Tag Archives: high street

News

£5k funding boost for Welsh firms on journey to net zero

AN INNOVATIVE grant scheme is supporting Flintshire businesses on their journey to net zero.

The Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund is delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise with the backing of Pathway to Carbon Zero Ltd and Litegreen Ltd in collaboration with Flintshire County Council.

The Flintshire Fund has received £297,294 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Companies in the region can apply for up to £5,000 to support the creation of carbon reduction plans.

The funding can be used by businesses to access specialist advice on how to become a more sustainable organisation, as well as offering guidance on equipment, buildings, energy use and systems and methods that will reduce their carbon footprint and help increase profitability.

Fund Manager Rowan Jones said: “We want to support businesses looking at carbon reduction, whether they are on the way to becoming net zero or starting out on this journey.

“The funding will be used to bring in expertise that will help, and to produce a Carbon Reduction Plan following a review of existing practices and facilities, whether that be recycling, working practices, behavioural change, investment, energy management, renewables, skills, or any number of factors that contribute towards becoming a more sustainable operation.

“Feasibility studies will be 80% funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with businesses expected to contribute 20% in terms match funding towards the total cost.”

He added: “The feedback we’ve had so far has been very positive and we want to see as many businesses as possible in Flintshire applying to capitalise on this opportunity.”

The project supports the Flintshire Climate Change Strategy 2022-2030 – by working to reduce energy consumption and emissions from firms in the county by promoting energy efficiency measures, renewable energy sources, and behaviour change.

Antur Cymru Enterprise also has an R&D (Research and Development) and Innovation Support Fund for organisations in Flintshire looking to develop new ideas, products, or processes, but unsure how to take them forward, and another scheme is set to be launched for business networks, knowledge transfer and workshops focused on carbon reduction and R&D.

“We are committed to supporting companies, particularly small businesses, as for many the move toward becoming more sustainable and trying to do the right thing from an environmental perspective can be costly, and time consuming,” said Rowan.

“Being able to put them on the right path while also incorporating R&D and advances in technology will help futureproof their organisations, which is the ultimate aim of these programmes.”

For more information and to apply for the funds, email flintshire@anturcymru.org.uk or call 01352 871298.

Alternatively, follow Antur Cymru Enterprise on social media at @anturcymruwales or visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Granddaughter saves family sweet shop from extinction with help of Antur Cymru Enterprise

NATASHA Osinga has enjoyed a sweet start to life in business with the support of Antur Cymru Enterprise.

When Yum Yum traditional sweet shop in Cardigan shut down in September, there was sadness among loyal customers.

The family business was founded by the Osinga family in 2001 and became a popular part of the high street for more than two decades.

And now it’s back, with the original owners’ granddaughter Natasha at the helm.

She called on Antur Cymru, based in Newcastle Emlyn, for help to reopen the beloved store and was given guidance and advice by business advisor Barry Morgan as part of the Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support programme, which is funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Ceredigion County Council.

As well as successfully applying for a start-up loan to install new fixtures and fittings, purchase stock and secure new suppliers, Natasha has now taken on five permanent and seasonal staff.

Just a few weeks into life at Yum Yum, she is thrilled with the response:

“It’s busier than I ever expected, since the opening day it’s been absolutely non-stop!” said Natasha.

“As the store has been in the family so long, I really didn’t want to see it empty or run by someone else, so it was brilliant to be able to bring it back to life.

“Thanks so much to everyone who has shown myself and Yum Yum so much support, I am so grateful and look forward to many more years here in Cardigan.”

With the backing of her family, the mum-of-three said she would not have been able to realise her vision without the help of Antur Cymru.

“They were amazing, especially Barry who guided me through the whole process, which was vital as it’s not something I had any experience of before,” said Natasha.

“I’m already diversifying, and we’ve had bookings to supply for parties and weddings, so that’s an area I hope to grow in the months ahead, as well as introducing exciting new sweets and treats for our customers.

“I feel more confident, and we are in a good place, so I’m excited for the future.”

Barry added: “It was a pleasure to be able to guide Natasha from her initial interest in taking on the business through to the opening day, which was a real celebration.

