packages that encourage visitors to stay longer and experience more of our region.
Our facilities include a spacious wood-fired sauna suitable for groups, private changing facilities, a cold plunge, traditional Finnish hot water rinse to cleanse, and a fire pit with outdoor seating, all designed to create a memorable experience which is unique to our sauna culture. In our first year we have been shortlisted for two categories of the British Sauna Society Awards, and we have won Muddy Stilettos – Wales Best Wellbeing Specialist; a testament to the quality of true Finnish sauna and the many benefits it brings to our customers.
Tel: 07549 897 982 | www.niku-naku.com
Start saving today with Purchasing for Business
Great Members Business Discount Benefit
Purchasing for Business is a buying group that supports over 7,000 businesses by providing access to savings on a wide range of products and services. As a member of North Wales Tourism (NWT), you are entitled to these discounts free of charge.
To start benefiting from these offers, simply register using the link below.
FREE exclusive members discounts…
As a NWT Member, you can access the following savings for both your business and personal use:
- 10% extra discount at B&Q/Tradepoint
- 10%* extra discount at Currys
- 5% extra discount at Screwfix
- 20%+ discount at E-Spares
- 15% discount at Viking Direct
* 10% discount on appliances and up to 5% discount on tech products
Registration takes less then 1 minute! When registering please add ‘NWT’ at the end of your business name.
Save Money – Reduce Costs – Increase Profits
https://www.purchasingforbusiness.co.uk/register
| Don’t just take our word for it – Here’s what NWT members say….. |
| “Signing up for the trade card through Go North Wales was incredibly simple. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use — just scan the card at the till and the discount is applied straight away. I love using mine in B&Q ! It really does feel a bit too good to be true at first, but the savings genuinely add up over time. Whether you’re picking up supplies regularly or just making the occasional purchase, every little saving helps when running a business. I would definitely recommend other members apply for the trade card. The benefits are well worth it” Joanne Beckett North Wales Tourism Member The trade point card is a great benefit to businesses. We regularly purchase materials for projects and the savings quickly add up and the card is so easy to use. Carol Beard, North Wales Tourism. Thank you to North Wales Tourism for partnering with Purchasing for Business and their Buying Club. Joining was quick and straightforward, and we’ve already started benefiting from the discounts, savings, and exclusive offers available. It’s a fantastic member benefit that I would highly recommend to all NWT members. Jessica Nettleton, North Wales Tourism Member A Snapshot of some of the businesses you can receive discounts from…. |
Penderyn Distillery Delivers Landmark Age-Statement collection as First Bottles Reach Customers
Penderyn, Wales’ leading whisky distillery begins delivery of its historic 12, 21 and 25 Year Old single malt collection, with the 25 year Old now in customers’ hands and the 12 and 21 year old releases to follow this summer.
Penderyn Distillery has reached a defining milestone in its 26 year history as the first bottles of its 25 year old Welsh single malt collected by customers, marking the delivery of a whisky that has been decades in the making. The 12 year old was debuted in early July, with the 21 year old following in late July, completing the distillery’s inaugural fully matured age-statement collection.
The arrival of bottles in customers’ hands signals more than a product launch. It confirms Penderyn’s formal entry into the premium and ultra-premium aged whisky tier – and placed Welsh single malt in the same conversation as the world’s most respected age-statement spirits.
A summer of age-statement releases
- Penderyn 25 year old – Available now. Cask No. 1, drawn from a single Sherry butt and bottled at natural strength, is limited to just 420 bottles at £1,200RRP. Collection has begun for customers who pre-ordered.
- Penderyn 12 year old – Available now. The entry point into Penderyn’s age-statement range and the most adventurous spirit yet, presenting a vibrant, layered profile that showcases the distillery’s distinctive Faraday still character at twelve years’ maturation.
- Penderyn 21 year old – Available now. A study in deepened complexity, cask integration and patience, the 21 year old sits between the accessibility of the 12 year old and the ultra-rarity of the 25 year old, offering customers a compelling mid-tier aged expression.
Together, the three expressions form a structured ladder of aged Welsh single malts, each offering a distinct lens on how Penderyn’s house style, shaped by Faraday stills and the Welsh maturation climate, evolves over time.
Riding the global surge in aged whisky – Penderyn’s rollout arrives at a moment of sustained momentum for premium and ultra-premium aged whisky globally. Demand for age-statement and cask-finished expressions continues to outpace the wider spirits market, as consumers increasingly seek authenticity, clear provenance and measurable craftsmanship over volume.
Penderyn’s structured 12/21/25 programme positions Welsh whisky directly within this growth curve, offering discerning drinkers from entry-level collectors to seasoned connoisseurs a clearly defined pathway through the aged single malt category.
A Strategic Age-Statement Rollout – The age-statement collection is the product of long-term stock discipline and deliberate investment in maturation, a strategy that began when Penderyn distilled its first spirit in 2000.
The maturation approach behind these expressions was shaped in part by the late Dr Jim Swan who was instrumental in developing Penderyn’s house style and whose influence on the distillery’s cask strategy endures in every bottle. Today that legacy is in the hands of Master Blender Aista Phillips, whose expertise has been central to bringing this landmark collection to fruition. The programme builds on the distillery’s two-decade track record of innovation, including its pioneering use of Faraday stills, expansion to distilleries at Llandudno and the Swansea Copperworks, and a portfolio spanning core single malts, peated expressions and the award-winning Icons of Wales series.
