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0:00:22 > 0:00:23- Hello there.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- Today, I'm near Llannefydd - in northeast Wales.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- I'm meeting a family that runs - a very successful business.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- Welcome to Perthyn.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- I'm Owain Roberts, - the eldest son of Llaeth Y Llan.
0:00:42 > 0:00:48- I run the business with my parents, - Gareth and Falmai, and my sister.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- I'm Llior, Owain's sister.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Mam and Dad - started the business in 1985...
0:00:55 > 0:01:00- ..and we grew up here, - immersed in the business.
0:01:01 > 0:01:07- We've been very aware of it - ever since we were born.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- My job is to run the company - day-to-day...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..and make sure the yogurt - is of the highest quality.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- It's my job to look after the sales - and marketing side.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- I make sure the sales team - raises the brand's profile...
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- ..and gets it out there.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- Owain and Llior, - you have a wonderful place here...
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- ..near the village of Llannefydd.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- Is it nice - to be able to work at home?
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- Yes, it's great and it's not far - to walk to work every day.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- Owain, have you always worked here?
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Yes, as I'm the eldest son, - I've worked here from the start.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- As the eldest sibling...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..it felt natural for me - to take over the business.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- How far from your parents' house - do you live?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- I built a house - about 200 yards up the road!
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- But that means - I can never take a sickie!
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- Is it too close at times?
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- Yes, it can feel that way, but - someone has to be on site every day.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31- Llior, you left home - and moved to London for a while.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- Yes, I left home - to study in Newcastle upon Tyne.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- When I graduated, - I moved down to London...
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- ..to work in the fashion industry.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- I lived in London - for almost nine years...
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- ..and worked - for different fashion houses there.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- What brought Llior back here, Owain?
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- Was the business expanding - and you needed her to come on board?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- Yes. Marketing is a crucial part - of running a business.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- I felt confined to running - the company from day to day...
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- ..and I felt that our marketing - could be improved.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- We sat down - and discussed it as a family.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- My father asked Llior - to rejoin the company.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29- Do you remember receiving that - phone call from your father, Llior?
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- Yes, and it came - as a bit of a shock.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- I wasn't shocked - to be asked to come home...
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- ..but I was surprised because I had - no experience in the food industry.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- I was a bit apprehensive...
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- ..because I wasn't sure in what way - I could help the business...
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- ..even though - it's my family's company.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- It was a gamble - to leave my job in London...
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- ..to come and work - in a totally different world.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- I was leaving fashion - to focus on food.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Is it good to have Llior back home?
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- Is it good to have Llior back home?- - Yes. We work really well together.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- Llior's strengths are obvious.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- She put an advert out on TV - and that really boosted the brand.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- You don't live - as close to work as Owain, Llior.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- No.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- No.- - She can escape!
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- I live in Chester, - so I have quite a long commute...
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- ..especially because - I have a family of my own.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- I have a young daughter.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- My work as a mother means I have - to drop her off at her nursery...
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- ..before I come here.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- You recently welcomed a new addition - to your family too, Owain.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- Yes, my wife recently gave birth - to William Dafydd Roberts.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- He has two big sisters - - Anni and Martha.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- William is the new addition - to the family.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- Do you hope to see your children - in charge of the yogurt pots?
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Well, I'd like to think the business - will stay in the family.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- Owain, this is - where the process starts.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- Yes, milk from tanks outside - passes through this pasteurizer.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40- It goes into tanks, where we add - ingredients like protein and sugar.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- We then cook it up - and it's ready by morning.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- So by the morning, you end up - with a product like this, Owain.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Yes. This tankful cooked overnight.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- It's now ready to be processed.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- These are the important ingredients. - This is where the magic happens!
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Yes - these are the flavours.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- When the yogurt is ready, - we pump it up to the hoppers...
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- ..and we add ingredients to flavour, - such as the rhubarb we have here.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- This must be one of the final steps.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- This must be one of the final steps.- - Yes, the yogurt is packed here.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- This is our main machine.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- The pot comes down, yogurt goes in, - the lid is attached...
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- ..the heat sealers close the seal...
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- ..and the pot goes down the line.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Owain, what's happening here?
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- This is the packing area.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- They attach lids here and put them - in plastic or cardboard trays.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- What's the next step after this?
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- We chill them quickly...
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- ..to lower the temperature - from 20 degrees to four degrees.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- The yogurt's warm at this point?
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Yes, it comes out of the tanks - at around 20 degrees.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- How many pots do you fill every day?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- How many pots do you fill every day?- - Around 30,000.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15- Every day?
0:07:15 > 0:07:16- Every day?- - Yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Dear me!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Gethin here has been - with us for five years...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- ..and he's one of our most - reliable workers.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Did you hear - those kind words, Gethin?
0:07:28 > 0:07:29- Yes.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31- What's your job here, Gethin?
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- What's your job here, Gethin?- - A bit of everything.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36- I run the machines...
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- ..and I cover - when people are ill or on holiday.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- I transfer pots to the fridge - and I help pack the yogurts.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- You've been here for five years, - so you must enjoy your job.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Yes.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- What sort of boss is Owain?
