01656 815322 | business@bridgend.gov.uk Economic Development Unit
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics extends Pencoed facility with ÂŁ4.6m support Page 2
business.bridgend.gov.uk
summer 2015
E YOU’R AR THE ST Business awards finalists announced! Page 3
Help your business get connected to superfast broadband Page 8
Shirley picksup MBE at Windsor Castle Page 10
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics extends Pencoed facility with £4.6m support Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics has extended its Pencoed facility following £4.6m investment support by the Welsh Government. One of the top five diagnostic companies in the world, OCD manufacture more than a 100 million advanced diagnostic kits annually which are used around the globe to identify a wide range of medical conditions and diseases. The production line in Wales produces 21 million ORTHO BioVue blood test cassettes annually that are shipped to the company’s global distribution centres. First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “We are attracting some of the most prestigious companies from across the world to Wales, creating jobs and growth in our key markets. “The expansion of Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, in Pencoed is a great example of how we are attracting high tech global companies to Wales. I visited the company at their headquarters in Raritan, New Jersey earlier in the year to discuss their ambitious expansion plans and I am delighted that we have been able to support their investment in Wales.” Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “OCD, one of the world’s top five diagnostic companies, is a key member of the life sciences sector in Wales, and I am delighted Welsh Government support helped bring this important investment and new technology to Pencoed. “It is OCD’s only European manufacturing facility and plays a critical role in their product supply chain worldwide. The
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We are attracting some of the most prestigious companies from across the world to Wales, creating jobs and growth in our key markets. First Minister Carwyn Jones
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company’s importance to the Welsh economy is recognised by its anchor company status while the Pencoed facility also makes a wider contribution in Wales by collaborating and working closely with academia and NHS Wales to improve patient outcomes.” “Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is very grateful to the Welsh Government for its support of our business,” said Robert Smith, Vice President, Worldwide Operations and Supply Chain. “This expansion has helped serve the growing demand for our products and allows us to continue to innovate and produce high quality tests for our customers.” The extraordinary reach of OCD is underlined by the fact that almost every blood transfusion in the world is touched in some way by one of its products. Its ‘total solutions’ help ensures that every patient receives blood that’s safe. In the UK, OCD has offices in South East England and the manufacturing facility at Pencoed, which employs around 350 people. For more information visit: www.orthoclinical.com
Business awards finalists announced
Winners and sponsors at the 2014 Bridgend Business Forum Awards
Bridgend Business Forum is gearing up for its third annual business awards which will be held at the Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Coychurch, Bridgend on 18 September hosted by BBC News Correspondent, Sian Lloyd, with special guest Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM. Having earned its reputation as the most prestigious date in the Bridgend business person’s calendar, the 2014 awards attracted over 240 business people from across the Bridgend County Borough. The all-important finalists are:
Business Student of the Year:-
Manufacturing Business of the Year:-
Bridgend Tourism Business of the Year:-
Geraint Robson and Caitlyn Corless (Ddraig Valley – Farm Park) nominated by Bridgend College
Nemein Ltd Customised Sheet Metal Ltd CPS Sewing Ltd
Porthcawl Surf School Best Western Heronston Hotel & Spa Ambassador Training Wales
Start-up Business of the Year:-
Entrepreneur of the Year:-
Creative Industries Award:-
Capitol Training Ltd Mobile Stars LouChi's Tearoom
Lisa Carter (Little Stars Daycare & Mobile Stars & All Stars) Brian Stokes (ITCS LTD) Suzannah Bourne (Nemein Ltd)
Wales Interactive Ltd One Nine Design Ltd Customised Sheet Metal Ltd
Service Business of the Year:-
Social Enterprise of the Year:-
Innovative Business of the Year:-
Avia Sports Cars Ltd ITCS Ltd Datakom Ltd
Halo Leisure Ltd Emmaus (South Wales) Ty Elis (Porthcawl Counselling Service)
New Vehicle Solutions Ltd Nemein Ltd Daydream Education Ltd
The Bridgend Business of the Year 2015 has been chosen from amongst the winners of each category. Alison Hoy, Chair of Bridgend Business Forum said: "We've had another excellent response to this year's awards with almost 60 applications! The calibre of entries has once again been extremely high. “This made the judging process extremely difficult and we did have some very tough choices to make on the day – however, we believe we’ve selected some very worthy winners and runners-up which we look forward to showcasing and celebrating on the awards night.” Bridgend County Borough Council Leader Mel Nott, OBE added: "These awards recognise a huge array of talent and the vital role that businesses and entrepreneurs play in providing growth in our economy.
