Tag Archives: dvsc

Community News, Retail

Grade II-listed market hall relaunched for food and wellbeing trade after huge investment

A NEW and innovative community hub and boutique market space has been launched at a historic Ruthin landmark.

The town’s Grade 2-listed Market Hall has been redeveloped as a multi-purpose venue for artisan and independent traders, artists and creatives, and sustainable food and wellbeing organisations from across the region.

Managed by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) – with support from the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund via Denbighshire County Council – the aim was to create a warm, welcoming environment, reinforced by the inclusion of a ‘social supermarket’ and ‘wellbeing café’.

DVSC Chief Officer Tom Barham is confident they have achieved that vision and was delighted to unveil the revamped site alongside dignitaries such as the Mayor of Ruthin, Cllr Heather Williams, and Cllr Hugh Evans, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for the Economy.

“We are delighted to launch this new and ambitious social business, with the Ruthin Market Hall providing the central focus for a range of food and wellbeing enterprises,” said Mr Barham.

“This project will be an exemplar in rejuvenating a historic local building, encouraging volunteering, promoting enterprise and inspiring young people to be social entrepreneurs.”

He added: “We are committed to serving the needs of Ruthin – and the whole of Denbighshire – in trying to improve wellbeing through food, culture and enterprise.

“We also plan to support climate action, ethical trading and the circular and green economies, so it’s a very important initiative.”

Cllr Evans was in agreement and thanked the DVSC for bringing the popular building back to use.

“The Market Hall is well-placed strategically in Ruthin and will provide a focus for a wide range of food and wellbeing projects from 2022 onwards,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing the market here again and also this being a hub for the community and businesses.”

Clwyd West MP David Jones was also in attendance and added: “I’m so pleased to see the restoration of the historic Market Hall, which is going to again be a huge asset to the town and wider area.

“It’s the first of many improvements and developments we hope to see here in Ruthin over the coming months – there are exciting times ahead.”

Funded by Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), DVSC delivers third sector support across the region through volunteering, training, guidance and advice, by offering grants and funding support, and networking to help influence public services.

For more information, visit www.dvsc.co.uk or email tom@dvsc.co.uk. Follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.

News

Pop-Punk rocker developing film and photography venture for entrepreneurs

A TALENTED musician who launched a creative business in lockdown is shooting for start-up success. 

Rob Grey is making waves with his new venture, Rad Stuff Photo Video.

With the support of Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council’s (DVSC) Change Makers project, the 29 year-old is now winning contracts and clients across North Wales and beyond.

Based in Rhyl, Rob is lead singer of pop-punk band Everyone and Anyone and discovered his flair for the visual while on tour with another group who needed someone to capture their performances on camera.

Just months later he was making plans to unveil the business when disaster struck and COVID-19 hit the UK; but that did not stop Rob, who decided to “just go for it” and never looked back.

Since the start of 2021 he has been collaborating with Ruthin’s DVSC on the Change Makers initiative profiling businesses that set up or ‘pivoted’ during the pandemic, and is excited at what the future holds.

“When Covid arrived it was the complete unknown, but I knew I had to just go for it,” said Rob, a former pupil at Prestatyn High School.

“I have worked hard and learnt as I go, picking up clients via word of mouth and social media, particularly YouTube.

“Throughout lockdown I thought it would be a good opportunity to develop my video and photography skills, given we were all stuck indoors with time on our hands.

“I really enjoy it and was excited to work on this new series of films with Change Makers; it’s a chance to tell the stories of some interesting North Wales businesses and explore how they’ve coped with Covid-19.

“It has been a tough time for everyone, and we are mindful of that, but there are also a lot of people who grasped the opportunity to do something fresh and different; we want to tell their stories.”

Change Makers was made possible by the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund and is a catalyst for ideas and a new breed of social enterprise, embracing the promotion of contemporary artisan markets, traders and crafters, whilst providing emerging entrepreneurs and ‘startisans’ with training and advice on how to turn a hobby or passion into a new career.

Ali Carter, Enterprise and Investment Manager for DVSC, mentored Rob and co-produced the series.

“Rob is a young and dynamic creative who was not going to let the Coronavirus stop him from pursuing his dream,” she said.

“He is an example of someone with the passion and drive to be successful, much like the other entrepreneurs and start-ups we will work with in the future.

“Some have rolled with the punches and adapted to the challenges of Coronavirus, while others had time to reflect in lockdown and decided the time was right to do something different.

“We want to hear from people this applies to, people who, like Rob, just went for it and are making their mark during this unprecedented time in all of our lives.”

For more information contact ali@dvsc.co.uk.

You can view the videos via the DVSC social media channels (@DVSC_Wales) from this Friday (September 17).

Visit www.dvsc.co.uk for more on Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council.

Community News

New vision for community charity as £50,000 revamp to Ruthin landmark unveiled

A COMMUNITY charity recruited a new Chief Officer following significant investment in a rural town centre.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) will unveil a £50,000 revamp of the popular Naylor Leyland Centre in Ruthin this month.

