Businesses across Wales are getting involved with a Welsh Government campaign to share their reasons for using Welsh.
The campaign, called #100kReasons, is urging business owners to help inspire others to start using Welsh by sparking a conversation about the benefits it can bring to a business.
Wales is built on an economy of around 100,000 active small to medium enterprises, each with an opportunity to explore the positive impact using even just a little Welsh can have. To help these SMEs, the Welsh Government launched their Welsh in Business project in 2017 offering free, tailored advice on using Welsh in business.
By offering the service, the Welsh Government hopes more business owners will start to think about how Welsh can become more seen and heard in their businesses, giving more people the opportunity to use Welsh in their communities – all to align with the Cymraeg 2050 strategy.
Welsh in Business first year statistics show that businesses have benefitted from the new service. The figures showed that:
- 140 businesses used the free translation service
- More than 1,000 businesses engaged with the project
- Almost 200 businesses have been supported to use Welsh
José Lourenco, the owner of The Celtic Arms in Northop who has used the Welsh in Business service said;
“We use Welsh because we value our local customers. As a non-Welsh speaker, the free support I’ve had from the Welsh in Business project has been fantastic. We have been able to add a touch of Welsh to our menus and signage around the restaurant.
“Our Welsh speaking customers love to see the language in use and we regularly receive fantastic feedback from visitors from all over the world”
Philip Thomas, the owner of a craft ale brewery, Bragdy Twt Lol in Trefforest said;
“Using Welsh in my business has made the brand stand out because we’re doing something a little different. As a Welsh speaker, using the language was always going to be a natural part of my business but there’s a clear benefit to having the free service such as checking social media posts. I’d encourage other entrepreneurs to take advantage of this, it’s a no-brainer.”
Eluned Morgan, Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language said;
“Getting businesses on board is vital to the success of Cymraeg 2050, so I encourage those already using Welsh to shout about the benefits this brings them.
“Using Welsh in Business makes business sense. If you’re a business owner who feels daunted by offering bilingual services, I want you to know that Welsh in Business is here to support you. Using just a little Welsh will make a big difference.”
If you’re a small business owner that uses Welsh, get involved with the campaign by sharing your reason for using Welsh in your business with the hashtag #100kReasons
To find out how to access free support from the Welsh in Business project, visit the website: www.cymraeg.gov.wales/business