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- What sort of boss is Owain?- - It depends!
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- It's very cold in the fridge.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- We've seen the pots on the other - side, so what happens here?
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- We need to get the product - down to four degrees quickly.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- They're stored on pallets here, - ready to go to the supermarkets...
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- ..and local customers.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23- You employ local workers.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- You employ local workers.- - Yes, this is Bedwyr.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- Hello, Bedwyr, how are you?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- Hello, Bedwyr, how are you?- - Very well, thank you.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I'm sorry to disturb you.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- What is it you do, Bedwyr?
0:08:33 > 0:08:34- I'm working here for a year.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- I'm taking a year out before - hopefully studying to be a vet.
0:08:39 > 0:08:40- A difficult course.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- A difficult course.- - Yes, it is.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Are you enjoying it here?
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Are you enjoying it here?- - Yes, I am.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Rhys, my brother-in-law, - is responsible for distribution.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57- What do you do from day to day?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- I make sure that customers - get the right products.
0:09:02 > 0:09:08- Make sure there are no mistakes - and that things run smoothly.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- Do mistakes happen?
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- Do mistakes happen?- - Problems do arise sometimes.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- It's my job to talk to customers - and sort out any problems.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Is it nice to work for the family?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- It is, yes. I enjoy my job.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- What exactly do you do?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- What time do you start every day?
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- I'm usually here - between five and six in the morning.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- I just make sure - that the factory runs smoothly.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- That the machines are working, - and that the process runs smoothly.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- What are the staff's hours?
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- We work shifts here.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Some work from five until two, - others from six until three.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- It varies according to our needs.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- Do you sometimes ask your father's - advice if there is a problem?
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Dad's always there to give advice.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- He has taught me well - and I respect his opinion.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Our parents gave me and my sister - a solid foundation to run a company.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- We're grateful to them.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- As brother and sister - and as a family business...
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- ..we still talk to each other - and ask for their help and advice.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- They have been in business - for such a long time.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- It's in their blood - and it won't leave.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- It's in their blood, - and it's now in ours as well.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Gareth and Falmai, - we're in your polytunnel.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- This plastic greenhouse gives you - a lot of pleasure, I'm sure.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57- Yes.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Now that Falmai - is running a bed and breakfast...
0:11:02 > 0:11:08- ..we take pride in feeding guests - with fresh produce from our garden.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- Strawberries, raspberries, grapes, - lettuce, new potatoes.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- It sounds perfect to me!
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- You established the business, - many years ago.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Let's turn back the clock - to the beginning, Gareth.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- We started - with a small 50-acre farm...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- ..and about a dozen dairy cattle.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- It was tough raising - a young family on 50 acres.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- We had to find a way - to raise the value of our produce.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- We decided to diversify - and take a very traditional route.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- We started a milk round.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- That meant - we could add a little bit...
0:12:00 > 0:12:06- ..to the income - brought in by the dairy business.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- We sold unpasteurized milk - in those days.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Why did you choose - to make yogurt...
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- ..rather than cheese, - ice cream or butter?
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- What happened was - that circumstances drove us to it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:30- First, there were issues with - salmonella in unpasteurized milk.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- We lost business - and we had to respond to that.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- The way we did respond - was to begin to pasteurize milk.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- It was in the mid-1980s when - everyone wanted low-fat produce.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- That was the starting point.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- We had to separate the cream - from the milk...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- ..and our first marketing venture - was to sell the cream.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- It was good quality cream...
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- ..and the demand for it - grew and grew.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- We were left with skimmed milk...
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- ..and we had to try to work out - what we could do with it.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- We had to sell both the cream and - the skimmed milk to make a profit.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- We had to sell both products - if we wanted to make a profit.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- We did a lot of head scratching - and lots of research.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- That's when - we first looked at yogurt.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Neither of us knew how to make it, - so we went to college to learn.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- You then had to invest - in machines to make yogurt.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- Well, we started with two buckets - in the airing cupboard!
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- We didn't invest much money - at first!
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Bear in mind that we were farmers!
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- How did it develop over the years?
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- We first sold our yogurt - to a butcher's shop in Abergele.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- We sold it in white plastic pots - and we wrote "yogurt" on them.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14- Labels were handwritten on pots!
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Labels were handwritten on pots!- - Yes, but we couldn't do that today.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- It was fine to do that 30 years ago.
0:14:21 > 0:14:27- And so, 30 years later, you've - passed the baton to Owain and Llior.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- Is it difficult - to hand over the reins completely?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Yes, of course.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38- That's a big question!
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- Yes, and fortunately Falmai - has found a niche for herself...
0:14:45 > 0:14:50- ..running a five-star - bed and breakfast here.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- I'm the biggest problem!
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- I find myself - in some sort of no man's land.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- When it's busy and something - needs to be done urgently...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- ..the old man - is quite handy to have around!
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- I get busy in the garden here...
0:15:13 > 0:15:19- ..but I can down tools - and do whatever needs to be done.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- It gives us great pleasure.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Yes, we're glad the children - wanted to carry on here.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- If they didn't, we'd have - to think twice about what to do.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Join me after the break...
