THE value of the ‘purple pound’ to Cardigan was discussed at a recent meeting in the town.

Cllr Clive Davies and Morvenna Dorita met with representatives from Access Wales as part of the Purple Tuesday campaign held throughout the country on November 12.

Purple Tuesday is an international call to action, focused on changing the customer experience for disabled people.

It involves organisations of all sizes and from all sectors taking practical measures to meet the needs of disabled customers.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Across the UK, the Purple Pound – the consumer spending power of disabled people and their families – is worth £249 billion and is rising by an average of 14 per cent per annum.

“Worldwide, the Purple Pound equates to a staggering £2.25 trillion, yet less than 10% of businesses have a targeted plan to access this disability market.

“Purple Tuesday is about creating a step change improvement in the awareness of the value and needs of disabled customers. It is about making the customer experience accessible.

“Participating organisations will make public commitments to ensure sustainable changes are made. For organisations, this will result in the opening up of products and services to the disability market.”

Building on ideas and actions from last year, businesses can follow simple steps such as:

  • Formalising quiet hours to support people with autism as well as others with sensory needs
  • Committing to provide disability customer service training to staff
  • Training staff to learn some key words and phrases in British Sign Language
  • Promoting awareness of hidden disabilities through the adoption of the ‘Not every disability is visible’ signage
  • Improving an organisation’s signage
  • Undertaking a physical access audit to identify where you can make improvements

Cllr Davies said: “I would like to thank Access Wales for paying a visit to Cardigan Town and meeting myself and Morvenna to introduce and explore the idea of supporting our town to be a more accessible place for the one in five customers/shoppers who have a form of disability.

“Hopefully, with Access Wales’ help, Cardigan will be more in tune and aware and benefit greatly as a market town.”