would like to wish all the contestants the very best of luck and look forward to meeting the successful applicants on the 18 September." The awards are sponsored by Bridgend College, Berry Smith Lawyers, ISA Training, Graham Paul Chartered Accountants, ROCKWOOL UK Ltd, Business in Focus, kksolutions, Handelsbanken, Bridgend Tourism Association, South East Wales Community Economic Development Programme (SEWCED) and United Graphic Design. You can find out the latest updates on the awards by following the forum on Twitter @Bridgendforum #BBFAwards2015, like us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Main sponsor / Prif noddwr:
"The calibre of entries just goes to reflect how these awards have grown in quality and stature. This year's awards again promise to be a wonderful celebration of local enterprise - I
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HR seminar – curing sickness absence in your organisation Bridgend Business Forum is working in partnership with Hugh James Solicitors to offer a series of expert HR seminars for business owners and HR managers. The next event: A prescription for success: Curing sickness absence in your organisation will take place on 24 November 2015 at the Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend. The session will focus on managing sickness absence, and will include a slot with stress expert, Dr. Terry Stuart along with an open Q&A session with a panel of experts. Don’t get stressed about absence management – attend the session and listen to the HR experts - pick up some top tips on identifying and effectively managing absence issues. The Hugh James training team will be looking at practical solutions for managing sickness absence, promoting employee wellbeing and looking at case law in this area. The Hugh James team will be joined by TV’s Dr Terry Stuart, General Practitioner and specialist in stress management who can help you identify stress at work and know the steps you can take to help.
Date: 24 November 2015 Time: 9am for 9.30 until 12.30pm Venue: Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend CF35 6AF Cost: Free (includes refreshments and lunch) How to book: Advance booking is essential. Email: business@bridgend.gov.uk For more information on this event contact: Mary Pope, Business Events Organiser on 01656 815320.
The session will end with an open Q&A with a panel of experts from the legal, medical and HR world.
Do you have a question for the panel? Email us: business@bridgend.gov.uk and we will pass it on for discussion at the event.
Autumn dates for your diary 9 September 2015
14 October 2015
19 November 2015
Speed networking business breakfast Heronston Hotel & Spa, Bridgend 7.30am for 8 – 10am
Social media 'Pay per click' – how to pay Facebook and Twitter to increase your sales and generate more enquiries Engage Training, 1C Morien House, Bennett Street, Bridgend, 9am for 9.30 – 1pm Presenter – Austin Walters, Managing Director, Triple Fishy Ltd
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) event 2015 Waterton Centre, Bridgend, 9am – 1pm In partnership with Control 2K Ltd
10 September 2015 Direct marketing and data protection – the legal perspective Waterton Centre, Bridgend 8.30am for 9 – 11am In partnership with Berry Smith Solicitors
18 September 2015 Bridgend Business Forum 3rd annual dinner and awards ceremony 2015 Coed y Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend 7pm for 7.30 – 11.30pm
23 September 2015 Pinterest and Instagram for your business Engage Training, 1C Morien House, Bennett Street, Bridgend, 9am for 9.30 – 1pm Presenter – Austin Walters, Managing Director, Triple Fishy Ltd
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15 October 2015 Employment law legal update – autumn 2015 Waterton Centre, Bridgend 8.30am for 9 – 11am In partnership with EEF and Wales Quality Centre
18 November 2015
24 November 2015 HR seminar: curing sickness absence in your organisation Coed y Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend 9am for 9.30am – 12.30pm In partnership with Hugh James Solicitors
11 December 2015 Bridgend Business Forum annual Christmas lunch Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend 12noon for 12.30 – 3pm
Speed networking business breakfast Heronston Hotel & Spa, Bridgend 7.30am for 8 – 10am
To book your place email: business@bridgend.gov.uk For more information call Mary Pope on 01656 815320
The benefits are endless...