“We are pleased to have been able to support her on this amazing journey, and other traders on the bustling Cardigan high street, which has really come to life since the new year.

“As an organisation we are committed to helping business owners, entrepreneurs and anyone with a germ of an idea, and have the tools and resources to help make their dreams a reality – that was certainly the case here, congratulations Natasha!”

For more on Yum Yum Sweets, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/yumyumsweetscardigan.

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk and follow them on social media at @AnturCymruWales. Alternatively, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Business hub opens third shop in west Wales to meet customer demand

TRADERS are enjoying start-up success with the support of Antur Cymru Enterprise.

Entrepreneurs, makers, and independent producers in west Wales are benefiting from the organisation’s Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support programme.

After opening retail units in Aberystwyth and Newcastle Emlyn, a space has now been unveiled on Cardigan High Street.

Loren Nash is the owner of Under the Laurel nature-inspired jewellery accessories and homeware, now based at the bustling store having launched during the pandemic.

She began making items in lockdown to improve her mental health; however, increasing demand led to customers across the area and online, so she decided to take the leap and join the Local Business Support community earlier this year.

“I started making items just for myself, but after requests from friends and family ended up creating an Etsy store, which is when it really started to take off,” she said.

“As my customer base grew, I felt I needed a proper space to make and to sell, which is when Antur Cymru stepped in to help. They have been so incredibly helpful, imparting their knowledge and advice, which has been invaluable.

“They have also assisted me with social media, helped myself and other traders understand what grants are available and how to apply for them, and even demonstrated how to how to put together table and window displays.”

Loren added: “The response since opening has been wonderful and local people have been incredibly supportive, telling us how nice it is to see small businesses getting a chance to get their products out there.

“Eventually I would love my own shop here on the high street with my partner and also run free art workshops where all supplies are provided by us and the space is welcoming and accessible – that’s the dream, but for now I am excited to be here and looking forward to the future.”

Among the other start-ups are Funky Fairy jewellery and keyrings, artist Titus Sharp, and Andrea Edwards, whose model venture Amaze Me 3D is reaping the benefits of having a physical presence in the town centre.

“This started as a hobby, gifting to my friends and family, and progressed just a few months ago,” said Andrea.

“I make 3D models out of a material called PLA (Polyactic Acid) which is environmentally friendly as it’s made from natural materials like corn starch and sugar cane. Dinosaurs and dragons have been particularly popular with the shoppers, and being here in this shop has shown me the true potential of my business.”

Talented artist Titus Sharp, whose Tonnau Glas (Blue Waves) venture is already picking up commissions and demand for bespoke glass creations cast from beach and sand ripples, was in agreement.

A former health and social care worker, he is proud to be part of the group and said: “I am here at the shop as much as possible, drawing, learning more about business and selling my work, which has been very positive.

“I’ve had several sales and commissions, and being part of the community has given Tonnauglas more exposure, which is great – everyone has been very supportive.”

Andrea Stinton and her Funky Fairy start-up combine the making of jewellery and keyrings from various metals sea glass and crystal beads with dreamcatchers and suncatchers woven from feathers, natural crystals, and crystal glass.

She echoed his words and has enjoyed a similar experience.

“What was a hobby and something I enjoyed doing with my daughter turned into demand for items from friends and family, then their friends and then it was craft fairs and more!” said Andrea.

“Antur Cymru identified this might be a good move for me and they were right. My dream is to have my own store one day and now I’m on the way to that thanks to them.”

Funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils, the project also includes guidance for new and start-up businesses across the region via a team of skilled and experienced mentors and advisors.

The other outlets in Newcastle Emlyn and Aberystwyth have enjoyed regular footfall and community support, and Project Manager Julie Morgan said that has already been the case in Cardigan.

“The shop has been busy since day one, the town has really got behind us and given these small businesses real encouragement,” she said.

“The lessons we have learned at our other two retail spaces have given us a firm foundation to build on here, and with plans for further pop-up stores this year we are confident of giving start-ups and entrepreneurs in west Wales even more opportunities in the future.”

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk and follow them on social media at @AnturCymruWales. Alternatively, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Entrepreneurs and start-ups at new retail test space are thriving this festive period

ENTREPRENEURS and start-up businesses at a new retail test space are thriving this festive period.

