Students were given a unique opportunity to learn business skills and receive expert tips when they recently met Welsh cake entrepreneur Michael Beynon.
Michael Beynon, creator of Coalpit Welsh Cakes, made a virtual visit to college. He met with students on Hospitality & Food and Retail & Enterprise pathways online, to tell them about how he set up and runs his business.
Michael, who now lives in Chirk, in North Wales, has Down’s Syndrome. He launched his Welsh cake business back in October 2018 following his love for both baking and local history. He used his grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s Welsh Cake recipe to develop his unique black Welsh Cake. The cakes are a way to celebrate the lives of the miners from Ammanford, the mining town where he lives. Michael said he always wanted to start his own business, despite his disability.
Our students found Michael inspirational and were really motivated by his work. Following their morning talk, some they said they felt encourage to start their own business.
Hospitality & Food student Jodie said she found his presentation fascinating and had enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions.
She said, “Michael started with just a £50 budget, and has grown to become an independent business which produces unique black Welsh cakes and traditional Welsh products.
“It made me think about the possibility of starting my own micro business one day.”
Curriculum Manager Jennifer Fawcett-Jones said: “Thank you so much to Michael for taking the time to talk to our students about how he was able to set up a successful business from scratch.
Students asked lots of interesting questions, and were inspired to think about their own future ambitions.
Michael said: “I’m so glad to have inspired some students to start their own businesses Hopefully, I’ll see their products for sale soon!”
