Monthly Archives: July 2023

News

New college academy will train next generation of digital leaders

A NEW college programme will help future-proof multiple industries by training the next generation of digital leaders.

Coleg Cambria will launch its new Digital Leadership Academy this September.

Hosted in the state-of-the-art Medru skills factory in Deeside, the Academy will deliver a tailor-made training solution for industry.

And the courses are free to anyone eligible for PLA (Personal Learning Account) funding; over 19 years of age, self-employed, or employed and earning under £29,534 per year.

Cambria’s Director of Business Solutions Nigel Holloway said there has already been a positive response from different commercial arenas in the region and beyond.

“Ultimately this is aimed at leaders, managers or anyone with aspirations of becoming a manager in what is an increasingly digital world,” he said.

“Particularly since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic when people began working more remotely – and many still are – it’s paramount leaders in the private and public sector are switched on to rapid advances in technology.

“A lot of companies are still unsure how best to move towards new ways of working, how these can benefit them, what and skills and tools they’ll need.

“As part of the Digital Leadership Academy we can support them with that.”

Covering different themes, from Industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution – to data-driven decision making, digital storytelling and more, Nigel says it will give learners a “well-rounded knowledge base” to build on.

“This is aimed at any industry where there is a digital component, which is effectively all of them,” he added.

“Those completing the programme will be in a position to return to their workplace and implement new ideas and digital strategies, because that is as important as the knowledge and skills people will acquire.

“Ensuring colleagues embrace that change, buy into new, modern systems and ideas – whether it be big data, artificial intelligence, or creating a digital culture – and come along on the journey is going to be pivotal.”

As part of the course there will be an opportunity to study and achieve the ILM Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management.

Other areas covered include The Digital Skills Gap, Stakeholder Engagement, Understanding Barriers, Change Management Tools, Reasons for Change, Environmental and Organisational Analysis, and Lean and Agile Methodologies.

For more information on the Digital Leadership Academy, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

Business Advice, Insurance

Is Public Liability Insurance A Legal Requirement In The UK?

Ensuring adequate protection against potential risks and liabilities is of utmost importance when running a business.

One key aspect of this is public liability insurance, which provides coverage if a business is held responsible for causing injury or property damage to a third party.

However, many business owners in the UK wonder whether public liability insurance is a legal requirement.

In this article, we will explore the regulations surrounding public liability insurance in the UK and shed light on its significance for businesses.

Understanding Public Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses and individuals from claims made by third parties who have suffered injury, property damage, or financial loss due to the insured party’s actions or negligence.

It provides financial protection by covering legal expenses, compensation payments, and related costs associated with such claims.

  • Coverage: Public liability insurance typically covers a wide range of incidents, including slips and falls, accidents resulting in injury, property damage caused by the insured party, or incidents related to using the insured’s premises or products. The coverage extends to legal costs incurred in defending a claim and any compensation awarded if the insured is found liable.
  • Parties Covered: Public liability insurance covers claims made by third parties, such as customers, clients, suppliers, or members of the public who may come into contact with the insured party during business operations. It does not cover employee claims or damage to the insured’s property.
  • Benefits: Public liability insurance provides businesses with financial protection and peace of mind. It helps mitigate the potential financial impact of a claim, which can be substantial and even threaten the viability of a business. This insurance coverage allows businesses to operate confidently, knowing they are protected against unforeseen incidents.
  • Coverage Limits: Public liability insurance policies have coverage limits, representing the maximum amount the insurer will pay in the event of a claim. It is essential for businesses to carefully assess their potential liabilities and select coverage limits that adequately protect their assets and mitigate potential risks.
  • Legal Requirements: The legal requirement for public liability insurance varies depending on the jurisdiction and industry. In some cases, businesses may be legally obliged to have public liability insurance as a condition of obtaining certain licenses or permits. Additionally, contracts with clients or suppliers may stipulate the need for public liability insurance.
  • Tailoring Coverage: Public liability insurance policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries and businesses. The premium for the policy is influenced by factors such as the nature of the business, the level of risk associated with its operations, and the coverage limits selected.

