Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid held its latest regional networking event on 13 November in a new location: Pontypridd.
Y Muni was filled with Chamber members, local businesses and cultural enthusiasts who gathered for another exceptional networking event, organised in collaboration with new Chamber member Awen Cultural Trust.
An optimum networking opportunity
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from both the Chamber and member Awen Cultural Trust, who encouraged businesses to foster relationships, engage in conversation and exchange ideas with likeminded businesses and individuals. Y Muni, known for its architecture and fully accessible spaces, provided the ideal backdrop for a morning of connection, collaboration and cultural appreciation.
Providing opportunities and spaces for people and communities to connect, experience and enjoy is at the heart of Awen Cultural Trust’s values. Attendees were fascinated to hear from the charity about how they operate a range of cultural facilities and activities across Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent and Bridgend. These include theatres, libraries, community centres, a country house and park, and two work-based projects for adults with learning disabilities.
A moment of calm
Dai Rees from Chamber member Case-UK shone a spotlight on wellbeing as he spoke at the event, introducing breathwork practices attendees could include in their daily routines to improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Case-UK offers businesses a range of programmes to address wellbeing issues within the workplace, as well as sessions on how to build healthy and sustainable team cultures and relationships between different demographics within a workforce.
An exclusive peek behind the scenes
One of the highlights of the morning for attendees was the exclusive behind the scenes tour of the newly renovated Y Muni. The Grade II listed event and performance space, once a 19th century Wesleyan chapel, received £5.3m from the former government’s Levelling Up Fund in late 2021 and has been refurbished to establish the historic venue as a bustling hub of music and arts for the region.
Guided by knowledgeable staff, attendees explored areas typically off-limits to the public, marvelling at the intricate details of the gothic architecture and learning about the venue’s role in promoting cultural events in Pontypridd. This unique experience not only displayed the venue’s charm but also highlighted to local businesses its potential for hosting future events.
What’s next?
As businesses reflected on the valuable connections made as the event drew to a close, the Chamber shared details of its next networking event on 20 November.
The breakfast event at Clockwise, Cardiff will offer businesses the chance to hear from industry expert Emily Steer, founder of Chamber member Weboss Ltd. Emily will provide a whistlestop tour and guidance on selecting the ideal accounting software, share how AI-powered tools can streamline processes when combined with the outsourcing of financial tasks, and look at how interactive panels can boost efficiency and productivity.
