'As you probably know by now, I think strong families are at the heart of our community and the building blocks of a strong society.
As your representative I'm also proud to champion British business, especially based here in Aberconwy.
So this week I want to make a point of promoting the UK’s first ever Family Business Week.
Starting today and led by the Institute for Family Business (IFB) and supported by NatWest, the week is intended to celebrate the contribution that family businesses make to communities like ours across the UK.
Here in Aberconwy I've been constantly impressed by the (seemingly countless!) number of family businesses selling their ideas and products not just to our visitors but all over the world. Each week I'm amazed by another innovation or talent that I learn about in Aberconwy - so throughout the week I’ll be highlighting the contributions of just some of our inspirational family businesses.
Let start with farming. Many of our farms throughout Aberconwy have been managed by the same family for generations. Their contribution to our communities (and our dinner plates!) is invaluable. From producing the finest lamb and beef to be found anywhere in the world to maintaining the natural beauty of the landscapes of Eryri, our family run farms should be a source of pride for us all.
Following a meeting with the Farmers’ Union of Wales in the summer I requested that an inquiry be set up to investigate the main challenges facing family farms and farming communities in Wales. Following this request, I am delighted that on Wednesday the Welsh Affairs Committee is holding the first evidence session of its new family farming inquiry.
I'll bring more to you on family businesses through the week - and on this particular issue of our family farm communities as the inquiry progresses. You can find out more about Family Business Week here: https://www.familybusinessweek.co.uk/get-involved
