Using the Investing in Welsh Mark
Many businesses in Wales already use Welsh. Research shows that most customers appreciate this, and that they think it is important that businesses in Wales use the Welsh language. The Investing in Welsh Mark makes it easy for businesses to show that they respect their customers in Wales, and helps businesses draw attention to the ways in which they support the Welsh language.
Why take part in the Investing in Welsh scheme?
If your business already uses Welsh, the Investing in Welsh scheme will help you to promote that. If your business does not use Welsh at the moment, the Investing in Welsh scheme will help you make a start. It doesn’t mean that you have to do everything bilingually, and it does not mean that you have to have bilingual staff. Your business can use the scheme as a first step, to build up its use of Welsh over time. Many prominent and well-respected businesses are already part of the scheme, so your business will be in good company. Your staff and customers will be proud that your business is supporting the precious language and culture of Wales.
What other benefits are there to registering for Investing in Welsh?
Virtually all of the 600,000 people who can speak Welsh will be pleased to see that your business is backing the Welsh language. But it is not their language alone. Independent research2 shows that most people in Wales are proud of the Welsh language, and that they think it is important that businesses use it. Although only 1 in 5 people in Wales speak Welsh, more than 3 in 5 support the language. By registering for the Investing in Welsh scheme, all these people, Welsh speaking and non-Welsh speaking will be able to see that your business respects Welsh. Research also shows that customers associate Welsh language services and products which have bilingual packaging with higher quality. Market leaders realise this and in many sectors they are leading the way in expanding the use of Welsh. Registering for the scheme will tell your customers – existing and new – that your business reaches the highest of standards. The Board will host a directory of businesses which have registered for the Investing in Welsh scheme. Anyone who wants to find a business which supports Welsh will be able to do so easily, so registering for the scheme will give your business an extra marketing tool.
How do I register my business for Investing in Welsh?
Simply confirm to the Board that your business meets the scheme requirements, including your business name, address and contact details. You can do this by sending an email to post@byig-wlb.org.uk, or by writing to the address at the end of this document.

The Welsh Language Board Link Line to Welsh
does the following:-

translates up to 30 words
edits up to 75 words
translates menus of every kind
provides information on all aspects of Wales and the Welsh language
advises on place-names in Wales
And all of the above is free of charge
Telephone – 0845 607 6070

Send a text message - +44 (0)762 480 4130

Send a Fax - +44 (0)1248 725 735

Gwenda Thomas AM presenting Wyn Davies, Manager Co-operative Pontardawe on behalf of Menter Iaith CNPT for promoting Welsh in the workplace

What is Iaith Gwaith (Working Welsh)?

Iaith Gwaith is a campaign to promote bilingual service.

The scheme is built around a simple and recognisable orange badge which can be worn by staff who deal with the public to show that they can speak Welsh or are learning Welsh. The scheme’s symbol indicates to customers that a service is available in Welsh.

The badge – in the form of an orange speech bubble – shows that spoken Welsh is a working language.

Tens of thousands of the badges have been distributed to businesses, shops, museums, pubs, health trusts, county councils and many more organisations.

What are the advantages?

· Helping customers to identify Welsh speaking staff.

· Offering customers a service in their preferred language straight away – and free of charge

· Building your brand as an employer by showing that you recognise and value Welsh speaking staff

· Developing your employees’ Welsh language communication skills.

Read the full list of advantages

Iaith Gwaith: Artwork

In order to be able to use Iaith Gwaith artwork, you must register with the Board.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the use of Welsh by businesses, and in the Private Sector and Business Team our role is to encourage this trend by giving support to companies who are looking to develop their use of Welsh.

In an increasingly global market, businesses are seeing the value of creating a personality for themselves and identifying themselves as being Welsh. In addition, a bilingual service is evidence of a commitment to ALL customers. Even those who can’t speak the language value seeing and hearing Welsh.

The two main strands of our work are
• to work with, and support, companies in Wales who wish to develop their use of Welsh, and
• to target highly visible companies who are not necessarily based in Wales but have a significant business presence here.

In recent years numerous market leaders have been adopting bilingualism because it makes good business sense and we are aware of the fact that it is these market leaders who others will, in turn, seek to emulate.

Among the companies that we have worked with are Marks & Spencer, Boots, HSBC, NatWest, Tesco, Primark and Borders. We also work with a whole range of Welsh-based companies, from PR companies and call centres to food suppliers, shops, and agricultural companies such as Wynnstay.

We are committed to supporting the use of Welsh in business and keen to offer practical advice and hands-on help to companies looking to work bilingually.