Social Business in Action: Trigonos in Eryri

This is the story of Trigonos, a residential retreat and events centre established in 1996 by Richard Grover, Judy Harris and Ros Tennyson in the Nantlle Valley in north Wales. They found the resources to purchase Plas Baladeulyn, its outbuildings and the surrounding 18 acres of land by the side of a lake with an uninterrupted view of Snowdon, and turned it into a non-profit, socially and environmentally conscious events venue, guest house and biodynamic farm. Their story shows what is possible when a remarkable place, imagination and determination come together under the banner of a ‘social business’ – being run in an efficient and ‘business-like’ way but where values are paramount and any surplus income over expenditure is reinvested in the project rather than taken as profits by a few shareholders.

There has never been a time when the social business model is more needed to offset the risks of impending economic, environmental and social catastrophe, in Wales, in the UK and in the wider world. So why are there so few social businesses? The authors are determined to share their experience to encourage others to adopt this mechanism for their own great ideas – as they explain:

“The three of us ran Trigonos for 24 years – and, perhaps surprisingly, we had an average age of 50 when we started off! It is never too late to try something new and to do what you can to make the world a fairer and kinder place. We strongly advocate social business as an important way forward.”

MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville-Roberts, commented:

“Congratulations on having created such a wonderful project here in the heart of Eryri. This is an inspiring story and shows how initiatives are possible wherever there is determination, a sense of place and a strong connection to the local community. I hope this book helps to spread the news throughout Wales and beyond about the potential and positive impact of social businesses.”