Our Team
Welcome to the Lafan family, where collaboration, empowerment, and excellence await.
Discover the team that drives your success with their enthusiasm, communication and experience helping to deliver a unique perspective for your business needs.
LEAD CONSULTANT : AGRI-FOOD
Geraint Hughes
Geraint has 20 years experience working closely with agri-food enterprises across Wales and the UK making ideas happen and finding resolutions for challenges.
Geraint's achievements include launching the first crisps brand committed to sourcing potatoes from Wales, first to develop and launch cold-pressed rapeseed oil in Wales and the only person so far to hold Home Office licence to grow hemp specifically in Wales!
Key competencies include: innovation, supply chain development and developing agritech opportunities
LEAD CONSULTANT : EDUCATION
Meinir Lloyd Jones
As an Education Consultant and mentor, Meinir has supported individuals and groups, providing clear guidance, support and motivation. A registered inspector with Estyn, Meinir is passionate about supporting the continued renewal and reform of the education system in Wales.
Meinir's achievements include cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, walking all 190 Nuttall 2000ft mountains in Wales and being crowned mezzo-Soprano winner at the National Eisteddfod of Wales!
Key competencies include: educational consultancy, mentoring and evaluating, and group support.
LEAD CONSULTANT : COMMUNITY
Zoe Pritchard
Zoe has 13 years’ experience working in both the local economy sector, as well as community development in Wales. A passion for rural communities taking advantage of digital innovation, the circular economy and re- diversification.
Zoe's achievements include representing the UK in 2008 at the “Learning from the future: Middle East Economic Forum” in Dubai and composing a music score for piano, which was performed by the BBC Wales Orchestra.
Key competencies include: project design and management, supporting your communications, monitoring and evaluating.
LEAD CONSULTANT : SUSTAINABILITY
John Owen
John has over 40 years of experience in the agricultural industry he is passionate about Wales, the Welsh language and the rural communities that he has lived and worked in all his life. He has a long history of supporting the agricultural industry and encouraging economic and environmental sustainability, and considers himself to be a custodian of a sustainable countryside.
John’s career in agriculture has always involved the dissemination of good practice, working within agricultural educational establishments, initially focusing on commerciality and moving into research, development and extension.
John has worked closely with the National Farmers Union, Farmers Union of Wales, Country Landowners Association and the Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs over the years, and as part of project governance worked closely with other stakeholders including Afonydd Cymru, Wye and Usk Foundation, GWCT Cymru and Carmarthen Fishermen Association.
CONSULTANT
Haf Roberts
Haf has over 20 years of experience working in the sustainability field, including periods with the early Assembly, WWF Cymru, Gwalia Group and various architects.
She has extensive experience in the construction sector, particularly promoting better use of energy and resources in buildings, most notably houses. Haf strongly believes in the circular economy and that every item in our possession should be carefully designed to survive, to be reused and ultimately recycled, to save resource and energy waste.
Haf’s achievements include representing the UK on an 'International Leadership' course in the USA in 2006, traveling 2k km by motorbike from Goa to Kerala in mainland India in 8 days in 2009 and renovating a smallholding in a green way near Y Bala from 2013 onwards.
Key competencies include: managing and delivering projects, supply chain management, sustainability and the Circular Economy, and feasibility studies, research and development.
LEAD CONSULTANT : SUSTAINABILITY
Irfan Rais
Irfan is an experienced researcher and creative content producer who has experience working with clients in Singapore, Wales, and the UK. Irfan is particularly interested in using creative and tech-based solutions to support the rural economy. He has successfully delivered creative and innovative projects in the arts and civil service sectors.
Irfan's achievements include sitting on a 37-hour train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and appearing on Noson Lawen!
Key competencies include: innovation, project design and management, and group support.
SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS OFFICER
Helen Benjamin
Helen is adept at managing and executing successful projects across diverse industries. With a background as an administrative leader and team manager, she brings forth a strategic mindset and innovative approach to project management. Her experience spans the private and public sectors, with a focus on client relations and organisational efficiency.
As a seasoned professional, Helen has held pivotal roles in various organisations, including supporting the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, with administration and ensuring compliance with governance regulations, and fostering a positive work environment. At Business Wales, she conducted workshops and offered tailored guidance to SMEs, facilitating their success in securing tenders across public and private sectors.
Key competencies include: project management, strategic leadership, creative problem-solving, collaboration.
CO-ORDINATOR AND EVENT ORGANISER
Heulwen Williams
Heulwen has 35 years of experience as office manager, having undertaken administrative and organisational roles. At Lafan, Heulwen has worked supporting networking and cohesion among specialist groups such as horticulture and food producers. She has also supported environmental improvement, community owned buildings and sustainable development projects, such as the Plastic-Free Beaumaris campaign, which became the first area in north west Wales to achieve the SAS Plastic Free Community accreditation.
Heulwen’s achievements include being a member of the National Eisteddfod Gorsedd of the Bards and being a founding member and secretary of ‘Dinasyddion,’ a community group established to encourage community based activities.
Key competencies include: group support and supporting your communications.
CONSULTANT
James Hughes
Jamie has first-hand experience of developing food brands from working with a wide range of customers. He has an excellent understanding of the use and benefits of digital technology for business and has expertise and experience in supply chain development, food tourism and sustainable development.
Jamie's achievements include visiting over 25 different countries, a sky dive and bungee jump in the same week and swimming with dolphins and whale sharks in the wild!
Key competencies include: project design and management, supply chain development, and innovation.