Jones Bros leads the way after renewing Ruthin Craft Centre partnership28th May 2026

“The firm sets the example of what support businesses can offer.”

These are the words of Ruthin Craft Centre Director Samantha Rhodes who has lauded Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s continued backing of the not-for-profit organisation.

Demonstrating its commitment to empowering local communities, the civil engineering contractor has extended its aid until 2027 in a bid to keep the centre’s free Caffi Celf sessions running.

The weekend-only workshops, funded by Jones Bros in partnership with charity Arts & Business Cymru, are led by Welsh speaking artists and allow participants to enhance their language skills and creativity as they undertake a variety of art and craft.

For example, spring 2026 saw Cardiff-based textile artist Hâf Weighton lead a workshop in the on-site education room where attendees sketched North Wales high streets before making concertina map books inspired by viewing her exhibition celebrating the region’s heritage.

Jones Bros’ support has also seen the firm build a concrete plinth for artist David Nash’s Balance Column sculpture after it was agreed the piece would remain at the Ruthin Craft Centre on a long loan basis.

Samantha said: “We’re so grateful for all Jones Bros’ help, which has enabled us to carry on delivering our Caffi Celf programme.

“With arts education facing cuts across the country, the firm sets the example of what support businesses can offer and how important such aid is in facilitating creative opportunities for both adults and young people.

“By continuing the sessions, we can also give local Wales-based artists a chance to practice their language skills in a safe, supportive environment by joining in as studio assistants, which is fantastic.

“Overall, we look forward to strengthening our partnership across the coming year and hope more businesses follow in Jones Bros’ footsteps, recognising the value our services provide.”

Jones Bros Senior Content Writer and Stakeholder Co‑ordinator Beatrice Harkin has had first-hand experience of Caffi Celf after participating in a workshop.

She said: “We’re always eager to give back to the communities we work with, so it’s wonderful to continue our long-standing support of Ruthin Craft Centre, which is less than a 10-minute walk from our head office.

“As a Welsh learner, it was great to be involved in the session, as I could practice my speaking with other learners whilst developing our crafting skills, and we hope that many more people can enjoy a similar benefit.”

This backing of Caffi Celf follows on from previous support provided to the craft centre that includes a £2,000 donation towards the refurbishment of a century-old crane that belonged to the town’s former railway station.

The historic piece of equipment formed part of the ‘Railway in Ruthin – Past and Present’ project organised by Ruthin and District Civic Association that included information panels detailing the railway’s past which were unveiled on site precisely 161 years on from the station’s initial opening in 1862.

Jones Bros also provided a cement base for the permanent installation of steel sculptures, which are the result of a collaboration between CELF: the national contemporary art gallery for Wales, Ruthin Craft Centre, and artist and blacksmith Angharad Pearce Jones.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 550 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management, and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced a large percentage of its current workforce, with several of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.