GBN Newsletter2010HR by Samantha Evans

gwynedd business network Issue 1, May 2010

Welcome to the first edition of Gwynedd Business Network’s Newsletter! The network is an association of business owners and operators in Gwynedd formed in 2005 to provide a forum for all businesses in the County to:

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Network and inter-trade Communicate with other sectors (public and academic) Identify, progress, and resolve issues facing businesses in the area.

A company limited by guarantee, our board of seven directors all work on a voluntary basis: Directors John Lloyd Inigo Jones & Co Ltd, Y Groeslon

Fred Foskett receiving a ‘Special Contribution Award’ at the Gwynedd Business Awards 2009. A founder members of Gwynedd Business Network and a successful businessman for 40 years, Fred’s contribution to business in Gwynedd was recognised and appreciated. He recently retired from the GBN Board but will continue to be active as Captain of Harlech’s Royal St David’s Golf Club.

Gill Richards MBE Atebion Recruitment Ltd Bangor John Morris J Morris Consultancy, Barmouth Wyn Roberts Marchnata Aqua Marketing Ltd, Caernarfon Samantha Evans Mwnci Bach Ltd, Blaenau Ffestiniog Gwyn Jones Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog Sian M Williams Griffith, Williams & Co, Pwllheli If you would like to contribute to the newsletter or publicise a news item or event, please email admin@gwyneddbusnes.net All items for publication must be bi-lingual – Welsh and English. Become a Member Membership is open to all businesses in Gwynedd, at no cost. You can register through our website www.gwyneddbusnes.net Though you can access the network without formally registering we encourage you to do so. You will then be able to access all areas of the website, including the list of members and receive regular email and newsletters updating you on events, meetings and business information.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

GreenWood Forest Park’s joint owners, Stephen and Andrea Bristow from Llansadwrn, Anglesey, were presented with MBEs for services to the tourism industry in North Wales from the Prince of Wales in July. They were also the winners of the Businesspersons of the Year 2009 award, nominated by the Gwynedd Business Network, at the Gwynedd Business Awards 2009. The Awards are in recognition of the innovative family adventure park they established in 1993. GreenWood Forest Park lies on the edge of Snowdonia and brings together the elements of fun and adventure with learning for both children and adults. Offering maximum entertainment on a green theme, it is the only family adventure park in the UK to provide true eco-friendly rides, including the only people-powered rollercoaster in the world.

Annual Review

Events & News

The Directors would like to report on the progress and activities of the network over the last 12 months. There is no doubt that this has been a tough year all round, yet the network is vibrant and thriving. More than ever our members want to meet, exchange views and support each other. The Credit Crunch that rocked the country more than 18 months ago has had its impact on local companies and persists today. In light of this tough trading climate our priority for the year was to help Gwynedd businesses to “ride the storm”.

We have organised 9 events this year including “Surviving the Credit Crunch”, speed and informal network evenings, and a joint business lunch with Anglesey Business Club. To end the year, a Christmas lunch was held on 17 December at Caernarfon Golf Club.

Our members participated in meetings with Gwynedd Council to discuss the economy of Gwynedd and initiatives that would assist the business community. Amongst the matters raised were:

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The necessity for Gwynedd Council to open lines of communication, to engage more with businesses and to let them know what contracts and tender opportunities were available The need to safeguard jobs by bringing forward capital and re-generation projects Major concerns about cashflow and financing to enable trading to continue Business grants for development and training Concern about increased business rates

These meetings resulted in an Action Plan for Gwynedd that has been ratified by the Council and some of the points raised have already been acted upon. The Council instigated quarterly economic surveys for our members to complete and provide up-to-date data on the economy. Three “Supplier Surgeries” were held in September 2009 for local businesses to meet representatives from the Council’s Corporate Procurement Unit to discuss tendering opportunities and help with submitting tenders. Information circulated on the Local Investment Fund providing up to £5,000 of grant funding.

Two “Surviving the Credit Crunch” events took place in Caernarfon in March and in Porthmadog in April with experts on hand to provide advice on grants and finance, taxation, legal matters and tendering. The successful Gwynedd Business Week held in May proved to be a very important event in the business calendar for our members - it provided some respite from the economic gloom to celebrate the success of new and established companies. GBN fully supported this and the Awards dinner. The Gwynedd Business Persons of the Year Award, chosen by GBN, was presented to Stephen and Andrea Bristow of Greenwood Forest Park. A special contribution award was also presented to Fred Foskett for his work in establishing GBN. Fred retired from the Board last October. As well as organising our own events, we publicised nearly 60 business meetings, workshops and seminars held in North Wales. Work has been commissioned to upgrade GBN’s website to add new features and better functionality and here is the first edition of GBN’s Newsletter. We now also have a formal bi-lingual policy.

Members enjoying a speed networking event at Meifod Hotel, Bontnewydd in October. Speed networking is one of our most popular events. It gives members direct

Announcements made that funding had been allocated for the re-generation of town centres.

contact with other local

Concerns about business rates communicated to the Welsh Assembly Government.

to pick up new business.

companies and is a great way

The meetings are to continue.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Responding To The Recession Action Plan

Partnership Working

Gwynedd Business Network has been fully consulted and has contributed to Gwynedd Council’s Recession Action Plan.

