In a special guest blog that is part of a series looking back at the Arfor Challenge Fund, Anwen and Gwenan from Adain discuss how their part in the project helped develop their attitude towards how businesses use the Welsh language.
Welsh is a completely natural part of day to day life for many of us, but for Welsh businesses it can be challenging to sustain this reality in the digital world. We live in a digital world where online presence is essential to the success of any business, but for businesses in Wales, the question arises: how can we provide the same natural Welsh language service for our customers in the digital realm? The Arfor Challenge Fund pilot project by Adain was aimed to challenge that gap between face to face service and online presence.
Over a year ago we had the opportunity of trialling a cross county border pilot programme with four businesses of different kinds: Redloxx on Ynys Môn, Cegin Diod in Llandeilo, Olew in Aberystwyth and Elaines in Llanrug. From the start, it was clear that every business would have their own challenges and objectives, and so we adopted a flexible approach and drafted support packages that were specifically tailored to the needs of each one.
To do this effectively, we worked with experienced creative partners, including Llewes, Cyfieithu Acen, Llio Angharad, Cread Cyf and Shoned Owen. During this collaboration, the businesses received practical and varied digital marketing support including collabs on social media, filming and editing work, new bilingual websites, social media assets, brainstorming and planning sessions, training and upskilling sessions and more.
The feedback we’ve received from the businesses has been very positive. This is what Sara from Llesiant Redloxx Wellbeing:
“Without a doubt, this project has given me confidence to add much more Welsh content across my social accounts, which has felt empowering and very meaningful.”
As well as increasing her Welsh content online, Sara received practical support to develop a bilingual website and a brand new Welsh podcast series called Stedda ‘fo Sara on Youtube where she welcomed famous guests to her sofa to discuss wellbeing issues.” .
“The bilingual website has been great… and they have also played a big part in helping me start my Welsh language podcast. Something I don’t think I would have had the confidence to do without their support and encouragement.”
For Elaines, which is located in Llanrug, the Welsh element is central to the identity of the business. As Gemma explains:
“As we are located in the most Welsh-speaking community in the world, being able to provide a service in Welsh is essential to the success of out business and is very important to us as a family. A bilingual website wouldn’t have been possible without this project.”
Since completing the project, we at Adain have continued to work with a number of businesses across Wales, offering support to increase and improve Welsh digital content, as well as opportunities to upskill through courses and a variety of training sessions. Looking towards the future, this pilot has set a strong foundation for expanding the work further and continuing to strengthen the presence of the Welsh language online.
Even though the main aim of the project was supporting other businesses, it’s important to recognise how valuable it has been for Adain to be part of this journey. By working closely with businesses and partners, we have learnt so much about the reality of running Welsh businesses in the digital world and have fostered strong relationships – and in many instances, genuine friendships. These experiences have ignited our passion to support businesses in Wales even further, and it is a genuine privilege being able to work with so many amazing small businesses every day.