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- ..to find out how Llior - runs her side of the business.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45- .
0:15:51 > 0:15:51- Subtitles
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Welcome back - to Llaeth Y Llan, Llannefydd.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- I'm here with brother and sister - Owain and Llior Roberts.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- They run the business nowadays.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- The marketing and sales side - of the business...
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- ..means I have to travel - across Britain...
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- ..especially around Wales.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- I attend meetings - with all sorts of buyers.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- Buyers working for supermarkets, - in wholesale...
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- ..or buyers working for retailers - we don't yet supply.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Llior, travelling - is part of your job.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- How much travelling do you do?
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- Marketing and sales - involves quite a lot of travelling.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- We attend meetings with buyers - who work for supermarkets...
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- ..and wholesalers.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09- We also do food shows, - consumer shows and trade shows.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- We went to a trade show - at the NEC in Birmingham last week.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- We were there for the whole week.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Supermarkets and local shops - store your product.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- Where can we buy it?
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- Our yogurt is currently available - in every part of Wales.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33- Our yogurt is available in - supermarkets throughout the country.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- You can purchase it in Tesco, - Morrisons, Co-op and Asda.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- I've seen several - television commercials.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- It's an exciting time for you.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Television is an expensive - marketing tool...
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- ..for us as a company.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- We took the gamble - of paying for a television advert...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- ..because we can't - be present everywhere.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- We hoped the commercial...
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- ..would help sell the story - of the brand and the product.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- How many flavours are there?
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- How many flavours are there?- - It currently stands at 14 flavours.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- We'll launch our vanilla flavour - over the coming month.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- We sell everything from natural - yogurt to strawberry flavour...
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- ..and from raspberry to toffee.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- We also produce unusual flavours - such as banoffee.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- What's your best seller?
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Believe it or not, - our most popular flavour is toffee.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Really? I wonder why.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- I expected you to say strawberry - or natural yogurt.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- I think it's because the - toffee flavour ticks so many boxes.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- It appeals to young people, - children, men and women alike.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- I think toffee flavour yogurt - is really versatile.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- You can eat it for dessert - or for breakfast.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- It tastes really good...
0:19:09 > 0:19:10- ..even if I say so myself!
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- The business is growing and we've - decided to build a new extension...
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- ..to create a much bigger dairy.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- This will help us - grow the business even further.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- We'll demolish the old cowshed - to create this extension.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- Llior, tell me more - about this extension.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- It's a busy period for us.
0:19:42 > 0:19:48- We've received support - from the Welsh Government...
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- ..to build a new dairy.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- This will support - our expansion plans.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- It will also enable us - to produce new lines.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- It will definitely also mean...
0:20:09 > 0:20:15- ..that we can continue to send out - top-quality Llaeth Y Llan yogurt.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- This extension - will help us make sure...
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- ..that we keep producing yogurt - for years to come.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- This also means we'll have - more room in the old dairy.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- We now segregate sections, - in terms of allergens and so on.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- The old dairy could be used - to produce something different...
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- ..without affecting the new dairy.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- Mam and Dad - built an extension in 1995.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- I'm sure - this will be the biggest project...
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- ..my sister and I - will tackle during our careers.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- It's a continuation - of our parents' work in 1995.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- These are exciting times - and the expansion is necessary.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- I've spent a lot of time with you - over the past few days...
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- ..and it's clear you're united - and you think alike.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- You're both committed - to the business.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Do you have disagreements?
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- Does that sibling element - come into play?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- This may sound - like a bit of a cliche...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- ..but as we're - the son and daughter...
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- ..it gives it a different dynamic.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- It can change the way we think.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- We certainly - bring a lot of passion into it.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Yes, we do bring lots of passion.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- We try to get that passion - from our staff...
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- ..but when you bring a family member - back into the company...
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- ..and you work with your parents, - you see that passion.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Llior and I know that sometimes, - that passion can boil over.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Yes, things can blow up, - but it doesn't happen very often.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- No, and it can be good...
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- ..because we're trying - to get to where we want to be.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Could you work with your parents?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Could you work with your parents?- - And with your brother or sister?
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- We work well as a family...
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- ..but our parents tend to treat us - like children sometimes...
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- ..rather than as fellow directors.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Yes, things can get - a bit jumbled up.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- Mam and Dad can think about - what happened yesterday...
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- ..but Owain and I must focus on - issues discussed in board meetings.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- We must make sure - things are carried through.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- On the other hand, - they're still Mam and Dad...
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- ..and they can still treat us - like 15-year-olds!
0:23:03 > 0:23:09- They don't talk to us as adults - who have children of our own.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- That's the real challenge.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- They've got to see us as individuals - who have families of our own...
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- ..but I'm sure - that will never change!
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- No, but they always offer us lunch.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Even if we argue, they always - offer us lunch or a cup of tea.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- A cup of tea makes everything OK.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32- A cup of tea makes everything OK.- - Yes, and that's great.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- Owain and Llior, thank you - and good luck with the expansion.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39- Thank you.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01- .