The Gwynedd Business Network works closely with a number of organisations in order to achieve one of its main objectives of “communicating with other sectors (Public and Academic)”.

A number of meetings have been held to agree the action plan and GBN were one of the consultees and contributed substantially to the final plan. The Business Sector Support plan aims to help with business rates, crisis advice, impact tracking and possibly future business loans. GBN members have responded to recent questionnaires that has enabled monitoring as to how the recession is affecting businesses in Gwynedd.

Obviously it is essential that GBN work closely with Gwynedd Council. This relationship has improved considerably over the last few years and GBN were consulted in respect of their Responding to the Recession action plan. Directors of GBN attended meetings and provided a number of suggestions in the business sector support plan, that was adopted into the final action plan. GBN applaud Gwynedd’s Council foresight in producing this action plan and the challenge for all is now to implement this plan.

Other areas of the plan include measures on Business Information and confidence as well as a commitment to support Town Centres and the Retail Sector and to take measures on Capital Works and Projects and to revisit the council’s procurement arrangements. Job support and ensuring the region has the right skills are other important element of the Action Plan.

Directors of GBN also attend and contribute to the Gwynedd Management Team meetings. This body reports and discusses business issues that affect businesses in Gwynedd. Recent discussions have included the stock and occupancy of Gwynedd’s industrial units and land, tourism in Gwynedd and Business Week and the Business Awards Dinner.

Full details of the Gwynedd Action Plan are available at: http://www.gwyneddbusnes.net/Portals/57ad7180-c5e749f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/Cynllun%20Gweithredu’r%20 Dirwasgiad-Recession%20Action%20Plan.pdf

GBN also work closely with Menter a Busnes that have organised a number of events that have been requested by GBN and it is important this relationship continues in the future.

The challenge now is to implement the Action Plan and GBN are fully committed to working with all the partners to ensure that it does work. The latest meeting to review the plan was held on 28th April.

The new Business Management Centre at Bangor University is an important asset for the region and GBN have held a number of events there such as its Christmas dinner last year when the speaker was Dafydd Wigley. A number of future events are planned at this venue and it is important that members make full use of the excellent business courses held at the Business Management Centre. GBN have also worked closely with Business on Anglesey the equivalent business network in Anglesey and have over the last 12 months held a number of joint events. The Welsh Assembly Government has also been lobbied in respect of a number of business issues such as charging for plastic bags, ProAct grant support and European funding. GBN will continue to work in the future with all the above bodies and also some new ones to ensure that businesses in Gwynedd are helped and supported as much as possible ,as the success of businesses in Gwynedd is essential to the well being of the economy in the region.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Gwynedd Company Secures International Tourism Contract A Caernarfon-based Marketing Company has secured a contract with the Chubut province of Argentina, an area of Patagonia steeped in Welsh heritage created by Welsh settlers in the19th century. Marchnata AQUA Marketing Ltd has been chosen by the province’s local government to develop a marketing strategy to promote the area to the Welsh market, and part of the process has allowed Wyn Roberts, AQUA’s Director, to visit the area to learn all about its potential for tourism. “The main objective of the strategy is to take full advantage of the Welsh link between the two areas, as well as promoting Patagonia to non-Welsh speaking travellers. We have been fortunate enough to undertake a considerable amount of destination marketing work in Wales, and aim to share some of that experience with our colleagues in Patagonia”. During his visit, Wyn met with Chubut’s Minister for International Trade, Tourism and Investment, regional tourism directors and saw a number of top attractions for himself. Wyn added: “One thing that has become apparent since my visit is that the area has so much more to offer the Welsh tourist than chapels and tea houses! There’s a brilliant ski resort, white water rafting with grade 5 rapids, and some wonderful hospitality”.

A Warm Welcome For Toursim Businesses G. Perch Ltd are the only training provider in Gwynedd to have won the contract to deliver the Croeso Cynnes (A Warm Welcome) module of the Croeso Cynnes Cymreig Award programme that has been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government and Visit Wales to replace the Welcome Host Award. This new award is aimed at all tourism sector business including; attractions, accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment businesses to name a few. With the updating of the Welcome Host Award to the Croeso Cynnes Cymreig, the Welcome Host will be replaced between now and 2011. If you are interested in finding out more about the award and the benefits that having the award will make to your business, your staff and your managers or receiving information on the Croeso Cynnes Cymreig then please do contact us using the following details; graham.perch@tiscali.co.uk or 01766 781 145 / 07866 599 860.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Membership

B E R M

The Board The Directors work on a voluntary basis and have held six Board meetings in the last 12 months, as well as meetings to plan events. They have also represented the Network at Gwynedd Council Meetings: Gwynedd Business Management Team, which is a sub-group of PEG – the Gwynedd Economic Partnership; the Skills for Gwynedd Sub Committee; the Economy of Gwynedd Summit meetings. They also met with the Deputy First Minister, Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones, to communicate our members’ concerns about the credit crunch. These meetings are considered important as they provide an opportunity to talk to and influence Gwynedd Council and other funding and training bodies in Wales.

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We submitted members’ views on funding for business to Ynys Mon Borough Council who led a bid to the Welsh Assembly Government for grant funding.E Members B L O were alsoMcirculated with quarterly surveys on the economy, consulted on E D and · M childcare provision in Gwynedd.

