Pembrokeshire farm construction businessman Richard Blethyn’s excellent work ethos and commitment to employing local people has helped him reap this year's Farmers' Union of Wales Pembrokeshire branch's Countryside Business Award.
The award is presented to an individual 40 years of age or under who has developed their own rural-based business and who is or has been actively involved with Pembrokeshire YFC either as a member, past member, club leader or trainer.
Mr Blethyn, 36, of Gelli, Hebron, Whitland, had spent 10 years working for a firm repairing agricultural machinery and tractors when he recognised an opportunity to start his own business venture in farm construction and set up R B Farm Services.
Starting in 2002, carrying out small projects on local farms, he soon gained a good reputation and grew the business. He now undertakes small and major farm developments all over Pembrokeshire and has now grown a vast customer base.
Together with his wife Kim, who runs the office, and five full-time and some seasonal staff, he specialises in all aspects of construction on farms, with the main focus being on the dairy sector.
The company builds silage pits, slurry pits and all types of livestock housing, from cubicle sheds to loose housing, as well as storage buildings.
“We also take on large scale dairy parlours including rotary design, some of which are the biggest of their type in Europe,” said Mr Blethyn.
“As a businessman I recognise the need for both larger and smaller farms alike to thrive as they are both crucial for my business to succeed. I hope for continued success in the development of my business to provide work for my own family in the future and for all current workers, sub-contractors and the local businesses which we use, all of which rely on successful farmers who are often overlooked,” added Mr Blethyn.
He joined Clynderwen YFC at the age of 14 and competed in junior stock judging, gaining awards individually and in team competitions and taking particular interest in beef breeds.
He also competed and enjoyed taking part in drama competitions and represented Pembrokeshire at the Royal Welsh Show in Welsh Black stock judging.
As a senior member he held posts such as chairman, vice chairman and treasurer, and also represented the county in mime, music, and forestry competitions and the converted fencing competition at the Royal Welsh Show.
“I am a very proud past member of Clynderwen YFC always ready to give back to the club when they need assistance as the YFC movement has given me a big step forward in my professional life, giving me great people skills and the get up and go to succeed,” he added.
The judges, Pembrokeshire show president Michael Davies, Barclays Bank agricultural manager John Jones and FUW land use and parliamentary committee delegate Dafydd Williams, were extremely impressed by the high standard of shortlisted candidates and had a very difficult time trying to decide the winner.
“We were looking for entries from a wide range of people including those who are farming in their own right, those who are providing a service to the agricultural sector or those who have started a rural-based business such as cake making, electrical services, crafts or music teaching - the list is endless,” said Mr Williams.
“In presenting this award we hope to highlight the fantastic work which young people are doing to keep the rural areas of Pembrokeshire vibrant and economically active places,” he added.
“We found it extremely encouraging that all of the candidates were providing employment opportunities for other young people in their locality, which has enormous economic benefits for rural areas,” said Mr Williams.
“Whilst all of the candidates had successful growing businesses the one thing which really set Richard apart and really impressed us was his work ethos which he also instilled in all his employees.
“He has ensured that he has a good work life balance, so that despite working hard in developing his still fairly new business, he also ensures that he spends time with his young family.
“Richard also ensures that his employees have quality time to spend with their families which we felt was crucial to the success of any business, but also quite rare in the agricultural industry,” added Mr Williams.