BUSINESS CLUB - Rhondda Cynon Taf

usinessoutlook 

RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL B U S I N E S S S U P P L E M E N T 

ISSUE 4 • AUTUMN 2012 

ECONOMIC BOOST: 

Partnership with Vattenfall 

BUSINESS CLUB: 

Launch 2013 Gala Awards 

£135m TOWN CENTRE 

REGENERATION: 

Pontypridd & Aberdare



Join the RCT Business Club 

and see your business flourish 

Welcome... 

...to businessoutlook, showcasing the 

exciting regeneration and opportunities 

made possible in Rhondda Cynon Taf 

through our “can do” approach to business. 

We are home to renowned names 

and market leaders such as 

Penderyn Whisky and GE Aviation, as 

well as a diverse mix of businesses of all 

specialities and sizes. 

Local Government, the public sector 

and the economy generally is currently 

facing difficult times, with public 

spending cuts and low economic growth. 

It is hugely encouraging that, despite 

these austere times, we are delivering 

investment packages of £10.5m in 

Pontypridd and £7.7m in Aberdare to 

regenerate these important towns and 

restore them as major visitor 

destinations. 

Private sector investment, including 

the new Sainsbury’s in Pontypridd, 

demonstrates commercial confidence in 

the County Borough. 

The Council does all it can to provide 

an environment where they can 

prosper. This includes a substantial 

annual grants programme, including 

European funded support. 

We are committed to standing up for 

Rhondda Cynon Taf in these tough 

times, which is why we are taking 

proactive measures to do what we can 

to stimulate the local economy, whether 

through town centre regeneration, our 

apprenticeship scheme, housing market 

stimulation or local business support. 

We continue to make key transport 

improvements in all modes – rail, bus, 

walking and cycling – and, in recognition 

of the importance of an efficient and 

easy to use road network, are investing 

a further £9m to repair and improve 

highways and footways – on top of the 

£10m spent last year. 

With its excellent strategic location in 

the centre of South Wales and the M4 

and Heads of the Valleys corridors, 

Rhondda Cynon Taf is an excellent place 

for business, as more and more 

businesses are finding out. Most 

importantly, it is a County going 

forward, with opportunities across the 

board for those that live, work, visit and 

do business here. 

County Borough Councillor 

Anthony Christopher 

Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf 

County Borough Council 

Improving our Economy 

Young people are securing the specialist skills needed for 

the future, thanks to an important partnership between 

Vattenfall, which is developing the Pen y Cymoedd Wind 

Energy Project and Treorchybased ISO Fab. 

Since being given the green light for a 

flagship 76turbine scheme, Vattenfall 

has been committed to bringing 

economic opportunity to the region and 

local businesses. This can be seen with 

the new apprenticeships, which are 

training future wind turbine technicians 

and giving local young people essential 

skills and employment. 

Richard Morris of ISO Fab said: 

“Businesses need to constantly be 

looking at new emerging industries, and 

this project offers a real opportunity for 

the area. The apprenticeships will help us 

better understand the needs of the 

renewable sector to develop further 

business opportunities for the future”. 

Richard Morris and Stephen Holdroyd 

Stephen Holdroyd, Senior Development 

Manager, Vattenfall Wales said: “We have 

always been clear that we would look to 

maximise local economic opportunities 

through the project and developing a 

skilled workforce is important for all 

renewable energy companies.” 

Recently Vattenfall asked businesses to 

register their interest in bidding for work 

on the scheme and more than 600 

companies registered. 90% of the firms 

came from Wales with over 30% coming 

from the local area. Local supply chain 

events are now being planned for the 

Autumn for companies who have 

registered. 

Wales’ only whisky 

distillery based in 

Rhondda Cynon Taf, 

is making its mark 

across the world. 

Penderyn has become an acclaimed 

brand worldwide and its success, 

including the opportunities it brings to 

RCT, speaks for itself, with a £3.5m 

turnover and planned expansion and 

jobs creation. 

As well as being a shining example of 

innovation to inspire others, the brand 

with the distinctive and contemporary 

twist is an ambassador for the County 

Borough and is boosting tourism. 

Penderyn continues to secure 

worldwide acclaim, holding its own and 

then some against its Scottish and Irish 

counterparts. Its single malt whisky is 

now pleasing palates around the world, 

including France, North America, South 

Africa and even the Falkland Islands. 

Success also extends to its fascinating 

visitor centre that in its brief history since 

the opening by HRH Prince Charles in 

2008, has become a mustsee attraction 

visited by 30,000 people a year. 

Nestled in the foothills of the Brecon 

Beacons, visitors are treated to a unique 

experience and Penderyn is also linking 

in with existing events such as the Wales 

Valleys Walking Festival, Open Doors and 

the absorbing new audio trails to add a 

delicious end to the events. 

Giancarlo Bianchi, Technical and Visitor 

Centre Manager, and one of 26 people 

employed at Penderyn, explained: “We 

have a strict allocation to markets outside 

Wales and produce just a few casks a day 

of the finest malted barley spirit which, 

when matured, is recognised as one of 

the rarest and best malt whiskies. 

“We export around 20% overseas, as 

far afield as Australia and Japan. France 

remains one of the largest countries for 

export, where the typical consumer has 

a sophisticated palate that appreciates 

the quality of our products and whisky 

consumption rates are the highest in the 

world, alongside the USA. 

“From the outset Penderyn has been 

about quality, a premium and modern 

brand not about quantity and mass 

exportation and we have been careful 

every step of the way, from the design of 

the bottles and packaging to the whisky 

itself, to stand out from the rest. 

“We sell everything we produce and 

our sales have increased on average 

16% a year. This has prompted us to 

explore the possibility of expanding our 

production capacity.” 