Join Bridgend Business Forum today and reap the benefits... • Free events and networking opportunities • Priority booking at paid events • Free membership • Free entry to BBF Awards • Member to member offers
• Advertising opportunities on the forum website • Inclusion of insert into the business@bridgend magazine • Profile your business in the business@bridgend monthly enews • Add BBF logo and link to your website To discuss any of the above advertising opportunities, contact Nicola Fedyszyn on 01656 815322 or email: business@bridgend.gov.uk
Alison Hoy, Chair of Bridgend Business Forum said: “With social media and online video proving to be an increasingly popular way for businesses to communicate and promote their products and services, we hope that the new channel will provide another way for the forum to engage with its members and the wider business community in the future.”
One-stop blog spot! Bridgend Business Forum has launched a new one-stop, blog spot on its website offering useful advice for business.
Forum launches new YouTube channel and blog spot for business! Bridgend Business Forum has launched a new YouTube channel which shows the diverse range of networking events, seminars, high profile business breakfasts and lunches along with coverage of the prestigious business forum annual awards held at the Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend. The channel also features short promotional video clips of all the businesses shortlisted and the winners of previous business forum awards.
Written by the 2015 business event speakers - all experts in their fields - blogs will cover all kinds of topics relevant to your business, including tips, advice and useful insights. If you want to know the latest on the pension reforms or changes in HR & employment law, tips and advice on making internet marketing and social media work for your business or financial planning and Trading Standards advice - then find out more at the blog spot. And if you find that useful, come along to the many FREE business events, seminars and workshops scheduled for autumn 2015, which will cover all these topics and many more!
Website: www.bridgendbusinessforum.co.uk
The YouTube channel will be used to promote the Bridgend Business Forum Awards 2015.
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Town centre competition puts young entrepreneurs’ skills to the test Ambitious young people are being invited to take part in an enterprise challenge in Bridgend town centre with the chance to win £10,000 start-up funding. The town was selected by Carnegie UK Trust as only one of ten locations in the UK for its 2015 TestTown challenge, which aims to give young people an insight into running their own business. Bridgend College has teamed up with Bridgend County Borough Council and Carnegie UK Trust to plan a week of exciting enterprise activities, aimed at 16 to 30 year-olds from the 17 - 21 November 2015.
Bridgend town centre where the competition will be held
The Bridgend Test Town challenge has also been planned to take place during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2015 (16 – 22 November) a worldwide initiative designed to help people explore their potential as self-starters, innovators and entrepreneurs. Ruth Rowe, Enterprise Officer at Bridgend College, said: “We’ve planned the Bridgend TestTown initiative to coincide with GEW 2015 as the theme this year is ‘make it happen’ and we certainly plan on doing that in Bridgend town centre! “We’ve got plenty of really exciting activities lined-up for the week including workshops delivered by local retailers and entrepreneurs to TestTown participants (17 and 18 November) followed by the three-day youth enterprise market from 19 – 21 November in Caroline Street, Bridgend town centre – giving participants a unique opportunity to sell and showcase their products and services in the busy run-up to Christmas.”
