Support event revitalises local businesses

A business support and information event organised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in conjunction with the Vale Business Club has been rated a success by those who attended.

‘Revitalise your Business’, held at the Memorial Hall in Barry last week, was organised as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, especially during the current economic downturn.

A number of exhibition stands were on offer, manned by a range of business support, finance, procurement and education-based companies, as well as specialist workshops and seminars featuring pivotal speakers such as ‘entrepreneurship guru’ Robert Craven and Duncan McRae from Metrix.

Cllr Rhodri Traherne, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, has recently spoken out on behalf of local businesses in Barry and called on the Welsh Assembly Government to introduce a business rates holiday.

He said: “I was delighted to see significant numbers of business people attending both the speaker events and visiting the exhibitions at the event. Hopefully their visits were beneficial to them.”

Aliye Mullen, a fine art photographer based in Wick, said: “The event was a great help for both start-up and existing businesses who may be struggling. Running a business is difficult enough under normal circumstances but in a recession it’s even harder.

“The event offered tremendous help and advice, in particular for small businesses. It’s been a very valuable opportunity, both for networking and generating ideas, and the practical advice given by the speakers was very beneficial.”

Dale Edmonds, who works at Fire and Safety Services based at the Vale Enterprise Park, also spoke in support of the event: “It was well run, informative and extremely beneficial.”

Other guest speakers included Alistair Milburn from Effective Communication, Anna Denton-Jones from Morgan Denton Jones LLP and Nirmal Chhabria from Niva International Ltd.

Emma Smith, principal officer – economic development, said: “I am delighted with the feedback on the event. I spoke with a variety of delegates and I was extremely pleased to hear how inspired and motivated they were following the seminars to go away and implement new ideas into their businesses. Others felt more confident about how to go about starting a business after discussions with a wide range of exhibitors present on the day.

“This was a special one-day event; however the council’s business support team is contactable at the BSC, Innovation Quarter, Barry Waterfront. The team is committed to continually supporting businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan.”