Match-funded by the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Fund, the Well Street landmark has had a complete overhaul including internal redecoration, carpets and flooring, IT, electrics, and a refurbished exterior.

Meanwhile, the nearby Grade 2-listed Market Hall is also undergoing a transformation and will open as a community market later in the year.

DVSC has taken on administrative, creative and enterprise staff to add to their team, and with Tom Barham now in place as Chief Officer, the future is looking bright.

With years of experience at North Wales Police, Bangor University, and the veterans’ charity Alabare, the father-of-two is well placed to take the organisation forward.

“Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council has a brilliant track record of supporting the voluntary sector across the county and an incredible team here in Ruthin who are eager to see the Naylor Leyland Centre reopen this summer,” said Tom.

“We are looking ahead with confidence having made great strides during the pandemic to upgrade our facilities and refocus DVSC’s vision to support charities, community organisations and social enterprises.”

He added: “We operate across the whole of Denbighshire, but these iconic buildings in Ruthin are great assets for the community post-Covid, with large meeting spaces for local groups and charities to congregate safely.

“We want to amplify the amazing work of community groups in Denbighshire and the activities and support they provide, and this gives us a stronger platform to do that.”

Chair Sandra Donoghue, from St Asaph, said the coming months will be pivotal for the charity.

“The last year has been very challenging, and like all services we were in uncharted territory, but DVSC is well placed to have even more of an impact going forward with Tom at the helm,” she said.

“There are good times ahead, we have a strong, proactive board who are deep-rooted in the community and keen to build a legacy for future generations.”

Former MP for Delyn Sir David Hanson and ex Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane are among those to have joined the Board, which also includes local businesspeople.

“I’m pleased to see Tom join DVSC at such an exciting time – there are real challenges to support voluntary organisations in Denbighshire, especially after the last year and Covid-19 events, but the new leadership team look forward to that and will be working hard,” said Mr Hanson.

“I’ve joined DVSC to support that work as it’s important that a wide North Wales experience is given to the Chief Officer – it’s going to be a busy and productive time.”

Mr Ruane added: “We are blessed with a rich network of voluntary organisations in Denbighshire. They are the building blocks of our civic society, and many have been severely challenged by Covid.

“Tom has shown great vision, energy and capacity in the few short weeks he has been in place. He will now lead a team which is dedicated to reinvigorating our voluntary sector in Denbighshire post-Covid.”

Funded by Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), DVSC delivers third sector support across the region through volunteering, training, guidance and advice, by offering grants and funding support, and networking to help influence public services.

For more information, visit www.dvsc.co.uk or email tom@dvsc.co.uk. Follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.

Networks, North Wales

Historic Welsh market to be revamped as part of new creative community launch

INDEPENDENT artisans, traders and creative businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products virtually thanks to the vision of a leading community organisation.

With markets, small firms and shops across North Wales forced to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) is about to launch a new venture – Change Makers Markets.

With the aim of creating innovative ways of supporting the local economy – made possible by the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund – Change Makers blends the virtual and digital worlds, incorporating a dedicated commercial training academy, one-to-one mentoring, funding advice and business planning guidance.

This will be coupled with a digital and broadcast shop front and the Change Makers Club, giving artisans, market traders and newly-emerging organisations a voice and promotional platform.

Alison Carter, Enterprise and Investment Manager for DVSC, says people can sign up for free training and future events via the Change Makers website and social media platforms.

“We are encouraging start-up businesses, makers and anyone who would normally sell from a market stall or pop-up venues to sign up as soon as possible,” she said.

“We are also in the process of refurbishing the Grade 2 listed Market Hall in Ruthin, which will launch as a safe, multi purpose space for trading and events later in the year.

“This will provide a significant town centre resource, to support economic regeneration and reinvigorate the independent business sector devastated by Covid-19.”

She added: “Change Makers is a really interesting, experimental concept, and DVSC is thrilled to also be partnering with Hwb Menter to assist with business advice, guidance and training.”

Change Makers are looking for local food and drink producers, designers, artisans, crafts companies, health and beauty, and sustainable/vintage fashion retailers to get involved.

Sara Lois Roberts, Enterprise Hub Co-ordinator for Hwb Menter, stressed the importance of the training and guidance element of the project.

“Collectively, we have a lot of expertise at our disposal and will be holding regular webinars and advice sessions,” she said.

“Members of the Change Makers community can contact us anytime, we will always be here with help and guidance, particularly during this challenging time for all industries.”

DVSC sees Change Makers as a catalyst for ideas and a new breed of social enterprise, embracing the promotion of contemporary artisan markets, traders, makers and crafters, whilst providing emerging entrepreneurs and ‘startisans’ with training and support to turn a hobby or passion into a new career in 2021.

“This is an opportunity to be entrepreneurial and innovative at a time when businesses really need some uplift, so we are hoping for a positive response,” added Alison.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.changemakersenterprises.com

Alternatively, join the Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/changemakersmarket