The Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Monmouth, David TC Davies has officially opened the new Gwent office of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
A celebratory event took place last Friday (8September 2023) to officially open the office located at Llanover Business Centre which will be the home of the FUW Gwent team, having previously been based in Abergavenny town centre. FUW Staff will be on hand from Monday to Friday in the new location to advise members and answer any membership queries.
At the event, guests heard how the office is hoped to be a key contributor to the Union’s vision of thriving family farms across Wales. FUW County Executive Officer Sharon Pritchard explained: “We are often the first people members turn to when they have worries or concerns, as well as the first to hear about exciting developments and successes.
"We’re closer to the local livestock market now and the office is really accessible for our members so I’m hopeful the new office will soon become a hive of activity and a key point of contact for the farming community.
"The importance of the farming industry to the community, culture and local economy in rural areas like this is highlighted by Mr Davies MP joining us on this occasion- we’re very grateful for his time and support.”
The office will also house the FUW Insurance Service Gwent team. As one of the leading insurance brokers in Wales with a service that feels local and personal, staff will be available in the office to assist customers with their policies.
Account Executive Julie Phillips said: “It’s important to us that our policyholders know we are here to help whenever they need us. Our office is a reflection of FUWIS so having the new and improved location is indicative of our commitment to deliver the very best service to our customers across Gwent."
The Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Monmouth, David TC Davies said: “It was an absolute pleasure and honour to officially open the new Gwent office. I particularly enjoyed seeing many old friends, such as local farmer Terry Bayliss and my former colleague in Parliament Guto Bebb, FUW chief executive. Traditionally, the FUW had its office in Abergavenny town centre where the cattle market was. But times change and the FUW is absolutely right to move forward. One of the great things I like about the agricultural community is that people are never afraid to share their opinions and that is really important. I look forward to a continued working relationship with the FUW and coming back to Llanover to regularly discuss agricultural issues in Monmouthshire and beyond.”