The business community is dominated by small companies making up 92% of registered businesses in the Teifi Valley. Whilst we deliver work throughout Wales, we believe we have a valuable contribution to make in supporting those small and growing businesses in the Teifi Valley not least by working in partnership with the Teifi Valley Growth Zone created as a result of the findings of the Task and Finish Group set up by Edwina Hart, the Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Science and Transport.
In July 2015, Antur Teifi on behalf of Business Wales organised a series of seminars entitled “Understanding the benefits of using the Welsh language in business”. Prepared specifically for Teifi Valley businesses by a Teifi Valley business that is one of Europe’s leaders in the rapidly expanding language consultancy market – Iaith Cyf the seminars will provide attendees with the tools to get maximum benefit from this advantage which includes:-
- communicating with customers
- strengthening your USP (unique selling point)
- promoting customer loyalty
- providing opportunities to sell in new markets
- indicating your respect and understanding of the culture of the area
- demonstrating your commitment to equality
Held in the four main towns of the Teifi Valley – Cardigan, Lampeter and Newcastle Emlyn and Llandysul – the sessions led to a better understanding of the creative and proactive dynamic which is prevalent within the Teifi Valley’s predominantly Welsh-speaking communities. In turn, this led to an awakening and/or a strengthening within the attendees of a desire to play their part within the dynamic.
Ruby Rose is a gift shop in Lampeter owned by Kate McDermott. Attending the seminar proved an eye-opener for Kate.
“I certainly found the seminar inspiring and informative. I have already had a friend translate one side of a new sign that I am halfway through painting for the top of the alleyway and last night I downloaded a Welsh learning app from Bangor University to get the ball rolling with my own Welsh journey so there has definitely been an impact already”.
Follow-up workshops have been scheduled for businesses which will seek to maximise the benefits of the initiative through supporting business owners to create a collaborative vision for the Teifi Valley. Using the Powerhouse Community Format the workshops will be open and honest forums for discussion, positively focused and co-creative leading to a sustainable and vibrant community through business.
