Supporting Growth Through Targeted Business Support
Baglan Garden Services, a micro-business based in Neath Port Talbot, has experienced significant growth following targeted support from the Economic Development Team.
Led by owner Owen Thomas, the business has developed from a small local operation into a confident and expanding enterprise, now capable of securing larger contracts, creating jobs, and contributing to the local economy.
Support through the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and the Tata Resilience Fund has played a key role in this transformation.
The Challenge
As a small business, Baglan Garden Services faced several barriers to growth:
- Limited access to funding for essential equipment
- Restricted capacity to take on larger-scale work
- Lack of experience in bidding for contracts
- Limited visibility and access to wider opportunities
These challenges made it difficult for the business to scale and reach its full potential.
Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Support
Through the Shared Prosperity Fund, Owen received tailored one-to-one support designed to meet the specific needs of the business.
This included:
- Personalised business advice and mentoring
- Development of a clear and structured growth plan
- Guidance on accessing new markets and opportunities
- Support to build confidence in pursuing larger contracts
Owen said: “The advice and support I received made all the difference. I now have a clear roadmap for growth and the confidence to go after bigger opportunities.”
Tata Resilience Fund
Additional support was secured through the Tata Resilience Fund, enabling the business to invest in essential tools and equipment.
This helped the business to:
- Increase operational capacity
- Improve efficiency and productivity
- Enable the team to take on larger contracts
- Strengthen the foundations for future growth
Supply Chain and Procurement Support
The Economic Development Team also supported the business to access new opportunities within the local supply chain.
This included:
- Introduction to Neath Port Talbot Council contract opportunities
- Advice and guidance on procurement processes
- Support to begin bidding for public sector contracts
Owen commented: “The support from the team has been a game changer for us. It has really helped us secure a better future.”
The Transformation
With the combined support, Baglan Garden Services has successfully strengthened its position and expanded its operations.
The business is now:
- Actively bidding for public sector and government contracts
- Delivering a wider range of services
- Better equipped to compete in larger markets
- Operating with greater confidence and strategic direction
Business Growth
- Transitioned from a small-scale operation to a growth-focused business
- Increased capacity to deliver larger and higher-value work
Employment Outcomes
- Created new job opportunities within the local community
- Contributing to local economic resilience
Financial and Commercial Outcomes
- Improved ability to secure and deliver higher-value contracts
- Increased long-term sustainability and resilience
Skills and Confidence
- Stronger understanding of procurement and bidding processes
- Increased confidence to pursue new opportunities
- Clear long-term vision for business growth
Key Outcomes
- Clear and actionable growth strategy established
- Access to new supply chain and contract opportunities
- Increased operational capacity through capital investment
- Enhanced competitiveness in the marketplace
- Job creation and positive local economic impact
Conclusion
The support provided through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Tata Resilience Fund has enabled Baglan Garden Services to overcome barriers to growth and build a more sustainable future.
By combining tailored business advice, financial investment, and access to procurement opportunities, the intervention has helped transform a local micro-business into a confident and ambitious enterprise.
This case study highlights how targeted support can unlock the potential of small businesses, enabling them to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the wider economy
Funded by UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and Tata Transition Resilience Fund.
