Member Article

It’s a dog’s life, for former energy worker

A former energy worker has proved that ‘every dog has its day,’ by setting up a state-of-the-art breeding kennel – with help from a Trust set up by his previous employer.

Ever since childhood, John Wyn Jones, Carmarthenshire, had wanted to breed dogs and now his dream has become a reality after a Trust set up by energy efficiency company Eaga stepped in to help.

John, aged 47, spent four years working for the company’s Cardiff based office as operations manager for the Welsh Government funded Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES).

And when he left, in 2012, he decided to follow his childhood passion, setting up the fully licenced Jerram & Jones Kennel, at St Clears, where he now breeds retrievers, cocker spaniels and Labradors.

“From the start,” said John, “I was determined that the health, welfare and wellbeing of our dogs would be at the forefront of everything we do. This required the building of a brand new, bespoke, high specification breeding kennel, which is set within eight acres of grassland and woods, giving the dogs freedom to enjoy the countryside.”.

“But that has, understandably, been expensive and that is where the eaga Trust came in.”

Set up to help former Eaga employees, the Trust offers members a wide range of practical and financial benefits, along with a full support package for those planning to retrain or start their own, employee-owned business.

Among the benefits is Business Funding, through which John was able to secure a start-up loan towards structural requirements to his kennels.

“The loan has enabled us to finish the kennels to the desired standard,” he said.

“It’s helped with everything from installing secure fencing for the dogs to enjoy the outside greenery, plastering the kennels to create a robust and hygienic surface, and installing a pressure washing system using well water, which is the most environmentally sustainable option for daily cleaning.”

“It’s been an enormous help and I am very grateful to the Trust.”

Richard Marr, Chief Operating Officer for the eaga Trust said: “John is exactly the sort of person the Trust was formed to help.

“We are delighted to have been able to help him progress the kennels and fulfil his dream and we wish him every success.”

For more information about Jerram & Jones Kennels, email johnwynjones@msn.com or call 07703 113 127.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Trust membership should register at www.eagatrust.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lauren Old .