AN energy saving firm has taken over a village hall creating local jobs and securing its future use.

Gaia Group UK has signed a deal to lease part of Llandybie Church Hall at the old School at the centre of the village.

The church had a vision for the hall to be used as a centre of activity in the local community, however over recent years there has been less community use of the building.

The church hall committee, who run the property along with County Councillor Dai Nicholas, have secured the deal with Gaia Hire, who have signed to take over the space and set up their head office at the centre of the village.

Gaia Hire developed the Solatainer Microgrid and Automate Energy Management System which is a hybrid energy saving product which runs with AI (Artificial Intelligence). The energy saving system was developed for construction sites to realise energy efficiencies, savings and to offer companies a real reduction in their carbon footprint.

The business is a ‘clean operation’ and the space will be used as office space and storage.

Jamie Morris MD at Gaia Hire said: “We have seen an upsurge in interest in our innovative inventions and we were looking for offices locally to expand into.

"I have been in touch with Cllr Nicholas over many months and he has been continually reminding me of the building and it’s merits. I am glad to say we have now signed the lease agreement and have now created four jobs within the village and are currently looking for a sales assistant.

"Later this year we are preparing the way to offer apprenticeship opportunities for local people so this location within the centre of the village means we have the space and parking to expand.

"Being housed in an iconic building is also great for our brand image and added to that we have the option to take clients to lunch and meetings at the local restaurants within the village. Being at the centre also means our staff have lunch facilities on hand."

Vicar Lynn Rees added: “We have looked at many options to develop the use of the old School and maximise benefit to the local community and met with Cllr Dai Nicholas to see what ideas he could offer with his Business Advisory background.

"He suggested that renting to a ‘clean’ commercial business would offer a longer term option and steady rental income. We are pleased to have secured the deal with Gaia as it means we can still accommodate Llandybie Community Council who rent the council chamber and an office whilst we can retain the old library room for the use of the church and wider community.”

Cllr Dai Nicholas said: “I approached more than six different businesses to sound them out, with one which the vicar and the Church Warden Donna Williams showed around at the end of last year almost agreeing to move in but the deal fell at the final hurdle.

"I was so pleased when Jamie at Gaia phoned to say he was interested. I was bowled over when I realised the job creation implication. After Covid it’s good to have some positive news to share with residents and the business community”.

For more information on Gaia Group UK visit the website www.gaiagroupuk.com