An Abercarn print business has expanded into offering design services with help from a new scheme offered by the University of Glamorgan.
Dischromatics has specialised in printing and media duplication since its formation in 1989, and has worked with clients including Lloyds TSB and Panasonic. It now offers creative design services through its sister company Dischro Creative.
The new arm of Dischromatics was established with help from the university’s Creative Industries Development Scheme (CiDS), which provides training for staff to boost skills.
Dischromatics’ managing director Gareth Spencer said: “We really feel that we now have the tools we need to build a successful digital and creative agency that will sustain and grow our business into the future.
“When we decided to set up Dischro Creative we researched courses that could help our staff to develop the skills and knowledge of the creative sector that we would require to grow the business. This is exactly what CiDS has provided for us.”
Dischromatics’ Design Manager Gareth Thomas enrolled on the course last year, and his newly developed business skills have helped the company’s fledgling design arm to take its first steps into the industry.
“As a designer with artistic ability but little experience of using it for commercial benefit, I found the CiDS course invaluable in opening my eyes to new principles and best practices” said Gareth Thomas. “The tutors were fantastic, and took a real interest in our business and how we could best implement our skills. It’s helped us to make some important moves toward creating a successful creative initiative in a very competitive market.”
The CiDS course is open to employed and self-employed people living or working in the ‘convergence areas’ of Wales. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme are entitled to fully or partly-funded places on the course.
“This course can provide a real leg-up when it comes to developing essential skills for competing in the creative industries” said lecturer Ian Fitzell, who teaches on the scheme.
“Getting ahead in this field is always a challenge, but with the creative and business skills they have developed on the course, Dischro Creative will stand a better chance than many of succeeding in such a competitive industry.”
For more information on the CiDS initiative, visit cci.glam.ac.uk/cids/