Find out more at 

www.welshwhisky.co.uk 

2 BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT

Call: 01443 495169 Email: businessclub@rctcbc.gov.uk 

www.rctbusinessclub.co.uk 

businessoutlook 


Guardian Wealth 

Management 

David Howell 

Up to 100 jobs will be 

created thanks to the 

opening of the £1.5m UK 

Financial Planning and 

Training Centre in Llantrisant. 

Guardian Wealth Management has 

opened its new head office in the 

area, using £850,000 from the Welsh 

Government’s Economic Growth Fund. 

Business Minister Edwina Hart said: 

“Wales is home to a dynamic and fastgrowing 

financial and professional 

services sector and it is great news that 

Guardian Wealth Management has 

chosen Wales over all other possible 

locations for its new headquarters. 

Cllr Paul Cannon, Rhondda Cynon Taf 

Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic 

Development & Community Safety 

added “The decision by Guardian Wealth 

Management to locate at Llantrisant 

demonstrates that this County Borough 

is great for business.” 

The new headquarters will create 

nearly 60 jobs this year, with employee 

numbers expected to exceed 100 in three 

years’ time. 

Chief executive David Howell said the 

company is focusing on increasing its 

presence in the UK, partly driven by the 

implementation later this year of the 

Retail Distribution Review. 

He said: “The RDR will have a profound 

effect on the way financial services are 

delivered and will create favourable 

market conditions for financial planning 

firms that are committed to investing in 

people and technology. Our company 

intends to be the vanguard of this new 

dawn, providing strong innovation, 

thought leadership and a proposition 

that is second to none.” 

Vibrant Economic Futures 

Five varied organisations are set to benefit from more than £300,000 

funding support, helping to create a vibrant economic future, thanks to 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. 

The South East Wales Community 

Economic Development Programme 

funding will allow the organisations to 

undertake building improvements, 

open new premises, secure jobs or 

employ additional staff. 

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member 

for Economic Development & 

Community Safety Cllr Paul Cannon: 

“We are helping to create sustainable 

and vibrant communities by 

ensuring the South East Wales 

Community Economic Development 

Programme is invested wisely to 

develop community economic activity 

and social enterprises. “ 

The programme has been supported 

by the South East Wales Community 

Economic Development (SEWCED) 

Programme delivered in partnership 

by a consortium of: Blaenau Gwent, 

Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, 

Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen Local 

Authorities. The programme is 

supported by the European Regional 

Development Fund through the 

Welsh Government. 

The Fund supports both revenue and 

capital projects for up to three years in 

a bid for social enterprises and 

community organisations to develop 

projects with the main aim of making 

them more economically sustainable. 

The latest round of approvals for the 

SEWCED Programme which amount to 

£254,809 in Revenue and £65,760.55 

in Capital are: 

• Penrhys Partnership Ltd which 

secured Capital Investment of 

£40,760.55 for repairs to the roof and 

inside of the Y Ffynnon Centre at the 

Penrhys Village Centre, enabling 

more commercial units to be let, 

generating more income. 

• Rowan Tree Cancer Care which 

secured revenue and capital support 

of £77,655 and £25,000 respectively 

to launch a second hand bridalwear 

shop in Pontypridd, creating one full 

time post. All proceeds from the new 

charity shop will support the services 

of the charity, which provides 

extensive support to those affected 

by cancer across the County Borough. 

• Spectacle Theatre secured revenue 

funding of £77,779 to create a full 

time Business Development Manager 

post to concentrate on increasing 

their revenue income for future 

sustainability. Also contributing to the 

administrator post. Spectacle Theatre 

works with schools and community 

groups to promote, maintain and 

advance the production of 

educational theatre. 

• Dylan's Den secured revenue of 

£76,875 to employ an additional 

person to expand their range of 

services to include a holiday club. 

• Aberaman Motorcycle Club secured 

revenue of £22,500 towards a 

feasibility study that considers the 

sustainability of the Aberdare 

Motorcycle Event and the possible 

expansion into other events around 

the UK. 

For more information, contact the 

Regeneration, Resources and 

Performance Management Team on 

01443 495151 or email Regeneration 

and Planning regen@rctcbc.gov.uk 

Olympic Gold for Royal Mint 

It was a proud moment for 

Rhondda Cynon Taf when 

our sporting heroes, including 

those from the County 

Borough, were presented 

with impressive Olympic and 

Paralympic medals – as each 

and every one of them was 

made right here! 

The Royal Mint in Llantrisant makes 

not only all UK coins, but also 

millions of commemorative pieces to 

mark personal occasions and landmark 

events. It is also the world’s leading 

export Mint, making coins and coin 

blanks for some 60 countries. 

Going for gold at the Royal Mint 

This year saw the Royal Mint shine, as 

it made the stunning Gold, Silver and 

Bronze Medals presented at London 

2012. Adding to the sense of pride was 

the fact medal winners from Team GB 

included Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Sara 

Head and Nyree Kindred. 

To celebrate this landmark, Rhondda 

Cynon Taf Council and the Royal Mint, 

as well as local firm CAT Finning which 

kindly donated the land, created a 

beautiful Olympic Garden, with a 

stunning floral display to remind all who 

pass of just how proud they should be 

to live here. 

BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT 3



Are you a Business in Rhondda Cynon Taf? 

Could you benefit from financial assistance? 

£50m Education 

Masterplan 

Local Investment 

Fund in the Frame 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s £50m 

education, leisure and community master 

plan for the Ynys Site in Aberdare will 

allow even further business opportunities 

for the town and help maintain and 

improve a vibrant local economy. 

Work is now under way on the 

ambitious scheme. Blaengwawr 

Comprehensive, Aberdare Girls’ and 

Aberdare High Schools will close as part 

of the scheme, with all secondary pupils 

in the town attending the new school 

which will have 1600 places and include 

Special Education Needs rooms, drama 

studios, workshops, IT suites and more. 

