A landmark moment as we celebrate city’s special places

AUTUMN is certainly in my top four favourite seasons, not least for the warm temperatures and the Mars-like red sky. (That was weird on Monday morning, wasn’t it?)

Plus, there’s always lots going on at this time of year in Cardiff, such as Made In Roath (sorry, madeinroath) which is under way.

At this time of year we also try to bring out some new products.

For example, we now offer a tea towel featuring our famous Cardiff Underground transport system.

Plus, I’d like to present an Echo exclusive – yep, no-one’s seen this before: a dynamic and smart Cardiff landmarks print by our latest collaborator, Victoria Cao of Stray Pixel.

Victoria’s done a really great job and we are really excited about this A2 poster.

Each landmark is also available individually as A3 prints, on T-shirts and postcards. For more please visit ilovesthediff.com

Speaking of new things, the coffee and vinyl start-up in Castle Emporium on Womanby Street announced yesterday that it has changed its name from Outpost to Hard Lines for reasons beyond their control. Today, owners Sophie and Matt will by announcing that next week they’re opening a second shop, in Cardiff Market. They’ll join newcomers Milgi, Cheese Pantry and Mojo King in this unique retail environment. Good luck to ’em. I’ve actually spent quite a lot of time in the market recently. You see, these past couple of weeks I’ve been writing bits and pieces for an issue of Cardiff Life magazine in which I Loves The ’Diff is doing a guest editor stint. I also got to interview local poet and Real Cardiff author Peter Finch. It was fun, not least because of my visits to Cardiff Central Market and getting to chat to so many friendly people. I spoke to the managing director of what must be one of the oldest companies there, Ashton’s, which had been going for 90 years even before the “new” market – the one we know and love – opened. Did you know that Cardiff Market was always intended to be a place for start-up businesses who would progress to the arcades and onto the high street? I was told this the other day by Tye Whithear, Cardiff council’s manager of the market.

Tye also reminded me that Marks and Spencer had one of its first Penny Bazaar stalls here.

I also had the pleasure of speaking to probably the oldest serving stallholder, 80-year-old Clifford Jones, of CLJ Electrics, and its newest, Paul Reeve, of Mojo King, the mod-tastic menswear boutique formerly of my neck of the woods in Roath.

I hope the move works out for Paul whose new shop is, compatibly, next to the legendary Kellys Records.

Things haven’t been great in the market, which is to say footfall this past decade has dropped noticeably, say traders. However, things are looking up. I’m certainly going to visit more often when I’m in town from now on. After all, there’s nowhere else like it in the city and it deserves our support.

I enjoy hearing about people’s passions and how they’ve turned those into a business, which in turn can improve the local economy and sometimes, as in the case with many local businesses, engender affection and loyalty and represent their city.

I also love the way that in Cardiff now there is a greater sense of community among younger business people, who are willing to help and support one another.

Next week, I’m doing another talk at Cardiff Business School.

Don’t worry, I’m not the main act – I think they just bring me on at the end for some light relief once everyone’s attention has well and truly waned.

After the last one, a fella rang me to say my words had – get this – inspired him to start his own brand and little business in Gower.

I was pretty blown away by this. I should have demanded some equity.

As someone who has started his own business and built up a brand, I can confirm that it’s an exciting and rewarding experience. I highly recommend it.

It’s a learning curve but each day I try to do something that takes the business forward a little step.

Of course, that can be hard if you’re kept busy with the everyday tasks, like keeping things afloat.

Coincidentally, today sees the launch of the Welsh Government’s Development Bank of Wales, which will hopefully allow many more Welsh businesses get access to capital.

In fact, it has £440m available to invest, so it may be something worth looking into if you’re in – or getting into – business.