BUSINESSES will be able to get more support after a trial retail project in Ceredigion was a success, which has led to a new one in Newcastle Emlyn.

Antur Cymru launched a pop-up retail project in Aberystwyth earlier this year and it was so successful that the social enterprise has opened another location in Newcastle Emlyn.

Antur Cymru’s Cymorth Busnes Lleol/Local Business Support programme is funded by the UK Government as part of ‘levelling-up’ and delivered via Ceredigion County Council and Carmarthenshire County Council.

The scheme supports businesses and includes guidance and advice for start-ups, entrepreneurs and independent traders, delivered by skilled and experienced mentors and advisors.

The test trading spaces – like the one in Aberystwyth and the one that is set to open in Newcastle Emlyn – give people a chance to develop ideas, trial products and generate a customer base, all while receiving advice on how to build their planned commercial ventures.

Julie Morgan, project manager, said: “The latest space is now up and running and we’ve already had a lot of interest from prospective traders, customers and the local community.

“Unlike Aberystwyth, where last year it was a pilot programme, in Newcastle Emlyn we already have the foundations, learning and systems in place to hit the ground running, which is what we’ve managed to do.

“There are already businesses on site selling their wares, including bespoke fashion, locally made gifts and flowers, and the wider service offering coaching and business support will be on hand to help existing and new businesses across the two counties.”

Bronwen Raine, Antur Cymru’s managing director, said: “Having Aberystwyth, Newcastle Emlyn and the next space we hope to announce shortly means we are providing local doorstep provision across a wider number of towns.” She also said that the organisation is committed to ensuring more business can access personalised support from the project by increasing the number of shop sites and extending eligibility to include post start businesses of any age and size.

Bronwen continued: “We thank everyone for their support so far – particularly the local authorities of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire  - and are excited to all work together to give anyone with a business idea the support they need to make it a reality.

“We will also be out in the community supporting existing businesses, and with the prospect of more locations in the future the results will no doubt have a positive long-term impact on local economies.”

The Local Business Support project (formerly New Skills New Start) will have drop-in surgeries, training and networking opportunities until next December. For more information, visit www.anturcymru.org.uk, email info@anturcymru.org.uk or call 01239 710238.