A TV production company has given each member of its staff a £500 bonus to help them ride out the cost of living crisis.

Caernarfon-based Cwmni Da, which made broadcast history four years ago when it became an employee-owned trust, makes some of the best-loved programmes on S4C.

According to operations director Bethan Griffiths, the well-being of the staff was always a major priority for them.

The bonus was a way of rewarding the commitment of the 53 people who work there at a time when the price of energy and food is soaring.

The company was founded in 1994 and the team have successfully navigated problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Their output includes hugely popular shows like Noson Lawen, Garddio a Mwy, FFIT Cymru, Bwyd Epic Chris, Canu Gyda Fy Arwr, Gogglebocs Cymru and Deian a Loli.

As well as making programmes for other UK broadcasters like the BBC,Cwmni Da has a strong track record in award-winning international co-productions. 

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Ms Griffiths said: “We decided to pay the bonus in response to the cost of living crisis, with the cost of energy and food going through the roof.”

“The well-being of our staff is of utmost importance so we felt it was right and proper that we give them a helping hand to navigate the financial storm swirling around us.

“It was a way of showing the team that we understand how difficult things are for  everyone at the moment and also to recognise their fantastic contribution in creating a prosperous future for all of us at Cwmni Da.”

Among the latest recruits is social media assistant producer Lauren Jones, who started ten months ago.

She said: “The fact that Cwmni Da is an employee owned company makes a massive difference because it makes you more confident to give your opinion.

“The bonus is fantastic and it’s a big help because of the way things are at the moment with the cost of living.

“It also shows that the company values what we do and that is also hugely important.”

Director and associate producer Rhys Llwyd said: “In the current economic climate the bonus is very welcome. Anything extra is a help and it was a really nice surprise.”

Technician Owain Jones added: “It’s a great place to work and the fact that everyone has a stake in the company means you are committed to the cause.

“The bonus is a tangible way of really nice way of showing appreciation to the team.”