Welsh Enterprise Awards 2019

8 | SME NEWS - Welsh Enterprise Awards 2019 Oct19350 Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this small guest house on the beachfront of Llanfairfechan is run by husband-and-wife team Paul and Sharon Sharratt. It’s in a unique position, offering an excellent location and great hospitality. We caught up with Sharon to find out more. We have a plaque in the entrance hall which was bought for us from a guest stating ‘Enter as guests and leave as friends’, says Sharon. ‘We think it speaks volumes about our interaction with people that come to stay with us.’ The friendly hospitality offered by husband-and-wife, Paul and Sharon, has left a huge impact on those who stay with them. Guests to Min Y Don come from all sorts of places. They have a worldwide guestbook, filled with people coming to North Wales for something special. ‘Some come to experience the Welsh adventures that are local to our area. Some come to trace their ancestors that have left wales to start a new life leaving on the quarry ships that travelled to far reaching places.’ When coming from far away, it’s key to Sharon and Paul offer something special in return. ‘Our driving ambition is that every guest is the most important one and that they feel welcome and comfortable.’ Of course, this is helped by the beautiful natural surroundings of Llanfairfechan. ‘We are in a unique position nestled between the sea and mountains,’ says Sharon. ‘The Village is such a friendly place with lots of activities for all ages.’ Llanfairfechan is always clean, tidy and friendly, with good transport links to Conwy and Bangor. Of course, one of the major appeals of the area is the blue flag beaches minutes away from the guesthouse. Situated on the Lavan sands, a path of soft gold stretches down to the Menai Straights. As a small business, there isn’t a large team to keep on top of things. It’s just Paul and Sharon handling everything. ‘We do all our own cooking, cleaning and laundry,’ says Sharon. ‘In time we may employ someone to help in the summer months as the workload gets hectic!’ Looking ahead, Sharon is keen to remain on top of things. For her, ‘constant upgrading to keep in tip top shape’ is the order of the day. ‘We do not sit on our laurels as we do not want Min y Don to go stale as many do when left to be run as it “just works”’. Currently, they’re refurbishing one of the suites to a higher standard. ‘every year we upgrade a suite,’ Sharon tell us, ‘to keep them luxurious and fresh.’ It’s an attitude of aspiring for more that has served her and Paul well thus far. Min Y Don takes on the feeling somewhere separate from the outside world, where people come to escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. This is certainly her feeling when it comes to Brexit. ‘The confusion made by the Brexit poll has made Wales a perfect staycation destination,’ she says. ‘People do not have to worry about travel. They can stay in one country and see how wonderful North Wales is.’ With its Blue Flag beaches, Snowdonian mountains and the historic Conwy Castle in easy travelling distances, it’s easy to say that North Wales really is wonderful, and that Min Y Don Guesthouse reflects that beautifully. A jewel in the crown that is Conwy County, Sharon and Paul Sharratt offer something a little different. They invite you into their home and treat you like friends. It’s this sort of hospitality that lasts far beyond a holiday. Contact: Sharon Sharratt Website: http://www.min-y-don.co.uk/min-y-don-guest-house Guesthouse of the Year 2019 - Conwy County Min-Y-Don Guest House: