Latest news with #MediParry-Williams
Rhyl Journal
25-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
What new data showed about trade in Rhyl's town centre
Menter Môn has conducted a study of consumer statistics in the town, using BT Active Intelligence data to track footfall and demographic information. Delivered by data advisor Medi Parry-Williams, they focused on four sections of Rhyl: Vale Road, the town centre, the seafront, and areas near the new Queen's Market on West Parade. Medi hopes retailers and independent traders will utilise the information and capitalise on opportunities to learn more about their customers. 'The data can tell a town centre where people are coming from, how long they stay, give a profile of customers and provide businesses with pivotal information,' said Medi. 'Traders in Rhyl can contact us for more advice and support, where we can drill down into the detail and tell them who is visiting and when, what their busiest days and times are and more. 'It is an important investment by Smart Towns Wales which is invaluable to smaller independent businesses, so we hope they will make the most of it, to strategise for the future and help boost the town's economy.' The data was recorded across a period of months, including last December, when footfall in the town centre was at its highest each day between 11am and 3pm. The 65+ and 25-34-years-old age ranges were the most represented, with the majority in the 'low income' group, which would not include retirees. International visitors on the days studied were primarily from India, Ireland, Nigeria, Malta and the Netherlands, and High Street experienced the most footfall, followed by Vale Road and the seafront. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and Smart Towns Wales will hold a workshop as part of the developing Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign, to be held at Costigan's Co-Working Space in Bodfor Street on July 17 from 6-8pm. The event will bring together businesses to gauge their feedback and provide input into a £20million regeneration strategy for Rhyl from the UK Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, a 10-year vison for the town to help revitalise areas and fight deprivation. Savills director and the board's strategic advisor, Nick Bennett, encouraged small businesses to be proactive in attending the event and utilising data that could benefit trade. 'Retailers and small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and now more than ever, they have the opportunity to thrive by leveraging one-to-one support, attending free local events, and making the most of data-driven insights into customer behaviour and footfall,' he Nick. 'These tools not only help businesses respond to current trends but also play a vital role in strengthening the local economy. 'When we support businesses to make more informed decisions, we lay the groundwork for sustainable regeneration and long-term prosperity across our high streets, so I hope we see lots of people at the event.'
Business News Wales
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Mobile Data to Help Shape Decision Making in Seaside Resort
Medi Parry-Williams – founder of Making Places Work (MPW) Traders in a seaside town can benefit from data that will help shape decision-making and identify customer trends. Driven by the Welsh Government-funded Smart Towns Wales project with the backing of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, Menter Môn conducted a study of consumer statistics in the coastal resort, using BT Active Intelligence Data to track footfall and demographic information. Delivered by High Street Data Advisor Medi Parry-Williams – founder of Making Places Work (MPW) – they focused on four sections of Rhyl: Vale Road, the town centre, the seafront and areas around the new Queen's Market on West Parade. Medi hopes retailers and independent traders will utilise the information and capitalise on opportunities to learn more about their customers. 'The data can tell a town centre where people are coming from, how long they stay, give a profile of customers and provide businesses with pivotal information,' said Medi. 'Traders in Rhyl can contact us for more advice and support, where we can drill down into the detail and tell them who is visiting and when, what their busiest days and times are and more. 'It is an important investment by Smart Towns Wales which is invaluable to smaller independent businesses, so we hope they will make the most of it, to strategise for the future and help boost the town's economy.' The data was recorded over a period of months including last December, when footfall in the town centre was at its highest each day between 11am and 3pm. The 65+ and 25-34 years old age ranges were the most represented, with the majority in the 'low income' group, which would not include retirees. International visitors on the days studied were primarily from India, Ireland, Nigeria, Malta and the Netherlands, and the high street experienced the most footfall, followed by Vale Road and the seafront. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and Smart Towns Wales will hold a workshop as part of the developing Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign, to be held at Costigan's Co-Working Space in Bodfor Street on Thursday July 17 from 6pm-8pm. The event will bring together businesses to gauge their feedback and provide input into a £20 million regeneration strategy for Rhyl from the UK Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, a 10-year vision for the town to help revitalise local areas and fight deprivation by zeroing in on three goals: thriving places, stronger communities, and taking back control. Savills Director and the Board's Strategic Advisor Nick Bennett encouraged small businesses to be proactive in attending the event and utilising data that could benefit trade. 'Retailers and small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and now more than ever, they have the opportunity to thrive by leveraging one-to-one support, attending free local events, and making the most of data-driven insights into customer behaviour and footfall,' said Nick. 'These tools not only help businesses respond to current trends but also play a vital role in strengthening the local economy. 'When we support businesses to make more informed decisions, we lay the groundwork for sustainable regeneration and long-term prosperity across our high streets, so I hope we see lots of people at the event.' To attend the free event on July 17, visit Eventbrite: Business Engagement Event / Digwyddiad Ymgysylltu Busnes Tickets, Thu, Jul 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite For more information or to book a free one-to-one consultation, email smarttowns@ To find out more about case studies delivered by the Smart Towns Wales team, visit: Take the Our Rhyl / Ein Rhyl survey here, giving your feedback and ideas for the strategy: English: Welsh:
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Company celebrates first year of revitalising UK communities
MPW – Making Places Work was founded by regeneration specialist Medi Parry-Williams and has been delivering place-based strategies to revitalise high streets, town centres, and shopping centres. Over the past year, Ms Parry-Williams has worked with clients across the public, private, and third sectors, supporting sustainable growth through creative solutions, data-led insights, and community-driven engagement. The company's standout moment this year came when Ms Parry-Williams was selected by the Department for Business and Trade to represent the UK Government at MAPIC in Cannes – one of the world's leading retail and urban development events. Ms Parry-Williams also played a key role in the Welsh Government's Smart Towns Wales initiative, serving as a high street data advisor. In this role, she empowered more than 80 independent businesses across Wales by interpreting BT Active intelligence data and delivering tailored one-to-one support. Her work has led to the publication of 13 detailed case studies, highlighting best practices in the use of data and technology on the high street. Ms Parry-Williams said: "Our first year has been incredibly rewarding. "The people and places we've had the opportunity to work with have made this journey worthwhile. "As our team continues to grow, we're excited about what's ahead. "We have ambitious plans in motion and remain focused on delivering meaningful impact in every place we work." READ MORE: Welsh BAFTA winner takes on 'exciting' new role at Caernarfon TV company Ms Parry-Williams has also collaborated with landlords and managing agents to review shopping centre operations and identify cost-saving efficiencies across several key assets. The company is also supporting Bangor City Council during its 1500th anniversary celebrations and, in partnership with Bangor University, is developing a tailored digital strategy for the city. Ms Parry-Williams' growing reputation in Wales is strengthened by the firm's commitment to bilingual delivery. The launch of a Welsh-language website and the completion of major projects in Welsh have underlined its dedication to cultural inclusivity and engagement with communities from the area.