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Members were surveyed for their views on the work of GBN and the events that had been organised on their behalf. The majority were very satisfied with what had been provided, particularly the opportunities to meet and network.

dd.b and w ycompanies We have 682 members representing s.g593 u e organisations. Membership remains sn free of charge. s

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Consultancy

GBN is currently in talks with Bangor University with a view to identifying and collaborating on a research project that will benefit the economy of Gwynedd. We are also talking with the Management Centre in Bangor to organise events to bring together members of GBN, Bangor Business Club and other local networks.

Funding & Support We have been able to carry out our activities through the continued financial and administrative support of Gwynedd Council. Menter a Busnes has also provided a great deal of assistance with organising and marketing events. Our grateful thanks are extended to both organisations for their continued support and particularly to thank Colin Morris and his staff at Gwynedd Council’s Business Support Unit. Our aim in the year ahead will be to continue to work together to support Gwynedd businesses as much as possible so that we can survive this downturn and protect the jobs and economy of Gwynedd.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Grants & Funding Schemes Local Investment Fund.

Workforce Development Programme

The Local Investment Fund (LIF) is a package of flexible financial support to assist new and existing businesses by offering capital grants of 40% of eligible projects, subject to a minimum of £1000 and a maximum of £5000 grant. To be considered, you must employ less than 250 people; your project must be based within Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire or Anglesey and meet one or more of these objectives:

The Welsh Assembly Government can provide a Human Resource Development (HRD) advisor under the ‘Workforce Development Programme’ free of charge to help devise and achieve a company learning plan. Funding available for all or part of the training under these schemes – Work-based Learning, Modern Apprenticeships, PROACT for employees put on short-time working before redundancies are considered, REACT for redundant workers, Leadership and Management Development.

• Creating or sustaining jobs • Increasing turnover or making efficiency gains • Aiding business growth • Increasing competitiveness • Increasing sustainability • Stimulating further investment or growth • Introducing new products, services or markets • Supporting a key sector • Creating / developing a social enterprise Further information go to www.gwynedd.gov.uk and click on Business and Economy > Grants, or contact Gwynedd Council on 01286 679 231 or business@gwynedd.gov.uk.

Single Investment Fund (Sif ) If your business operates beyond the local market and you need help with a project in Wales, you may be eligible for financial support through SIF. If you are a Social Enterprise you may also qualify for support if you operate commercially (at least 50% of income or profits need to be from business trading). If you’re in the retail sector or only operating in the local market place or where the market is well served then unfortunately you are unlikely to be supported.

Further Information http://wales.gov.uk/dcells/publications/informationforemployers/workforcedev/workforcedevelopment. pdf?lang=en

Gwynedd Sustainability Fund Capital and revenue grants up to £5000 (75% of total cost) for Gwynedd community and voluntary groups. The main aim of the grant is to support projects that will improve the quality of life of residents, groups and communities in Gwynedd. For further information from Gwynedd Council go to www. gwynedd.gov.uk and click on Business and Economy > Grants,or contact the Sustainability Co-ordinator 01286 679 233.

Social Enterprise And Co-Operative Support

FLEXIBLE SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS and SIF Call 03000 6 03000 or log on to www.business-support-wales.gov.uk.

The Wales Co-operative Centre supports the development and growth of social entrepreneurship, social enterprises and co-operatives in areas of Wales. Support is delivered by providing funding for a dedicated advisor or through training, mentoring, master classes and networking. Funded through the European Union’s Convergence programmes with match-funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Jobcentreplus Recruitment Subsidy

Further information http://www.walescoop.com/what-we-do/ social-enterprise-and-co-operative-support

£1000 cash back on your new recruit

Carbon Trust 0% Loans – Energy Efficiency

Jobcentre Plus is offering £1000 for every eligible person that you recruit, who has been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months or more. In-work training grant, worth up to £1,500, may also be available.

Unsecured, interest-free loans from £3,000 - £500,000 to replace old with new more energy efficient equipment. Repayments are calculated to be offset by monthly energy savings. For further information call 01865 885 878 or go to www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans.

Further information http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/Employers/AdvertiseaVacancy/recruitmentsubsidy

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Grantiau a Chynlluniau Cyllido Gall Llywodraeth y Cynulliad ddarparu cynghorydd Datblygu Adnoddau Dynol dan y ‘Rhaglen Datblygu’r Gweithlu’ yn ddi-dâl i helpu i gynllunio a chyflawni cynllun dysgu. Mae cyllid ar gael ar gyfer yr hyfforddiant cyfan neu ran ohono dan y cynlluniau hyn – Dysgu Seiliedig ar Waith, Prentisiaethau Modern, PROACT i gyflogeion sy’n gweithio am gyfnod byr cyn ystyried colli swyddi, REACT ar gyfer gweithwyr di-waith, Datblygu Arweinyddiaeth a Rheolaeth.

