Flintshire tourism firms cut costs with clean energy boost

Two family-owned tourist businesses in Flintshire are set to improve their energy efficiency and reduce overheads thanks to crucial support from a government-funded scheme.

Managed by social enterprise Cadwyn Clwyd, the Supporting Tourism Business and Sector Key Fund has facilitated Haulfryn Caravan Park and the Cross Foxes pub in Nannerch in making the switch to solar power.

The Cross Foxes, which was established in 1780, has installed 20 photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the building along with two battery banks, allowing the historic pub to access up to 800kwh of electricity annually.

Having helped run the family business since February 2024, owner Rebecca Gomm is grateful for the grant, which has accelerated plans to make the venue more environmentally friendly.

She said: “Without the funding, it would have taken us a lot longer to change to solar power, so the fact we can now operate using the new equipment is fantastic.

“The guidance we received throughout the application process was also really helpful and made it easy to understand what information was required from us and what the next steps look like.

“Overall, we are eager to see the difference the panels will make to our expenses in the long-term and are especially looking forward to the summer months when the new technology will store plenty of energy for future use.”

Similarly, the founders and owners of Holywell-based Haulfryn Caravan Park have sung the praises of the Supporting Tourism Business and Sector Key Fund, citing a reduction in electricity costs as a major benefit of implementing 49 new PVs on its shower and toilet facilities block, which produce up to 18,700kwh per year.

Mr and Mrs Stephens, who run the three-acre campsite, said: “We first opened in 2019 and discovered that securing commercial tourism funding post-covid was difficult, so receiving this financial support has been a dream come true.

“We’ve always been keen to install solar panels, and with us welcoming around 100 visitors annually, we are hopeful the equipment will continue to reduce our overheads and carbon emissions.”

The Supporting Tourism Business and Sector Key Fund received £671,372 from Flintshire County Council’s allocation of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Designed to support small and micro enterprises to introduce innovative new products, processes, and carbon-minimising technologies, Cadwyn Clwyd company manager Lowri Owain explained that the scheme has delivered upon its promise.

She said: “The programme is about helping the county’s tourism sector thrive, which is something the Cross Foxes and Haulfryn Caravan Park are doing as their overhead costs continue to reduce.

“Hearing the positive feedback from the scheme has been very encouraging, and I’m thankful that the UKSPF has allowed us to provide necessary support to meet the needs of Flintshire’s tourism industry.”

Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council cabinet member for economy, environment, and climate, said: “It’s brilliant to see projects like this have such a positive impact on small firms within the county.

“With the increasing cost of electricity, it’s evident the Supporting Tourism Business and Sector Key Fund has played a vital role in helping businesses tackle rising bills, so they can boost their financial stability while protecting the environment going forward.”

Flintshire County Council has extended the Tourism Key Fund under its UKSPF transition funding. Eligible tourism focused SMEs can apply for grants up to £17,500.

Further information can be found on Cadwyn Clwyd's website.