Businesses in Ceredigion will benefit following the release of a new booklet “Welsh in the Workplace” by Cered: Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
The new bilingual booklet portrays local businesses which provide Welsh language services, promotes the benefits of the Welsh language for businesses, and suggests steps that businesses and enterprises can take to increase their use of the Welsh language.
Research for the Welsh Language Commissioner showed that 74% of customers agreed that using the Welsh language shows that a supermarket supports the local community. With almost half of Ceredigion’s population speaking Welsh, it is estimated that around 36,000 Welsh speakers would appreciate a business or enterprise which provides Welsh language services.
The booklet includes profiles of three Ceredigion businesses, as examples of how the Welsh language can be used to reinforce a local brand and sense of place. Ceredigion County Council Leader, Councillor Ellen ap Gwyn, with responsibility for the Welsh language said, “The intention is that this will inspire other businesses and enterprises to consider how their Welsh language services can be developed. The booklet is part of a drive to ensure that the Welsh language is seen and heard on the streets, and to support small businesses take advantage of the branding opportunities the language provides.”
One of the businesses portrayed is a Welsh Gifts and Chic Interiors shop in Aberaeron which operates entirely bilingually. The staff speak Welsh, the signage is bilingual, and the company even works with suppliers to ensure that all the branding on products is bilingual. Ann Hughes, who runs the business with her daughter Seren, feels that the language reinforces the business brand, attracts Welsh learners to the shop, and has a positive effect on tourists, who enjoy seeing and hearing the language in use.
Ann is grateful to her loyal local customers for their support, “I buy for local customers. The strength of the business is the support of local people. But people on their holidays like to take a piece of Wales back with them too.”
The booklet has been developed by the “Welsh in the Workplace” team at Cered-Menter Iaith Ceredigion. Businesses are welcome to contact the Development Officers on 01545 572 350 for a copy of the booklet and to find out what support is available to help increase their use of the Welsh language.
Cered’s Manager, Non Davies, said, “The booklet will be a valuable tool for the Welsh in the Workplace Officers as they visit businesses across Ceredigion. The ultimate aim is to help businesses to take advantage of the benefits that using the Welsh language can bring not only for individual businesses but for the local economy as a whole.”
The Welsh in the Workplace project has received LEADER support through the Cynnal y Cardi Local Action Group (administered by Ceredigion County Council) which is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
02/10/2018