The new school, set to create a 

modern, inspiring environment in which 

all young people can secure the 

education, skills and training they need 

to thrive in life, forms just a part of the 

development. 

It will also see the creation of a 

modern, stateoftheart sport and 

leisure centre which will focus on 

improvement and expansion of the 

existing Aberdare Pool and replacement 

of provision currently offered at Michael 

Sobell Sports Centre, which will be 

demolished. 

There will also be wider, outdoor 

sporting and community facilities on the 

site, which will provide yet another boost 

to the town, which is currently undergoing 

a multimillionpound regeneration. 

More business opportunities, job 

creation schemes and development to the 

local infrastructure will help boost the 

local economy. 

The new development’s construction 

will also provide opportunities for local 

businesses and the local workforce. 

Through the procurement contracts it 

awards for major infrastructure schemes 

such as new schools or highways, the 

Council uses social clauses that require the 

main contractor to use local labour and 

local subcontractors as part of the project. 

Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member 

for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning 

at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: 

“This development will also benefit the 

wider community, complementing the 

extensive regeneration of the town 

centre to ensure Aberdare has an 

excellent range of leisure, health, social 

and shopping experiences for its 

residents but also to attract new visitors 

and investors.” 

Antea Photography, based 

in Pontyclun, has become 

one of the latest new 

businesses to get started 

using funding from the 

Local Investment Fund. 

New Rhondda Cynon Taf 

photography company Antea is 

becoming a promising new business. 

Antea, who began trading in January 

2012 hope to grow further with the 

support provided by Rhondda Cynon 

Taf Council. 

The commercial architectural and 

landscape photography company, 

specialises in elevated photography and 

produces hiimpact and outstanding 

shots for marketing and illustrative 

purposes such as events, shows and 

properties. 

Antea began when owner Anthony 

Barber, was made redundant in July 

2011. This then encouraged him to set 

up his own photography company 

“Without the grant I would have 

struggled to get the business off the 

ground” said Mr Barber. “It was an easy, 

simple application process to follow and 

I was constantly kept in the loop”. 

Mr Barber used the funding to 

purchase specialist equipment which 

included a 17metre telescopic mast 

that takes overhead shots, capturing 

unique photographic perspectives. The 

Anthony Barber 

South East Wales Local Investment 

Fund is a flexible financial support 

scheme delivered in partnership across 

Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent, 

Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and 

Torfaen. 

The project was developed with 

support from the Welsh Government 

through the European Regional 

Development Fund, under the 

Convergence Programme. 

Financial support is available 

between £1,000 and £10,000, based 

on 40% of eligible project costs. 

For further information call the 

Business Support Team on 01443 

495169, email invest@rctcbc.gov.uk or 

alternatively visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk 

Structural Funds brings £3billion boost 

Wales is set to benefit from some £3b investment, creating jobs and boosting 

economies, through the European Structural Funds Programmes. 

Future European Union programmes 

will need to be focused on creating 

sustainable jobs and growth in line with 

the European Union’s Europe 2020 

Strategy. 

The Welsh Government is currently 

engaging with the UK Government and 

the European Commission on the 

negotiation and development of future 

Structural Fund Programmes to be 

implemented from 2014 to 2020, and 

has outlined the key priorities including 

Research, Technological Development 

and Innovation, Enterprise and SME 

Competitiveness, Sustainable Transport 

and Network Infrastructure, Renewable 

Energy and Energy Efficiency and Skills 

and Employment. 

As part of preparing for the next round 

of Structural Funds, Rhondda Cynon Taf 

Council will be working collaboratively 

across the South East Wales region 

to ensure that maximum benefit can 

be derived from this significant 

funding opportunity developing shared 

programmes alongside the Welsh Local 

Government Association. 


For further information call the Business Support Team on 

01443 495169 • invest@rctcbc.gov.uk • www.rctcbc.gov.uk 



Training for Future 

Securing a brighter future for the 

manufacturing industry can be achieved 

by ensuring younger generations have 

the right skills for the job. 

That’s the clear message of a 

Welsh Government advisory panel, 

headed by Llantrisant businessman 

Gareth Jenkins. 

As Chairman of the Welsh Government 

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing 

Sector Panel he spearheaded the 

ambitious Pathways To Apprenticeships 

scheme – and, two years later, more than 

1,500 manufacturing apprentices are 

learning their craft in Wales. 

Mr Jenkins, Managing Director for the 

past 12 years of FSG Tool and Die Limited 

at Llantrisant Business Park, is at the very 

forefront of a move to advise Welsh and 

UK government on what needs to be 

done to reestablish a vibrant economy 

for the future of manufacturing. 

As MD of one of the UK's leading 

design and manufacture tool making 

companies, which employs 86 staff and 

exports around 50% of its goods, he is 

well aware of the effects of the recession. 

He is a former President of EEF 

Western, and Chairman of the Wales 

Council, in addition to his duties as a 

main board Director of EEF Ltd. 

During his 38year career he has always 

been passionate about developing young 

people as a former apprentice himself, 

he has championed modern 

apprenticeships and is now chairman of 

one of six panels established to advise 

ministers on the best opportunities to 

build a sustainable Welsh economy. 

“Much has already been achieved in a 

relatively short space of time,” he 

explained, “and through partnership 

work between private sector and 

government we can drive towards the 

common goal of creating a more 

balanced economy, 

“A couple of years ago when we faced 

the credit crunch and recession, then 

clearly the economy was unbalanced. 

One of the things we know as engineers 

is that anything not balanced wont work 

and that’s why we’re in this current 

situation. 

