Congratulations to Motion Control Dance on winning Third Sector Business of the year at the inaugural Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards. Here’s what they had to say:
Why did you enter the VOG Business Awards?
After working in the Vale for the past 20 years I felt we had to enter the awards to get the recognition for the hard work and impact our dance charity makes to lives in the Vale.
What did winning mean for you or your business?
It meant a great deal – it gave all our tutors a boost in confidence that we are making a difference especially after such a hard year with the pandemic. Winning this award has raised our status with other businesses in the region to hopefully help make new contacts and hopefully new financial donors.
What did you think of the awards ceremony?
It was a wonderful event!
What’s been a challenge for you or your business during the last year and how did you overcome it?
As a small dance charity, maintaining financial stability is our biggest challenge as we rely heavily on grant funding. Another challenge we have faced is building up our workforce as I was the only full time member of staff who wore all the hats in the business. The cost of living crisis has also been a challenge since starting our new term in September as we have lost quite a few members as they have had to tighten their belts and cut down on extra activities – we saw 68 members leave in 2 months with the reason being they couldn’t afford to come to class anymore.
What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why?
The highlight of the year was winning the Vale Business Award and being presented with the Best Dance Studio of the Year by the Welsh Prestige Awards. Our performances of the Green Movement in April and our recent show Ice Queen were also highlights as we brought our community together to enjoy the talents of our young dancers.
What are your goals for 2023?
Our goals for 2023 is to try to find corporate sponsorships to enable us to offer free sessions to those living in deprived areas of Barry and also to expand our team so I can focus on the growth and sustainability of the charity.
Whats the best thing about running a business in the Vale?
Since starting my business I have maintained the fact that we only work in the Vale. Being from the Vale myself it means a lot to help my community and seeing how MCD impacts so many lives in the Vale is heartwarming. I love my job!
