Celebrating 2024
2024 has been a year of milestones, achievements, and growth for Lafan. From innovative projects to strengthening the use of the Welsh language, we’ve proudly worked with incredible partners, businesses, and communities across Wales. As we wrap up the year, here’s a look back at some of the highlights that made 2024 unforgettable:
🌟 Zoe Pritchard Appointed as CEO
In a year of growth, we celebrated a huge milestone with Zoe Pritchard stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer. After two years as Lead Consultant, Zoe has been instrumental in Lafan’s success, driving our vision, projects, and partnerships forward. Under her leadership, Lafan is ready to take the next big step into an exciting future.
🌟 Biochar Project – Innovation for a Sustainable Future
This year, we proudly played a key role in an innovative biochar project led by our consultant John Owen in collaboration with Coleg Sir Gâr. Supported by a £50,000 Innovate UK research award, the team developed a ground-breaking process to turn cattle slurry into biochar, a carbon-capture fertiliser with huge agricultural and environmental benefits.
This innovation offers:
Improved soil quality.
Reduced methane emissions.
New income opportunities for farmers.
We’re excited to see the long-term results of this transformative project! 🌍
🌟 Bwrlwm ARFOR – Strengthening the Language and Economy
The Bwrlwm ARFOR programme kept us incredibly busy and inspired this year! Some of the key moments included:
🎨 Developing and promoting the ARFOR brand.
🎙️ Launching the C’mon Cymraeg podcast, exploring the Welsh language in the 21st century.
💡 Hosting Hac Cymraeg Mewn Busnes to encourage Welsh in business.
🏆 Celebrating businesses through the Gwobrau Mwyaf Cymraeg yn y Byd.
🎓 Wrapping up the year with the ARFOR24 Summit at Parc y Scarlets, connecting businesses and sharing best practices.
We can’t wait to continue building on these successes in 2025!
🌟 Welcoming Beth to Lafan Creu
This October, we were thrilled to welcome Beth Woodhouse as our Lead Marketing and Communications Consultant to head up Lafan Creu, our dedicated marketing and communications division. With her expertise and creative flair, Beth has already made a significant impact as we expand our bilingual offering for businesses across Wales.
🔗 Discover more about Lafan Creu here
🌟 Celf Llechi – Celebrating Slate Heritage
Our lead consultant Haf Roberts delivered the Celf Llechi project this year, celebrating the slate heritage of North West Wales. The project, funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Gwynedd Council, saw stunning public art installations placed in the communities of Dyffryn Nantlle, Porthmadog, and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
These beautiful pieces reflect the history and pride of our communities – a real highlight of 2024.
🌟 Dyfodol Digidol – Digital Growth for Businesses
Working closely with Gwynedd Council, we delivered the Dyfodol Digidol project, supporting over 100 businesses to embrace digital opportunities through:
Mentoring sessions.
Workshops.
Diagnostic reports tailored to their needs.
This programme has helped businesses across Gwynedd grow and innovate in an increasingly digital world.
🌟 Welsh Language Commitment – Cynnig Cymraeg
In November, we were honoured to receive the Cynnig Cymraeg approval from the Welsh Language Commissioner. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring the Welsh language thrives through every aspect of our work.
The Welsh language is a strength, and we’re proud to weave it seamlessly into everything we do.
Looking Forward
From innovation in sustainability to supporting businesses and communities across Wales, 2024 has been a year of growth, collaboration, and celebration for Lafan. Thank you to all our clients, partners, and team members for making it possible. We can’t wait to see what 2025 holds!