Latest News

News October 2014

Published on 04 November 2014  | Download | back to previous

Hi Everyone

What a busy few months! Is it just me or is Bridgend seeming like a much better place to be lately? For a start the town is looking better than ever. I was sceptical at first about the work being done to Nolton Street and the town centre but now it's completed I am starting to feel more and more proud of my town every time I walk through. From the great new redevelopment of Nolton Street to the very recent renovations on the corner of Caroline Street extending down Elder Street, more and more of Bridgend is looking clean, modern and successful. This is a great time to be in Bridgend and a great time to be doing business. I can see more confidence on the faces of everyone I speak with and this is being reflected in the businesses of Bridgend. Everywhere is bouncing back from the recession that hit so hard 6 years ago and it really does bring a smile to my face to see local businesses in Bridgend flourishing.

Myself, I have been busy non-stop for the past couple of years and so it seems has every other business I've worked with! Some of our latest projects have been great fun to work on. Shearing Sports Wales is a fantastic organisation with the aim of promoting competitive shearing in Wales. Like me you might be amazed to learn that competitive shearing is an active and vibrant sport whose roots are centuries old and deeply embedded in Welsh heritage but not only that, it’s another thing over which we have a delightful rivalry with our antipodal cousins in New Zealand (and do a lot better than we do in the rugby!). Still a big part of the Royal Welsh Show, it’s a great part of living Welsh tradition, it has been a great project to be a part of and has certainly taught me a few things about our rural roots.

Some great news as well for Bridgend Business Forum, the annual Christmas lunch’s guest speaker is none other than writer, broadcaster, actor and former conservative Member of Parliament Giles Brandreth. I have to be honest, these events are often the highlight of my year and I’m hoping to attend again this year. Networking with local businesses is very useful and a great reward in itself but having the event hosted by the always fantastic Coed y Mwstwr hotel and with great speakers every year it has become a firm favourite in my calendar. I’m hopefully looking forward to seeing you all there on the 12th of December for some Christmas cheer.

I always find that Christmas is a great time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, I can see a bright future for Bridgend and for everyone involved in making our dreams reality. I hope this Christmas you will all raise a glass to the future of our great town and the success of its superb local businesses in the coming year.