Pecyn cymorth ariannol hyblyg yw’r Gronfa Fuddsoddi Leol (CFL) i gynorthwyo busnesau newydd a rhai sydd wedi sefydlu’n barod drwy gynnig grantiau cyfalaf o 40% o brosiectau cymwys, gydag isafswm grant o £1000 ac uchafswm o £5000. Er mwyn cael eich ystyried, rhaid ichi gyflogi llai na 250 o bobl; rhaid i’ch prosiect fod wedi ei leoli yng Ngwynedd, Conwy, Sir Ddinbych neu Sir Fôn a rhaid cwrdd ag un neu fwy o’r amcanion canlynol:

Rhaglen Datblygu’r Gweithlu

Cronfa Fuddsoddi Leol

• Creu neu gynnal swyddi • Cynyddu trosiant neu sicrhau arbedion effeithlonrwydd • Cynorthwyo twf busnes • Cynyddu’r awydd i gystadlu • Cynyddu cynaladwyedd • Sbarduno buddsoddiad a thwf pellach • Cyflwyno cynhyrchion, gwasanaethau neu farchnadoedd newydd • Cefnogi sector allweddol • Creu / datblygu menter gymdeithasol I gael rhagor o wybodaeth ewch i www.gwynedd.gov.uk a chliciwch ar Fusnes a’r Economi > Grantiau, neu cysylltwch â Chyngor Gwynedd ar 01286 679 231 neu business@gwynedd.gov.uk.

Cronfa Fuddsoddi Sengl (Cfs) Os yw eich busnes yn gweithredu y tu hwnt i’r farchnad leol a bod angen help arnoch gyda phrosiect yng Nghymru, gallech fod yn gymwys i gael cymorth ariannol drwy CFS. Os ydych yn Fenter Gymdeithasol gallech hefyd fod yn gymwys i dderbyn cymorth os ydych yn gweithredu’n fasnachol (rhaid i o leiaf 50% o’ch incwm neu o’ch elw ddeillio o fasnach busnes). Yn anffodus, os ydych yn gweithredu yn y sector manwerthu, yn y farchnad leol yn unig, neu mewn marchnad sydd eisoes yn cael ei gwasanaethu’n dda, mae’n annhebygol y byddwch yn cael cymorth. CYMORTH HYBLYG I FUSNES a CFS Ffoniwch 03000 6 03000 neu ewch i www.business-support-wales.gov.uk.

Cymhorthdal Recriwtio Jobcentreplus £1000 o arian yn ôl pan fyddwch yn cyflogi gweithiwr newydd Mae Jobcentre Plus yn cynnig £1000 am bob person cymwys ydych chi’n ei recriwtio, sydd wedi bod yn hawlio Lwfans Ceisio Gwaith am chwe mis neu fwy. Gall y bydd grant hyfforddiant mewn swydd o hyd at £1,500, ar gael hefyd. Rhagor o wybodaeth http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/ Employers/AdvertiseaVacancy/recruitmentsubsidy

Rhagor o Wybodaeth http://wales.gov.uk/dcells/publications/ informationforemployers/workforcedev/workforcedevelopment.pdf?lang=en

Cronfa Gynaladwyedd Gwynedd Grantiau cyfalaf a refeniw hyd at £5000 (75% o’r gost gyfan) i grwpiau cymunedol a gwirfoddol Gwynedd. Prif nod y grant yw cefnogi prosiectau a fydd yn gwella ansawdd bywyd preswylwyr, grwpiau a chymunedau yng Ngwynedd. I gael rhagor o wybodaeth gan Gyngor Gwynedd ewch i www. gwynedd.gov.uk a chlicio ar Busnes a’r Economi > Grantiau, neu cysylltwch â’r Cydlynydd Cynaladwyedd 01286 679 233.

Menter Gymdeithasol A Chymorth Cydweithredol Mae Canolfan Gydweithredol Cymru yn cefnogi datblygiad a thwf entrepreneuriaeth gymdeithasol, mentrau cymdeithasol a chwmnïau cydweithredol mewn ardaloedd o Gymru. Rhoddir cymorth drwy ddarparu cyllid ar gyfer cynghorydd pwrpasol neu drwy hyfforddi, mentora, cynnal dosbarthiadau meistr a rhwydweithio. Mae’n cael ei hariannu drwy raglenni Cydgyfeirio’r Undeb Ewropeaidd gydag arian cyfatebol gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad. Rhagor o wybodaeth yn://www.walescoop.com/what-we-do/ social-enterprise-and-co-operative-support

Benthyciadau 0% yr Ymddiriedolaeth Garbon – Effeithlonrwydd Ynni Benthyciadau di-log anwarantedig o £3,000 - £500,000 i ddisodli hen offer ag offer newydd mwy ynni-effeithlon. Cyfrifir y bydd ad-daliadau yn cael eu gosod yn erbyn arbedion egni misol. I gael rhagor o wybodaeth ffoniwch 01865 885 878 neu ewch i www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

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Anfonwyd arolwg i aelodau yn gofyn am eu barn ynghylch gwaith RhBN a’r digwyddiadau a drefnwyd ar eu rhan. Roedd y mwyafrif ohonynt yn fodlon iawn â’r ddarpariaeth, yn arbennig gyda’r cyfleoedd i gyfarfod a rhwydweithio.

