The power of the public sector to boost home-grown businesses is being heralded by a leading North Wales accountancy firm.
Keith Barker of Williams Denton is congratulating the Isle of Anglesey County Council for its role in supporting his client Round Electrical Distribution, recently named as one of the fastest growing businesses in Wales.
Set up by Ian Round in 2008, the Gaerwen-based business has seen an incredible growth of 182.8%, making it the fastest growing business in North West Wales, but it wasn’t always so.
Ian said: “In my first month of business I made a loss of £4,000. It was a worrying time, starting out on my own and then getting support off the bank and new customers.”
A few months later Ian won a part of an electrical regeneration contract which involved work on more than 3,000 Anglesey council homes as part of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) scheme.
While the over-all project was awarded to a Midlands company, the County Council stipulated that the firm must buy locally and use local electricians.
Round Electrical Distribution soon began supplying the project, leading to four years of work and, more importantly, turning around the fortunes of the fledgling business.
For the Gaerwen company, which specialises in electrical, lighting, heating and workwear supplies it was a game changer.
Keith Barker said: “The fact that Round Electrical Distribution is the fastest growing business in North West Wales, and ranks 15th in the whole country, is testament to the hard work of Ian and his staff.
“It is also a striking example of how local government can make a huge difference to helping home-grown businesses find their feet. This is an incredible success story for the area, Ian has been able to take on staff and that money goes back to the local economy.”
Round Electrical Distribution and Williams Denton joined forces back in 2008 when Ian first set up the business.
“Williams Denton have been so supportive, from the initial setting up to making sure everything was in order to looking after my accounts and tax affairs. Keith also acted as a mentor providing great advice throughout,” added Ian.
Anglesey’s Head of Housing Services, Shan Lloyd Williams, said: “We congratulate Round Electrical Distribution on their achievement. Achieving the Welsh Housing Quality Standard Programme has been the driving force behind developing many local businesses and recognises the role that housing plays in contributing to the local economy through using local supply-chains, wherever possible.”
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