A stone fabricator from North Wales is exploring an impressive development plan that will double monthly turnover and improve the business’ carbon footprint, thanks to support from Business Wales.
Cerrig Granite and Slate Ltd was founded in 2000 by Glyn Williams, a fourth-generation stone worker, and son Ian. Over two decades later, brother-in-law Hugo Were joined Ian, the company’s shareholder, production and sales director, to lead the business that has become one of the UK’s leading providers of bespoke stonework.
Based in Pwllheli, on the Gwynedd coast, with over 22 employees specialising in traditional stonework techniques, the business boasts UK-wide commercial clients fabricating stonework for hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, offices and shops. Alongside boasting UK-wide commercial clients like Howdens, Cerrig Granite and Slate Ltd is the sole provider of traditional headstones for the Ministry of Defence.
The company reached out to the Welsh Government in May 2023, to help build the business back-up after the pandemic, a difficult period for all businesses including Cerrig Granite and Slate.
Working with their Business Development Manager and Innovation Specialist, Cerrig Granite and Slate were recommended to consider SMARTInnovation, specifically designed to assist businesses struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Ian Widdrington, working for Enterprise Professional Services Ltd as a contractor to ITERATE Design and Innovation Ltd, performed a productivity diagnosis on Cerrig Granite & Slate factory. Two clear areas for improvements were identified. The recommendations were for the business became leaner by implementing a seamless factory layout and investment in modern machinery. This would halve production time and increase profitability but also reduce the factory’s carbon footprint.
Discussing the development plans, Hugo said:
When you work in the same way every day you become desensitised to areas that are unproductive. Having a specialist come in to identify what is holding your business back, while offering remedies for these issues, is lifechanging. We wouldn’t have been aware of this support without Steve’s guidance.
In September 2023, Hugo was introduced to Business Wales Advisor, Richard Fraser-Williams, who assisted him in securing additional funding which is now being used to implement the development plans identified in the productivity diagnosis.
Hugo said:
We’ve just finalised a new factory layout and purchased two new energy-efficient machines, both of which are fundamental to the future success of Cerrig. We never would have been aware of these avenues of development, or had the means of implementing them, without the support of Business Wales and the Welsh Government. We’re now focusing on implementing new innovative technologies to the business and reduce our carbon footprint. We want to set an example for our competitors.
Cerrig Granite and Slate already reuse 95% of its water using a circular water recycling system. Now, with the support of Business Wales, Cerrig Granite and Slate is looking to purchase new solar panels that have the potential of generating up to 40% of the factory’s power.
Business Advisor, Richard Fraser-Williams said:
Over the past three years Business Wales has helped hundreds of businesses to recover from the effects of the pandemic. While we couldn’t have prepared companies for what the pandemic had in store, we do have the tools to help businesses to thrive once again. I hope Cerrig Granite and Slate’s story encourages more entrepreneurs, who may still be struggling to find their feet, to reach out and seek the support on offer. Our experts are ready to help you thrive once more.
Business Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. For more information and support to help you overcome obstacles and develop your business further, and to speak to industry experts and advisors, visit www.businesswales.gov.wales/ or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg - we welcome calls in Welsh.