Tag Archives: hwb menter

News

250+ Welsh start-ups and entrepreneurs boosted by business hub backing

HUNDREDS of start-ups and small businesses have been transformed with the support of an innovative business hub.

A staggering 258 new and existing companies in Gwynedd and Anglesey received backing from Menter Môn Enterprise Hub (Hwb Menter) in the last 18 months.

The organisation has two main locations, M-SParc in Gaerwen and Hwb Arloesi, Porthmadog, and facilitated a £2,500 ‘start-up support package’ which included access to one-to-one advice and information, technology, financial guidance and more.

They also welcomed up to 500 people for a series of online and in-person networking and training events across the year.

Menter Môn – which according to an external evaluation report made an “important contribution to the entrepreneurial landscape in Gwynedd and Anglesey” – was praised for the “seamless support experience” it provided participants.

Among them was award-winning XR Creative Director Klaire Tanner, from Llanrug, who said: “They genuinely cared to help, they were prompt in sending me any templates, talking me through the processes, and helping me gain the funding I needed to start. They also sent me on workshops for business.

“I honestly wouldn’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for Hwb Menter’s support.”

Emma Roberts and Vicky Roberts from Kico’s Dessert Bar in Llangefni also thanked Hwb Menter for its support in getting their venture off the ground.

“We realised there was a gap in the market for this kind of establishment and with our business adviser, Aled, were able to draw up plans, look at cash flow projections and grants and he was on hand with advice throughout the start-up process,” said Emma.

Vicky added: “We also took part in online workshops which were especially helpful with things we had never learnt before, from accounts to using social media to generate publicity.”

Mark Chapman, Master Carpenter and Managing Director at Arfon Timber Frames in Caernarfon, echoed those words.

Grant funding enabled them to achieve industry accreditation and join professional trade bodies, all of which supported growth last year.

“We have had a lot of enquiries and seven people now work for us in total,” said Mark.

“The grant was a big help in us achieving accreditation, we would not have been able to go for these things and achieve them in our first year if not for help from Hwb Menter.”

Hwb Menter Project Manager, Sara Lois Roberts paid tribute to their “incredible team” for having such a positive effect on so many entrepreneurs across the region in such a short space of time.

“It is truly amazing how far we have reached, and how many small businesses have benefited from our support,” she said.

“For some, the financial backing was pivotal in taking next steps, for others it was advice and signposting, desk space, building confidence and meeting others to share best practice.

“We are so glad to have made a difference and hope we can continue to do so for the many hundreds of business owners in Gwynedd and Anglesey contributing so much to the local economies, creating employment opportunities and developing innovative ideas in a wide range of industries.”

For more on how the Enterprise Hub can help, email post@hwbmenter.cymru or call 01248 858 070.

Alternatively, visit www.hwbmenter.cymru or follow @hwbmenter on social media. 

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