SMALL businesses will take flight by capitalising on export opportunities with the support of Antur Cymru Enterprise.

The Global Reach Out Programme is funded by UK Government, powered by Levelling Up and delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise in collaboration with International Trade Support Group and Powys County Council.

The project explores trade and overseas partnerships via a series of funded remote and in-person training sessions which resume this month.

Delivered by international trade advisor Clive Barnard – who has more than 30 year’s industry experience, including a decade with Business Wales – attendees from across the region can learn all about the world of international sales and customer relations, no matter the size of their commercial operation.

As part of a small team of industry experts who launched ITSG in 2019 – and subsequently the Wrexham-based Centre for International Trade Support – Clive says small and independent companies in any sector should target exports, particularly given the economic and social challenges of recent times.

“Our Never Too Small to Export programme with Antur Cymru demonstrates there is a market out there for all businesses, especially at a grass roots level,” said Clive.

“In fact, many smaller firms have already sold products or dealt with customers outside the UK to some extent and have experience of dealing in exports, but don’t consider that an avenue to pursue further.”

He added: “In Wales since the pandemic – and this is certainly the case in Powys and rural areas of north and mid Wales – there are many talented independents in different sectors, especially retail, selling online and in a position to capitalise on the huge demand out there – we can help them do it.

“There have been geopolitical events which have affected international trade – Covid 19 and Brexit for example – so we navigate any issues and look at the principles from targeting which countries to sell to, distribution, transport and logistics, documentation and more.

“The feedback has been very positive so far and I’m sure interest will grow in the months ahead.”

The course runs over 10 weeks and runs parallel with other support packages delivered under the Global Reach Out Programme

While the project is for a matter of weeks ITSG’s involvement continues via guidance and advice as the entrepreneurs look at entry into relevant markets and start building relationships overseas.

Additional advice around wider business topics is also available through Antur’s Local Business Support Project.

“By combining Antur’s reputation for excellence in business support with our experience and partnerships, including with various embassies, we have a robust understanding of opportunities to enable local businesses to grow their markets,” said Clive.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, added: “So many small businesses are unaware of the many opportunities out there globally, not just here in the UK or on their doorstep.

“This programme explores where they are and how to make the most of them, so we hope to see a good turnout later this month. As an organisation that has worked to support businesses for more than 40 years, it is fantastic to be able to expand our offer into this specialist area with the support of ITSG ”

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. Visit www.itsgworld.com for more news and information from International Trade Support Group (ITSG).

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.

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.

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.