Did you know that over 80% of Welsh speakers will be more likely to choose a business or service (and to remain loyal to that business) if it uses the Welsh language?[i] There are over half a million Welsh speakers in Wales (with that number set to grow) – that’s a lot of loyal customers!
But what about those who don’t speak Welsh? Well, the latest National Survey in Wales showed that 83% of non-Welsh speakers thought that the language was something to be proud of (which rose to 86% once Welsh-speakers were included as well)[ii] – do you want to align your business with the vast majority of people in Wales?
The use of the Welsh language can be a marketable asset to many different kinds of businesses. There is plenty of research to show the marked effect the language[iii] can have on customers’ perceptions and purchasing decisions in the food and drink industry,[iv] for example, and anyone who has a customer-facing element in their business can benefit from even just “courtesy” Welsh.
Perhaps you live in an area where there isn’t a lot of Welsh spoken on the street – does that make you think “there aren’t any Welsh speakers here”? At the 2011 census there were over 13,000 Welsh speakers in Newport, and over 36,000 in Cardiff – would 80% of that customer base be attractive to you?
The good news is that Cymraeg Byd Busnes is a national service that can help anyone can take advantage of these benefits whether or not they speak the language themselves. Following an initial assessment, its officers can create a tailor-made plan for your business which focuses on the free and low-cost steps you can take to incorporate more Welsh, including advice on aspects from staff skills to social media, and practical help such as translations of signage, menus etc.
So, a personal, tailored service to enable you make small changes to your business that could help draw in new customers and retain them – what would that be worth to you? Well this is the best bit – the service is entirely free to all small and medium-sized enterprises in Wales!
There are Cymraeg Byd Busnes officers all over Wales who are dedicated to helping the small business-owner, so to find your local officer go to: cymraeg.llyw.cymru/business/business/swyddogion/?lang=en
[divider style=”solid” color=”#eeeeee” width=”1px”]
[i] www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/corporate/english-by-default–summary-report–march-2015.pdf
[ii] gov.wales/docs/statistics/2018/180620-national-survey-wales-2017-18-headline-results-en.pdf
[iii] www.comisiynyddygymraeg.cymru/hybu/SiteCollectionDocuments/Adroddiad%20bwyd%20a%20diod%20%28Templed%29.pdf
[iv] businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/about-us/welsh-food-and-drink-numbers-and-value-welshness