What Are The Legal Requirements?

In the UK, public liability insurance is not legally required. However, it is worth noting that certain industries and professional bodies may have specific insurance requirements.

For example, contractors working on construction sites or tradespeople operating in regulated sectors may be obligated to have tradesman liability insurance as a condition of their contracts or memberships.

Additionally, some local authorities or event organizers may require businesses to have public liability insurance when participating in public events or utilizing public spaces.

Despite the absence of a universal legal requirement, businesses must carefully consider the potential risks they face and the implications of not having public liability insurance. Even a seemingly minor incident can result in significant financial burdens if a claim is made against the business.

Importance of Public Liability Insurance

While not legally mandated in all cases, public liability insurance is highly recommended for businesses in the UK for several reasons:

  • Financial Protection: Public liability claims can be costly, especially involving serious injuries or extensive property damage. Insurance coverage can help protect businesses from significant financial losses that could potentially cripple their operations.
  • Legal Compliance: Although not universally required, having public liability insurance can help businesses comply with contractual obligations, industry regulations, or requirements set by specific clients or organizations.
  • Reputation Management: Accidents happen, and when they do, businesses with public liability insurance can demonstrate their commitment to taking responsibility for any mishaps. This can help protect their reputation and maintain customer trust.
  • Peace of Mind: Public liability insurance provides peace of mind for business owners, allowing them to focus on their core operations without constantly worrying about potential claims or accidents.

Conclusion

While public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for all businesses in the UK, its importance should not be underestimated. Adequate insurance coverage can provide essential financial protection, help meet contractual obligations, and safeguard a business’s reputation.

Business owners should carefully assess their specific circumstances, industry requirements, and potential risks to determine whether public liability insurance is necessary.

Consulting with insurance professionals or brokers can provide valuable guidance in identifying the appropriate level of coverage to mitigate potential liabilities effectively.

Investing in public liability insurance is a proactive and responsible decision that can offer peace of mind and protect businesses from unforeseen risks.

News

Leading names in sports, signage and advertising unite under one banner – Dragon Group

LEADING names in sports, advertising and signage have united under one banner. 

Dragon Signs, Route Media, Colour Studios, and Sportin Wales are all now part of Dragon Group.

Employing 80 people at its Cardiff HQ and Colour Studios’ existing base in Radstock, Bath – the Group will be led by Managing Director Rhys Harrington.

He says there has already been significant investment in rebranding and a fresh direction focused on sustainability, innovation, and advances in technology.

With clients including Transport for Wales, Travis Perkins, Cardiff Airport, Leicester Tigers and Apetito, Rhys is confident the organisation will provide a cutting-edge, end-to-end experience for customers.

“As a group, we will be able to deliver an even more progressive and efficient service in the years ahead,” he said.

“There is so much synergy between the businesses that it made sense to bring them together, incorporating the strength of Dragon Signs and Route Media’s digital advertising capabilities with the rapidly growing audience of Sportin Wales.

“That coupled with the sustainable vision of Colour Studios reinforces our decision, it is an exciting time to do this, the companies all have strong reputations and as a collective that will only get stronger, especially as we have an incredible team who already worked closely together on a wide range of projects and national contracts.”

As part of its drive towards becoming a net-zero organisation, Dragon Group is joining forces with CarbonQuota to develop a decarbonisation plan for the business.

“This is of huge importance as we move forward,” said Rhys.

“Lowering our carbon footprint is pivotal, and they will help us to identify our output, and that of the supply chain, looking at how we can lower energy and fuel usage and more.

He added: “Thanks to all our loyal customers for their support, the response we have had is so positive.

“We look forward to revealing more exciting plans in the future – watch this space!”

For more news and information from Dragon Group, visit the website www.dragon-group.co.uk 

Beauty, News, Sustainability

Could you take the 30 day plastic free challenge?

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 products and puts 168 chemicals on her body daily.

