Swansea tourism business reaches new heights with Business Wales
COLUMBUS Campervans gets up and running after receiving advisory and mentoring support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service.
Columbus Campervans was established by James Page in 2016 and offers tourists and visitors a unique experience exploring west Wales and the nearby tourist attractions by using novelty campervans.
Based near Swansea and within an easy driving distance from the award-winning Gower beaches, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons National Park, Columbus currently offers two classic Volkswagen campervans, available for weddings, holidays, short breaks and other special occasions.
Having attended the Business Wales start-up workshop Taking the Plunge, James got the confidence that starting his own business was the right step for him. He received further Business Wales advisory support including help with legal compliance, marketing and financial planning.
Following the launch of Columbus Campervans, James found that running his own business could be a lonely and challenging experience at times so he was successfully matched with a mentor through the Business Wales Mentoring programme. Max McDermott supported James with digital and social media marketing and provided general business mentoring.
James commented: “Working for myself and running my own business always seemed to be so far out of reach, but Business Wales made an idea become a reality. They really are encouraging and with the mentoring I feel at ease knowing that help and advice are always there for me.
“Having my mentor’s knowledge and experience at hand and seeing them giving up their business and personal time for others is quite incredible and they really do deserve praise. I will encourage anyone offered this to use it to their advantage.”
Since launching, Columbus Campervans has been going from strength to strength – the business has recently been approached by Visit Wales and will be featured in their upcoming promotional campaigns and TV adverts.
Columbus Campervans’ top tips for anyone looking to start or grow their own business would be:
Use Business Wales to help you set up and give you support, it is always better to speak to someone with business knowledge.
Research and study your market and when you think you’ve done it, do it again. Have a marketing strategy. Social media is extremely important. Take part in some courses – you and your company will benefit from them.
Have passion in what you do but don’t be afraid to move your business in different directions to maximise your gain.
Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, supports the sustainable growth of small and medium size enterprises across the country by offering access to information, guidance and business support.
To find out how Business Wales can help start or develop your business, call 03000 6 03000, follow @_businesswales or @_ busnescymru or visit www. businesswales.gov.wales/ or www. busnescymru.llyw.cymru/ for further information.