THE news that a popular cafe in Chirk has been recognised for a national social enterprise award and a further accolade for its director has been welcomed by the town's MP.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has added his congratulations to Glyn Wylfa director Brian Colley on becoming a fellow of the Royal Society for Arts Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) and to the cafe for being a finalist in the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

The cafe, which was established as community and business hub eight years ago, is a finalist in the Transformative Community, Business Category, and has been rewarded for increasing sales leading to increased help for community members.

Mr Baynes said: "I would like to congratulate everyone at Glyn Wylfa on their incredible achievement of being shortlisted in the UK Social Enterprise Awards.

"This is an incredible accomplishment and is testament to the hard work and commitment shown at Glyn Wylfa. I wish everyone there the very best of luck for the awards ceremony next month.

“I also want to pay special tribute to Brian, in recognition of his contribution as a director of Glyn Wylfa, demonstrating the power of social enterprise and its economic, social and cultural impact on Chirk.

"And I know this will enable Brian to influence thinking on the huge benefits and impact of Social Enterprises on local communities.”

In the last year, Glyn Wylfa has increased sales income by 15 per cent and net profit/surplus by 30 per cent which was used for energy saving and customer benefit investments while also doubling their charitable and local donations.

The Café receives more than 43,000 visitors per year, employs 13 and is open seven days a week and the business centre houses a number of successful businesses, plus the local police station, that in total employ approximately 30 local people.

The UK Social Enterprise Awards run by Social Enterprise UK, the national membership body for social enterprises, recognise the nation’s most pioneering social enterprises.

Glyn Wylfa will be joining other shortlisted organisations at the prestigious awards ceremony to be held at London’s iconic Guildhall on December 8.

Mr Colley said: “It is an honour for our directors, employees, customers and other stakeholders to be recognised as a shortlisted social enterprise for this prestigious award.”