Additionally, in the United States alone, approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year. While many of these products end up in a landfill producing climate damaging methane, others clog sewers and contribute to the staggering amount of plastics in our oceans.

To help combat this, Natracare, creator of the only global compostable disposable period products, has launched a brand new campaign, Project #BeKind, to encourage us to choose 100% organic, chemical-free, plastic-free and biodegradable products, as part of its mission to drive change for the good of our bodies and the planet.

You can join the campaign at https://www.natracare.com/be-kind/ taking a pledge to change your habits around recycling, composting, and making plastic-free purchases for a minimum of 30 days.

You can also get tips on how to get started with composting. You will also be automatically entered for a chance to win Natracare’s exclusive #BeKind Starter Kit, worth around £150 featuring its products as well as organic, natural and sustainable products from like-minded brands.  The boxes contain:

Natracare offers certified organic and biobased products that fit every kind of body, and the company continues to strive toward building a better world, hence in 2019, it became the first period care product brand to join 1% for the Planet (in which companies gives one percent of their total sales (not just profits) to environmental organisations around the world every year).

To learn more and take the 30 day plastic free pledge, visit: ttps://www.natracare.com/be-kind/

 

About Natracare

Natracare was born of an activist campaign aimed at shaking up the menstrual products industry, and for more than 30 years the company has been campaigning for eco-positive designed period products.

Founder Susie Hewson created the company in 1989 in response to the growing risk to human health and the environment from dioxin pollution in the pulping industries due to the chlorine bleaching of paper products.

“I believe that actions speak louder than words,” said Susie. “I learned about the dangers of dioxin pollution and the damaging impact of plastics. I was appalled to find out that my period products contained all these ingredients—and that no natural disposable option existed.

My immediate response was to research and develop an alternative that actually respected our bodies and our planet. Since that time, Natracare’s work has not stopped.”

Natracare products are available at select retailers in more than 80 countries worldwide.

News, Sustainability, Waste and Recycling

Personal care manufacturers and brands get behind Plastic Free July to show commitment to sustainability

Leading manufacturer of solid format bases and natural ingredients for the personal care sector, Stephenson, is continuing in its drive to lead the way for limiting the use of packaging in personal care products.

Coinciding with the global Plastic Free July movement, the Yorkshire-based business continues to use product innovation and expert insight to help personal care brands and manufacturers address the problems associated with plastic packaging.

Research* carried out this year found that 61% of global consumers believe the increased use of plastic packaging is necessary since the COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons. 72% of global consumers still believe plastic has average or above recyclability relative to other materials. 52% of consumers stated they would pay more for a product if it came in recyclable packaging.

 

Stephenson’s manufacturing focus on syndet production and solid formats provides the ideal choice for manufacturers and brands seeking gentler, more effective and environmentally friendlier cleansing products. Stephenson has launched four new Syndet products this year alone, adding to its established Syndopal syndet range, comprising a solid conditioner, cleanser, solid shampoo bar and premium solid shampoo bar.

The newest addition to the range, Syndopal SHC 600-MB is currently the only extruded solid conditioning base available on the personal care market. Created specifically for manufacturing ultra-mild luxurious solid conditioning bars, it is silicone free, cationic allowing for smooth conditioning and Certified Sustainable RSPO-MB.

 

More than five years of research and development led to the groundbreaking manufacture of Syndopal, a first for the global personal care market, resulting in the creation of the first ultra-mild, 100% soap free, pH 5.5 base noodle. The range of products introduced this year represents the first to be released since Syndopal 300-MB revolutionised the syndet market in 2019.

Syndets are environmentally friendly as they contain less water and can be packaged without plastic. They are also biodegradable, breaking down naturally without harming the environment.

 

Solid format products represent a much more eco friendly format than liquids. As solid format products are concentrated, they are made with very little water compared to liquids made using between 80-95% water. Liquid formats require plastic packaging, which can contribute to plastic waste. Solid formats do not require any plastic packaging and can be stored in reusable containers.

