Firm’s ready to boost country’s businesses

A LLANELLI-BASED firm is celebrating the completion of a complex international project.

Consultancy practice “The means” plays a key role in the Llanelli Business Improvement District (Bid).

This week, the firm received the news that the Albanian parliament had passed a law formalising the legal status of Business Improvement Districts (Bids) in the country.

This brought to a successful conclusion several years’ advisory work for the Albanian–american Development Foundation, an organisation set up with support from the US government to support economic development and reform in the country.

“Albania is a fascinating country, an amazing mix of alp-like mountains, Adriatic coastline, astonishing historical heritage and charming towns,” said Peter Williams, managing director of The means.

Mr Williams, who led the work on the Albania project, added: “Albania is also relatively undiscovered after years in which it was politically isolated from the rest of the world.”

Mr Williams worked with business organisations in five of the main cities, including the capital Tirana.

He went on: “The Albanian authorities are enthusiastic to adapt models which are successful elsewhere.

“We have been championing the role of Bids in the UK, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to inform the course of legislation in a different country.

“Learning is a two-way street. Watch out for Albania’s ascent as a place to visit over the next decade.”

The consultancy has also worked in Singapore in the Far East, and is focussed on the recovery of the Welsh High Street.

Mr Williams formed The means 27 years ago. It manages Bids in Port Talbot, Llanelli, Streatham, Aberdare and Treorchy.