“As a country we became so 

dependant on the financial sector, it was 

felt we would feel the recession harder 

than any other because of our 

dependence – and that’s true. 

“The UK and Welsh government 

accepted that the economy needed 

balancing and they couldn’t do it on their 

own, so that’s why the panels include 

those individuals who share their own 

expertise.” 

The Forum has examined carefully the 

key issues confronting the Welsh 

manufacturing sector and has defined 

what it thinks needs to be done to create 

the conditions where manufacturing 

businesses can become competitive 

through a medium to long term strategy. 

Mr Jenkins explained, “Our strategy up 

to 2025 shows how the manufacturing 

sector can grow in a significant way and 

what needs to happen to make the vision 

a reality. 

“Clearly the most important aspect 

that needs special focus on is developing 

people’s skills. 

“Whatever you examine, from 

aerospace to automotive there is a 

shortage of skilled people and you can’t 

change that in five minutes. 

“We don’t have enough young people 

entering as apprentices or strong enough 

graduated intake. Even at secondary 

school level young people were not 

studying subjects compatible with a 

career in this industry. 

“Through our advice the Welsh 

Government reexamined the stem 

subjects in school and had the courage, 

despite being in the middle of a 

recession, to launch a Pathways to 

Apprenticeship scheme. 

“That is why Wales is so unique. For 

the first two years, employers contribute 

very little to financing a manufacturing 

apprenticeship, something the rest of the 

UK cannot boast. 

“It took a lot of courage but is paying 

dividends as the pipeline of supply is 

growing all the time. 

“In Wales we haven’t got everything 

but we’ve got the skills and together we 

can turn the manufacturing sector 

around to be a substantial part of the UK 

economy – the task is monumental – but 

it’s doable.” 

Steve Bourne 

Pontypridd’s multimillion pound Sainsbury’s 

store, which has opened its doors on the site 

of the famous Brown Lenox Chainworks site 

is preparing for its first Christmas. 

The prosperity of the store has gone 

from strength to strength since it was 

launched in July this year and now 

employs more than 200 members of staff. 

Sainsbury’s has fresh food counters, 

selling a wide range of food products as 

well as the Sainsbury’s TU clothing range 

and a cafeteria for customers to relax in 

and enjoy. 

There is an eightpump petrol station, 

recycling facilities and cash points, also a 

new access road from the A470 

roundabout directly into the site has 

been created. 

Manager Steve Bourne explained, 

“Reaction from shoppers has been very 

positive especially the fact that the car 

Economic Strategy 

Encouraging new businesses and regenerating 

towns is at the heart of the Council’s threeyear 

Economic Regeneration Strategy. 

It will set out a clear action plan for 

regenerating the economy, focusing 

on opportunities to make Rhondda 

Cynon Taf a place where businesses can 

thrive and people want to live, work 

and visit. 

The Strategy sets out the following 

five key priorities: 

• Helping Local People Find Jobs; 

• Developing Rhondda Cynon Taf as a 

park is covered. The café has proven to 

be a real winner alongside our bakery, 

clothing and frozen foods sections. 

“We have enjoyed a start that has hit 

our expectations and our aspirations are 

to grow the business and have a proven 

track for customer service and also to 

develop our new colleagues so if they 

wish they can develop a career within 

Sainsbury’s.” 

A Local Employer Partnership was 

formed between the Council, Job Centre 

Plus and Sainsbury’s to gather 

applications for employment. Sainsbury’s 

management were impressed with the 

high standard of applicants. 

location for New Business and 

Investment; 

• Regenerating Town Centres; 

• Supporting the Growth and 

Development of Local Businesses; 

and 

• Improving Transport to Support 

Economic Development. 

For more information contact 01443 

495154 or email regen@rctcbc.gov.uk 




Join the RCT Business Club 

and see your business flourish 

Business Club Awards Launch 2013 

George Govan of Formatt HiTech Ltd at the launch 

The Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club Gala Awards 2013 were launched at the 

Miskin Manor Hotel, with a variety of businesses being invited to get involved. 

The awards are a great way to recognise the talent 

that exists in the County Borough, enabling 

entrants to promote their organisations to peers, 

suppliers and the wider business community, while 

also offering PR and networking opportunities – and a 

great night out! 

George Govan, Chairman of Formatt HiTech Ltd 

explained, “The Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club 

Awards are a chance for all businesses to shine and we 

were absolutely overjoyed to be a recipient of one of 

the coveted awards on the night. 

“As a company we continue to thrive. Despite the 

difficult times facing us we have a motivated work force 

who are also extremely hardworking and this in turn 

has paid dividends. 

“On being a recipient of the Award it helped us attain 

some good press coverage and had a positive effect on 

all of the workforce who shared in the success and 

celebrations.” 

Find out more about the awards, the categories and the 

event at www.rctbusinessclub.co.uk or contact Claire 

Curtis via 01443 495183 or businessclub@rctcbc.gov.uk 

Rhondda Cynon Taf businesses 

were given the chance to shine 

and celebrate their achievements 

at the 2012 Business Club Gala 

Awards and Dinner evening. 

Sporting hero and Welsh 

star Colin Jackson joined 

sports presenter Ashleigh 

Crowter as guests of 

honour at the event. 

They got the evening 

into full swing, celebrating 

the talent, innovation and 

success that led to this year’s 

winners securing their awards. 

Held at Miskin Manor, the Gala 

Awards and Dinner evening is now in 

its sixth year and is organised to 

celebrate and share best practice, 

while also enabling businesses of all 

sizes to put themselves forward for 

the spotlight. 