Antur Cymru’s latest Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support pop-up unit opened last week in Newcastle Emlyn and is already a hit with customers in the west Wales town.

As Christmas fast approaches, traders have embraced the scheme and been busy selling their wares, with a wide variety of locally made products up for grabs.

Among those with a presence at the Cawdor Terrace premises are Stop Waffling artisan bakes and desserts; Live like Nana shopping service; Tyddyn y Helyg gifts; and sustainable florist, The Flower Meadow.

In addition to its existing shop in Aberystwyth – and with plans for a third and fourth location in the new year – Antur Cymru has given them a platform to develop ideas, trial products and generate a customer base while receiving vital commercial support and advice.

James Mordue from Stop Waffling, who formally launched the mobile venture earlier this year, says early results have been very positive.

“We were busy through the summer at festivals and events, but this now gives us a base to build up a local following and attract new customers,” he said.

“It’s been really good, and word is getting around that we are here, so in the run up to Christmas and beyond I’m sure we will be even busier.”

Sara Redman, owner of The Flower Meadow, previously worked in local government before pivoting in the pandemic to sell seasonal and organic bouquets, bespoke wedding packages and displays that are “grown not flown” from the farm she shares with husband Richard in Llandysul.

She says being part of the community in Newcastle Emlyn is a breath of fresh air: “It’s going really well, with lots of people wanting organic Christmas wreaths and our DIY kits so they can make their own at home.

“The business had been something of a slow burner as I began selling them in lockdown and delivering to local villages, which soon proved very popular.

“To now be able to meet customers in person and build on that momentum is fantastic – it’s brilliant to see so much support for local entrepreneurs.”

Stacey Sayers, from Tyddyn y Helyg (The Willows Homestead), which is selling a wide range of homemade, artisan gifts from the site, added: “We are trying different ideas at present, so having this space to test them and see what works is invaluable.

“We are selling items including rugs, aprons, cushions, lampshades, curtains and more, and there is the holistic side of the business as well, so we are excited to see how this develops and really pleased to be part of this network of traders.”

Funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils, the Local Business Support scheme also includes guidance for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and independent traders across the region via a team of skilled and experienced mentors and advisors.

Project Manager Julie Morgan is pleased with the response from the local community and confident the pop-up initiative will go from strength to strength.

“Like Aberystwyth, which opened early last year, we’ve seen a wave of customers visit the space already,” she said.

“The difference this time is we have that model to refer to and were able to hit the ground running.”

Julie added: “We hope to see even more customers through the door in the short time we have left before Christmas and thank everyone who has shown us so much support already.”

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk and follow them on social media at @AnturCymruWales. Alternatively, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Business Summit to unite industry and unlock growth potential

ESTEEMED names in tourism, education, law and industry will unite to explore ways to unlock potential for growth and diversification in North Wales.

Hosted by Antur Cymru Enterprise, the business summit will be held at the Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy on Tuesday (November 29).

Speakers will be representing organisations including Bangor University Business School; business law specialists Knox Commercial Solicitors, Colwyn Bay; the CDI (Careers Development Institute), Business Wales, Parallel Care Solutions, based in Mold; Abergele’s Gerallt Evans Metalcraft, and Alpine Travel, Llandudno.

There will also be a special video message from Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething MS.

Pryderi ap Rhisiart (pictured), Managing Director of M-SParc science park on Anglesey, will be in attendance discussing ‘growth eco-systems’ and opportunities to maximise skills and talent for the future.

He said: “I’m really excited to join the event and share the work we’ve been doing, particularly our Level Up accelerator programme, which is now on its second cohort and pushing innovative companies to grow faster and further.

“It’s amazing to see the range and breadth of talent and ideas we have in North Wales, and I can’t wait to hear from others at the summit.”

Following the success of a recent expo in Carmarthen – where the focus was on responding to concerns about young people moving out of rural Wales to seek work opportunities in other areas of the UK – the conference later this month will look at potential for growth via innovation and diversification, creating sustainable environments for entrepreneurs, start-ups and social enterprise.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru Enterprise, based in Newcastle Emlyn, says up to 80 people are expected to join them on the day.

