'Our Vision' for 'thebestof' Pontypridd is as clear as our every day business objectives. That is to bring all the best local businesses within Pontypridd and its surounding areas together. As such creating a platform where local businesses can work with each other as to develop a vibrant local economy.
The Best of Pontypridd is NEW (01/12/2009) however the franchise is not. There are over 400 towns within the UK benefiting from the locality of the best of. Each and every one is owned and operated by a local business person. In this case me, Ben Rogers (more about me later). Just to get a good understanding have a look at 'thebestof' Cardiff, Newport, Neath, Carmarthen or Bridgend to name but a few.
To explain a little bit more, The Best of Pontypridd's operation is tri-fold:
- Firstly, this is a local business operation which focuses on championing the best local businesses within Pontypridd and its immediate areas. Businesses have the opportunity to partake in discounted leaflet drops, business to business booklets, mini guides as well as more obvious off line promotions such as mix and match and vehicle advertising. They also receive certificates, recommendation media, customer feedback cards, news letters bi-weekly and customer offers. By the way they also receive featured full page listing on our professional web site.
- Secondly, the business also has a large community focus with local guides and events listed. A key place for the local community to find out what's going on and when.
- Thirdly, the best of Pontypridd engages the local people through no-cost membership. Giving them the facility to offer testimonials on local business and being able to recommend good businesses to the rest of Pontypridd and also the ability to add local events. In return the local community members will receive discounts and special offers from the listed businesses on a fortnightly basis.
Why 'thebestof'? why Pontypridd? Why me?
For me it brings together everything needed for Pontypridd to Develop. We cover as far north as Tonypandy and Porth, as far west as Tonyrefail and Llantrisant, and as far south as Tafswell. Pontypridd and RCT are in the process of ongoing and constant regeneration. RCT Gov are doing an excellent job with new business initiatives such as the RCT business club and Love Ponty Town promotions. However, in my opinion it is not the public sectors role to develop business. The only definite way to move forward is through developing our entrepreneurship through business relations and creating a vibrant local economy with business re-investment.
Why Pontypridd? Simply, I live here now, I studied here previously, the people are friendly and genuine, and I strongly believe that I will make a difference. There are some flagship businesses locally such as Amber Electricals and Macob. We are seeing a growth in restaurants (a sure sign of economic growth and affluency) try the food at Alfreds or Barinnis! We are seeing the growth of real coffee houses such as Hoffi Coffi. Pontypridd and RCT are coming back to the forefront of business. It will take more work and time but with new innovations such as The Best of Pontypridd we can aid and direct that development in a clear and coherent strategy that benfits the local people and the local businesses.
Why me? An excellent question. Im of a solid business background. Having owned and operated a succesfull business venture prior to this one for nearly four years I have a solid and more importantly real understanding of business. I should also add that i had two other businesses in this time which were not as succesfull, not failures but not where I wanted to be. This real experience coupled with my multi faceted employment history (Human Resources; Public, White collar and food manufacturing) and also an earlier post graduate education gives me a good and clear understanding of business needs. (I must add that I also enjoy a good 'Sgwrs')
In summarry, thank you for reading 'Our Vision' I must apologise for the quantity. I am quite passionate and hyperactively enthusiastic about The Best of Pontypridd and how it will help in Pontypridd's regeneration.