The evening is just as much about 

inspiring all businesses as it is about 

celebrating the success and 

achievements of the winners, which 

this year were: 

• Business of the Year and Excellence 

in Manufacturing Award was 

received by Formatt HiTech Ltd of 

Aberaman Industrial Estate, 

Aberdare an organisation who focus 

on quality, supporting local supply 

chains using hitech methods and 

equipment. Demonstrating a 

significant contribution to 

the local economy and 

community. 

• Environmental Business 

of the Year was presented to 

Dragonsavers Credit Union of 

Bute Street, Treorchy who are a 

business that contribute towards a 

sustainable urban development 

through activities that meet the 

economic efficiency, safety and 

accessibility needs of members. 

• Excellence in Marketing Award was 

presented to Cannon & Smith Law 

Practice LLP of Cowbridge Road, 

Pontyclun a company who think 

outside the box for the needs of their 

customer base, demonstrating 

excellent use of marketing 

throughout all promotional activities. 

• New StartUp Business of the Year 

Award was presented to Blue Water 

Recruitment Limited of Treforest 

who have demonstrated a passion 

for delivering excellence, strength 

and quality of service in the locality 

thus supporting community 

sustainability. 

Businesses were celebrated at the gala dinner 

• Innovation Business of the Year 

Award was received by Your Pets 

Warehouse Ltd of River View, 

Tonypandy who have identified a 

gap in Adult Services and who now 

offer support to individuals by 

means of a work based learning and 

training facility, utilising a working 

retail environment and a 

progressive online presence. 

• Independent Retailer of the Year 

was presented to Sparkilicious of 

High Street, Treorchy a business 

that demonstrates excellent 

entrepreneurship and engages with 

the community 

• Service Sector Business of the Year 

Award was presented to Team 

Metalogic Ltd of the Valleys 

Innovation Centre in Abercynon an 

organisation who focus on quality of 

service and the building of strong, 

trusted client relationships. 

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member 

for Economic Development and 

Community Safety at Rhondda Cynon 

Taf Council said, “The standard of all 

the entries was very high. In these 

difficult economic times, it is vital we 

secure inspiration from others to drive 

us forward and I hope the success of 

the businesses recognised in the 

awards inspire others. 

“Rhondda Cynon Taf has a lot to be 

proud of and we remain ready for 

business. The Council’s Business 

Support Team helps to run the 

Business Club and also offers a range 

of services and interventions to assist 

local enterprises.” 

Would you like to celebrate the 

success of your business at the next 

Business Club Gala Awards? Contact 

Claire Curtis via 01443 495183, email 

businessclub@rctcbc.gov.uk or visit 

www.rctbusinessclub.co.uk 


For further information call the Business Support Team on 

Call: 01443 495169 Email: businessclub@rctcbc.gov.uk 

01443 www.rctbusinessclub.co.uk 

495169 • invest@rctcbc.gov.uk • www.rctcbc.gov.uk 



T 

he 

Sweet Success for Treorchy Shop 

Treorchy has a wonderful 

new business and a family 

has a stronger legacy, thanks 

to a £15,000 Building 

Improvement Grant from 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. 

Candy Lane, which employs four 

people, has opened in the heart 

of the town after landlord Ceri Davies 

was able to extensively refurbish his 

premises internally and externally using 

the Council funding, which supports 

refurbishment and enhancement works 

to commercial properties, and 

matchfunding. 

The familyrun company is spearheaded 

by David Humphreys who is realising 

a lifelong ambition to run a traditional 

sweet shop. 

He explained, “I had always dreamt of 

opening a traditional sweet shop from a 

young age and I also want my children to 

be able to have a secure future, which is 

why Candy Lane is a family business. 

“We have two members of staff, our 

manager Katie Wood who ensures the 

arrival of the apprentices, who are all aged 

27 and under, marks the fruition of plans laid 

by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council earlier this year to 

create a genuine, robust scheme that created longterm 

employment opportunities at a time when 

youth unemployment is at its highest. 

Each of the apprentices has a fixedterm, paid 

apprenticeship and will also learn, study and train 

towards official qualifications that mean, at the 

end of their contract, they have the skills and 

experience they need to pursue a career in their 

chosen field. 

David Humphreys at his new Treorchy business 

smooth day to day running of the shop 

and Naome Thomas who works for us on 

a Saturday, along with my step sons Joel 

and Jake Davies who take it in turns 

to work. 

“Although times are hard and some 

small businesses are struggling, I saw for 

myself the major refurbishment work 

being undertaken and realised it was the 

perfect location for a traditional sweet 

shop, right in the middle of Bute Street, 

Treorchy. 

“We are now at the top of the food 

hygiene rating and with a wide selection 

of sweets that will remind you of 

The apprenticeships are across a wide range of 

vocations, including Highways, Streetcare, 

Customer Care and ICT, Early Years and Family 

Support, Cultural Services and more. 

Each candidate selected the field they wished to 

undertake their apprenticeship in and underwent 

a gruelling selection process, including interview 

and even workshops, to ensure the right people 

were selected for the right jobs. 

Find out more about opportunities at your 

council: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/jobs 

childhood days, to Sidoli’s ice cream, 

we also have two speciallymade sweet 

carts to hire for special occasions so it’s a 

busy place to be. This is alongside the 

wedding carts and sweet trees which we 

also provide on order. We are very 

grateful to the support of our fellow 

traders and the property owners 

themselves who ensured a firstclass 

premises thanks to the Council funding.” 

If you are a local business who would 

like more information on the advice 

and support on offer, from grants to 

Business Club membership, contact 

01443 495169. 

Building Control 

Partnership 

The construction industry 

is being offered a onestop, 

professional Building Control 

Service thanks to the Council’s 

Local Authority Building 

Control Partnership Scheme. 

The Scheme is particularly important 

for those working on a difficult site, 

involving complex designs or where 

innovative or unusual design features 

or construction methods are being 

considered. 

