Owen Jones owner of Cefn Mably Lakes and Fishing on the outskirts of Cardiff, has invested £250,000 supported by Barclays’ agriculture to diversify the business and develop onsite luxury accommodation and a fully equipped gym.

The £250,000 investment has created 5 luxury lodges, and 9 fishing pods to protect anglers from the inclement Welsh weather and is anticipated to generate an additional £155,000 per annum. The luxury lodges are all built in the UK and come complete with superfast broadband, and private hot tubs.

Owen Jones, who is part of the family business which has been farming at New Park Farm for over 35 years said,

“We are a working farm with over 600 acres. The lakes have been attracting Carp anglers for many years so the investment in onsite accommodation seemed a natural step as more and more anglers want a short break, luxury experience, rather than just a day’s fishing.  We are already at 80% occupancy and attracting lots of non-anglers, who just want to visit for the proximity to Cardiff and beautiful surroundings.”

Delyth Parry, Barclays Business Agricultural Manager, said,

“This is a great example of someone using personal experience to spot a business opportunity. Barclays’ research identifies the significant role “entrepreneurs” play in the rural economy and is committed to supporting such propositions. By using our knowledge and experience within the sector, Barclays’ agriculture has been delighted to support Owen’s latest venture and wishes the business every success for the future. This is a business which truly understands the importance of diversification within its business. By converting some disused barns into a modern subscription gym and developing these fantastic lodges together with the existing fishing and tackle shop operation the business is generating revenue from the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.”

Owen Jones continues

“Investing into the business in the current financial climate was a major financial commitment but something we wanted to do. With 85% of the accommodation being obtained via the website www.lodgeonalake.com we understand the importance of embracing modern technology to support traditional agriculture. With 8 lakes spread over 35 acres we have plenty of space and if early indicators are anything to go by we will hopefully introduce another 10 luxury lodges over the next 2 years.”