“I’m delighted we are able to follow up our successful conference in South Wales with one in the north that also looks set to tackle some very important economic and social issues for people across the country,” she said.

“We will be bringing together prominent figures from different arenas who will shine a light on ways we can – in partnership – have a positive impact post-pandemic.”

Bronwen added: “There are a lot of innovative businesses already lined up for the audience, so I’m sure the Q&A and feedback will be insightful and pivotal moving forward.

“We are looking forward to the summit and to seeing what outcomes and conclusions are taken from it.”

For more information on Antur Cymru Enterprise, visit www.anturcymru.org.uk.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uwchgynhadledd-twf-busnes-gogledd-cymru-north-wales-business-growth-summit-tickets-468509684077

News

Skills and training programme delivers business boom in seaside resort

BUSINESS is booming in a seaside resort thanks to a pioneering skills and regeneration programme.

Aberystwyth is reaping the benefits of New Skills New Start, a UK Government initiative funded via the UK Community Renewal Fund, led by Ceredigion Council and delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise.

Among those to have capitalised on the scheme’s financial and administrative resources was Pawel Banaszynski, who opened his first venture – Y Gornel Café – in the town just weeks ago.

Formerly a chef at some of the region’s leading fish restaurants, Pawel, who hails from Poland but has lived in mid-Wales for 17 years, thanked Project Manager Julie Morgan and the New Skills New Start team for helping him to access a BusinessWales Barriers Grant and being on hand with guidance and advice.

“It was always my dream to own my own place, so when this venue became available it was a split-second decision to go for it,” said Pawel, who is supported by wife Anita and daughters Marianna and Milena.

“Previously I was always too busy or didn’t quite have the confidence, and then the Coronavirus pandemic arrived, which gave me a chance to reflect and decide it was the right time to make this dream come true.

“I have no business experience, so I am thankful to Julie and the programme for the information and expertise I received, which has made a big difference, especially in securing a grant which enabled us to buy crockery, cutlery and equipment.”

He added: “To finally open the doors was incredible, we have received such a positive response from the local community and many of my old customers have popped in to say hello.

“We can seat up to 40 customers and there will be room for even more outside in the Spring and Summer months – this is the start of an amazing journey.”

Another to have embraced New Skills New Start is Helen Vardy, owner of Yoga Essentials, based at the pop-up Trading Space for ethical start-ups on Great Darkgate Street.

Helen still works part-time in childcare and education – one-to-one with autistic young learners – but also runs the artisan firm and has seen it expand throughout the year having launched it following a horse-riding accident during the pandemic.

Selling yoga equipment and scented candles, she has added a line of clothing and hopes to one day open her own premises in Aberystwyth.

“I have done yoga all of my life, which has always helped me personally, especially after I badly smashed and dislocated my wrists in the accident,” said Helen.

“I’m very independent but had to rely heavily on my partner Paul, son Josh and others to do everything for me as my mobility was limited, so meditation and yoga were important for my recovery.

“Doing that and having so much time to think made me determined to take these things I loved so much forward as a business idea, and I’m so pleased to have contacted New Skills New Start and joined the community at the Trading Space, who are all so supportive.

“I also have dyslexia so having them around to talk to face to face is helpful, it has boosted my confidence and as a result the business is growing all the time.”

Julie says the variety of guidance offered to both Pawel and Helen demonstrated the breadth of support available from Antur Cymru, adding: “I am absolutely delighted to see them go from strength to strength, they have worked so hard and have brought their dreams to reality.

“We have helped many start-ups over the last year from the Trading Space and many more will follow. It’s heartening to see what a positive effect it is having for the future and the economy in Ceredigion.”

For more information, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk/entrepreneurship/new-skills-new-start or email nsns@anturcymru.org.uk.

Follow Y Gornel Café at @YGornel on social media, and Yoga Essentials via the website: www.yoga-essentials.co.uk

IT Services, Law

IT pioneers support Welsh law firms in rising battle against cyber crime

ANTUR CYMRU ENTERPRISE is supporting the legal sector in Wales as cyber-attacks on law firms continue to rise.

Telemat IT Support, a division of Antur Cymru Enterprise, has been raising the profile of cyber security among solicitors and law firms concerned about a security breach, with financial and identity theft, loss of clients and regulatory penalties among the issues faced.

