Gwynedd entrepreneur, Iwan Williams, had always had the ambition of starting up his own trees and timber business and being his own boss. After completing a BTEC National Diploma in Forestry in 2000, Iwan got a job as an estates worker for Forest Enterprise in Dumfries. But in 2002, he decided to take the plunge and put the skills and specialised knowledge he`d gained from his training into practice, setting up his own business – "Iwan Meirion Tree Services".

After receiving support from local agency FFatri Fenter to complete some market research, Iwan realised that the skills he had would be put to good use serving the local area. In addition to identifying a gap in the market, he was also spurred on by the need to generate an income while he continued his studies.

"Doing the BTEC National Diploma gave me the practical skills I needed to work in trees and timber," says Iwan, "but it also helped me a lot with my accounts when I set up my own business. Having these skills has helped me keep on top of my paperwork."

Setting up the business was obviously a good move to make, as Iwan and his employees have successfully carried out work for the community and county councils, as well as privately contracted work.

"Getting the right qualifications is important, particularly when it comes to health and safety," says Iwan. "If you want to carry out work for your local council, for example, you need to have the right training. My advice to other businesses is don’t skimp on health and safety!"

Iwan has a very sound business mind, clearly demonstrated in the success of his own business. In recognition of Iwan`s success in putting his training and skills into practice, and creating a successful career and business, he was one of the finalists in Lantra`s Land-based Learner of the Year Awards 2003.

Iwan is determined not to stop learning, and has recently completed a BSc degree in Forestry at Bangor University. He intends to keep running his business, and has now expanded into providing grounds maintenance services.