Following the launch of its first solid shampoo conditioning bar, Stephenson showed its commitment to sustainability in the personal care market. The bar is a ready-made solid conditioner base and a product innovation designed to help consumers reduce the use of plastic containers and use less water during hair washing.

 

Tim Pulleyn, marketing manager at Stephenson, commented: “Plastic Free July demonstrates that everyone can make a positive difference by examining buying habits and considering how to cut unnecessary waste at home. The bathroom is often the worst offender in the house with many products traditionally packaged in single-use plastics.

“Solid soap bars such as shampoos are growing in popularity yearly, mainly due to increasing consumer awareness and changing preferences for more natural and plastic-free personal care products. With this as a motivating factor, consumers seek to stop buying packaged shower gels and go for plastic-free alternatives like bar soaps and recyclable pouches. In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, personal care brands are increasingly turning to concentrated and waterless products to help minimise environmental impact.

 

“Sustainability continues to be a key business driver for Stephenson as consumers continue to look at ways to limit their plastic packaging use and save water. Plastic Free July provides the perfect opportunity for us as a business to work closely with the personal care sector and consumers to remind them of their and our collective responsibilities.”

Plastic Free July is an initiative that aims to unite and educate about the effects of single-use plastics and how to get by living without them. The movement calls on manufacturers, businesses and consumers to work together to make communities cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.

 

Find out more about Stephenson’s Syndopal range here.

Employee Benefits, Healthcare, HR, Insurance, News

Aon says UK employers face unprecedented increases for private medical insurance premiums

  • ‘Perfect storm’ creating extraordinary rate increases, averaging at 18.8 percent
  • Rates rising from average of 9 percent in 2022
  • HR and finance teams advised to start conversations early to address issues

 

Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, is advising UK employers that market pressures are pushing medical inflation to an unprecedented average high of 18.8 percent – a rise from a 9 percent average in 2022.

The combination of three key events in the UK are driving the increase:

  • Far more people are joining Private Medical Insurance (PMI) schemes. These new joiners are from corporate employers that are expanding cover to a wider employee base or employee dependents who previously had not felt the need to join.
  • One of the largest medical insurers has dropped out of the market, meaning existing schemes are largely placed with three other key insurers.
  • Of the new PMI scheme joiners, more are claiming from day one, wanting to counter significant delays in treatment from the National Health Service (NHS). Claims have increased by 29.5 percent and claimants are up by 31 percent (month by month averages in 2022 versus 2023).

These market pressures will impact employers significantly, and specifically HR and finance teams, which will need to find solutions or address costs, that, in some cases, have risen by over 50 percent.

Chris Simmons, chief broking officer, Health Solutions UK, Aon, said:

“Previously, it would have been possible to broker a favourable price by analysing needs, reviewing the market and potentially switching providers, but many providers are at full capacity due to the growing demand and there are fewer savings to be made. Our guidance to employers is to discuss this early with specialist consultants and consider all options to mitigate any impact and make better decisions.

“We are seeing far greater use of private medical benefits, which is also shown by digital general practitioners (GPs) experiencing a 50 percent utilisation, leaping from 15 percent in 2022. Traditionally, NHS GPs refer further treatment through the NHS. However, people who use a digital GP are automatically referred to private medical care.”

Rachel Western, principal, technical team, Aon UK, added:

“HR and finance teams are likely to have different approaches to this problem, with HR having a responsibility to employee wellbeing, attraction and retention, while finance has a responsibility to reduce premium costs in an economically challenging period. There are actions they can take to help the problem – benefit redesign, different funding options and focusing on a preventative health strategy to bring down claim costs. Our recommendation is for HR and finance teams to bring each other into the conversation in order to consider both the strategic and health needs of the organisation and build a more resilient workforce.”

Aon will hold a webinar on Tuesday 11 July at 10 a.m. to discuss this trend and provide guidance. To learn more and register, please visit Broking Insights: Extraordinary Increases in Medical Insurance Premiums Have Arrived.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.

