Domestic UK news headlines of 2022 are pummelling us with the cost of living crisis, rocketing energy costs and widespread economic strife. It can be difficult not to be fearful, as a self-employed person running a small business, and as a husband and dad and mortgage-payer. These are tricky times to navigate through. So it’s been a tonic of sorts to visit and photograph enterprising and ambitious small businesses across south Wales, seemingly unbowed by economic strife. Some of them established for a few years, some of them just getting started, they are just keeping going, as of course we all must.
While varied in their small business services, each enterprise shares a key feature. Their activities, often promotional but sometimes operational, have been boosted in some way by the use of digital technology and specifically the use of superfast broadband.
In Torfaen, not far from Cwmbran, Abigail Hannah Makeup is using superfast broadband to spread the word of her services, which are very popular with brides-to-be.
MyValley is a new online and physical marketplace for eco-friendly, natural and organic products. It’s owned by Wayne Morgan and Tim Mealing, who run the physical store from Aberaman Industrial Estate in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Lewis and Natalie Welch own Weltch Fitness, a unique gym with a big community feel in Crickhowell, Powys.
In The Pink Therapies and Training is owned by Wendy Hale, and operates from her cosy and relaxing premises in Risca, Caerphilly.
And finally, a special mention for Confectionery & Training owner, Caroline Davies, who gave me some beautiful cupcakes to take home. They made me briefly popular with my wife and daughter.
Each of these businesses is empowered by digital technology and a powerful internet connection that allows them to sell and promote their products and services, from organic soap to a relaxing reiki massage to an artistic platter of delicious cakes.
We can feel anxious and paralysed by powerful news warning of even worse financial times ahead, but it’s always hard to know exactly what form that will take. Those regular doom-laden headlines are the original online clickbait, primarily designed to sell. The world continues to spin, humans continue to be wildly varied and resilient beings.
Day-to-day life for most of us isn’t about energy companies, fat cats, big business and politicians. Although, unfortunately, most of us are touched by them. But even so, people continue to create, produce, deliver services and operate effective business ventures at all scales. I’d like to count myself among them.
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