Examples of work
Our Investment Programme CultureStep, funded by the Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales is key to fostering and developing creative relationships across Wales. The broad range of projects that we invested in benefited children, the elderly, people in the workplace and local communities in every county of Wales, and were an effective method of achieving core business objectives.
Below are some examples where our programmes have helped:
- Develop and motivate staff
Cost and Project Management Consultancy ChandlerKBS sees staff as its most valuable asset. It wanted to enhance the communication and presentation skills of employees at all levels in order to strengthen client relationships and develop new ones. We brokered and invested in a partnership with Act Now Creative Training who devised and delivered a bespoke course. The programme is currently running successfully in South and North Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London.
- Raise profile and reach new customers
Consulting Engineers Arup has committed to a 3 yr sponsorship of Cardiff International Academy of Voice in order to attract new partners for both organisations, as well as establish links with schools and provide staff training opportunities. With investment from A&B Cymru, the project will enable Academy students to work with schools across Wales and develop their own performance skills. The business’ cash and in-kind support is crucial to the long term sustainability of the Academy.
- Demonstrate Community Responsibility
A group of 13 businesses have come together as the North Wales Construction Partnership to support an exciting arts project. The companies share a common CSR objective but, in the current economic climate, could not afford to sponsor individually. Working with creative writing specialists Ty Newydd, the businesses are enabling work with a local primary school on an international ‘e-Twinning’ project. Ysgol Cae Top will develop stories, films and CDs for exchange over the Internet with schools from other countries. Our investment has contributed to the project’s first year and all partners involved hope to develop the initiative into exchange visits in the future.
- Engage and support young people
Sony UK supports It’s My Shout to meet its community responsibility and interest in training. This film initiative engages teenagers who otherwise wouldn’t have access to work experience and development in the creative industries. We invested further in the unique project, along with Barclays and ITV Wales. Tesco increased its investment in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 2008 to demonstrate its community interest in North Wales. A&B Cymru investment enabled 75 local children, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, the chance to experience workshops at the Eisteddfod.
- Demonstrate commitment to the environment
BSkyB and The Guardian Media Group’s interest in environmental issues and sustainability was perfectly matched by Hay Festival’s innovative Greenprint project, a 5 year initiative to aid the sustainability of festivals. Both businesses have supported Greenprint since its inception in 2007, keen to demonstrate corporate values as green brands, engage staff, develop audiences and promote the reduction of the carbon footprint. In 2008, Pembrokeshire based consultancy and outdoor holiday firm TYF also invested in Greenprint, sharing common objectives with the Greenprint’s other investors. A&B Cymru has been a key partner of Greenprint since 2007 and most recently invested the project’s second stage, taking the initiative to Universities in the form of discussions and debates. These will be recorded and archived as a study resource for Sustainable Development students.