More than 50 people within the Severn Valley in north Powys have, or are, being helped to develop businesses in the area through an initiative driven by local volunteers.
It has emerged that the SV Effect, set up last year and run by local business people and individuals as part of a pilot scheme in rural Wales, is making a difference to enterprise and entrepreneurship in the area ahead of its target.
“We’re very pleased at the way we’ve helped so many individuals in the area in either establishing businesses or growing their existing enterprises,” said SV Effect Enterprise Facilitator, Mary Tudor.
“Having local business people and individuals – a resource team of local volunteers –means users of the SV Effect are not only gaining expertise, but they know they are talking to people who understand the area and the business environment.”
“The skills and trust of the resource team means we can provide specific mentoring and advice.”
The SV Effect was set up last year with support from the Welsh Government, Powys County Council and Sirolli Institute and has funding until the end of March 2016.
It works with local business people and individuals giving up their own time to help other entrepreneurs and enterprises, often providing specific support in areas such as design, retail, manufacturing, sales and marketing.
Rebecca Lloyd of Coed y Dinas in Welshpool is one member of the 70 strong resource team. She said: “The basis of the SV Effect is to develop and support the growth of local enterprises and being able to help by passing on my skills to others is very satisfying.
“We have a strong and buoyant business community in the Severn Valley and by working collectively we can make a difference and as a result create jobs, business growth and opportunities for people from all parts of the area.”
One of the businesses helped is uStrike PLSG in Newtown. Muralee Tharan from uStrike said: “There’s no doubt that having the advice and skills of someone already involved in a business has been valuable to me in taking my business forward.
“It’s been a great experience and with the advice I’ve received and ideas I’m already looking to grow the business as a result.”
Chairman of the SV Effect is local businessman and architect Doug Hughes of Hughes Architects.
“We know we’ve reached and helped many individuals and businesses who might not have otherwise had support from anywhere else. Most have come back saying the voluntary Resource Team members have made a positive impact and helped them positively.
“We still have a lot of work to do and at this stage we have until the end of March next year to help more. We’re keen for anyone with a business idea or in business and wanting or needing support to grow it to contact us and see how we can help,” he said.
More information can be found at www.sveffect.co.uk. Anyone with a business idea or already in business and wanting some advice and mentoring can contact SV Effect for help by emailing mary@sveffect.co.uk or calling Mary on 07985 260278.
Photo: Mary Tudor
