For decades, ADHD has been misunderstood - especially when it comes to women. Most treatments are designed around male biology, with stimulant-based medications that mask symptoms rather than address root causes. But for many women, ADHD is deeply connected to hormones, gut health, and the brain’s rhythm across different life stages. That’s the problem Lucy McCarthy-Christofides set out to solve. Lucy founded Môr , a pioneering health brand built specifically for women with ADHD. Combining...
Lead smarter, grow stronger: Essential resources to sharpen your edge and scale with purpose.
Each month, our AGP Relationship Managers—seasoned experts working with high-growth businesses across Wales—share their top recommendations. These resources are carefully selected to help you lead with confidence, grow with purpose, and seize new opportunities while navigating the challenges unique to your business. This month, Geraint Hughes, AGP Relationship Manager covering North West Wales, shares his top picks. With a strong focus on emotional intelligence, cultural insight, and local economic understanding, his recommendations offer practical tools...
Five ways AI can supercharge your e-commerce sales
AI isn’t just for tech giants anymore. It’s a powerful, practical tool for small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses if you’re ready for it. With the right groundwork, AI can help you work smarter, wow your customers, and drive serious sales growth. Here are five proven ways to start using AI today and future-proof your e-commerce business for tomorrow. 1. Get your data ready for smarter AI tools The way your data is structured today will...
Culture counts: How to attract and keep top talent
Salary gets attention. Culture seals the deal Recruiting and retaining the right people is more challenging than ever. Skilled candidates have options, and businesses are competing not just on pay but on purpose, values, and how it feels to work there. That’s why workplace culture is your game-changer. A strong, inclusive culture isn’t something you say to look good on a careers page—it drives engagement, improves morale, and builds loyalty. When employees feel part of...
Turning economic challenges into strategic growth
In the turbulence of today’s economic climate, uncertainty isn’t the exception - it’s the rule. Rising interest rates, persistent inflation, and supply chain disruption are creating a perfect storm of pressure for leaders in every sector. But with challenge comes opportunity; now is the time to reimagine your strategy, strengthen your systems, and build a business that thrives under pressure. Strategic leadership in uncertain times Leaders who navigate change, drive innovation, and balance risk will...
Call for applications to join the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator
Applications are now open for the next Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator, a key initiative of the Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP). The ten-week, fully online programme will run from Tuesday 30th September 2025 to Friday 12th December 2025, offering targeted support to high-growth entrepreneurs across Wales. The accelerator is built for people with strong business ideas who want to take their concept to market and scale at pace. Through weekly webinars, focused masterclasses and one-to-one sessions...
Oes Gafr Eto: Celebrating Welsh identity through bilingual fashion
Oes Gafr Eto (OGE) is a clothing brand created to reflect a confident, modern Wales, where language, identity, and heritage come together through bold design and storytelling. Initially founded in 2015 with two partners, it is now led by Alun Gruffudd. The business offers a fresh perspective on Welsh fashion, centred around a distinctive visual identity inspired by the resilient, roaming goat. With expert guidance and strategic support from the Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), a...
Mallows Bottling diversifies with new squash line worth £700K annually
South Wales-based Mallows Bottling has diversified into new territory with the launch of a 5-litre squash product line – a move already delivering an estimated £700,000 in incremental annual revenue. The Llantrisant business, co-founded by father-and-son team Andy and Rhys Mallows and supported by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), has secured significant new contracts for the line, which includes a range of single and double-strength squash flavours. The expansion has created three new...
Revolutionising Solitaire: How the Start-Up Accelerator Programme helped Gaz Thomas turn a passion for games into a global vision
The Start-Up Accelerator is a flagship programme supporting Wales’ most promising entrepreneurs. Over an intensive 12-week course, participants receive expert mentorship, targeted business workshops, and networking opportunities to refine their ideas into scalable businesses. Gaz Thomas, a seasoned entrepreneur passionate about gaming and digital experiences, was among 2024's participants. His business, Solitaire.io, combines years of expertise in web development and game creation with an ambitious mission: to make solitaire gaming accessible, fun, and free. We...
Raising the bar in gymnastics apparel: The Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) supports Quatro Gymnastics’ expansion plans
Quatro Gymnastics, founded nearly 15 years ago in Swansea, has become a global leader in gymnastics apparel. Established by Joanna Vazquez, a former Welsh and Great Britain international gymnast, the company emerged from a demand for stylish, high-performance leotards, a market gap Joanna identified firsthand during her competitive years. Quatro provides custom-designed leotards to over 100,000 customers in more than 100 countries. It has offices in Paris, Pennsylvania, and its headquarters in Fforestfach, Swansea. As...