Business Development Manager Kevin Harrington has worked in partnership with Business Wales to deliver guidance and advice, workshop training, free IT security audits and recorded a video discussing the key points around cyber essentials and a certification and consultancy service provided by Telemat.

He said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to protect a business from hackers given the sophisticated techniques and tricks being used to illegally access data and information.

“With law firms whose data is largely confidential and sensitive, the subject of an attack is hugely damaging from a reputational and financial perspective.

“There is a lot more that companies can be doing in partnership with the Law Society and by working alongside the authorities and organisations such as Telemat to educate themselves and minimise any future risk.

“Strong passwords which are regularly updated, training for staff and logging any incidents are among the steps that can be taken, and it’s important to tap into resources that offer peace of mind.”

In the UK alone, recent reports showed cyber-attacks have grown by more than 50% in two years, which led to the National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) requesting the Law Society to remind its members of their advice – on ransomware in particular – after a surge in incidents.

The Law Society in Wales has recently received grant funding of up to £100,000 from Welsh Government to enhance the cyber and IT security of law firms in Wales.

And in 2020, a report from the Solicitors Regulation Authority found 75% of firms in England and Wales have reported being victims, with almost a quarter of those being directly targeted resulting in more than £4m of client money being stolen.

Kevin revealed that confusion over cyber security certifications is a notable grey area for law practices unaware of what approach best fits their business.

“Having a cyber-security budget and building it into future-proofing plans is a necessity at this point in time, especially when you consider the current economic and social challenges facing all industries post-pandemic,” he said.

“This in turn will have an impact on insurance, build trust with long-standing clients and ultimately, eliminate doubts and worries for staff and company owners.

“Always be aware, always be on your guard and get in touch for help and advice on what has become a major headache for law firms everywhere.”

Visit Get a Free Security Audit – Telemat for a free IT security audit.

For further information and to speak to the team at Antur Cymru Enterprise, call 01239 712345 or email  enquiries@telemat.co.uk.

Alternatively, visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk or www.telemat.co.uk.

News

‘Smart towns’ digital boost for rural communities and businesses in Wales

ANTUR CYMRU ENTERPRISE is supporting rural communities by enhancing digital communication and connectivity across mid and south Wales post-pandemic.

Telemat IT Support, based at the organisation’s Antur Teifi Business Park in Newcastle Emlyn, has won contracts to install IoT (Internet of Things) and LoRaWAN technology in a bid to support local authority aspirations for a network of ‘Smart Towns’ focused on economic growth.

Carmarthenshire’s 10 rural market towns will have IoT applications developed and Brecon, Llanwrtyd Wells, Presteigne, Aberaeron, Llandysul, Lampeter, New Quay and Tregaron will all have Town Wi-Fi installed.

Business Development Manager Kevin Harrington said: “Telemat is delighted to be supporting the roll-out and uptake of Internet of Things applications and Town Wi-Fi.

“Developing Smart Towns technologies will help local authorities and town councils and traders gather important visitor data and provide better services to the public.”

He added: “High streets have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and recent inflationary pressures.

“As our parent company Antur Cymru is a social enterprise, this project fits well with our strategic goal of supporting economic development in rural parts of Wales.”

Antur Cymru has also been working with Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan local authorities to install Welsh Government-funded Cisco Meraki cloud-based systems that can measure footfall and customer trends in town centres, providing pivotal data that will feed into future retail strategies.

“These regions are moving forward as pioneers in developing these methods,” added Kevin.

“The results will enable local authorities and planners to identify what is and isn’t working, how challenges can be overcome and bring about positive change that will have a knock-on effect for businesses and their local economies.”

Telemat’s mission is to deliver a comprehensive bilingual IT service across Wales, encompassing hardware and software solutions for the benefit of homes and organisations in the private and public sectors, including business Wi-Fi, remote worker IT solutions and helpdesk support.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, said these latest developments reinforce Telemat’s commitment to the future proofing of industry.

“Digital connectivity and instant communication are vital in today’s society, not just for businesses but all services and individuals to go about their daily lives, personally and professionally,” she added.