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Cyflwynasom farn yr aelodau mewn perthynas â’r ariannu busnesau i Gyngor Bwrdeistref Ynys Môn a anfonodd gais i E L cyllido. Cafodd aelodau Lywodraeth y Cynulliad am grant B hefyd O M eu cylchlythyru gydag arolygon chwarterol ac D · arMyrEeconomi, ymgynghorwyd â hwy mewn perthynas â darpariaeth gofal plant yng Ngwynedd.

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J Morris

Mae’r Cyfarwyddwyr yn gweithio’n wirfoddol ac maent wedi cynnal chwe chyfarfod o’r Bwrdd yn ystod y 12 mis diwethaf, yn ogystal â chyfarfodydd i gynllunio digwyddiadau. Maent hefyd wedi cynrychioli’r Rhwydwaith yng Nghyfarfodydd Cyngor Gwynedd: Tîm Rheoli Busnes Gwynedd, sy’n is-grŵp o PEG - Partneriaeth Economaidd Gwynedd; Is-bwyllgor Sgiliau i Wynedd; Uwch-gyfarfodydd Economi Gwynedd. Maent hefyd wedi cyfarfod gyda’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones, i gyfleu pryderon ein haelodau ynglŷn â’r wasgfa gredyd. Ystyrir bod y cyfarfodydd hyn yn bwysig gan eu bod yn gyfle i drafod gyda, a dylanwadu ar Gyngor Gwynedd a chyrff cyllido a hyfforddi eraill yng Nghymru.

Consultancy

Mae RhBG ar hyn o bryd mewn trafodaethau â Phrifysgol Bangor i’r diben o adnabod a chydweithio ar brosiect ymchwil a fydd o fudd i economi Gwynedd. Rydym hefyd yn trafod gyda’r Ganolfan Reolaeth ym Mangor i drefnu digwyddiadau a fydd yn dod ag aelodau RhBG, Clwb Busnes Bangor a rhwydweithiau lleol eraill at ei gilydd.

Ariannu a Chymorth Rydym wedi gallu parhau i gynnal ein gweithgareddau drwy gymorth ariannol a gweinyddol parhaus Cyngor Gwynedd. Mae Menter a Busnes hefyd wedi rhoi cymorth sylweddol gyda’r gwaith o drefnu a marchnata digwyddiadau. Mae ein gwerthfawrogiad yn fawr i’r ddau sefydliad hyn am eu cymorth parhaus a diolch yn arbennig i Colin Morris a’i staff yn Uned Cymorth Busnes Cyngor Gwynedd. Ein bwriad yn y flwyddyn sydd o’n blaenau yw parhau i gydweithio i gynorthwyo busnesau Gwynedd gymaint ag sydd bosibl fel y gallwn oroesi’r dirywiad hwn a diogelu swyddi ac economi Gwynedd.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Cwmni o Wynedd yn Ennill Cytundeb Twristiaeth Rhyngwladol Mae Cwmni Marchnata o Gaernarfon wedi ennill cytundeb â thalaith Chubut yn yr Ariannin, sef ardal ym Mhatagonia sydd wedi ei thrwytho yn y diwylliant Cymreig a grëwyd gan ymsefydlwyr o Gymru yn y 19eg ganrif. Cafodd Marchnata AQUA Cyf ei ddewis gan lywodraeth leol y dalaith i ddatblygu strategaeth farchnata i hyrwyddo’r ardal i’r farchnad Gymreig, a chaniataodd rhan o’r broses i Wyn Roberts, Cyfarwyddwr AQUA, ymweld â’r ardal i ddysgu popeth am ei photensial o ran twristiaeth. “Prif nod y strategaeth yw manteisio’n llawn ar y cyswllt Cymreig rhwng y ddwy ardal, yn ogystal â hyrwyddo Patagonia i deithwyr nad ydynt yn siarad Cymraeg. Rydym wedi bod yn ddigon ffodus i gynnal gwaith marchnata cyrchfan sylweddol iawn yng Nghymru, a’n bwriad yw rhannu rhywfaint o’r profiad hwnnw â’n cydweithwyr ym Mhatagonia”. Yn ystod ei ymweliad, cyfarfu Wyn â Gweinidog dros Fasnach Ryngwladol, Twristiaeth a Buddsoddi Chubut, ac â chyfarwyddwyr twristiaeth yr ardal, a gwelodd nifer o’r prif atyniadau â’i lygaid ei hun. Ychwanegodd Wyn: “Un peth a ddaeth yn amlwg yn dilyn fy ymweliad yw bod gan yr ardal gymaint mwy i’w gynnig i ymwelwyr o Gymru na chapeli a thai bwyta! Mae ‘na gyrchfan sgïo ardderchog, rafftio dŵr gwyn gyda dyfroedd gwyllt gradd 5, a lletygarwch rhyfeddol yno”.

