SMALL businesses have shown their love for an enterprise agency creating opportunities for growth and prosperity in west Wales.
With the support of Antur Cymru, traders in the region successfully received grants from the Cynnal y Cardi Fund, which is delivered by Ceredigion County Council via the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Two in particular – Brodwaith Tysul Embroidery, and Cariad Glass – have gone from strength-to-strength post-pandemic, with added assistance from both the Cymorth Busnes Lleol/Local Business Support and SMART Busnes project teams.
Based in Llandysul, they praised Antur Cymru for the guidance and advice received and for helping them turn their “dreams into reality”.
Founded by husband-and-wife Justine and Chris Dodd, Cariad Glass specialises in creative stained-glass painting, producing artisan gifts and more.
“We contacted Antur Cymru out of interest more than a need at the time but are so glad we did,” said Justine, who has been shortlisted in the Photography, Art and Design category of this year’s Llais Cymru Welsh Women in Business Awards.
“They supported us in so many ways, from seeking grant assistance to evaluating our marketing and website, even setting us up with footfall and air quality monitors.”
She added: “We feel more confident in our pricing strategy, our product and our offerings, and as well as traditional stained-glass work and commissions and restoration we now offer tuition to small groups of people who travel from across the UK – we even have a student from America! – to take part in in our sold-out classes.
“And since moving to our new premises we have the gallery space to showcase the work of over 20 local artists alongside our working studio, which is open to the public.
“We can’t thank Antur Cymru enough; working with them has been amazing.”
Brodwaith Tysul owner Abby Reid also secured a grant via the Cynnal y Cardi Fund and echoed those comments.
In addition to expanding her embroidery business, she wanted to encourage innovation and support for other traders in the town.
“I spoke to Antur Cymru about an idea to rejuvenate the High Street in Llandysul and they were very encouraging,” said Abby.
“At the time I was quite happy in my job working in a school kitchen, but I had dreamt of starting this venture and had the impetus to do so.
“I began attending weekly sessions with Antur Cymru that were really helpful, and learnt how to cost a business, what to look out for and how to mould my services to work around my life and needs.”
She added: “The support has made me confident in my brand and with the addition of others on the high street we now have a lovely little ‘creative corner’.
“Antur Cymru has been the cheerleader and coach refining my game – they have encouraged, cautioned, questioned and celebrated every step which is now something I endeavour to do to those around me – thank you!”
The Cynnal y Cardi Fund aims to support and engage local people, businesses and communities in delivering sustainable solutions to address some of the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the Ceredigion area.
The fund is also focused on improvements to existing, community and neighbourhood infrastructure, testing piloting approaches and feasibility studies, investment in capacity building, support for digital infrastructure, and more.
