Bringing a wealth of enterprise to Wales

The Merthyr Tydfil Enterprise Group exists to coordinate and drive forward all enterprise activities in an effort to enhance the economic prospects of the borough. It is an umbrella group for a variety of different partners, all of which deliver projects aimed at making a positive economic impact. Engagement with the community and residents ensures that both groups have access to specialist support to help start or develop a business or social enterprise.

Between November 2007 and March 2009, the Taste of Enterprise initiative has formed 60 new businesses and it is estimated that over the next five years, 330 jobs will be created. The Business Support Grants have helped to create nine new businesses and 98 new jobs since 2006 and it is predicted that they will create a further 45 jobs over the next five years.

The work that has been undertaken has improved and changed the lives of so many local people and the links that have been forged will ensure that the quality, diversity and impact of the work undertaken will grow and develop year on year.

Economic inaction

The total population of Merthyr Tydfil is 55,600, 25.2% of which are economically inactive. In addition, 27.9% of the working age population claim benefits – a trap that affects generations of families. The Enterprise Group exists to address these issues and help to make Merthyr Tydfil a better place to live, work and prosper.

One of the many projects involved is The Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme, set up to help businesses survive and thrive whilst raising the profile of the area in the business world. In addition, the JobMatch project has been set up to arm unemployed people with the necessary skills, training and qualifications needed to increase their employment opportunities. With the support of the group, JobMatch has supported 462 local residents in securing employment.

The Taste of Enterprise

Another project under the umbrella is Taste of Enterprise, which provides unique support for people or groups who are considering setting up in business by providing free office space and invaluable support. As a result of the umbrella group meetings, connections are made between the various projects and ideas for further initiatives are produced.

Communities First engages with the ‘hardest to reach’ residents in the borough to increase confidence and develop skills. Using links within the enterprise group, individuals are referred to organisations like JobMatch to support their development and secure employment. These individuals then have membership on The Merthyr Tydfil Social Enterprise Network (MTSEN), a flagship body representing the interests of all organisations operating in the Social Economy sector. Their involvement has broadened the profile and awareness of social enterprises as well as the work of the MTSEN. Each organisation works together to ensure that all community groups, not for profit organisations and charities receive maximum support.

A strong relationship has been developed between the enterprise group, local businesses and social enterprises. The nature of the collaborative approach adopted by the group has certainly helped to transform the social and economic prospects of Merthyr Tydfil. At each stage of an individual’s progress and development, a member of the group will be involved to ensure they are aware of the wider support available.

Business start-up

Sharon Brewer, former nursery nurse and single mother from Merthyr Tydfil, is a great example of the support the group can offer. Having been inspired by a masseuse at work, Susan decided to change her life and enrolled at the University of Glamorgan to study to become a chiropractor. In July 2006, Dr Sharon Brewer BSc (Hons) PGC, qualified from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic and began working at a local chiropractic surgery. However, she quickly realised an ambition to set up her own business.

She enrolled with Merthyr College and participated in the Knowledge Enterprise Fund (KEF) Scholarship to equip herself with the knowledge and skills required to run her own surgery. Following her graduation, organisers of the scholarship referred Sharon to the business support team at Merthyr Tydfil Council. As a result, Sharon received a grant for the creation of a website and featured in the Local Authority’s business magazine with a dedicated article.

Over the next three to five years, The Enterprise Group aims to raise the profile of Merthyr Tydfil as a great place to do business. There are also hopes to formally constitute the group in order to exhibit as one entity, create a dedicated website and produce an annual booklet to easily navigate the business advice and services available.

The Merthyr Tydfil Enterprise Group was the winner of Enterprising Britain 2009 in Wales. Find out more about Enterprising Britain 2009.