Posted on: Tuesday 7 March 2023
Cathy King and Councillor Jo Gauden
Local business leaders and entrepreneurs marked the launch of a new business support service earlier today.
Representatives from Torfaen Council, Business Wales, Development Bank Wales and Coleg Gwent also attended the event to unveil Torfaen Business Direct - Torfaen Council's new one-stop-shop for all business enquiries.
It will be managed by the council's new Torfaen Business Engagement Team, who worked closely with local businesses to develop the service.
Among them was Cathy King, Business Wales mentor and owner of The Cwtch Animal Homestay, in Henllys, Cwmbran. She said: "I developed the idea for my business in 2017 and I found trying to find the best people to speak to very frustrating.
"I am now planning to develop my business and I think having one place to go to is a fantastic idea."
Paul Cox, Freight and Logistics Consultant with InXpress, based at Springboard, was also at the launch and said: "I've worked in business development for around 14 years and I haven't come across anything like this before.
"I am looking forward to seeing how the service can support business development."
Speaking at the event at Springboard Innovation Centre, in Cwmbran, Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: "We are the first and only authority in Wales to offer one point of contact for both council services and business advice.
"This is something to be proud of and show our commitment to growing our economy through supporting businesses to survive and grow and positioning ourselves as a business-focused authority that understands the needs of our business community.
"Business Direct is a customer-focused service where the needs of our local businesses have been at the centre of all activity to shape the service. We now have a service that will provide a quality customer experience that is both personalised and positive."
Torfaen Business Direct will provide a single point of contact for all business enquiries, from planning and environmental health queries, to grant and funding advice, as well as business development support.
The project has been funded thanks to £287,447 from the UK Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is part of the council’s wider plan to encourage home-grown businesses and attract new investment in the borough.
To get in touch with the service, contact businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01633 648735. Alternatively, you can get in touch via the council's website.