Rhymney equestrian centre benefits from Welsh Government support to develop online marketing

The Haylemma Centre, an equestrian centre and social enterprise in Rhymney, in Caerphilly County Borough, has received a package of support from Communities 2.0, the Welsh Government’s digital inclusion programme. The support will help the organisation with the development of a new website and social media outlets including an online electronic booking system. The support will also introduce new working practices with the use of a tablet to improve communication with customers and manage bookings.

Communities 2.0 is a Welsh Government programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. 

Communities 2.0 has supported the Haylemma Centre with an investment of over £3,000, which will be used to purchase the new software, develop the new website and booking systems as well as improve wireless connectivity on the site. Communities 2.0 has also provided the enterprise with technical expertise, advice and  staff training support in using new software such as Sage and Mailchimp. Overall, the support will enable the business to offer better customer service, marketing and improve staff skills, enabling improved opportunities for Haylemma to grow.

The Haylemma Centre opened in 2011 and offers riding lessons and animal interaction sessions as well as riding sessions for disabled people. The social enterprise also offers volunteering work and work placement opportunities. The business is a member of the Association of British Riding Schools, Riding for the Disabled Association and is an Equine Assissted Qualification Centre. Haylemma offers nationally recognized equine qualifications to riders, volunteers and children and adults with and without learning difficulties. The business has recently gained funding to develop a new riding paddock which will increase its capacity for offering riding lessons. 

Jeanette Evans is a Director at the Haylemma Centre. She commented, “We are grateful for the support from Communities 2.0 and the high quality of advice and training we have received from them. The support will enable us to create an effective website and offer a more effective booking system for our customers.  This will  enable us to operate more efficiently, allowing staff and volunteers more time to develop the business and work with our customers, clients and horses.”

Communities 2.0 project director Cathryn Marcus commented: “Communities 2.0 is delighted to be able to support the Haylemma Centre. Every social enterprise needs to be able to offer a reliable service to its customers in order to grow successfully. Our support will enable the Haylemma Centre to manage its booking and marketing effectively.”