TestTown 2015 participants will gain valuable ‘real-time’ business experience and will also be signposted to a range of business support organisations including Business in Focus, Big Ideas Wales, Kick Start grant programme, Enterprise Facilitation support and Business Wales in order to progress their business ideas. Applications are now open until 23 October 2015 - successful applicants will be invited to take part in a ‘mini TestTown’ showcase on the 5 November 2015 at the Sony Theatre, Bridgend College, Cowbridge Road, with successful participants going onto the town centre showcase in November. Ed Shorney, Director of GoRookie Ltd, an apprenticeship matching service, said: “I was shortlisted in Carnegie UK Trust TestTown 2014 competition which was held in Rhyl last year. “It was an amazing opportunity for me to test my business idea and get feedback and advice from other businesses and potential customers. That kind of feedback is priceless when you’re in the early stages of developing a business. “I was fortunate enough to be chosen to go through to the grand final in Cambridge – another opportunity I will never forget! It’s done wonders for raising the profile of my business! “TestTown is an excellent opportunity for any young person to develop their business model, meet other young entrepreneurs and gain valuable advice from experts in business.” Bridgend County Borough Council Leader Mel Nott, OBE said: “This competition is wonderful opportunity for young people in the Bridgend County Borough. The enterprise market will not only showcase new products and services, but it will also provide a welcome boost to local trade within the town centre itself.” Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! To take part in Bridgend TestTown 2015 email: TestTownBridgend@bridgend.ac.uk for an application form. For more information on TestTown 2015, please call 01656 302382. To find out the latest updates on Bridgend TestTown 2015 follow @TTBridgend on Twitter, or like the Bridgend TestTown page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TestTownBridgend.
Release your inner entrepreneur! Do you have a great business idea – but don’t know where to start? Contact Bridgend Effect! Bridgend Effect offers free, confidential and friendly support to local people who have a business idea or passion for a business project which they would like to make a reality. A dedicated Enterprise Facilitator based in Bridgend County Borough will meet you in a relaxed and informal setting to discuss your ideas freely. The facilitator can also find you the practical help you need by progressing your business idea through a panel of existing business people who have volunteered their time to help. The Bridgend Effect project was pioneered by Dr Ernesto Sirolli who is passionate about developing people’s true business potential. For more information or an informal chat call, Julia Banks, Enterprise Facilitator on 01656 815316 or 07891 414716 Email: julia.banks@bridgend.gov.uk • @BridgendEFFECT
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Major investment in world class facilities puts Dragon ahead of the game An investment to create a world-leading film post-production, restoration and digitisation facility in Pencoed is under way with Welsh Government support, creating highly skilled jobs for Welsh graduates.
the profile of Welsh capability. Its diverse offering means Dragon can compete with international and London based post production houses as well as the large restoration and digitisation companies."
The £445,000 investment by Pencoed-based Dragon Digital is in world class picture post technology, powerful computing and digital storage systems creating a unique twin location facility for film and television.
Dan Tubbs Finance Director, Dragon Digital added: "The Welsh Government grant is great news – the new equipment and more highly skilled staff will enable us to accelerate our growth plans and take on more projects.
Dragon’s investment is backed by £200,500 from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund, creating thirteen new jobs and safeguarding seven existing jobs.
"We will be taking on high calibre staff and are also working closely with universities in Wales offering in-house training for students while they are studying with the intention of employing them to ensure we have graduates with the right skills set."
Dragon, which is based within the Sony Technology Centre at Pencoed, will re-launch shortly after this major investment into the very latest post equipment and a brand new sound studio. The South Wales hub will be connected to Dragon’s London offices, allowing clients to review work from Soho, putting Dragon at the fore of the UK post-production industry’s offering. Paul Wright, Managing Director of Dragon, commented: "The new picture post-production equipment will allow Dragon to compete on an equal footing with major post production brands in the UK and across Europe and combined with the Soho hub, we can really make our mark." Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: "Dragon Digital has expertise across a number of creative industries and has made a particular name for itself in post-production, film restoration and digitisation. I am delighted the Welsh Government is supporting its expansion in this area, creating jobs and raising
Welsh Government launches project to support growth of social businesses An £11m project to support the growth of social businesses across Wales was been launched by Welsh Government. The Social Business Wales project, which has been backed by over £6m of EU funds and £5m from the Welsh Government, will be delivered by the Wales Co-operative Centre and will support 500 social businesses, including co-operatives, employeeowned companies and social enterprises. The project will offer specialist services to help social businesses expand their products, services and markets, and assist charities to set up trading arms to take forward commercial ideas. It will also provide a service to assist businesses and organisations that want to adopt co-operative or employeeowned business models. The project, which started on 1 July 2015 and will run for three years, with the potential for a further two years extension, subject to approval by the Wales European Funding Office.
