Eifion and Amanda Griffiths

Eifion and Amanda founded Melin Tregwynt, an iconic Welsh business that belends long-established woollen weaving with traditional design.

In 2022, Melin Tregwynt transitioned the company to an Employee Ownership Trust, passing ownership to their 42 employees. They have recently retired butremain as directors on the trust board.  This transition to employee ownership has safeguarded jobs, preserved valuable skills, and maintained the business as a community asset.

Background

Purchased by Eifion’s grandfather Henry in 1912, the Pembrokeshire mill has been in the family for over 100 years. Now a popular tourist attraction, the couple have grown and nurtured the mill since 1986.

An integral part of the rich tapestry of the Welsh business community, Melin Tregwynt produces consumer and trade products for local, national, and international markets.

Public value is central to Melin Tregwynt’s business strategy. Their partnership with the Cambrian Mountains Wool CIC, a community interest company, aims to facilitate the purchase and processing of wool produced on the farms in the Cambrian Mountains region of Wales, for commercial use.

It is one of four rural initiatives aimed at supporting and developing the upland farming communities in the UK, and is an example of Melin Tregwynt’s commitment to being a sustainable business using ethically and locally sourced materials where possible.

Activities with Cardiff Business School

They have hosted student visits to Melin Tregwynt’s Woolen Mill and given presentations to undergraduate students, sharing their story of a very non-standard business model.