The new age-statement range will sit at the apex of this portfolio, operating simultaneously as a commercial halo product and a tangible marker of maturity for the Welsh whisky category as a whole.
Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, said the new age statement range represents the culmination of years of planning and patient stock management. “For more than twenty years we have been laying down casks with the belief that Welsh single malt deserves its place on the world stage,” he said. “Releasing 12 , 21 and 25 year old expressions is not just a landmark for Penderyn; it is a coming of age moment for Welsh whisky itself.” Davies added: “In an era when whisky drinkers are seeking authenticity, clear age statements and a true sense of place, these whiskies allow us to tell our story in the most compelling way possible.” “It has always been about passion, energy and the ability to tell our stories well – but you also need world class single malt and best in category packaging to carry those stories around the globe, and that is exactly what this new range is designed to do.”
He continued: “The global trend is unmistakable – consumers are trading up, exploring older whiskies and gravitating towards brands with the patience and discipline to invest in long term maturation.” “By unveiling a structured series of 12 , 21 and 25 year old Penderyn expressions, we are signalling that Wales can compete at the very highest level of aged single malt, while still offering something genuinely distinctive and rooted in our landscape and culture.”
Welsh whisky’s new chapter – The introduction of Penderyn’s first fully matured age statement range has been described by commentators as a “new chapter for the nation’s whisky industry”, highlighting how far Welsh whisky has come since Penderyn distilled its first spirit in 2000. Once regarded as a curiosity, Penderyn is now widely seen as the standard bearer for a growing Welsh whisky movement, championing geographical indication (GI) protections and helping to define what whisky from Wales can be on the world stage.
The launch of the 12/21/25 year range coincides with renewed investment in tourism and visitor experiences at Penderyn’s sites, with the distillery using its historic locations and modern facilities to bring more enthusiasts into direct contact with Welsh whisky. By combining carefully curated aged releases with on the ground experiences, Penderyn aims to build long term advocacy among collectors, whisky clubs and hospitality partners who are seeking distinctive, story rich bottles for their shelves and back bars.
Family secures future of popular Anglesey attraction with business purchase
The future of one of Anglesey’s best-loved family attractions has been secured after a local family completed the purchase of Pili Palas Nature World.
The popular visitor attraction, which includes a small zoo, cafés, shop, indoor soft play area and outdoor park, has welcomed families from across North Wales and beyond for the past 40 years.
Its previous owners recently decided to retire, prompting a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the new owners, Endaf and Sally Ap Ieuan – whose family connection with Pili Palas stretches back many years.
The family were supported by Conwy-based Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors throughout the transaction and Dr Ap Ieuan, a semi-retired GP, said the purchase was driven by both a personal connection to the attraction and a desire to safeguard its future.
“Our daughter started working at Pili Palas as a teenager, and that experience inspired her to go on and study animal conservation and animal studies at university,” he said.
“Four years ago, she was offered the role of zoo manager here, so the business has already been a huge part of our family’s lives for a long time.
“When the previous owners approached us in June last year to ask whether we would be interested in buying the business, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue something very special.”
He said the family hoped to preserve the attraction’s reputation while building for the future.
“Pili Palas means a great deal to local families and visitors to Anglesey, and we wanted to make sure it continued to thrive,” he added.
“We hope this will become something that stays within the family for generations to come, with our daughters and potentially the next generation helping to carry it forward.”
Dr Ap Ieuan praised the professional support received during the transaction from Lanyon Bowdler’s corporate and commercial team in Conwy.
“We were incredibly pleased with the service they provided,” he said. “They were very careful and thorough throughout the process, but also friendly and approachable at what can be quite a stressful time.
“We were pushing hard to complete before April 1 for the financial year-end, at a time when plenty of other businesses were trying to do exactly the same thing, but the team just knuckled down and got it done.”
Edward Nutting, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s Conwy office, said the firm was delighted to support the family with the acquisition.
“Pili Palas is a hugely popular attraction which has been enjoyed by families for many years, so it’s wonderful to see it pass into the hands of people with such a genuine passion and connection to the business,” he said.
“Buying a business is always a significant step, particularly when there is such a strong sense of responsibility for its future, and we were very pleased to help guide the family through the process.
“We wish them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter for Pili Palas.”
Woodworks Garden Centre & Café Achieves Exceptional 97.5% Customer Service Score in Annual GCA Audit
Woodworks Garden Centre & Café is celebrating a strong performance in its latest annual Garden Centre Association (GCA) audit, receiving outstanding recognition for customer service and praise for the unique character and experience it offers visitors.
The independent GCA inspection, carried out as part of the centre’s membership of the Garden Centre Association, assesses a wide range of operational areas including customer service, presentation, plant quality, merchandising, signage, sustainability and the overall customer experience. Among the highlights of this year’s report was an exceptional Customer Service Experience score of 97.5%, with the inspector praising the quality of service provided across the café, garden furniture and plant departments.
Read the full press release here