When time and budgets are tight, 

getting quick advice and getting it right 

the first time is essential – which is why 

the Local Authority Building Control 

Service at your local Council comes into 

its own. 

Neil Parfitt, the Building Control 

Business Manager for the Council and his 

team, offers a single point of contact for 

all building control work, with advice on 

Code for Sustainable Homes and energy 

certificates. Site inspections are carried 

out by the team who offer liaison with 

Planning, Highways Engineers and the 

Fire Service. Also offered is expertise 

on issues from warranties and 

sustainability to fire safety and 

contamination and more. 

Find out more please contact Neil 

Parfitt on 01443 494845 or email 

planningservices@rctcbc.gov.uk 

Tourism Success 

Tourism brings a wealth of 

visitors to the County Borough 

every year and in turn this 

means higher revenue profits 

for a whole host of business, 

expanding opportunities to invest 

in the area and create new jobs. 

According to the Scarborough 

Tourism Economic Activity Monitor 

report for 2011 Rhondda Cynon Taf 

businesses benefited from £116.83m in 

that year alone and welcomed 2,528 day 

visitors and 1,909 overnight stays. 

Tourism is an area of investment which 

is on the increase in the County Borough 

because of its many interesting attractions 

and unique shopping destinations. 

To find out more contact 

tourismenquiry@rctcbc.gov.uk or 

visit: www.destinationrct.co.uk 




£135m Transformation 

A massive £135m is being invested in Pontypridd and 

Aberdare as major regeneration efforts continue 

to create vibrant, attractive destinations for 

the future. Major regeneration works that 

include significant public realm 

improvements are complementing 

exciting new businesses that are opening, 

new jobs being created and increased 

visitor numbers. 

Pontypridd and Aberdare are set to 

become major destinations for 

visitors in the 21st century. 

From unique shops, eateries and 

markets to beautiful parks, museums 

and theatres, the pride of the valleys are 

being reinvented for a new audience of 

shoppers and tourists. 

Regeneration projects are doing much 

more than introducing high quality 

granite paving and roadways or speciallydesigned 

lights and furniture they are 

boosting the economy, opening or 

regenerating businesses, offering more 

jobs and increasing the numbers of 

visitors. All this is thanks to financial 

support from the Welsh Government 

through the European Regional 

Development Fund, Heads of the Valleys 

Programme, Cadw and Targeted Match 

Funding alongside Heritage Lottery Fund, 

Council and private sector contributions. 

In Pontypridd the £10.5m landmark 

project is set to complete streetscape 

Celebrating the splendid Victorian 

architecture that creates two unique 

valley towns is at the very heart of the 

funding schemes being undertaken in 

Pontypridd and Aberdare. 

The Townscape Enhancement 

Programme has come as a huge boost 

to commercial property owners in both 

towns, whilst Aberdare also benefits 

from the Townscape Heritage Initiative. 

Together, they allow property owners 

the opportunity to invest in physical 

refurbishment works to their landmark 

buildings. 

Both towns boast architectural 

splendour and many commercial 

property owners have taken advantage 

of the opportunity to gain funding 

approval for refurbishment and 

enhancement works. 

improvements in Spring 

2013. 

The regeneration of the 

main shopping thoroughfare has given 

residents and shoppers a fresh new look 

of their town which will include 

enhanced key spaces at the Fountain and 

on the junction of Mill Street. 

Only a few miles further north 

Aberdare, the “Queen of the Valleys” is 

also undergoing an investment 

programme of £7.7m which is totally 

upgrading the streetscape. 

Key places are also being developed, 

especially Library Square with a new 

stage area for public performances, 

quality seating, paving, shrubbery and 

trees is set for completion later this year. 

The works in Aberdare and Pontypridd 

will not only enhance local pride, but also 

attract new businesses and create more 

job opportunities for local people. 

In Aberdare the Market Tavern 

reopened its doors after several years 

thanks to £50,000 of investment while 

new businesses were created at 

Victoria Square and Tantrwm, a multimedia 

company, refurbished its new 

premises in Gadlys Road. 

In Pontypridd nine properties have 

already received financial support, 

including £100,000 investment to 

transform a vacant property on High Street 

attracting new businesses to the town. 

Businesses who wish to enquire 

about the financial opportunities 

available in Pontypridd or Aberdare 

can obtain further details by phoning 

01443 495170 or by emailing 

pontypridd@rctcbc.gov.uk or 

aberdare@rctcbc.gov.uk 

Trawsffurfiad gwerth £135m 

Mae £135m yn cael ei fuddsoddi ym Mhontypridd ac 

Aberdâr wrth i ymdrechion adfywio mawr barhau 

i greu cyrchfannau bywiog a deniadol ar gyfer 

y dyfodol. Mae gwaith adfywio mawr sy’n 

cynnwys gwelliannau sylweddol i 

ardaloedd cyhoeddus yn ategu busnesau 

newydd cyffrous sy’n agor, swyddi 

newydd yn cael eu creu a nifer cynyddol 

o ymwelwyr. 

Bydd Pontypridd ac 

Aberdâr yn gyrchfannau 

mawr i ymwelwyr yn y 21ain 

ganrif. 

O siopau unigryw, tai bwyta 

a marchnadoedd, i barciau hardd, 

amgueddfeydd a theatrau, mae 

balchder y cymoedd yn cael ei ailddyfeisio 

ar gyfer cynulleidfa newydd o siopwyr ac 

ymwelwyr. 

Mae prosiectau adfywio’n gwneud 

llawer mwy na chyflwyno palmentydd 

gwenithfaen a ffyrdd o ansawdd uchel neu 

olau a dodrefn wedi’u cynllunio’n arbennig 

maen nhw’n hybu’r economi, yn agor 

neu’n adfywio busnesau, yn cynnig mwy o 

swyddi ac yn cynyddu nifer yr ymwelwyr. 

