Councillor Selwyn Griffiths
Plaid Cymru Councillor Selwyn Griffiths, Porthmadog has been instrumental in setting up a brand new interactive business event at Porthmadog for local businesses keen to network and find out more about support services and organisations available to them.
Y Ganolfan, Porthmadog will be the venue for the first ‘Support Businesses’ event held at 6.30pm on Monday, 17 March 2014. Each business will be given a five minute slot to introduce their company before moving to the more informal networking stage of the event. Dafydd Iwan, Chair of the Gwynedd Economic Partnership will kick start the event.
“I’m keen that we bring business people from the area together, so they see what’s available and on offer to them. Many of these business support services are free of charge, have a font of knowledge and expertise available at the drop of a hat,” Councillor Selwyn Griffiths explained.
“We have a high percentage of small businesses and sole traders in rural Gwynedd, and people can tend to feel isolated, especially following the harsh weather conditions we’ve seen during the past few months. It has, no doubt, had a negative affect on the local economy at a time when some sectors were already finding the economic climate difficult.
“As spring slowly begins to show its colours, I hope this event will bring benefits to local companies looking for a variety of advice from accessing grants or financial assistance to promoting their business through PR or marketing. Advice on tendering, personnel issues, using the Welsh language and cultural heritage to attract tourism or looking at staff development and training – the organisations on hand at our business evening will be able to guide local companies seeking support.”
Organisations and services attending the event, keen to offer their support to local companies include Gwynedd Economic Partnership, ANNOG, Gwynedd Business Network, Welsh Language Commissioner, Nat West Business Unit, Business Rates, Small Business Federation, Cyngor Gwynedd Marketing and Tourism, Business Wales, Coleg Meirion Dwyfor and Cyngor Gwynedd Business Grants.
“The event itself is a strong partnership and I’m grateful to Cyngor Tref Porthmadog, Porthmadog Chamber of Trade and Gwynedd Council for their support. I must thank especially officers from Gwynedd Council’s Economic Development department who have guided and supported the whole organisation of the event.
“I would urge local companies in Porthmadog and the surrounding area to take full advantage of the event and make a note of the date in their diaries,” Councillor Griffiths concluded.
For further information contact Councillor Selwyn Griffiths at [email protected] or phone 07789 035084