Croeso Cynnes i Fusnesau Twristiaeth G. Perch Cyf yw’r unig ddarparwr hyfforddiant yng Ngwynedd sydd wedi ennill y cytundeb i gyflwyno modiwl Croeso Cynnes rhaglen Gwobr Croeso Cynnes Cymreig a ddatblygwyd gan Lywodraeth y Cynulliad a Chroeso Cymru i ddisodli Gwobr Cynllun Croeso. Mae’r wobr newydd hon wedi ei hanelu at bob busnes yn y sector twristiaeth yn cynnwys; atyniadau, darparwyr llety, tai bwyta, caffis, bariau a busnesau adloniant i enwi ychydig yn unig. Gyda diweddariad Gwobr Croeso Cymru i Croeso Cynnes Cymreig, bydd y Cynllun Croeso yn cael ei newid rhwng nawr a 2011. Os oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn darganfod mwy am y wobr a’r manteision y bydd ei hennill yn ei gynnig i’ch busnes, eich staff a’r rheolwyr neu os oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn cael gwybodaeth am Croeso Cynnes Cymreig mae croeso ichi gysylltu â ni gan ddefnyddio’r manylion canlynol; graham.perch@tiscali.co.uk neu 01766 781 145 / 07866 599 860.

www.gwyneddbusnes.net

Mae Rhwydwaith Busnes Gwynedd yn gweithio’n glos â nifer o

Ymgynghorwyd yn llawn â Rhwydwaith Busnes Gwynedd a chyfrannodd tuag at Gynllun Gweithredu Ymateb i’r Dirwasgiad Cyngor Gwynedd.

Gweithio mewn Partneriaeth

Cynllun Gweithredu Ymateb i’r Dirwasgiad

Cynhaliwyd nifer o gyfarfodydd i gytuno ar y cynllun gweithredu ac roedd RhBG yn un o’r ymgyngoreion a chyfrannodd yn helaeth at y cynllun terfynol. Mae Cynllun Cymorth y Sector Busnes yn amcanu i helpu gyda golwg ar gyfraddau busnes, cynghori mewn argyfwng, olrhain effeithiau ac o bosibl benthyciadau busnes i’r dyfodol. Ymatebodd aelodau RhBN i holiaduron diweddar a gwnaeth hyn hi’n bosibl i fonitro sut y mae’r dirwasgiad yn effeithio ar fusnesau yng Ngwynedd. Mae rhannau eraill o’r cynllun yn cynnwys mesurau ar Wybodaeth Busnes a hyder, yn ogystal ag ymrwymiad i gefnogi Canolau Trefi a’r Sector Manwerthu ac i gymryd camau mewn perthynas â Gwaith a Phrosiectau Cyfalaf ac i ailymweld â threfniadau caffael y cyngor. Mae cefnogi swyddi a sicrhau fod gan yr ardal y sgiliau cywir yn elfennau pwysig eraill o’r Cynllun Gweithredu. Ceir manylion llawn Cynllun Gweithredu Gwynedd yn: http://www.gwyneddbusnes.net/Portals/57ad7180-c5e749f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/Cynllun%20Gweithredu’r%20 Dirwasgiad-Recession%20Action%20Plan.pdf Y sialens bellach yw rhoi’r Cynllun Gweithredu ar waith ac mae RhBN wedi ymrwymo’n llwyr i weithio gyda’r holl bartneriaid i sicrhau ei fod yn llwyddo. Cafodd y cyfarfod diweddaraf i adolygu’r cynllun ei gynnal ar Ebrill 28fed.

sefydliadau er mwyn cyflawni un o’i brif amcanion sef “cyfathrebu â sectorau eraill (Cyhoeddus ac Academaidd)”. Yn amlwg, mae’n hanfodol bod RhBN yn gweithio’n agos â Chyngor Gwynedd. Mae’r berthynas hon wedi gwella’n sylweddol dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf ac ymgynghorwyd â RhBN mewn perthynas â’u cynllun gweithredu Ymateb i’r Dirwasgiad. Mynychodd cyfarwyddwyr RhBN gyfarfodydd a darparu nifer o awgrymiadau yng nghynllun cymorth y sector busnes, a chafodd y rhain eu mabwysiadu yn y cynllun gweithredu terfynol. Mae RhBN yn cymeradwyo rhagwelediad Cyngor Gwynedd wrth lunio’r cynllun gweithredu hwn a’r sialens sy’n wynebu pawb bellach yw rhoi’r cynllun hwn ar waith. Mae cyfarwyddwyr RhBN hefyd yn mynychu ac yn cyfrannu i gyfarfodydd Tîm Rheoli Gwynedd. Mae’r corff hwn yn trafod, ac yn adrodd ar faterion busnes sy’n effeithio ar fusnesau yng Ngwynedd. Mae trafodaethau diweddar wedi cynnwys stoc a deiliadaeth unedau a thir diwydiannol Gwynedd, twristiaeth yng Ngwynedd ac Wythnos Busnes a Chinio Gwobrau Busnes. Mae RhBN hefyd yn gweithio’n agos â Menter a Busnes. Trefnwyd nifer o ddigwyddiadau ganddynt ar gais RhBN ac mae’n bwysig fod y berthynas hon yn parhau i’r dyfodol. Mae’r Ganolfan Reolaeth Busnes newydd ym Mhrifysgol Bangor yn gaffaeliad pwysig i’r ardal a chynhaliwyd nifer o ddigwyddiadau yno gan RhBN, megis cinio Nadolig lle’r oedd Dafydd Wigley yn siaradwr gwadd. Mae nifer o ddigwyddiadau yn cael eu cynllunio ar gyfer y dyfodol yn y ganolfan hon ac mae’n bwysig fod aelodau’n gwneud defnydd llawn o’r cyrsiau busnes ardderchog a gynhelir yn y Ganolfan Reolaeth Busnes. Mae RhBN hefyd wedi gweithio’n agos â Busnes ym Môn, sef y rhwydwaith busnes cyfatebol ar Ynys Môn a thros y 12 mis diwethaf trefnwyd nifer o ddigwyddiadau ar y cyd ganddynt. Hefyd, lobïwyd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad gyda golwg ar nifer o faterion busnes megis codi tâl am fagiau plastig, cymorth grant ProAct a chyllid Ewropeaidd. Bydd RhBN yn parhau i weithio yn y dyfodol gyda’r holl gyrff uchod a rhai newydd hefyd i sicrhau fod busnesau yng Ngwynedd yn cael cymaint o gymorth a chefnogaeth ag sydd bosibl, gan fod llwyddiant busnesau yng Ngwynedd yn hanfodol i ffyniant economi yn yr ardal.

