torfaen
What sort of plans are in place for regenerating the borough?
The council has regeneration strategies for Cwmbran, Pontypool and North Torfaen. These identify projects to improve the
viability, vitality and attractiveness of town and neighbourhood centres and measures to support the social and economic regeneration of Torfaen’s communities. Major projects for the next five years
include: • £2.5M Pontypool Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative which involves providing grants to property owners to refurbish buildings and bring vacant space back into use.
• £1.8M refurbishment of Pontypool Indoor Market
• £1.5M environmental and property improvements to Trevethin shops
• £1M environmental and property improvements in Garndiffaith
• £0.5M in creating and improving footpaths and cyclepaths to provide better links between communities and Pontypool town centre
• Restoration of the Monmouth and Brecon Canal In addition, many smaller projects will be
taking place to help improve access to local facilities and services.
How do you go about promoting Torfaen to inward investors?
The area is promoted via regional partnerships mainly through the Capital Wales Programme and the South East Wales Economic Forum. However, interested businesses can contact the Torfaen County Borough Council Economic Development Regeneration Team who will listen to their needs and requirements and tailor an accommodation package accordingly.
What are the benefits in setting up in/ relocating your business to Torfaen?
Torfaen offers an excellent strategic business location, stretching from Cwmbran in the south, just a few minutes drive from the M4, northwards to Pontypool and Blaenavon. It is in the heart of one of the UK’s thriving regions, and offers a host of advantages.
Rolling countryside, modern towns,
non-congested roads and sensibly-priced accommodation all combine with a wealth of leisure and tourist attractions, sporting facilities, outdoor pursuits, a fascinating heritage and a choice of good educational facilities to make this a really favourable place to live and work. The workforce has a proven track record
of skills, flexibility, loyalty and dedication. Key employment opportunities have been in the finance and business sectors, distribution, transport and communication sectors plus the production and construction industries. Additionally, new business enterprise is
an active, growing sector in the borough with business survival rates being some of the strongest in Wales. The IT sector is also an important one in Torfaen, with the development of the digital resources centre in Blaenavon. The establishment of the Technium Springboard in Cwmbran, part of the pan-Wales network of bespoke services and modern building which is a dedicated home to an increasing number of start-up science and technology companies. Torfaen has an active workforce of
over 37,200. This coupled with an available workforce of more than a million within an hour’s drive, offers a significant pool of resources to any business. The first class training, personal development opportunities and excellent educational facilities in the area also ensure there is an ever-increasing, diverse range and selection of skilled people. The links between industry and academic
institutions are strong and growing. A number of local and regional universities and colleges are within an hour’s drive, and therefore there are ready opportunities to employ highly qualified graduates in a wide range of disciplines. One of Torfaen’s key assets is the wide
range of commercial properties available to businesses throughout the area. A comprehensive list of available premises can be viewed online on our property register at
www.torfaenbusiness.co.uk. And with highly competitive prices, you’ll find that Torfaen offers excellent value for money and a cost effective place to locate your business.
What sort of business support does the council offer?
One of the major challenges to business development is finding expert and impartial advice to start and grow your business. Here in Torfaen, we know what businesses require through many years experience of working with a wide variety of companies. This in turn, plays a leading role in the regeneration of the local economy. Our services are completely free of
charge and confidential. Our team of specialist business experts have experience in dealing with companies just like yours, are on hand and ready to offer their advice, support and help. Our range of services include: business
planning and advice, marketing advice, environmental advice, funding and sourcing commercial premises. Torfaen Business Support team also
manages the LIF Cymru South East Wales (Local Investment Fund). It is a flexible financial support scheme delivered through a partnership to eligible local businesses across Torfaen. The project has been developed with support from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund, under the Convergence Programme. LIF provides financial support to
help eligible local businesses realise their ambitions to develop and grow, by supporting investment in capital projects.
What about networking groups?
Torfaen runs a thriving and well-respected business club for local businesses, Torfaen Business Voice. This comprises staff from the business support team and local Torfaen businesses keen to make a difference. These are exciting times for Torfaen Business Voice as it has welcomed its 100th member. For more information visit www.
torfaenbusinessvoice.co.uk Torfaen also runs SENT the Social
Enterprise Network Torfaen. It was launched in February 2010 and now has more than 70 members who regularly attend training workshops and local business events. The network is a local body representing the interests of all organisations operating
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