August 2020 Case studies

Social enterprise reaches out to marginalised communities to get them into cycling. Cardiff-based social enterprise offering bike repairs and sale, is helping people from marginalised communities get into cycling. Having benefitted from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, owner Willoughby Zimmerman also runs maintenance classes including free sessions for women and LGBTQ+ people. 1 job created successfully incorporated Spokesperson as a CIC Introduction to business Willoughby Zimmerman recently set up their own business, Spokesperson, in...

Significant investment for fencing start-up thanks to support from Business Wales. Integrated Fencing launched in 2020 in Abercynon to provide bespoke security fencing products to private, commercial and public sector organisations throughout the UK. Directors Scott, Hywel and Richard got in touch with the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service to seek start-up advice as well as help to source the necessary start-up funding. Relationship Management support with business planning, company set-up and financial management help...

A brand-new children play centre launches in Newport following support from Business Wales. Let Loose Soft Play is a new family-run play centre for children of all ages, based in Newport, South Wales. Co-founder Ryan Jones got in touch with the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service for help starting up and has since managed to secure premises, source finance and successfully launch the business. successful start 9 jobs created £25,000 start-up loan secured towards premises...

Fighting mental health issues and trying to fit work around her two children made Laura Jones undertake a series of new qualifications and plunge into self-employment. With help and advice from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, she was able to successfully secure funding and launch her beauty salon, Môn Beauty, in Beaumaris, Anglesey. successful start 1 job created obtained £1,500 funding via Purple Shoots Introduction to business Môn Beauty is a brand new beauty...

Cardiff bakery helping young aspiring chefs set for significant expansion. Ceri Johnston Bower launched Cardiff-based The Early Bird Bakery in 2015. The bakery offers freshly cooked meals and bakes and provides a space for aspiring chefs to kick-start their culinary careers. Having received start-up support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, Ceri is now engaging with a growth adviser for help with her expansion plans and new service offering. start-up support relationship Management assistance...

A Swansea-based day nursery secures Business Wales childcare grant to provide an additional needs placement for a family in need. Little Cherubs Day Nursery provides childcare services to children 0 to 12 years of age in Swansea. The business applied and successfully obtained a childcare grant, delivered by the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, allowing them to offer a childcare placement to a young girl with additional needs. Introduction to business Little Cherubs is a...

Business Wales helps Aberystwyth cake maker to successfully scale up her business. Alana Spencer launched Ridiculously Rich by Alana to offer a range of handmade cakes and chocolates to customers, retailers and at events all across the country. Having taken full control of her business following an investment from Lord Sugar, Alana was ready to develop a new strategy for further growth – and this is where the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service came on...

A brand-new design business launches thanks to Business Wales and the Wrexham Enterprise Hub. With extensive industry experience, Emma Jones decided to take the plunge into self-employment following her second maternity leave. She approached the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service for help and has since increased her confidence and practical skills to launch her own business, Em Creative. successful start advice on starting up, marketing and business growth 1 job created Introduction to business Following...

An award-winning hot tub business in North Wales is looking forward to a year of growth Managing Director Gareth Jones started UK Leisure Living in 2015 and has since turned it into one of the UK’s leading hot tub retailers. He approached the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service for help with further growing the business and has benefitted from a range of specialist support, including help with recruitment and updating their HR policies and procedures...