Construction, Education, Education News, Healthcare, News

Net Zero Neonatal Unit Challenge Winner Announced

On the 75th anniversary of the NHS, young people showcase the future of Healthcare Design

The New Hospital Programme is partnering with social enterprise Class of Your Own, creators of the award-winning Design Engineer Construct! learning programme, to inspire the next generation of healthcare designers, engineers and construction professionals.

The global challenge to design a carbon net zero neonatal unit was launched by Class of Your Own earlier this year. The campaign was kickstarted with the support of NHS staff, the Bliss Charity which supports babies born prematurely and professional bodies from across the construction sector.

Secondary school students were invited to put forward designs that demonstrated great empathy for a range of end users and overcome a range of social and cultural issues.

Judges with winning entry (Left to right_ Natalie Firminger, Daniel O’Leary, Natalie Forrest, Luke Goldfinch and Nicholas Mead) with winning entry

The winning team comprised just one pupil who did all the design work herself, 16 year old Sabina Lacey from Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang, Malaysia.

The challenge focused on carbon net zero design and modern methods of construction; the use of appropriate sustainable materials and energy solutions that lead to safer, better quality, replicable healthcare buildings of the future.

Finalists representing schools from Scotland, England, Jersey, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia faced a tough panel of judges:

  • Natalie Forrest – Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the New Hospital Programme, Department of Health and Social Care
  • Natalie Firminger – Hospital Design and Development Director – Whipps Cross Redevelopment, Barts Health NHS Trust
  • Daniel O’Leary – Clinical Fellow (Maternal Health), New Hospital Programme, NHS England
  • Luke Goldfinch – Senior Engineer, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nicholas Mead – Technical Director – MEICA systems, Laing O’Rourke Europe

The winning team – a team of just one pupil – was announced today (Wednesday July 5) at a special House of Lords event hosted by former Education Minister Lord Jim Knight and Class of Your Own Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alison Watson MBE – appropriately celebrating the talents of former Design Engineer Construct! students, all at different stages in their own professional careers.

Natalie Forrest

Announcing the winner, New Hospital Programme SRO, Natalie Forrest said: “Congratulations to all entrants. This is a very tough challenge and the standard was so high. Clearly this team of one had done some extraordinary research to ensure her design met, or even surpassed, the demanding criteria. A big ‘well done’ to Sabina Lacey, from Prince of Wales Island International School in Penang, Malaysia – and I hope this inspires you to consider a career in healthcare design.

“As we celebrate the NHS’s 75th birthday today it is important we don’t just look back at everything we have achieved, we must look to the future and consider what the very best patient care will look like in years to come. Having the best and brightest minds working in healthcare design will play an important role in creating the infrastructure we need.”

Sabina Lacey will meet with real professionals working on New Hospital Programme projects to take her design to an industry-standard digital model.

In celebration of 75 years of the NHS, Class of Your Own and the New Hospital Programme will now work to develop further programmes for schools, especially those in the vicinity of New Hospital Programme projects.

Alison Watson MBE

Class of Your Own Founder Alison Watson said: “It has been really inspiring to watch such young people working together on people and planet-focused healthcare solutions.

“As usual, they’ve exceeded all expectations and this recognition for Sabina Lacey and other young people who took part is a fitting way to celebrate the next 75 years of our world-respected NHS. Huge thanks to all the professionals who have been extremely supportive in developing and supporting this programme and I so look forward to working with them in the future in schools across the country – and around the world.”

In celebration of 75 years of the NHS, Class of Your Own, the New Hospital Programme and leading construction companies specialising in healthcare design will now develop a suite of specialist healthcare programmes for schools. These specialist DEC (Design, Engineer Construct!) Awards will launch in the autumn term 2023.

You’ll find more information on the Challenge and Class Of Your Own by visiting: https://designengineerconstruct.com/design-a-neonatal-unit/

Appointments, Marketing, News, PR and SEO

Cheetham Bell appoint New Senior Creative Team

Manchester’s big ideas Creative Agency, Cheetham Bell – part of EssenceMediacom North– today announced the appointment of two new senior hires.

