Clwyd MS Darren Millar visited McDonald's restaurant in Caerwys on Friday to meet the franchise leadership team and staff, and to learn more about the businesses' continued investment in North Wales.
During the visit, Darren met with franchisee Stewart Williams, one of North Wales's most experienced McDonald's restaurant operators.
Stewart has owned as many as 12 McDonald's restaurants across the region and has opened four new restaurants in North Wales over the past five years creating hundreds of jobs, particularly for young people.
During the meeting, discussion focused on the opportunities available to employees and also the challenges facing the businesses, including the impact of business rates and changes to employment law.
McDonald's is one of Wales's largest private sector employers, with around 8,000 employees working across its 75 restaurants.
Darren was told that around 70 per cent of its Welsh workforce is under the age of 24, making it a significant provider of first jobs, skills and career opportunities for young people.
During the visit, Darren met Chloe Langley, the new manager at the Caerwys restaurant.
Chole, aged 30, joined McDonald's when she was just 16 and has built a career with the company.
This week she will graduate with a Business Degree Apprenticeship from Manchester Metropolitan University, a qualification fully funded by McDonald's.
Darren also met with Area Supervisor, Ruth Kay, who will have completed 40 years' service with McDonald's this year.
During his visit he had the opportunity to view the kitchen and make a McFlurry. He also suggested that McDonald's explore the introduction of a Welsh lamb burger, stating that it would be a fitting way to champion Welsh produce, support local farmers, and showcase one of Wales' iconic food products to McDonald's customers worldwide.
Commenting after the visit, he said:
"It was great to meet with Stewart, Chloe and Ruth on Friday and to find out more about the opportunities the business is creating, particularly for young people.
"Stewart took a huge leap of faith many years ago, leaving a secure job in accounting to become a McDonald's franchise owner. Over the years he has grown the business and now operates a number of franchises across North Wales, including the two restaurants in Rhyl.
"From giving people their first job to supporting degree apprenticeships and long-term careers, businesses like McDonald's play an important role in our communities.
"Sadly, like other businesses in Wales, these McDonald's franchises are facing challenges because they are not receiving the support they need.
"I want Wales to be a place where businesses thrive. If we want more investment, more jobs and more opportunities across North Wales, we must ensure businesses have the confidence to grow.
"My meeting with Stewart and the team highlighted the important contribution businesses make to the Welsh economy and the value of investing in people.
"It was particularly inspiring to meet Chloe as she prepares to graduate this week, and to hear Stewart's pride in seeing her, and others, develop and succeed.
"I wish Stewart and Chloe every success for the future and thank them, along with Ruth, and the entire team at Caerwys for the warm welcome they gave me during my visit."
