Hub Member: Eifion Jones - Caramôn

Caramon was established in early 2020 and works to carry out services on caravans, and habitation checks on motor homes. This could include everything from gas systems, to the battery and electricity, damp checks, chassis and wheels! A multi-faceted company, run by Eifion Jones and his wife, Angharad.

Eifion worked for Anglesey County Council, on European projects, for 20 years. Once his work came to an end, he knew he wanted to find something else. An avid caravanner, Eifion could spot a gap in the market, and decided to try and fill it, but setting up Caramôn He received training through Re-Act, and turned to the Enterprise Hub for advice on starting out. The Enterprise Hub helped him secure an Arfor grant, to purchase the equipment required and to market bilingually, something he feels is important.

The business had just started, when COVID-19 happened! Work dried up almost instantly, but fortunately has now started again with social distance and safety measures in place. This has required Caramôn to adapt almost immediately upon starting; changing a business that had just established, to a new business which could operate during a pandemic; no small feat for anyone to take on. Eifion now wears PPE, decontaminates his equipment regularly, asks customers to stay out of the caravan for three days following his visit, and has switched to contactless and electronic payment.

Eifion said “It’s taken a lot to get to where we are now, and of course the pandemic hit us hard. We’ve had to adapt, and have been able to adapt in a way that’s let us continue with our work. My proudest moment in business is the feeling that I’ve done a good job for the customer, and I’m able to do that now. The only thing I regret is not starting sooner!

The advice I’d give others starting out is to provide the best service you possibly can, and keep your promises; but don’t be afraid to say no if you need to. I’d also encourage you to make the most of your contacts, and develop new ones. Using the Hub’s space at M-SParc and taking advantage of the online events have been a huge help to me in that respect.

Beth, a business advisor for the Enterprise Hub, said “We’re pleased that we were able to help Eifion secure the grant that got his business started, and that he is continuing to make the most of being a member of the Enterprise Hub by attending our virtual webinars.”

The Enterprise Hub is part funded by The European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

www.caramon.cymru