A Ceredigion couple heading towards retirement are looking for someone to take over their business.

Andrew and Tracy Kirtley set up Rheidol Rosettes in Dihewyd over 20 years ago.

From humble beginnings is has grown to become the largest rosette manufacturer in Wales, with an excellent reputation and a loyal customer base built up over many years.

When the couple took over the business, building it into what it is today took an enormous amount of hard work. In those early years it was just the two of them, working seven days a week, often into the early hours.

It quickly became a real family affair too. Tracy’s parents played an important part in those early years, always there to support them and lend a hand when needed. Sadly, Tracy’s mum passed away last October and is greatly missed by everyone. Bruce, now 85, is still very much part of Rheidol Rosettes and can regularly be found helping.

Tracy and Andrew work alongside three members of staff who have shared the journey with them over the years. They are an incredibly close-knit team and the staff have become much more than employees — they are like family.

Rheidol Rosettes produce items for a variety of events and organisations, including the Royal Welsh Show
Rheidol Rosettes produce items for a variety of events and organisations, including the Royal Welsh Show (Picture supplied)

From its roots in the Rheidol Valley, the business has gone on to supply customers throughout Wales, across the UK and much further afield. Rheidol Rosettes has proudly supplied the Royal Welsh Show since 2009, as well as shows, clubs, societies and organisations of all sizes. Its rosettes have even travelled as far as the Falkland Islands, Hong Kong and Malta.

Some orders have taken the team to places they could never have imagined when the business first began. Rheidol Rosettes has supplied rosettes for the BBC’s The One Show and also produced work for the film industry.

The success of the business has been recognised along the way, winning Best Run Family Business 2023 and Best Rosette Manufacturer in the SME Awards — achievements Tracy and Andrew are particularly proud to share with the whole team.

Now in their 60s and having recently become grandparents, Tracy and Andrew feel the time is right to begin planning for retirement. However, they are keen to make one thing very clear - Rheidol Rosettes is not closing.

The business continues to trade as normal, with the team making and supplying orders for its customers just as it always has. The decision to offer Rheidol Rosettes for sale is part of a planned retirement and there is no rush to walk away. For Tracy and Andrew, finding the right person to take over the business and continue what they have built is what matters most.

Ideally, they would love to see Rheidol Rosettes remain in Wales and pass into the hands of someone who appreciates its heritage, its customers and the reputation that has taken so many years to build.

After more than two decades, thousands upon thousands of rosettes and countless memories, Tracy and Andrew are incredibly proud of what Rheidol Rosettes has become — and hope that its next chapter will see the Rheidol name continue for many years to come.