LOCAL CHOCOLATE BUSINESS EXPANDS
OCTOBER 23rd 2017
AFAN VALE CHOCOLATES
£3250.00 – MICRO FUND – FEB 2017
The business started trading in October 2015 and produces hand-made luxury chocolates sourcing locally where possible.The business would also like to promote Wales through its product – using as many Welsh ingredients as possible. They aspire to “stand out as a company that produces the tastiest chocolates, offering a unique product that is desirable to anyone who wants luxury chocolates for any reason.”
This was an excellent well-presented application.
“We purchased two tempering machines and several new moulds and utensils, being able to purchase these has resulted in less stress, larger production volume and less wasted stock. Our production capacity has more than doubled, our business has benefitted and as a result our customers are benefitting and we have opportunity to expand our customer base.” Anita – Afan Vale Chocolates
LOCATION OF ACTIVITY: GLYNCORRWG
VALLEY: AFAN
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.