News

Summer Start-up Week helps hundreds of students become entrepreneurs

Published

4 years ago

June 18, 2020

500 students, college leavers and graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions from West Wales and across the country took part in a free online Summer Start-Up Week to help get their business ideas off the ground.

The sell-out Summer Start-Up Week took place from 8^th – 12th June and offered five days of inspiration, learning and networking to turn ideas into businesses, social enterprises and freelancing careers.

The Summer Start-Up Week was launched collaboratively by all Welsh colleges and universities to ensure young people separated by social distancing could join a virtual start-up community and continue to develop their ideas. This included Aberystwyth University, Coleg Sir Gar, Coleg Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire College. A group on Facebook formed from Summer Start-Up Week now has over 250 like-minded members who will continue to support one and other through their business journey.

With a mix of daily live webinars and active Q&A sessions, the week covered relevant topics such as market research, finance, digital marketing and networking, helping participants to develop skills and gain information and contacts to turn their ideas into viable businesses or social enterprises.

The week drew on the business expertise of academic staff and featured experienced entrepreneurs and business experts, including Lee Sharma from cloud-based software platform Simply Do, Tracey Smolinski, founder and managing director of Wales’ leading independent business network, Introbiz, Town Square Spaces founder Gareth Jones and Katy Hayward from honey farm and education centre Felin Honeybees.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, said: “The fact this Summer Start-up Week was able to take place virtually during these most challenging of times is a demonstration of the exceptional collaboration which takes place between our educational institutions and our service providers.

“That it was also sold-out is a testament to the budding entrepreneurial spirit and flair our young people have here in Wales, even in these extremely challenging times.

“The event will have given students and graduates invaluable access to inspiring success stories and expert advice, as well as a valuable peer network for the future.

“I hope it helps all those who attended to realise their business ambitions now and for the future.”

Apprentice winner, Alana Spencer from Aberystwyth, owner of Ridiculously Rich confectionary business, featured as part of the entrepreneurial line up, alongside a host of Welsh entrepreneurs.

Supported by the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Wales service, part of Business Wales to encourage youth entrepreneurship, the week featured talks from the network of entrepreneurial Role Models. These business owners from across Wales shared inspiring stories and practical advice to help others understand the business start-up journey.

Role Model Clare Ferguson-Walker, from Carmarthen, owns CFW Designs, and make and sells paintings, sculptures and ceramic art globally.

Clare said: “It’s great that these events are taking place to help nurture entrepreneurship in Wales.

“I am an artist, primarily a sculptor and at the start only intended on selling a few of my pieces. I didn’t have a bigger game plan than that, but before I knew it I was running my own business. It was challenging to begin with, and I learnt so much in the first year. Through sharing my experiences, I hope it has inspired other budding entrepreneurs that setting up their own business is well within their reach.”

Emma Forouzan, chair of Summer Start-Up Week: “At universities and colleges in Wales, we see first-hand the exceptional entrepreneurial minds of many of our students, and we’re continually looking for ways to nurture and support those students with strong business ideas. In this climate, it’s important for ambitious young people with a business concept to think about their options and take time to learn from experts and the business support available to them.

“During the week I was impressed with active participation of the students, with 100’s of students at each session, they questioned, shared knowledge questioning and sought , sharing knowledge and gleaning advice from experienced business owners as well as linking into the fantastic introducing them to the start-up support network available here in Wales.”

Following the week students will speak with their assigned Entrepreneurship Champions from their college or university and access ongoing support and advice to help them pursue their ambitions.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.