Torfaen’s Communities for Work Plus and Job Centre Plus Help Launch New Businesses

The Communities for Work Plus project and the Job Centre Plus helped to establish two new and exciting ventures during the month of May 2019. Firstly Paul McCarthy from Cwmbran has started up Animals Interactive – an animal showcase business which is perfect for birthday parties, school education and fun projects. Paul has birds of prey, rabbits, a tame captive fox,  lizards and hissing cockroaches to name but a few.

Paul said, “I can’t thank Torfaen Borough Council and the Communities for Work Project enough for supporting me and helping me start my dream business- Animals Interactive. 

I have been breeding and keeping exotic animals as well as birds of prey for over 25 years. I am very committed to my animals and providing them with the best. The product of this is beautiful tame animals that are ideal for animal encounters with the public and for education in schools and other settings. We will also work within care / residential homes to provide innovative, sensory experiences for the elderly or learning disability residents.”

Animals Interactive will also be featuring and having a heavy presence at community events this summer across Torfaen, Newport, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire

Secondly Thomas Morris from Thornhill has worked hard to establish his own tiling and home improvements enterprise, incorporating new tiling for kitchen and bathrooms, wet room screeding, plastering and painting. Thomas said, “I can’t thank CFW+ and the JCP for all their support. They have helped me every step of the way.”

Both have received business set up support, equipment, business insurance and funding to market and promote their ventures which will hopefully give them a flying start into their new careers. 

Richard Murphy, Employer Engagement officer for the Communities for Work Plus Project and Torfaen County Borough Council said, “It’s been great helping both of these businesses establish. They have researched their markets effectively and there are opportunities to tap into sectors both locally and nationally which will provide them with a successful profitable living and also provide our residents with increased access to quality local services. The every best of luck to both new businesses.”

If you would like support towards setting up your own business venture, contact Richard Murphy on: 01633 647455/ 07812197991