Plaingraffic is the second of our videos to be launched, Gareth Pugh is Director and Senior Designer at Plaingraffic the local design and branding agency with big reach and he talked to us about why he got involved with the project, the importance of branding and his passion for Pontypridd and experience of working with the BID.

Hi Gareth, can you tell me about your range of work and clients at Plaingraffic and how long the business has been going?

We have been trading as a business for 8 years now, Plaingraffic is predominantly a branding agency but we offer numerous design services from brochure design, marketing material, illustration and digital services.

Our clients range from working with localised businesses and small to medium sized businesses to our larger clients such as the NHS, Diesel, Catnic and Respond Healthcare.

This range of clients really pushes us to adapt our style and approach to the way we work on a daily basis.

Why did you agree to be part of the video project and what are you hoping it will achieve for your business?

I am a huge advocate for my town, being brought up in Pontypridd and working in the town centre for so long I know that the potential is here, from business, sport, music, art, you name it, for such a small town we have an abundance of talent and I will take any opportunity to tell people this.

The video is a great opportunity for people at the heart of our community to give an honest opinion, hopefully a positive insight that can inform people from other areas about the exciting projects that are on the horizon. Pontypridd has been through a very tough period it is easy to have a negative view on the area but with so much promise and development ahead of us this was a great opportunity to bring some optimism back into the town.

Why did you decide to set up the business in Pontypridd and what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a small business in the heart of the town centre?

I was always very torn regarding this decision, either I worked well away from here where I knew the work was, or even down in Cardiff or actually make Pontypridd one of our USP's. We are an agency producing work to a high standard and we are extremely proud to operate out of Pontypridd. We work in an age where location does not dictate the business you get and we are certain that professional services such as graphic design can be fundamental in putting Pontypridd back on the map.

In the video you talk about the friendliness of Ponty, would you say this is the most important aspect in attracting new businesses and people to the town?

I think business requirements will always be the driving factor in bringing new blood into the town but the environment can certainly be an important factor. Having a sense of belonging helps you integrate into the business community and we certainly love working in a town where we know and interact with so many local people.

The video shows the wide range of you clients, what advice would you give to upcoming graphic designers on how to balance existing clients with new clients and opportunities?

You have to take educated risks, owning my own business was always a life long goal but it didn’t come without it’s bumps.

Anyone who owns a business will tell you that there are plenty of lows to go along with the high’s, the best advice I can give is to immerse yourself in what you do, be as passionate as you can, always be professional when solving problems and don’t stop learning and taking advise.

The video’s are aiming to change perceptions of Pontypridd and showcase local businesses, do you think this is the most effective way of communicating to local residents and potential visitors what Pontypridd offers?

Certainly yes, we live in an age where video plays a huge part in business and social life so it’s an obvious tool to talk directly to people.

For me the video’s are a really honest and emotional view into some of the businesses that may be hidden away from your everyday consumer. They will hopefully talk directly to the people of Pontypridd and also an audience much further afield.

The Your Pontypridd BID is entering its third year, how important has this been in supporting your business?

We are lucky enough as a small business to work very close with the BID. It has been instrumental in linking us with other local businesses which I think is key and at the heart of what the BID really is. The more businesses we have supporting each other and collaborating can surely only be a good thing and develop Pontypridd into a tight knit business community with a strong focused identity.

What potential do you see for Plaingraffic over the next five years with the ongoing redevelopment of Pontypridd town centre?

We are always looking forward, the developments such as the Taff Vale project and YMCA will inevitably bring more business, more footfall, possibly more competition which can only be healthy. We just hope it opens up opportunity for creative businesses such as Plaingraffic to work even closer which key local businesses and improve the towns business environment.

Following on from that, what in your opinion are the most important developments happening in Pontypridd over the next few years?

Obviously the Taff Vale Development is the stand out project, but my hope is that the extra foot fall will supply a lifeline to bring back retail and hospitality venues at a more boutique level. Towns need this balance, Pontypridd has an opportunity to put itself on the map as a professional service area but with the rich heritage that we have there has to be room for recreation and enjoyment. We have a wealth of history that should be protected and remembered but we need to look forward and ensure that Pontypridd grows and improves.

Thank you to Gareth taking the time to talk with us. You can visit Plaingraffic's website at https://www.plaingraffic.com/

Gareth’s video can be viewed here - https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/video