Mae hyn oll diolch i gymorth ariannol gan 

Lywodraeth Cymru trwy’r Gronfa Datblygu 

Rhanbarthol Ewropeaidd, Rhaglen 

Blaenau’r Cymoedd, Cadw ac Arian 

Cyfatebol a Dargedir ochr yn ochr â 

Chronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri, y Cyngor a 

chyfraniadau’r sector preifat. 

Mae dathlu’r bensaernïaeth 

Fictorianaidd ysblennydd sy’n creu 

dwy dref unigryw yn y cymoedd wrth 

galon y cynlluniau ariannu sy’n cael eu 

cyflawni ym Mhontypridd ac Aberdâr. 

Mae’r Rhaglen Gwella Tirlun wedi 

rhoi hwb mawr i berchnogion eiddo 

masnachol yn y ddwy dref, ac mae 

Aberdâr yn elwa ar y Fenter Treftadaeth 

Tirlun hefyd. 

Gyda’i gilydd, maen nhw’n rhoi cyfle 

i berchnogion eiddo fuddsoddi mewn 

gwaith ailwampio ffisegol i’w 

hadeiladau tirnod. 

Mae gan y ddwy dref bensaernïaeth 

ysblennydd ac mae nifer o berchnogion 

eiddo masnachol wedi cymryd mantais 

o’r cyfle i gael eu cymeradwyo i 

gyflawni gwaith ailwampio a gwella. 

Yn Aberdâr, ailagorwyd Market 

Ym Mhontypridd, mae prosiect £10.5m 

i gwblhau gwelliannau i’r strydwedd yng 

ngwanwyn 2013. 

Mae adfywio’r brif dramwyfa siopa wedi 

rhoi golwg ffres, newydd o’r dref i 

breswylwyr a siopwyr, a fydd yn cynnwys 

ardaloedd allweddol gwell ger y Ffynnon 

ac ar y gyffordd ym Mill Street. 

Ychydig filltiroedd yn unig i’r gogledd, yn 

Aberdâr, sef “Brenhines y Cymoedd”, mae 

rhaglen fuddsoddi gwerth £7.7 miliwn yn 

cael ei chynnal i wella'r strydwedd yn gyfan 

gwbl. 

Mae ardaloedd allweddol yn cael eu 

datblygu hefyd, yn enwedig Library Square, 

lle disgwylir cwblhau llwyfan newydd ar 

gyfer perfformiadau cyhoeddus, mannau i 

eistedd a phalmentydd o ansawdd, llwyni 

a choed, yn hwyrach eleni. 

Bydd y gwaith yn Aberdâr a Phontypridd 

nid yn unig yn cynyddu balchder lleol, ond 

hefyd yn denu busnesau newydd ac yn 

creu rhagor o gyfleoedd gwaith ar gyfer 

pobl leol. 

Tavern ar ôl bod ar gau ers sawl 

blwyddyn, diolch i fuddsoddiad o 

£50,000, a sefydlwyd busnesau newydd 

yn Victoria Square ac ailwampiodd 

cwmni amlgyfrwng, Tantrwm, ei eiddo 

newydd yn Gadlys Road. 

Ym Mhontypridd, mae naw eiddo 

eisoes wedi derbyn cymorth ariannol, 

gan gynnwys buddsoddiad o £100,000 

i drawsffurfio eiddo gwag ar y Stryd 

Fawr i ddenu busnesau newydd i’r dref. 

Gall busnesau sydd eisiau holi ynglŷn 

â’r cyfleoedd ariannol sydd ar gael 

ym Mhontypridd neu Aberdâr, gael 

mwy o wybodaeth trwy ffonio 

01443 495170 neu anfon neges 

ebost at pontypridd@rctcbc.gov.uk 

neu aberdar@rctcbc.gov.uk 


hagolygonbusnes 

A T O D I A D B U S N E S C Y N G O R B W R D E I S T R E F 

SIROL RHONDDA CYNON TAF 

Dreamy Delights 

at the Cake Hole 

Victoria Square, 

Aberdare / Aberdâr 

Stern Clothing 

Taff Street, 

Pontypridd 

The £55,000 Gareth and 

Eleanor RichardsJones, 

owners of 8 Victoria 

Square, secured from the 

Aberdare Townscape 

Heritage Initiative to 

carry out external works 

and works to the ground 

floor was, literally, the 

icing on the cake. 

The former butcher’s shop in the 

centre of the town is now home to 

‘Dreamy Delights at the Cake Hole’ run 

by local entrepreneurs Amy Archer and 

Louise Davies. Amy and Louise 

launched their individual businesses 

from their homes, offering luxurious 

treats ranging from cupcakes to a cake 

for a special occasion, before 

expanding into their own town centre 

premises with the support of Mr and 

Mrs RichardsJones, who also run 

Jones Battye Chartered Surveyors. 

The grant provided significant 

funding towards external and internal 

refurbishment in order to not only 

bring it back into use, but to use 

traditional materials, building methods 

and even old photographs to restore it 

to its former glory. 

The works include a Welsh slate roof 

covering, chimney reinstatement, lime 

rendering, renewing the traditional 

style timber sliding sash bay windows 

to the upper floors and refurbishing 

the existing shop front which has 

included restoring the existing brass 

framed shop window. 

Eleanor RichardsJones explained: 

“As local people who live and work in 

Aberdare, the THI has allowed us to do 

our bit to improve our town and help to 

provide good quality accommodation 

for our tenants businesses to grow and 

thrive.” 