The launch of the Social Business Wales project follows a report by the Wales Cooperative Centre published this month which revealed that the social business sector adds around £1.7 billion of value to the Welsh economy and supports in the region of 38,000 jobs in Wales. The report also found that 69 per cent of Welsh social businesses expect to increase their turnover in the next two to three years. Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre, Derek Walker said: “We believe that social businesses have great potential for further growth in Wales. They underpin the wider economy and often fill the gaps that the private sector won’t consider and the public sector can’t support. “The next few years will be exciting for social businesses and we look forward to playing our part in helping them to realise their potential.” For more information visit: business.wales.gov.uk/socialbusinesswales
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Help your business get connected to superfast broadband Businesses in Bridgend County Borough can now benefit from superfast broadband through the digital broadband Cardiff voucher scheme which has been extended to include the Bridgend area. You can now take your business into the digital age by installing superfast broadband with the help of broadband connection vouchers which offer up to £3,000 to install superfast broadband. A voucher between £100 and £3,000 towards the one-off connection cost. You just pay the VAT and monthly subscription. 75 organisations in Bridgend County Borough have already applied for the scheme which includes home-based businesses, sole traders and charities can all benefit the scheme. The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, community interest companies, charities, small office home office (SOHO's) or sole traders based at a business premises or residential address. Applicants can apply for funding for the capital costs of installing a new broadband connection directly to a premises in order to access high speed connectivity and capability.
Here's what one business had to say... Managing Director of kksolutions, Ian Jessopp said: “As designers and printers we need to send and receive large files on a daily basis.
Ian Jessopp, Managing Director at kksoultions
“Previously we often experienced lengthy delays downloading and sending files. These delays were in danger of impacting upon our high levels of customer service of which we are very proud; so something had to be done. “We have been working with Datakom for several years; they made us aware of the broadband vouchers scheme and then arranged everything for us so our transfer was as smooth as possible. “Since installing fibre we have noticed a significant improvement in both upload and download speeds. We are able to receive and send the large files much more quickly and our operation is much more efficient as a result.” The application process is relatively painless, and how often do you get something for free? Case closed. Local suppliers in the top 15 approved list include Datakom Ltd and ITCS (UK) Ltd, for a full list of all suppliers visit: www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/city/cardiff
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Design agency celebrates milestone with office expansion Bridgend-based design agency, United Graphic Design is celebrating its tenth year in business with a move to larger premises on Bridgend Science Park. The move, which was backed by funding from the council’s Economic Development Unit has enabled the business to not only expand its B2B design services but to also offer the latest digital printing technology, with the purchase of a large-scale rapid digital printer. Anthony Williams, one of the directors at UGD said: “Our portfolio of clients is as diverse as the design services we offer, from large public sector organisations, to SMEs and community organisations. “We needed a larger office space where we could meet clients in a relaxed and friendly environment, get to know them and discuss their design requirements in detail. The fully-serviced modern office space at the Innovation Centre was the perfect option for us, with a spacious reception area, ample parking for clients, superfast broadband and an opportunity to book additional meeting rooms.”
