Bridgend, where business works

From a small manufacturing market town to a glowing, high profile service sector hot spot, the county of Bridgend is surprising its neighbours with a healthy micro climate of business development

In previous years, the area of Bridgend had seen a gradual loss of manufacturing jobs, in stark contrast, now there is a corresponding growth of service sector employment and a steady increase in new, indigenous businesses being established. This, coupled with a boom in office development is reflecting the positive changing face of Bridgend.
Bridgend’s location is just one of the key criteria in its success of attracting further inward investment. Situated along the M4 corridor, Bridgend provides good communication and transport links across the majority of the borough. Location, together with significant property development and a skilled workforce are just some of the strengths the area can offer.

Service sector employment is booming with banking, insurance and outsourcing support having grown in importance. The area has, and is continuing to attract a high calibre of skilled and well paid jobs.

Developers have been quick to react with new office developments at Junction 35 of the M4, including the prestigious, large office complex at Bocam Park, Waterton Park, Waterton Cross and Central Park on the Bridgend Industrial Estate with further developments taking place in the town centre.

Regeneration in the area is also playing a crucial role in attracting new investment, with improvements to buildings, streets and transport links, not only in the main town centres of Bridgend and Maesteg, but also in the Valleys and harbour area of Porthcawl.

Support services for business
Bridgend’s Economic Development Unit can offer business support, advice and assistance through its experienced and knowledgeable team. Advice is available for any size of company or organisation, as well as community-based businesses and social enterprises.

Business funding - grants and assistance
The borough is located in an Objective 1 region, which allows access to the highest level of financial support to businesses from the government.

Bridgend business directory
The Bridgend Economic Development Unit is keen to encourage local trade; it is a vital part of the economic growth of the region.

The Bridgend Business Directory is a free service offered to local companies, who wish to register. It is available online from the Bridgend County Borough Council website www.bridgend.gov.uk and click on ‘Business Zone’.

Business & the Environment
With the impact of the environment and sustainability - key issues for any type of business - advice and guidance on best practise is available from the Business Environment Co-ordinators.

The co-ordinators also focus on prioritising and managing a programme of sustainable regeneration of the industrial areas in the borough with the aim of improving the appearance of the estates, as well as the environmental performance of all businesses located there.

Export Services – International Business Wales
The unit has a dedicated Export Development Counsellor (EDC) who provides business support to SMEs in Bridgend. The Export Assist programme targets first time exporters or those companies who are seeking to develop into new and existing international markets.

Community Business support
The team also has two dedicated Social Economy Development officers to assist the setting up and development of businesses with social objectives within the Bridgend County Borough and the support of a business adviser, seconded from the Wales co-operative centre, to support and advise co-operatives and social enterprises.

The Rural Economy Action Project (REAP) supports projects based in the rural areas of the County Borough, which have an economic benefit or support sustainable regeneration for that area.

Through close liaison with Business Eye and other business support organisations, we can help business people to make the right decisions and progress their development plans quickly and positively.

Bridgend launches new online property database
Bridgend Economic Development Unit has developed a new online register of business property available in the area. These range from small starter units to larger industrial premises ideally suited to both industrial and commercial use.
There is a wide selection of new development sites available which are ideally located and offer excellent facilities and access. Bridgend County Borough is committed to supporting SMEs, as well as larger businesses through the development of a good infrastructure to ensure sustainable economic growth for the area, and for the future.

You can access our property and land database online and run your own property searches. This, free service can be found at www.bridgend.gov.uk and click on Business Zone.

For further information on any of the developments featured, please contact the Economic Development Unit on 01656 641702 or e-mail: business@bridgend.gov.uk.

Barola shows confidence in Bridgend Property Market
South Wales property investment company, Barola Property Holdings, has announced its acquisition of a landmark headquarters facility in the region, following its acquisition of the 130,000sq ft Dekor PLC building, located in Waterton, Bridgend. The prominent facility is located at the forefront of Waterton Industrial Estate, located approximately two miles south west of Junction 35 (Pencoed) of the M4 motorway, approximately 22 miles west of Cardiff and 19 miles east of Swansea.

The headquarters building is occupied as a manufacturing and distribution centre by Dekor PLC, a leading manufacturer of home accessories to the UK’s largest retail customers, by way of a sale and leaseback.
The leaseback arrangement provides for a rolling landlord’s break option and, as a result, Cardiff based Barola will look to let the 130,000sq ft building over the coming months with interest in the facility, which contains high bay warehousing and first class offices already strong.

“This acquisition further endorses our confidence in the market since forming the company almost three years ago. We felt that this high bay unit was a cut above the standard production units in the South Wales industrial market and that it offered flexibility for both distribution and manufacturing companies” commented Barola director, Jamie Devonald.
The vacant floor space will be marketed by property consultants, King Sturge and Watts and Morgan. Chris Sutton, industrial agency partner at King Sturge, believes the site will prove very attractive and has already received several enquiries. “This is a modern, high quality unit benefiting from good eaves height production area and attractive offices. The unit occupies a self-contained secure site, however is capable of sub-division and we have received enquiries on both bases”.

Dyfed Miles, of Watts and Morgan commented that “The Bridgend market has been exceptionally strong over the last 24 months and I anticipate the high quality nature of the Dekor unit will prove attractive in the market.”

Business property & sites
The Economic Development Unit has an extensive register of business property available; ranging from small starter units to larger industrial premises ideally suited to both industrial and commercial use.

For further information please contact the Economic Development Unit on 01656 641700 or email: business@bridgend.gov.uk