Roedd y £55,000 y 

cafodd Gareth ac 

Eleanor RichardsJones, 

perchnogion 8 Victoria 

Square, gan Fenter 

Treftadaeth Tirlun Aberdâr 

i gyflawni gwaith allanol 

a gwaith i’r llawr gwaelod, 

yn eisin ar y gacen, 

yn llythrennol. 

Mae siop gig flaenorol yng nghanol 

y dref bellach yn gartref i 

‘Dreamy Delights at the Cake Hole’ sy’n 

cael ei redeg gan entrepreneuriaid 

lleol, Amy Archer a Louise Davies. 

Lansiodd Amy a Louise eu busnesau 

unigol o’u cartrefi, gan gynnig 

danteithion moethus a oedd yn 

amrywio o gacennau bach i gacennau 

ar gyfer achlysuron arbennig, cyn 

ehangu i’w heiddo eu hunain yng 

nghanol y dref, gyda chymorth Mr a 

Mrs RichardsJones, sydd hefyd yn 

rhedeg cwmni Syrfewyr Siartredig 

Jones Battye. 

Darparodd y grant arian sylweddol 

tuag at waith ailwampio allanol a 

mewnol, nid yn unig er mwyn dod a’r 

adeilad yn ôl i ddefnydd, ond i 

ddefnyddio deunyddiau a dulliau 

adeiladu traddodiadol, a hyd yn oed 

hen luniau i’w hadfer i’w hysblander 

blaenorol. 

Mae’r gwaith yn cynnwys to llechi o 

Gymru, ailosod simnai, rendro calch, 

adnewyddu ffenestri codi pren arddull 

traddodiadol ar y lloriau uchaf ac 

ailwampio tu blaen y siop bresennol, 

sydd wedi cynnwys adfer ffenestr â 

ffrâm pres presennol y siop. 

Dywedodd Eleanor RichardsJones: 

“Fel pobl leol sy’n byw a gweithio yn 

Aberdâr, mae’r Fenter Treftadaeth 

Tirlun wedi caniatáu i ni wneud ein 

rhan ni i wella ein tref a helpu i 

ddarparu eiddo o ansawdd da i 

fusnesau ein tenantiaid dyfu a ffynnu.” 

A thriving menswear shop 

has relocated to Pontypridd 

town centre in an effort to 

strengthen the business 

and add another quality 

store to the main shopping 

thoroughfare. 

Stern Clothing have opened on 

Taff Street thanks to funding from 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s 

Townscape Enhancement Programme 

which offers commercial property 

owners up to 70% funding towards 

renovation works to their premises. 

Matthew Jones founded the 

company three years ago but wanted to 

relocate to the retail heart of the town 

as he felt the £10.5m regeneration of 

Pontypridd would have a positive 

impact on his continued success. 

Mr Jones, who is proud to call 

himself a “local boy”, was born in 

Glyncoch and has seen first hand the 

positive changes taking place thanks to 

the Council securing investment for the 

town. 

“Since relocating, the trade has been 

brilliant and I’m hoping this will 

continue. There’s a lot of work going on 

in the town centre and the removal of 

traffic is a great boost to the shopping 

experience. 

“I’ve always liked Pontypridd and 

hope that by bringing the business into 

the town it will help improve the main 

shopping street because it offers more 

variety for visitors. 

“Through the Jobs Growth Wales 

Programme I’ve also been able to take 

on two trainees so there have been 

many obvious benefits already.” 

Mr Jones received a £9,100 funding 

package through TEP which has been 

used to enhance the shopfront, 

provide new signage and internal 

works including new walls, flooring, 

lighting and decorating to make the 

retail space suitable for the quality 

business he operates. 

Mae siop dillad dynion 

ffyniannus wedi adleoli i 

ganol tref Pontypridd 

mewn ymdrech i gryfhau’r 

busnes ac ychwanegu siop 

o safon arall i’r brif ardal 

siopa. 

Mae Siop Stern Clothing wedi 

agor ar hyd Taff Street, diolch i 

gymorth ariannol gan Raglen 

Gwella'r Tirlun sy'n cynnig cyllid 

gwerth 70% o gostau gwaith i 

berchnogion eiddo masnachol i 

gynnal gwaith ailwampio. 

Ganed Mr Jones, sy’n falch i alw ei 

hun yn “fachgen lleol”, yng Nglyncoch, 

ac mae wedi gweld y newidiadau 

cadarnhaol yn digwydd diolch i’r Cyngor 

yn sicrhau buddsoddiad ar gyfer y dref. 

“Ers adleoli, mae’r siop wedi bod yn 

gwneud yn wych ac rwy’n gobeithio y 

bydd hyn yn parhau. Mae llawer o waith 

yn cael ei gyflawni yng nghanol y dref, 

ac mae cael gwared ar y traffig yn hwb 

gwych. 

“Rwyf wastad wedi hoffi Pontypridd 

ac rwy’n gobeithio, trwy ddod â busnes 

i’r dref, y bydd yn helpu i wella’r brif 

stryd siopa gan ei fod yn cynnig mwy o 

amrywiaeth i ymwelwyr. 

“Trwy Raglen Twf Swyddi Cymru, rwyf 

hefyd wedi gallu rhoi swyddi i ddau sy 

dan hyfforddiant, felly mae nifer o 

fanteision amlwg wedi bod eisoes.” 

Derbyniodd Mr Jones becyn cyllid o 

£9,100 trwy’r Rhaglen Gwella Tirlun a'i, 

a ddefnyddiwyd i wella tu blaen y siop, 

darparu arwydd newydd a gwaith 

mewnol, gan gynnwys waliau, lloriau, 

golau ac addurno newydd, i wneud y 

siop yn addas ar gyfer busnes o safon. 

ATODIAD BUSNES 9

BUSINESS CLUB - Rhondda Cynon Taf

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