Innovation Centre The Innovation Centre is a spacious, modern, office environment situated within the landscaped grounds of Bridgend Science Park. The centre is the perfect location for businesses looking for smart office space with parking and reception facilities. The Innovation Centre also boasts high quality conference facilities available to hire on flexible terms. Tenants can therefore eliminate the need for permanent
The company’s bespoke design services struck a note with a recent client who referred them to a Swedish business associate; Wild Spirit Bushcraft. The Swedish company commissioned UGD to undertake the re-design of their website – a crucial aspect of their business and the focus of a recent Channel 4 documentary, ‘Kevin McCloud’s Escape to the Wild.’ Anthony added: “We need to offer our clients versatility, coupled with a creative-edge - we pride ourselves in our personal approach to our design work which we believe is reflected in the finished article, whether its corporate branding, web design or marketing collateral. “It is only by taking the time to get to know our clients that we can create the right solutions for them – investing in our business helps our clients achieve their goals – something we, as a service business are very proud of.” For more information on United Graphic Design visit: www.unitedgraphicdesign.com
meeting room space and events companies will find this the perfect location for training, seminars, conferences and networking events. The centre is strategically located approximately four miles from Junction 35 of the M4 leading east to Cardiff and beyond, and 6 miles from Junction 37 leading west to Swansea and beyond. Cardiff International airport is located approximately 20 miles away. The offices are available on flexible terms and incentives are available. To arrange a viewing to see what the Innovation Centre can offer your business please call 01656 642700.
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I feel so honoured to have received this recognition. I passionately believe in the hair sector and the professionalism of hairdressing. Shirley Davis-Fox
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“Fabulous day” for hairdressing champion as she collects MBE at Windsor Castle The dynamic chair of the largest independent hair and beauty training provider in Wales has spoken of the “fabulous day that I didn’t want to end” after receiving an MBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.
The MBE recognises her tireless campaigning to promote the professionalism of the hairdressing industry, driving up standards, offering outstanding opportunities to ISA Training’s apprentices and gathering respect and recognition for the vibrant hair sector and all who are qualified and practice within it.
Shirley Davis-Fox, co-founded Bridgendbased ISA Training, said everything was perfect, as her husband, Gren, son Marc “I feel so honoured to have received this who flew in from France, where he lives, Shirley Davis-Fox with the MBE at Windsor Castle recognition,” she said. “I passionately and step son Richard were there to believe in the hair sector and the witness the ceremony and share the moment with her. professionalism of hairdressing.” I was so proud to be representing all my colleagues at ISA Training and in the hair industry, because without them I would not have received the MBE, every step I took, I took for them as well as me” she said. “The Princess Royal was genuinely interested in what I had to say about the hair industry.
Shirley has been a member of the Hair Council since 2011, was appointed vice chair in May and is also the organisation’s political lobbyist following her successful campaigning work in Wales for the state registration of all qualified hairdressers and barbers.
“It was an absolutely fabulous day and it was fascinating to meet all the other recipients from all walks of life - I didn’t want the day to end.”
In 2013, ISA Training was named Training Provider of the Year in the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru and also won the Bridgend Business Forum's 'Service Business of the Year Award.'
Shirley was awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to the hairdressing industry. Having co-founded ISA Training in 1998, she now heads a successful company with more than 60 staff, who deliver training to around 800 apprentices in 500 businesses across Wales and the borders.
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Support can kick-start your business
Welsh Government announces £20m business funding package to high-growth businesses The Welsh Government has announced a £20m Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) which offers individual support to high-growth businesses that are based in Wales. The service is provided by coaches who have a track record of delivering high-growth, based on the philosophy that the best people to advise entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs. This programme is targeted at high-growth businesses who want to enter their next growth phase and have the potential and determination to get there. This highly specialist service is only available to high-growth businesses who are based in Wales, have fewer than 250 employees, and can demonstrate the potential to: • grow turnover by at least 20 per cent year-on-year, or for younger firms to achieve a minimum growth of £2m turnover over three years • generate at least 10 new jobs in three years, a proportion of which are above average salary for Wales • start or grow your ability to unlock opportunities in international markets that are ripe for growth Pre-start and new ventures are accepted but they must start trading within 12 months and be looking to achieve growth at the levels outlined above. For more information visit: business.wales.gov.uk/accelerated-growth-programme
Kick-start is a flexible grant scheme delivered through a partnership with UK Steel Enterprise and Bridgend County Borough Council. It provides financial assistance to new or existing micro-businesses that are located, or are planning to locate, in Bridgend County Borough. A microbusiness is defined as one which has fewer than ten employees and a turnover or balance sheet total of less than €2 million.
