Carmarthenshire County Council is celebrating its initiative to help businesses embrace the Welsh language.

The council's "Welsh for Carmarthenshire Businesses" scheme, launched in autumn 2023, aims to ensure the Welsh language continues to thrive in the county.

This initiative, a collaboration between the Arfor programme and the National Centre for Learning Welsh's Work Welsh programme, is a response to the overwhelming interest from businesses in Welsh language development.

More than 23 businesses signed up for the Welsh beginners course, which started in April 2024.

The course, intended for entry-level learners, is conducted weekly via Zoom by a tutor from Learn Welsh Ceredigion-Powys-Carmarthenshire.

The participants occasionally meet at a café for a more collaborative learning experience, with the tutor joining them online.

Lowri, course tutor, said: "The class stays connected via WhatsApp and by now they're friends.

"The business group is fantastic to teach, full of fun and jokes.

"They enjoy speaking Welsh and understand more of the language."

The course is set to conclude at the end of 2024, with many participants eager to continue to the next level.

Paul Raven, the owner of Tea Traders in Carmarthen, is one of the participants.

His business, in Guildhall Square, has been part of the community since 2017.

Mr Raven enrolled on the Mynediad (entry-level) Welsh course with the aim of improving his Welsh language skills and confidence.

He said: "Dw i'n dysgu Cymraeg!

"We have many Welsh-speaking customers, so it's great to be able to exchange simple greetings with them in Welsh, or to chat about the weather.

"I'm trying to serve customers in Welsh where I can, and our regulars are helping me build up my confidence."

Mr Raven also praised the programme's flexibility, noting that two members of his team are also learning Welsh.

He said: "The Welsh for Business programme has been just what I needed.

"I've really enjoyed attending the weekly lessons via Zoom and learning with other local business people.

"I'm looking forward to enrolling in the next course and would recommend it to anyone who wants to use more Welsh in their business."

The "Welsh for Carmarthenshire Businesses" programme is one of the initiatives supported by Arfor in Carmarthenshire.

Arfor is a regional programme that aims to provide economic support that allows for the sustainability and growth of the Welsh language.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, councillor Darren Price said: "With the positive feedback and enthusiasm from participants like Paul Raven, it’s clear that this programme is just the beginning.

"As more businesses look to join future courses, Carmarthenshire is well on its way to becoming a leader in promoting the use of Welsh in business, ensuring the language continues to flourish for generations to come."

Businesses in Carmarthenshire looking to develop Welsh skills or have staff who would benefit from this offer, can contact arfor@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.