2021 Case studies

A vintage shop opens its doors in Barry with support from Business Wales and the Barriers Grant. Introduction to business Fussy is a new vintage shop located in a converted train carriage at the Goodsheds in Barry. Launched by Yvette Clark, the shop offers unique vintage pieces, inspired by the 70s, 80s and 90s, including clothing, homeware, jewellery and accessories. Fussy prides itself on inspiring individuality in a stylish and sustainable way, instilling an idea...

An animation business in Anglesey expands rapidly with guidance from the Business Wales Mentoring service. Introduction to business Based in Anglesey and founded by Anna and Tom Burke, Animated Technologies is an animation company, specialising in explainer videos, animated marketing videos, product launch videos, technical animations and animated corporate videos. The business also offers strategy development, printed materials and website development to compliment the video production. Business Wales support Having decided to become self-employed, Anna...

An experienced animal and human physiotherapist chooses to comes back to Wales to offer first-class physio experience in Denbigh. Introduction to business Steph Wilson is a Chartered Physiotherapist treating animals and humans in the North Wales area. With over 15 years’ experience gained at hospitals and private practices in South London and Kent, Steph chose to move back to North Wales and open her own practice, Steph Wilson Physio, bringing her knowledge and skills to...

An eco-conscious business grows from a spare room to a 2,500 sq. ft. warehouse with guidance from the Business Wales mentoring programme. Introduction to business Started in 2019 by Dino Hodzovic and Bethan Keeble in Cardiff, Simplelifeco UK is an eco-friendly business, which specialises in zero-waste packaging, including corn-starch and paper mailers, paper bags and vegetable grow bags, amongst others. Business Wales support Having received Business Wales support on a previous venture, Dino and Bethan...

A beauty entrepreneur from North Wales starts not one, but two businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Introduction to business A trained nail artist and beautician, Ffion Mai Jones from Tregarth, North Wales, decided to set up her own beauty salon, Ciwticwls, specialising in nail art, eyebrow and eye-lash procedures. With a lot of time on her hands due to Covid-19 restrictions, Ffion Mai started a second venture – Leibyls, providing a range of stickers and...

A teddy-bear supplier to Killing Eve and Hollyoaks has managed to not only survive Covid-19 but also expand internationally during the pandemic. Introduction to business Started in 2001 in Colwyn Bay, Be My Bear specialises in teddy bear making kits, accessories, unique gifts and plush party products. The wholesale arm of the business, Be My Bear Wholesale, supplies kits, teddy bear clothing and accessories to a range of sectors, including retail, entertainment and corporate. £36,000...

The first Arabic restaurant in Aberystwyth launches successfully and is ready to grow after lockdown restrictions are lifted. Run by Syrian-born Ghofran Hamza, Arabic Flavour is the first Middle Eastern restaurant in Aberystwyth. Having engaged with the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service on a different project straight after moving to the UK, Ghofran benefited from start-up and HR support as she set out to take things further and launch her own restaurant. Introduction to business...

A North Wales franchise of the largest touchless disinfectant business in the UK launches successfully with help from Business Wales. After 36 years at Airbus, Dominic Tyson decided to reap the rewards of finally being his own boss and took the plunge into starting his own business. With start-up support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, Sanondaf North Wales started trading in February 2021. Successfully started a new business. Created 2 jobs. Adopted HR...

A brand new recording studio opens its doors in Chepstow, with advisory and financial support from Business Wales. An experienced producer, Ella-Louise Hart found herself unemployed because of Covid-19 and decided to combine her passion for producing and teaching music with the opportunity to earn a living. She launched Hart Studios in Chepstow providing popstar experience days, with support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service. Successfully launched. 1 job created. Secured a £1,000 Monmouthshire...

An urban farm in Penarth, South Wales, launches to encourage the use of more sustainably grown, nutritious organic food. A sustainable urban farm, the Micro Greengrocer started trading in January, after owner Amanda Wood decided to revive her old skills and start growing organic micro-greens. With support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, Amanda managed to secure funding, including £1,980 from the Business Wales Barriers Grant, to launch the business successfully in early 2021...