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Trefnwyd 9 digwyddiad gennym yn 2009 yn cynnwys “Goroesi’r Wasgfa Gredyd”, nosweithiau rhwydweithio brys ac anffurfiol, a chinio busnes ar y cyd â Chlwb Busnes Ynys Môn. I gloi’r flwyddyn cynhaliwyd cinio Nadolig ar 17 Rhagfyr yng Nghlwb Golff Caernarfon.

Hoffai’r Cyfarwyddwyr adrodd ar gynnydd a gweithgareddau’r rhwydwaith dros y 12 mis diwethaf. Nid oes amheuaeth fod hon wedi bod yn flwyddyn galed drwyddi draw, ac eto mae’r rhwydwaith yn fywiog ac yn ffynnu. Yn fwy nag erioed, mae ein haelodau eisiau cyfarfod, cyfnewid syniadau a chefnogi ei gilydd. Mae’r Wasgfa Gredyd a siglodd y wlad fwy na 18 mis yn ôl wedi effeithio ar gwmnïau lleol ac mae’n parhau hyd heddiw. Yng ngoleuni’r hinsawdd fasnachu anodd hon ein blaenoriaeth ar gyfer y flwyddyn oedd helpu busnesau Gwynedd i “oroesi’r storm”.

Digwyddiadau a Newyddion

Adolygiad Blynyddol

Cymerodd ein haelodau ran mewn cyfarfodydd gyda Chyngor Gwynedd i drafod economi Gwynedd a mentrau a fyddai’n cynorthwyo’r gymuned fusnes. Ymysg y materion a godwyd oedd:

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Yr angen i Gyngor Gwynedd agor llinellau cyfathrebu, i weithio’n fwy adeiladol gyda busnesau a rhoi gwybod iddynt pa gytundebau a chyfleoedd tendro oedd ar gael Yr angen i ddiogelu swyddi drwy ddwyn ymlaen brosiectau cyfalaf ac adfywio Pryderon sylweddol ynghylch llif arian a’r ariannu sy’n sicrhau parhad masnachu Grantiau busnes ar gyfer datblygu a hyfforddi Pryder ynghylch codiadau mewn cyfraddau busnes

Arweiniodd y cyfarfodydd hyn at lunio Cynllun Gweithredu ar gyfer Gwynedd a chafodd hwn ei gadarnhau gan y Cyngor a gweithredwyd eisoes ar rai o’r pwyntiau a godwyd. Trefnodd y Cyngor arolygon economaidd chwarterol i’w llenwi gan ein haelodau a darparu data cyfredol ar yr economi. Cynhaliwyd tair “Syrjeri Cyflenwyr” ym mis Medi 2009 er mwyn i fusnesau lleol gyfarfod cynrychiolwyr o Uned Gaffael Gorfforaethol y Cyngor i drafod cyfleoedd tendro a chymorth i gyflwyno tendrau. Cylchlythyru gwybodaeth am y Gronfa Fuddsoddi Leol sy’n cynnig hyd at £5,000 o arian grant. Gwnaed datganiadau fod arian wedi ei glustnodi ar gyfer adfywio canolau trefi. Mynegwyd pryderon ynghylch cyfraddau busnes wrth Lywodraeth y Cynulliad. Bydd y cyfarfodydd yn parhau.

Cynhaliwyd dau ddigwyddiad “Goroesi’r Wasgfa Gredyd” yng Nghaernarfon ym mis Mawrth ac ym Mhorthmadog ym mis Ebrill gydag arbenigwyr wrth law i roi cyngor ar grantiau a chyllid, treth, materion cyfreithiol a thendro. Profodd llwyddiant Wythnos Fusnes Gwynedd, a gynhaliwyd ym mis Mai, i fod yn ddigwyddiad pwysig iawn yng nghalendr busnes ein haelodau – roedd yn cynnig rhywfaint o galondid yn y tywyllwch economaidd i ddathlu llwyddiant cwmnïau newydd a sefydledig. Cefnogwyd hon a’r Cinio Gwobrwyo yn llwyr gan RhBG. Cyflwynwyd Gwobr Pobl Busnes y Flwyddyn Gwynedd, ac a ddewiswyd gan RhBG, i Stephen ac Andrea Bristow o Barc Gelli Gyffwrdd. Cyflwynwyd gwobr am gyfraniad arbennig hefyd i Fred Foskett am ei waith yn sefydlu RhBG. Ymddeolodd Fred o’r Bwrdd fis Hydref diwethaf. Yn ogystal â threfnu digwyddiadau ein hunain, rhoesom gyhoeddusrwydd i bron i 60 o gyfarfodydd busnes, gweithdai a seminarau a gynhaliwyd yng Ngogledd Cymru. Mae gwaith wedi ei gomisiynu i uwchraddio gwefan RhBG gan ychwanegu nodweddion newydd a’i gwneud yn fwy ymarferol a dyma rifyn cyntaf Cylchlythyr RhBG. Mae gennym hefyd, bellach, bolisi dwyieithog ffurfiol.

