A start-up plumbing and heating business in Blaenau Gwent has been able to open a new showroom and improve its online marketing thanks to a Business Development Grant.
Valley Plumbing Supplies Ltd have used the money they were awarded towards opening their premises at Rising Sun Industrial Estate in Blaina. which includes a new showroom. The grant has supported the costs of fitting out a new showroom and shop for bathroom and plumbing supplies as well as signage and advertising boards and website development.
Valley Plumbing Supplies was set up by Joel Fleming and Jonathan Ayears, who by working together through their existing businesses identified an opportunity to set up a joint company to plug a gap in the market locally. VPS supply all plumbing goods and materials, including boilers, boiler accessories, pipe, pipe fittings, plumbing related hand tools and they also supply all bathroom furniture from taps through to freestanding baths, for all budgets. The business was initially set up to mainly sell to trade but since opening they have also seen high sales of bathroom furniture direct to the public, hence the expansion to the adjacent units to set up showrooms.
Jonathan says: “As a new company starting off this grant has helped up massively, we’re so pleased with how things are looking at the new showroom – come and have a look around!”
The Blaenau Gwent Business Development Grant is funded by UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and managed by the Business & Innovation Team at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. The Business Development Grant aims to support the growth and development of new and existing businesses in Blaenau Gwent.
The good news continues as the company have recently taken on a new employee. Ben Carpenter has now been employed by the company following a six-month placement on the QuickStart scheme *, funded by UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding.
Councillor John Morgan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development says:
“It’s important for a business to be able to market itself effectively and let potential customers know what it offers so I am delighted we have been able to support Valley Plumbing Supplies by facilitating this grant for a new showroom. It’s also created an employment opportunity which is fantastic. As a Council, we are committed to continuing to support local businesses to create resilient communities and a thriving economy, ensuring people can stay local and shop local for all their needs.”
* The QuickStart programme offers six month supported paid work placements within Blaenau Gwent to anyone aged 16 + who are unemployed or economically inactive, to gain valuable experience and enhance employability skills to increase their chances of finding full time work once the placement has ended.