Following the company’s move to the new WPP Manchester Campus at the start of the summer, the brand has continued to grow in strength and now report on a marque signing.

The creative Manchester duo – Hayley Platt and Amy Berriman – have been working together for some 12 years and are well versed in elevating a brand through creativity and design having worked at agencies including McCann Manchester and Forever Beta.

 

Leighton Horsley, Partner at Cheetham Bell commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome such an amazing team to Cheetham Bell. It means we can continue to put high quality creative ideas at the heart of our business, which is something we’ve been doing for over 30 years.

“We are known for our creative solutions and have significantly grown our client base this year, which is why we felt it was the right time to add to our talented team. Having worked with Amy and Hayley previously on a freelance basis, we knew they would be the perfect fit for Cheetham Bell.”

 

The creative duo have known each other since high school and are often referred to as the female version of Ant and Dec – you never see one without the other and you’re never quite sure which one is which – but they assure everyone that they do answer to both!

 

H & A said: “Cheetham Bell have some really exciting clients on board and a great team around them, which we’re delighted to now be a part of. They have made a strong and impressive start to the year so we’re looking forward to this new chapter and what’s to follow.”   

Cheetham Bell already work for some high-profile brands such as; United Utilities, Studio, Soreen and Boots, and with the heightened skillset and expertise of this creative team, they hope to excel even further.

 

Environment, Environmental News, News, Sustainability

51% of UK businesses believe government support falls short in tackling environmental challenges

With profits getting squeezed and a suggested lack of government support, a sobering 47% of companies have had to cut back on sustainability initiatives in 2023 

Novuna Business Cash Flow, a leading provider of invoice finance solutions for SMEs in the UK, has conducted a comprehensive analysis surveying 500 SMEs on the state of sustainability in the business world. The findings shed light on the priorities taken by businesses when it comes to sustainability initiatives.

According to the study, an impressive 50% of senior decision makers at SMEs prioritise sustainability, recognising its importance for long-term success. However, the analysis also reveals that 26% of SMEs view sustainability as a low priority or have not considered it at all. Notably, medium-sized businesses with 50 to 249 employees are the most likely to prioritise sustainability, with a remarkable 65% acknowledging its significance. 

To protect their profits, an eye watering 47% of businesses have had to make cutbacks to their sustainability initiatives over the past 12 months. Of those, 16% have cut a few initiatives, 20% have scaled back on most initiatives, and an alarming 11% have eliminated all sustainability initiatives altogether. Unsurprisingly, out of all the SMEs, it was the small businesses with 10-49 employees that have had to make the most cutbacks (67%) when 64% of this size business stated that sustainability was a priority.

The analysis also investigated the perception of government support for businesses in reducing their climate impact. The results indicate that 51% of SMEs believe there is not enough government support. Within the group that perceives sufficient support, a noteworthy 20% of SMEs feel  there is more than enough. Medium-sized businesses (50-249 employees) are the most likely to agree that there is enough government support (59%), while sole traders are the least likely (35%).

John Atkinson, the Head of Commercial Business at Novuna Business Cash Flow, commented on the research, saying, “The findings of our analysis highlight the complex landscape of sustainability in the business world. It is encouraging to see that a significant number of SMEs prioritise sustainability, recognising its importance for future growth. However, the cutbacks made by many businesses raise concerns about the long-term commitment to sustainable practices. Our analysis underscores the need for continued support and collaboration between businesses and the government to drive positive change and create a sustainable future for all.”

Novuna Business Cash Flow is committed to supporting SMEs in their pursuit of financial stability and sustainable growth. Through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships, Novuna Business Cash Flow aims to empower businesses to overcome challenges and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

 For more information on Novuna’s research, click here.