Aelodau yn mwynhau digwyddiad rhwydweithio brys yng Ngwesty Meifod, Bontnewydd ym mis Hydref. Mae rhwydweithio brys yn un o’n digwyddiadau mwyaf poblogaidd. Mae’n rhoi cysylltiad uniongyrchol i aelodau â chwmnïau lleol eraill ac mae’n ffordd ardderchog o sicrhau busnes newydd.

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Rhwydwaith Busnes Gwynedd Rhifyn 1 , Mai 2010

Croeso i rifyn cyntaf Cylchlythyr Rhwydwaith Busnes Gwynedd! Mae’r rhwydwaith yn grŵp o berchnogion a gweithredwyr busnes yng Ngwynedd a ffurfiwyd yn 2005 i ddarparu fforwm ar gyfer pob busnes yn y Sir er mwyn:

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Rhwydweithio a rhyng-fasnachu Cyfathrebu â sectorau eraill (cyhoeddus ac academaidd) Adnabod, datblygu a datrys problemau sy’n wynebu busnesau yn yr ardal.

Cwmni cyfyngedig drwy warant, mae ein bwrdd o saith cyfarwyddwr i gyd yn gweithio’n wirfoddol: Cyfarwyddwyr John Lloyd Inigo Jones a’i Gwmni Cyf, Y Groeslon Gill Richards MBE Atebion Recruitment Cyf, Bangor

Fred Foskett yn derbyn ‘Gwobr Cyfraniad Arbennig’ yng Ngwobrau Busnes Gwynedd 2009. Ac yntau’n un o sefydlwyr Rhwydwaith Busnes Gwynedd ac yn ŵr busnes llwyddiannus am 40 blynedd, cafodd cyfraniad Fred i fusnes yng Ngwynedd ei gydnabod a’i werthfawrogi. Yn ddiweddar ymddeolodd o Fwrdd RhBG ond bydd yn parhau i fod yn brysur fel Capten Clwb Golff Brenhinol Dewi Sant, Harlech.

John Morris J Morris Consultancy, Y Bermo Wyn Roberts Marchnata Aqua Cyf, Caernarfon Samantha Evans Mwnci Bach Cyf, Blaenau Ffestiniog Gwyn Jones Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog Sian M Williams Griffith, Williams a’i Gwmni, Pwllheli Os hoffech chi gyfrannu i’r cylchlythyr neu hysbysebu eitem newyddion neu ddigwyddiad, anfonwch e-bost i admin@gwyneddbusnes.net Rhaid i bob eitem fydd yn cael ei chyhoeddi fod yn ddwyieithog – Cymraeg a Saesneg. Ymaelodi Mae aelodaeth yn rhad ac am ddim ac yn agored i bob busnes yng Ngwynedd. Gallwch gofrestru drwy ein gwefan www.gwyneddbusnes.net. Er bod modd cael mynediad i’r rhwydwaith heb gofrestru’n ffurfiol, rydym yn eich annog i wneud hynny. Trwy wneud hynny bydd yn bosibl ichi gael mynediad i bob rhan o’r wefan, yn cynnwys y rhestr o aelodau a byddwch yn derbyn e-byst a chylchlythyrau rheolaidd a fydd yn rhoi’r newyddion diweddaraf ichi am ddigwyddiadau, cyfarfodydd a gwybodaeth fusnes.

Ym mis Gorffennaf cyflwynodd Tywysog Cymru wobrau MBE i gydberchnogion Parc y Gelli Gyffwrdd, Stephen ac Andrea Bristow o Lansadwrn, Ynys Môn, am eu gwasanaeth i’r diwydiant ymwelwyr yng Ngogledd Cymru. Hwy hefyd a gipiodd wobr Personau Busnes y Flwyddyn 2009, a chawsant eu henwebu gan Rwydwaith Busnes Gwynedd, yng Ngwobrau Busnes Gwynedd 2009. Cyflwynir y Gwobrau fel cydnabyddiaeth o’r parc antur arloesol i deuluoedd a sefydlwyd ganddynt ym 1993. Mae Parc Gelli Gyffwrdd wedi ei leoli ar gyrion Eryri ac yn cyfuno’r elfennau o hwyl ac antur ag addysg i blant ac oedolion. Yn ogystal â chynnig yr adloniant gorau posibl ar thema werdd, dyma’r unig barc antur i deuluoedd yn y DU sy’n darparu reidiau cwbl ecogyfeillgar, gan gynnwys yr unig reid ffigar êt yn y byd sy’n cael ei gyrru gan bobl.