University of Glamorgan

The University of Glamorgan’s Business Incubator, GTi, provides a professional office environment and links to business support in Wales, as well as in-house seminars on business issues – we see business incubation as a ‘process’, and not just premises. The GTi community of businesses provides an encouraging and supportive environment, and opportunities to find business services at reasonable cost.

Business incubation has been described as:

“the physical manifestation of ... the process aimed at encouraging people to start and grow businesses, providing them with the resources to do so successfully, and creating an environment in which their businesses can flourish”
(UK Business Incubation, 2002. www.ukbi.co.uk).

GTi started in 1999 as the ‘Graduate Teleworking initiative’, with the help of funding from EU ERDF, the Welsh Assembly Government (WDA) and private sector support. Its aim has always been to support student and graduate entrepreneurs to develop viable businesses in support of the Welsh (Valleys) economy.

GTi is located in the Valleys Innovation Centre, Navigation Park, Abercynon CF45 4SN. This prestigious building, on a growing business park, provides a credible business address and facilities designed to enable a new business to ‘punch above its weight’, concentrating on development and test trading, without making premature financial commitments for premises and equipment.

GTi is pleased to consider supporting new businesses in all sectors, from digital media-based businesses to consultants, service providers and social enterprises.

GTi businesses win RCT Business Club Awards

Two businesses which began life at the University of Glamorgan’s GTi business incubation centre have scooped top awards at this month’s Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club Awards.

Bandog Media Ltd, who are based in Abercynon, impressed the judges with their ability to identify growing demand in the market place, providing media solutions to clients across Wales and the UK. The company, run by two Glamorgan graduates, now plan a move to larger premises and revised plans to target larger organisations in the UK.

Completely Organised, which offers executive and PA support services, won the Best Use of E-Commerce award. The judges were impressed with the use of e-commerce to boost the business, as well as its extensive use of internal systems to ensure it has a competitive advantage, not only across the UK but also the USA.