G.O.N Granite & Marble Ltd

After working for an employer for some time I had the desire to become my own boss, so that I could have the independence to earn my own money.

I telephoned Denbighshire Enterprise Agency for an appointment and it all started from there.

I was given support and hand holding to put together a business plan through 1 to 1 sessions and also by attending the business start up models. Denbighshire Enterprise Agency introduced me to various funding packages that I could apply for and also introduced me to the Livewire regional competition which I won! and went through to the all Wales competition. This was an experience in itself - and it was all down to Denighshire Enterprise Agency's staff.

I was confident in setting up my own business as I knew that I had Denbighshire Enterprise Agency at the other end of the phone should I have any queries. I also received assistance from Denbighshire Cyberskills in Denbigh providing technical help with web design.

I have now been trading as G.O.N Granite & Marble Ltd based in Bachymbyd Garage, Ruthin Road, Llanrhaeadr since 2000 and at present employing 14 people.

If you are thinking of setting up in business make sure that the first call you make is to Denbighshire Enterprise Agency and they will guide you through the next steps and make sure that you have access to all that you are entitled to.

Glyn Newall
G.O.N Granite and Marble Ltd
Manufacturers and Fit Specialist of Granite Kitchen Workshops.

www.g-o-n.co.uk

EasyChemicals Ltd

Breaking into a crowded market

The UK market for swiming pool test and treatment products is going through a period of unprecedented growth, as homeowners look for new ways to add to the amenity of their largest investment - the family home.

Traditionally, pool owners have had to travel far and wide to find essential pool products. The internet provides a competitive marketplace for swimming pool chemicals and associated supplies. The directors of EasyChemicals identified a market niche where a business focused on a narrow range of essential products operating on minimal overheads could reset the market price for chemical products and develop a strong customer following.

EasyChemicals launched its on-line store on June 1st 2005, offering a high-quality range of test and treatment products manufactured in Wales for the management of swiming pools. Aiming at both the domestic and professional markets, Easy Chemicals is focussed exclusively on providing competitively-priced consumable products with next working day delivery.

The business concept was initially developed via discussions with Denbighshire based Cyberskills Centre proved to be another important resource for the company, providing timely technical advice on web-design and other software tools. These initial discussions provided under the Opportunity Wales E-commerce scheme enabled the directors to challenge the business proposition, refine IT strategies and establish processes to reduce costs. In this market it became evident that profit could only be made from cost reduction designed into the business processes at the outset.

The business operates from three locations, offices in Mold and a distribution warehouse in Denbigh. High speed internet connections are used to link management personnel based in Mold to the Denbigh facility, and the flow of orders can be monitored and managed from any location which has Internet access. This element of the business was supported by the WDA's Broadband Support Scheme and enabled all elements of the business to operate as a single entity.

Richard Drury & Granville Bell
EasyChemicals Ltd
On-line shop for all swimming pool chemicals and test kits

www.easypoolchemicals.co.uk

EasyChemicals has enjoyed substantial input from the support network in Denbighshire, and has received assistance from Denbighshire Enterprise Agency through the WDA funded New Business Starts programme, Denbighshire Cyberskills Centre and Denbighshire County Council's Economic Development Unit through their Marketing grant towards the cost of labels for packaging.

Denbighshire Enterprise Agency were instrumental in identifying the logistics issue early in the project and introducing the business to a sophisticated logistics partner already active in Denbigh, thereby helping to secure a number of jobs in the area.

The support received from Denbighshire Enterprise has been invaluable and we would recommend that anyone setting up in business should contact them.

Tanzaro

I had always had a dream of one day running my own business and being my own boss. That dream started to turn into reality when in 1999 I visited Denbighshire Enterprise Agency and registered on to the New Business Starts Programme which enabled me to have access to 1 to 1 support / advice and guidance as well as attending business planning workshops.

Staff at Denbighshire Enterprise were very helpful and approachable and gave me the confidence I needed to take the plunge and start my own business.

The support I received consisted of:

• Business advice / training
• Welsh translation service
• Moral support and confidence building
• Accountancy advice and assistance
• having a personal action plan drawn up
• assistance in employing for the first time
• provision of a start up unit
• assistance in accessing and funding packages
• network support throughout Denbighshire

The business in now employing 12 people and going from strength to strength

Tips

• Go to Denbighshire Enterprise Agency for the hand holding support
• Never be afraid to ask for advice
• Never by afraid to try something new

Without Denbighshire Enterprise Agency's support we would not have had the confidence to start what has proven to be a very successful business.