Our Founders have been made fellows of Bangor University

A married couple of entrepreneurs who came to North Wales as “penniless students” have been honoured by Bangor University after their Anglesey sea salt took the culinary world by storm.

David and Alison Lea-Wilson, founders of the internationally successful Halen Môn and the Anglesey Sea Zoo, were recognised for their contribution to business in at a degree ceremony in Bangor yesterday.

They were among 12 individuals made Honorary Fellows.

Mr Lea-Wilson said: “We feel humbled because we’ve been living and working here for 35 years and have really appreciated what the university has done for us.

“It’s been a successful collaboration between a university and a small local business or two and I’m extremely grateful.”

Mrs Lea-Wilson said: “I am absolutely amazed that we’ve  been given this honour.

“We  came as penniless students in 1976 and have enjoyed the resources and environment of Wales and loved its people, its environment and its culture.

“It’s given us a lot and we’ve tried to give something back by starting our businesses here but  we’d never have done it without the support of the community.”

BBC news presenter Huw Edwards and Dei Tomos were among other given an honorary fellowship at this week’s university graduation.

This article first appeared on The Daily Post online on July 16th 2014.