Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Neath Port Talbot can now access the professional advice and services they need to drive their business ideas forward, thanks to the launch of a new business support service.
The Centre for Business, one of Wales’s longest established business support organisations, officially opened the doors to its new office in Market Chambers in Neath town centre today (7 June).
The new premises incorporates office space, interview rooms and training areas, and will house four dedicated business advisers to help local people to access enhanced business support services. New start-ups and existing business will also be able to access the Welsh Government’s business start-up service and training courses.
The launch follows a merger with Business Connect Neath Port Talbot and is designed to extend the services available to businesses, and help them to achieve their full potential.
David Russ, managing director of the Centre for Business, explains: “Although we have already helped many businesses in Neath and the surrounding area, as part of our commitment to the region we recognise the importance of having a physical presence to help sign post businesses to the support we can offer.
“In the current economic climate, it is essential that we tap into the considerable talent available to us across Wales and create an environment that supports and cultivates entrepreneurs. Developing our home grown talent will ultimately help us to create more sustainable jobs and is essential if we are to turn the economy around.
“The Centre for Business was set up to provide support, advice and guidance for budding entrepreneurs and existing business owners who have strong ideas but may lack the knowledge and experience to drive them forward.
“Having worked for the last 30 years within the south Wales business community, we have accumulated unparalleled local knowledge and extensive links with both local and national partners and as such we can advise any business, of any size and from any sector.”
Businesses will be able to benefit from the Centre for Business’s 30 years experience, during which time it has helped to create more than 10,000 new businesses and assisted around 25,000 entrepreneurs in south Wales. Its clients range from fashion students straight out of university, seasoned software developers branching out on their own, cafes owners, jewellers and even animal trainers.
The Centre for Business Neath was launched by The Right Honourable Peter Hain, MP at an event attended by local businesses.
He said: “The Centre for Business has helped thousands of new businesses and entrepreneurs in the Neath area by providing support and guidance to help them achieve their dreams and aspirations. With this new office, that I am delighted to open, they will be able to help even more people to achieve their business ideas and goals, creating jobs and prosperity locally.”
Around 83% of new start-ups assisted by the Centre for Business are still operating after three years compared to the national average of just 35%, and since 2005 it has seen a 600% increase in attendance at its business skill seminars.
Matthew Flowers of Ystalyfera, Neath, started his home cleaning company, Gutterpro, in January with help from the Centre for Business and recently won the award for Best New Start-Up at the West Wales New Start Business Awards.
He said: “We have only been operating for a few months but thanks to the support we received from the Centre for Business, we have quickly gone from a being a ‘man in a van’ start-up, to a growing business with a product development arm.
“I think that the new office will be a fantastic asset for the people of Neath Port Talbot and surrounding area, and I would urge anyone with an idea for a new business to get in touch.”