West Wales European Centre pop-up shop is a hit

The West Wales European Centre (WWEC) has hosted a pop-up shop at St Catherine’s Walk in Carmarthen to promote its work.
The pop-up shop was used to showcase externally-funded projects and provide advice on external funding for new projects.
Part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Economic Development service, WWEC help to monitor, develop and attract external and European funding for the area.
In Carmarthenshire, a total of £114m is being invested as a direct result of the Convergence programme with a further £23m from the Rural Development plan.
The current Convergence programme has put emphasis on collaboration and as a result the authority has worked closely with neighbouring authorities in Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot in delivering joint initiatives. Collectively, this collaboration has helped secure some £156m into the West Wales economy.
A busy programme of activities was organised throughout the week alongside information stalls ranging from business support, grants for community groups, sustainable projects, support for farmers and much more.
Europe Direct, Specialist European Teams, the Community Bureau and Rural Development Plan (RDP) Sir Gar were all there to answer questions on the European and external funding services they provide.
The shop also had an unexpected visit from international Welsh rugby player Rhys Priestland.
In total, over 1200 people found out more about EU-funded projects in Carmarthenshire and the support they provide to individuals looking for employment or businesses looking to expand.
The council’s executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted that the pop up shop has proved so successful. It shows how members of staff at WWEC are there to help and the fact it took place in a shop made it so much more accessible to the public.”
To find out more about West Wales European Centre, visit wwec.org.uk or call 01267 242 360.