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8 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017AL REPORT 2016-2017 BUSINESS IN FOCUS 9
COLUMBUS CAMPERVANS
Columbus Campervans was established by marketing plan and to consider possible
James Page in 2016 and offers tourists and partnerships and negotiation techniques
families a unique experience, exploring West when talking to suppliers.
Wales and the nearby tourist attractions Hywel assessed the viability of James’s
using a novelty campervan. financial plan and advised on business
Based near Swansea, Columbus currently insurance and legal requirements for a
offers two classic Volkswagen campervans, limited company. He also supported
available for weddings, holidays, short James in his search of suitable premises for
breaks and special occasions. James is the business.
already planning to introduce additional Following the advice, James set up
services to enhance Columbus Campervans’ Columbus Campervans as a limited company
offering including food hampers with locally and has since launched his own website. He
sourced produce.
has also been referred to further specialist
James is a design engineer by trade and Business Wales support, including social
decided to give up his job in 2015 to media and marketing workshops and
concentrate on the development of his Superfast Business Wales.
own business. He explained, “Before I got As James had never been in business before
the business up and running, I took part and found that it could be a lonely and
in a Taking the Plunge workshop through challenging experience at times, he was
Business Wales to see if it was the right successfully matched with a mentor through
choice for me.
the Business Wales Mentoring Programme.
“I had great support from the advisers at Max McDermott is currently supporting
Business Wales, guiding me step by step James with social media marketing, general
with what I needed to have in place and business mentoring, and guidance on how
what I needed to do, including simple tasks to utilise his newly built website to its
such as registering the company to setting full potential and turn leads into paying
up a website.” customers.
James’ Business Wales adviser, Hywel www.columbuscampervans.com
Bassett, conducted a business diagnostic
and reviewed his business plan and financial
forecasts. He advised on sourcing additional
funding and on suitable business banking
options. Hywel encouraged James to
put together a comprehensive, strategic
BUSINESS WALES
CASE STUDY
Business Wales is the Welsh Government’s Entrepreneurship Service. It is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