 

About Novuna

Novuna is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, a leading financial services company, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We have over 2,200 employees, £7.6bn of net earning assets and nearly 1.3 million customers across five business divisions; Novuna Consumer Finance, Novuna Vehicle Solutions, Novuna Business Finance, Novuna Business Cash Flow and our European division specialising in Vendor Finance. For over 40 years, formerly as Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, we have worked with consumers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as corporate multinationals in the UK and mainland Europe, enabling millions of consumers and businesses to achieve their ambitions.

From 1 April 2021 we became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., strengthening our relationship with one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups with over £60bn of assets.

 

Novuna Business Cash Flow

Novuna Business Cash Flow provides cashflow finance solutions to SMEs across a wide range of sectors in the UK, allowing businesses to release cash from unpaid invoices within 24 hours.

With remote digital on-boarding through FLi, its unique platform, and flexible approach to contracts, Novuna Business Cash Flow was awarded the Best Factoring and Invoice Discounting Provider at the 2023 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Novuna Business Finance and Novuna Business Cash Flow are both trading styles of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups, with over £60bn of assets.

 

News

Grade 2-listed landmark takeover first step in making town more inclusive and accessible for all

A BELOVED Denbighshire landmark is beginning a new era.

Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC has taken on management of the town’s Grade 2-listed Market Hall.

And Operations Manager Bernadette O’Malley has already made her mark, organising a wide range of activities, and unveiling proposals for better access and toilet facilities on-site.

She is also working in partnership with businesses and organisations to improve services and ensure Ruthin does all it can to be even more inclusive and eco-friendly.

With more and more traders displaying their wares, and independent local producers supplying goods for the popular café, Bernadette is confident they are moving in the right direction.

The building had been redeveloped over recent years by DVSC (Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council), the charity that supports other third sector, community groups and social enterprises across the county, and she thanked them for their ongoing support.

“DVSC spotted the potential of this redundant building a few years ago, so we’ve worked together to create a vibrant place for people to make, sell, and show,” said Bernadette.

“None of the things we are proposing can happen without the buy-in and feedback of this community, and fortunately that has been the case.

“From the market perspective, we are working with the footfall we have and are seeing a rise in the number of people coming through the doors, not just to visit the stalls but for events as well.

“We’ve had live music, wedding fairs, dancing, pop-up restaurants, jazz and comedy nights, and there is a lot more in the pipeline, with the Market Hall at the centre of developments across the town.”

She added: “Importantly, in the coming months work will be taking place to improve the toilet facilities and access, to become more dementia and disability friendly and remove any barriers to visiting us.

“The community fridge is also here, and we hope more people will use it, not just due to the cost-of-living crisis but because a lot of the food and drink has been donated by local supermarkets that would have gone to waste.

“From sustainable projects to entertainment, the affordable artisan market and the many other things coming up, we are trying to generate interest among all ages and create a buzz that’s sustainable.

“We’ve had the backing of councillors and businesses but it’s not just us, it’s a partnership and we’ve had a lot of interest, there is an appetite for this.

“It’s all happening, it’s coming together, and I can’t thank the people of Ruthin enough for their support. We are moving forward and I’m excited to see what the future will bring.”

Tom Barham, Chief Officer at DVSC, said they were pleased to be able to “pass the torch” to Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC having revamped the structure by attracting investment from the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund via Denbighshire County Council, the UK Government Community Renewal Fund, Circular Economy Funding, and DVSC’s own funds.

“Bernadette’s vision for the Market Hall in our community is a breath of fresh air and we are happy to support her to manage this through her growing, new social enterprise,” he said.

“DVSC has worked hard over the past four years to bring the market from an empty, cold and redundant building to the brilliant facility we see today.

“It was always our plan to spin this out to a local social enterprise so we are thrilled it will be operating under the direct management of Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC and are sure both the site and the town itself will go from strength to strength.”

For the latest news and information from Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC, visit the website: www.artisanmarkets.wales or www.ruthinmarkethall.com.

Follow them on Facebook at @ruthinmarkethall, Instagram @ruthin_market_hall and Twitter @ruthinMH.

For more information on DVSC, visit www.dvsc.co.uk or email tom@dvsc.co.uk. Follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.