Supporting Bridgend's Business Base by Ray Pearce Head of Economic Development

Bridgend County Borough is one of the most dynamic growth areas along the M4 corridor and at the heart of the South Wales economy.

The main centre of industrial activity is based around Bridgend,its largest town and administrative centre. It is home to major employers including Ford and Sony.

Numerous UK-owned and foreign companies have been attracted to and are willing to re-invest because of the range and flexibility of our sites and properties, financial incentives and adaptable workforce. In terms of incentives Bridgend can access the highest levels of Government support to businesses by virtue of being a Tier 1 Assisted Area. It also falls within the West Wales and Valleys Objective 1 area.

Communications are a key factor in this success. There’s direct access to the M4 and the motorway network, a high speed rail link on the Paddington-Swansea line and Cardiff International Airport and freightliner terminal is a short drive away.

We are proud that the County Borough is home to one of Wales' most successful science parks, where major expansion is planned in a partnership with the Welsh Development Agency (WDA). Other strategic sites and developments are also being looked at, again in conjunction with the WDA.

The County Borough also has an enviable reputation for its first-class training and education facilities, including Bridgend College and the Waterton Technology Centre.

Our economic development team has the knowledge and expertise to help people who are looking to set up, expand or relocate a business in the County Borough, from small start-up projects to large multi-national companies. Our objective is to convert enquiries into business success. Objective 1 money has been granted to assist our business support programmes.

Free advice is provided on capital, loans and grants, sites and premises or an extension to existing facilities. The Economic Development Team administers a number of grant schemes to encourage investment by small and medium sized businesses, to assist business planning, to promote investment in new technology and to support community businesses.

Partnership has been the key to Bridgend's success as a sub-region of the European Union, developing partnerships at local, regional and international levels and working to address the real needs of the local community.

In association with the Welsh Assembly, the Welsh Development Agency and TEC South East Wales, events to promote exports have included an Export Day in association with the Institute of Export and Doing Business with Ireland. A series of workshops and export clinics has provided guidance on world markets and doing business on the Internet.

The year 2000 saw the inception of the Celtica Network, a consortium of business and local government contacts with the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Links are also being developed with Brittany.

Close liaison with the Welsh Development Agency, the Welsh Assembly, the Training and Enterprise Councils, Wales Tourist Board and other associated organisations ensures that our expertise helps potential investors and local business to make the decisions which progress their plans quickly and positively.

Companies locating, expanding or setting up in the County Borough may be eligible for government grants, loans or other financial incentives. The team's knowledge and experience enables us to provide first class advice on key sources of finance. We have also co-ordinated seminars and workshops on a variety of subjects.

• For more information contact the Economic Development Unit on Bridgend on Tel:- (01656) 641700 or Fax:- (01656) 641714 or E.mail:- pearcr@bridgend.gov.uk

Ray Pearce
Head Of Economic Development