Boost for two local entrepreneurs after winning grants from UK Steel Enterprise

Two members of the Flintshire Enterprise Club have each been awarded £500 to help progress their businesses.

Flintshire Communities First were awarded a £1,000 grant from UK Steel Enterprise, they invited a shortlisted group of Enterprise Club members to pitch their projects to a panel of judges showing how £500 could make a real difference in progressing their businesses.

The winners were Bethan Maria Williams of ABC – Amser Babi Cymraeg and Paula Lorraine Jones of Simply Magic Films.

• ABC offers help and support with raising children to be bilingual in Welsh and English. They offer a wide range of activities including baby massage, baby yoga, splash and rhyme and story and rhyme time. The award was collected by Bethan’s husband, Gareth Williams, due to work commitments. They will invest the money in a laptop for the business and marketing tools, including a pop-up stand to raise awareness of this new and innovative business.
• Simply Magic Films is a local film company being set up by Lorraine who will offer all aspects of film production and photography as well as offering classes. The money will help fund equipment, including a vital editing package, which Lorraine needs to be able to take her business to the next level.

The winners received their cheques from the Leader of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Aaron Shotton, at the ceremony at the Deeside Enterprise Centre in Shotton.

The Leader of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Aaron Shotton, said:

“This is an opportunity to champion Communities First and the Enterprise programme, the businesses and individuals who support it, and those who have taken up the challenge to start a business. The club has had great success over a number of years and has grown in reputation and achievements.”

UK Steel Enterprise was established in the 1970s to assist business in areas where the demise of the steel industry had caused an impact.

Glyn Thomas representing UK Steel Enterprise said:

“Small businesses are the life blood of the economy, but starting and growing a business is a big challenge. UK Steel Enterprise is delighted to help and this funding will be a boost to help these budding entrepreneurs.”