HRH the Prince of Wales has opened the Llandovery Work Hub – the first rural work hub in Wales.

The innovative scheme, which provides a collaborative working space for local businesses, is based above the town’s Tourist Information Centre.

The Prince was shown round the Hub, which opened yesterday, and spoke to businesses using the facilities, and to staff and representatives of Carmarthenshire County Council.

He unveiled the plaque at the Hub and said: “I’m very proud to have this brief opportunity to come and look round the new Hub and literally to open it on its first occasion.

“It’s fabulous to see the local authority supporting local business and being so proactive. I am very impressed with the commitment you are making to ensure our communities are sustainable.”

The idea of creating the first rural work hub in Wales was formulated based on the results of a recent feasibility study and the outcomes of a workshop held in mid December, which a broad selection of representatives from the town attended and took part in.

A visit was made in February to Frome in Somerset by members of the Town Council and The Llandovery Partnership to see a workshop that is up and running.

The Llandovery Partnership has therefore been working with Carmarthenshire County Council to enable the Llandovery Town Council’s initiative to happen. It has been funded through projects run by Carmarthenshire County Council with an aim of boosting the local economy by attracting businesses to actually see Llandovery as a place to do business.

The Work Hub is a flexible co shared work space; an environment that facilitates business collaboration and networking. The Llandovery Hub has 16 workstations and a meeting room. Facilities include the best broadband available plus photocopier and printers.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Kevin Madge said: “The Llandovery Hub is perfect for people who run a business on the move, or who work from home and need to remove themselves from the domestic environment.

“Business people who feel isolated working at home will benefit from making use of the Hub. This is the first rural Work Hub in Wales and I am delighted that the Prince was able to attend to open the facilities on their first day.”

Caption 1: HRH the Prince of Wales shakes hands with Carmarthenshire County Council Chair Cllr Terry Davies, watched by, from left, the Mayor of Llandovery Cllr David Rees, Carmarthenshire County Council Chief Executive Mark James, county executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell and county council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge.

Pic Jeff Connell Caption 2: HRH the Prince of Wales shakes hands with Carmarthenshire County Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge, watched by county executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell, Council Chair Cllr Terry Davies and the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed the Hon Robin Lewis.

Pic Jeff Connell Caption 3: HRH the Prince of Wales, speaking at the official opening of the Llandovery Hub.

Pic Jeff Connell Press note: for more information contact Roger Butler, press officer, on 01267 224114.