Who can apply? New start-ups and businesses within the first 12 months of trading may be considered. The business must be located within Bridgend County Borough. However, if a business moves from the area within one year of being awarded funds, Bridgend County Borough Council has the right to seek reimbursement of those funds in full or in part, from the applicant.
Who cannot apply? Those who are not eligible to apply are:• Organisations/Groups not undertaking trading activities • Political or Religious Groups • Clubs & Societies • Voluntary Organisations • Those in receipt of funds above State Aid thresholds
What can be funded and how much can you apply for? Eligible costs could include capital equipment, computer equipment, development of websites, marketing (one off costs, not recurring payments), and building works to business premises. The Kick Start Grant is a discretionary grant and can provide up to 50% of eligible project costs. The minimum grant is £250 and the maximum grant available is £1,000.
What we cannot fund There are certain costs the scheme cannot fund, such as VAT or any other taxes, vehicles, legal costs/works being carried out as a statutory requirement, refinancing of bad debts of any kind, training costs and any costs incurred prior to formal approval.
How to apply For an application pack please contact Jeff Peters on 01656 815313 or email jeff.peters@bridgend.gov.uk
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TSW Training Group work with public sector to deliver bespoke courses The TSW Training Group, partnered with Bridgend County Borough Council and Valleys to Coast (V2C) to deliver tailored employability training to a cross-section of the local workforce. Working with social workers, senior practitioners and community health workers, award-winning training provider TSW Training (based in Aberkenfig, Bridgend) delivered a series of Motivational Interviewing training courses for the local authority and V2C staff; tailored specifically to the group’s needs and designed to improve the interaction process between support worker and service user in the community.
effective collaborations across the public, private and third sector in order to enhance the services received by marginalised and disadvantaged individuals in our local communities. With customers ranging from all sectors our experience is extensive and as an Investors in People Gold organisation and LMW Gold Standard Provider we work to the highest standards to ensure our customers’ expectations are not just met, but exceeded.” Julie Stewart, Housing Team Leader from V2C said of that training that: “We are always looking at new ways to up skill our staff and improve our customer experience. We were delighted to work with local training provider TSW, who helped us create a bespoke Motivational Interviewing programme, which has also gone onto to achieve ILM accreditation. We are also grateful for the support received from BCBC, who were instrumental in helping create the programme, for not only our staff but other key frontline staff across other services in the borough.” For more information visit: www.tsw.co.uk
Stuart Davies, Managing Director of TSW Training said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Bridgend County Borough Council to provide high-quality tailored staff training that meet the needs of the organisation and their workforce. At TSW Training we are firm believers in the importance of
Maesteg town centre partnership A town centre partnership has formed to support business and enterprise in Maesteg. It focuses on the town’s strengths; a retail economy based on solid resident-based demand for goods and services and a history as a market town with a relatively high number of independent retailers. The two year programme will aim to help by providing training to local businesses or supporting events – and is centred on the following headings: • A heart for the Town Centre – events; • A visible Town Centre - marketing and promotion; • An attractive and safe Town Centre - shop front improvements, window vinyls, environmental initiatives and retail crime initiatives; • A digital Town Centre - the digital high street; • An accessible Town Centre – including signage and • A knowledgeable and friendly Town Centre – training support to independent retailers
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Why is this happening? The confidence for this programme is based on vacancy rates falling from their 2010-2011 peak of 14.37 per cent to currently just above 11 per cent, significantly lower than the Welsh average vacancy rate which stood at 15.9 per cent in December 2013. The first event took place before Christmas, with support for an ice-rink in the market square. Over 700 paying skaters attended and all the primary schools in the area were given free passes for their junior classes to use the rink during school hours. Traders reported an excellent festive atmosphere in the town centre.
What next? There are more events planned for 2015 and 2016. Welsh Government and Maesteg Town Council are putting revenue funding into the two year project and support is coming through BCBC’s Regeneration Team. If you have any ideas get in touch through maestegtowncentre.com and twitter.com/maestegmarket or contact Maesteg Town Council. Noddir gan Sponsored by