Businesses in Caerphilly County Borough Council that have received grant funding to help them grow have been visited by senior councillors.
Cabinet members visited some of the businesses which received grants from the Tourism and Recreation Advancement Fund and the Rural Industry and Produce Innovation Fund.
The two funds are administered as part of the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-11, and delivered by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Countryside Service. Private micro-businesses with less than ten employees and based in rural wards of Caerphilly County Borough are eligible to apply.
Council leader Lindsay Whittle said: “We were delighted to be invited to visit some of the businesses we have previously granted funding to to assist them in ensuring their businesses were able to come to fruition. It is excellent to see such a real entrepreneurial spirit emanating from so many people in our county borough.”
Members visited a number of businesses including:
- Castle Chocolates – Specialist chocolate producers based in Bedwas, whose customer base includes Tesco, Asda and Crabtree and Evelyn.
- Craft Wales – Based in Ystrad Mynach, Craft Wales make bespoke large-scale wooden play equipment such as trains and pirate ships.
- Crafts for Everyone – Ichthus Ceramics – Started out as a social enterprise helping people with specific needs, Ichthus Ceramics now sell handmade tableware to high-end shops and galleries.
- PS Cycles – A cycle hire company based in Abercarn, in close proximity to Cwmcarn Forest Drive. This company has paved the way for tourists to have the opportunity to experience all that Caerphilly county borough’s countryside has to offer by bike.
- Blaengawney Cider – Caerphilly’s only cider maker is based in Newbridge.