Company spreads its wings worldwide from Port Talbot business centre base

A Port Talbot-based company is flying the flag worldwide in helping make society more accessible for people with disabilities.

Destek, whose name in Turkish means ‘support’, is based at Sandfields Business Centre.

The company has praised the help they have received from the business centre in helping them to grow.

From its Sandfields base, Destek works with organisations to improve the accessibility of their products, services, and environments so that people with disabilities aren’t excluded.

The company’s workforce includes Web and Social Media Editor Mike Ward, who is tetraplegic as a result of a diving accident in 1983.

In the three decades since his accident Mike has put his energy and resilient character into fighting for equal rights for all Disabled people.

He is part of a team whose work has meant Destek, in just a few years, has built up a reputation for helping organisations ensure their digital environments are accessible to people with disabilities.

The company is also spreading its wings overseas with plans to open an office in Istanbul next year and work with the organisers of the Seoul Olympics in South Korea.

Its work was recognised when it recently became a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year category at Apprentice Award Cymru 2015.

Despite not winning the award, director Andrea Kennedy said it was great to be recognised for their work.

She explained: “I had been working in technology for a number of years but in 2010 decided to set up my own company.

“Initially it was just myself working from home but I soon began to get more work than I could handle and I needed help.”

With fellow director Mehmet Evsen they leapt at the opportunity to use a small unit at the Sandfields Business Centre.

Today the company occupies a much bigger unit at the centre.

Andrea added:

“The centre has been wonderful for us, not just for providing space for us to develop but also with all the support provided.

“Progress has been more rapid than we expected and the future prospects are excellent.

As well as benefiting from the centre itself Destek works with other businesses there on aspects of their operation.

“We can reach out to anywhere in the world from Sandfields and we are very grateful for all the support we have received,” she added.

Sandfields Business Centre is a flagship of Neath Port Talbot Council’s entrepreneurial initiatives, providing office and workshop accommodation to start-up and existing businesses.

It has opened doors to entrepreneurs for almost 17 years thanks to funding from Europe, the Welsh Office and Neath Port Talbot Council.

Officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1998, the centre initially housed 9 offices and four workshops but such was its success that four years later further construction took the centre to 24 offices and 11 workshops at a cost of £1million.

The centre offers a wide range of support including broadband and reception facilities together with affordable rents and a relaxed community atmosphere.

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“It is fantastic to hear about the success of yet another company based at Sandfields Business Centre.

“With top quality facilities, on-site advice and financial support from the Economic Development Team, the centre really does give businesses the ideal platform to realise their full potential.”