“Securing this work confirms Telemat’s position as a leader in its field and the role it will play in bringing rural communities in line with other areas of the UK for generations to come.”

For further information and to speak to the team at Antur Cymru Enterprise, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

Alternatively, visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk or www.telemat.co.uk.

News

Trading Space attracts crowds and could be template for high street boost

CROWDS flocked to the opening of a vibrant retail unit breathing life into Aberystwyth town centre.

The new Trading Space on Great Darkgate Street forms part of the innovative New Skills New Start programme, a UK Government initiative funded via the UK Community Renewal Fund, led by Ceredigion Council, and delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise.

The shop will give independent entrepreneurs and sustainable, ethical start-ups a place to sell their wares, from arts and crafts to gifts, food and drink and more.

They will also have access to free training, business advice and resources including IT equipment and marketing support.

Among the first group to benefit from the space are custom lampshade venture Cardigan Bay Designs, sea glass pic company CreateEm, Eisa Tea Co, Coast to Country Arts – which make items from driftwood – Yoga Essentials, and Carousel, upcycling furniture and creating bespoke gifts from unwanted materials heading to landfill.

Project Manager Julie Morgan was thrilled to receive such glowing feedback on opening the doors for the first time and says the long-term objective is to roll the scheme out further in the future.

“But first we want to test the response here in Aberystwyth, where so far the reaction has been really positive, which is heartening given all the hard work which has gone into this,” said Julie.

“We have some fantastic businesses here already who are delighted to be a part of this project as it gives them a platform to display their products with the safety net of guidance and support from Antur Cymru.

“That will build confidence and give them vital experience to grow their businesses, all of which has a knock-on effect for the economy and supports town centre growth – it’s brilliant, and we thank everyone for being part of our launch event.”

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake was among those in attendance and praised the New Skills New Start project for bringing a fresh and progressive offering to the area.

“This is a wonderful unit, a continuation of how the scheme is supporting new businesses,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see this space for traders to try out and test their retail offer and benefit from business advice, all in one place.

“I think it’s a great thing for Aberystwyth and is already causing a lot of excitement in the town.

“The idea could potentially be a template for how we make use of empty shops in high streets, so I wish all of the traders the very best of luck.”

For more information, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk/entrepreneurship/new-skills-new-start or email nsns@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

New Skills New Start for entrepreneurs on Ceredigion busines journey

AN INNOVATIVE trade and training project will support and guide entrepreneurs and start-ups as they begin their business journey.

New Skills New Start is a UK Government initiative funded via the UK Community Renewal Fund, led by Ceredigion Council, and delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise.

Participants will be able to test their ideas, products and processes in the county’s town centres and advisers will be on hand to deliver guidance via workshops, one-to-one sessions, and mentoring.

The pilot scheme runs until July and is also focused on breathing life into Ceredigion’s high streets and retail areas, uniting potential and regeneration.

Project Manager Julie Morgan says Antur Cymru is committed to helping individuals explore self-employment, giving them a launchpad and helping build confidence while gaining pivotal experience in a real-time, real-life environment.

“We are looking forward to working with entrepreneurs and people with ideas they want to develop into businesses, overcoming any barriers or issues they may have and giving them the tools and resources to take that first step,” said Julie.

“The wider project will bring together different elements all centred on business support, and the feedback we’ve had so far has been incredibly positive.

“There is a lot of demand out there and an appetite for innovative ideas that will reinforce a post-Covid recovery in our town centres, and not just in retail, the initiative can and will be applied to multiple sectors.

“From food and drink to arts and crafts, giftware and more, we want to hear from people who are ready to take their business plans to the next level.”

Among the town centres to welcome the programme is Aberystwyth, where a New Skills New Start Trading Space pop-up premises will open on Wednesday February 16.

As well as free training, traders will have access to resources including IT equipment, marketing, branding and finance guidance, and networking contacts.

Bespoke coaching will ensure support is tailored to the sector and needs of the individual, identifying and overcoming any obstacles to success.

“If successful the scheme will be rolled out further, so it is a fantastic opportunity to drive innovation and give local economies a boost,” Julie added.

For more information, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk/entrepreneurship/new-skills-new-start or email nsns@anturcymru.org.uk.