YOUNG businessman Owen Walters has moved into the incubation space at The Beacon Centre for Enterprise in Dafen.
Web and graphic designer Owen is the joint winner of the Beacon Bursary Competition along with film maker James Button. The competition enabled them to gain 12 months free office space at the Beacon.
Eighteen-year-old Owen has just completed his A levels at Coleg Sir Gar and chose not to follow the traditional route into university but with the support of the Beacon Bursary decided to set up his own business.
He has a proven talent in website development and has a distinct advantage over many competitors as he has both coding and creative skills. His talent was recognised in the recent LHP West Wales Business Awards when he won the category for Young Entrepreneur in IT.
Owen provides a web and graphic design service to both local and global businesses, with recent commissions by global online clients within Australia and the USA.
Owen, who lives in Pemberton, said: “I started the business in the summer holidays between my first and second year at Coleg Sir Gar, working from my bedroom with a computer, desk and basic equipment.
“Business mentors, Dai Nicholas and Amanda Russell helped me to develop a business plan and I won the Beacon Bursary. Having office space at the Beacon gives a much more professional image for my business.”
Wendy Walters, Head of Economic Development, Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “The vision for The Beacon is to act as a leading light in nurturing and training both young enterprise skills and to develop entrepreneur business talent to enter the private sector across South West Wales.
“We wish Owen all the best with his new business venture.”
Executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted that the Beacon Bursary is giving two talented young entrepreneurs a chance to further develop their businesses.
“I’m sure Owen will find the Beacon an ideal place to work out and that he will benefit from the access to support and advice in developing his business. I wish him well for the future. We need young entrepreneurs such as Owen to help take Carmarthenshire’s economy forward.”
James Button Films – www.jamesbuttonfilms.com
Owen Walters – www.owen-walters.com
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