Monthly Archives: September 2024

Business & Property News, West Midlands News

Business Breakfast scores a high five at Stadium Point

Members of the West Midlands commercial property and business communities gathered this week at a special event staged to showcase the first release of warehouse units at Morris Property’s landmark Stadium Point Business Park in Shrewsbury.

Staged inside one of the completed 10,000 sq ft energy-efficient units on the 28-acre site, guests enjoyed a hot breakfast and Q&A style presentation with Morris Property’s Chris Morris and Liz Lowe outlining the business opportunity at the highly anticipated new development, along with a guest appearance by Shrewsbury town legend and Welsh national team player Dave Edwards.

Chris Morris explained the importance of the site to the company – its single largest speculative project in its 155 years of trading history, highlighting Stadium Point’s location and connectivity as key drivers for the investment and development:

“There is very little supply of premium industrial units to the south side of Shrewsbury and as a long-standing business, we are able to look at the long term and invest in this unique opportunity.”

As front-of-shirt sponsors of neighbouring Shrewsbury Town FC, Morris Property invited Dave to share personal highlights about the beautiful game in his 19-year career, his transition into the business world and how his charitable children’s Foundation is changing lives.  Chris Morris later presented a cheque to Dave in support of the work his Little Rascals Foundation charity provides for the local community.

Toby Shaw from Towler Shaw Roberts, commercial agents for Stadium Point, ended the presentation reporting that the unique attributes of the site were generating substantial interest from local, regional and national operators, with several units already under offer.

“Stadium Point has been eagerly awaited being the most significant development in Shrewsbury for a number of years benefitting from its strategic location with ready access to the A5.

“The three new units signal a significant leap forward in commercial workspace here in Shrewsbury with their flexibility to be split or combined to allow for smaller or larger warehouse accommodation – spaces where businesses can plan for growth.”

Dave then kicked off proceedings for the morning’s Foot Darts competition which saw the former midfielder delivering a masterclass scoring a perfect hattrick.

Whilst competition heated up amongst agents, businesses and other guests vying to kick the sticky balls to take the top slot on the leader board, Liz Lowe and Toby Shaw hosted tours around a number of the finished units which range from 10 -20,800 sq ft.

“It was notable how interested our guests were not only in the quality and flexibility of the build here but also in the sustainability features we have designed into this site.  With our extensive network of footpaths, attenuation pools and stream running through the development as well as the green break-out spaces, it is clear that staff wellbeing and ecological considerations are very much part of decision-making for businesses today” commented Liz Lowe at the event.

“Our units feature integrated PV solar panels on the roof, 10% roof lights and EV charging points in dedicated car parking spaces and enhanced thermal cladding will all help end-occupiers minimise their operational costs” she added.

The event represents completion of the first phase of Zone 1 of the flagship development which started in January of this year. Designed across three zones, Stadium Point Business Park will offer a mix of commercial space, offices and a single food outlet which will serve the park and surrounding area. All units on the development will enjoy landscaped break-out areas, as well as convenient access to supermarkets, national clothes and food brands all within a 5 minute walk at Meole Brace Retail Park.

Works on Phase 2 of the build are nearing completion on course for release of a further 4 units in November 2024 including the development’s first office building, with Phase 3 already underway destined for a February 2025 completion.

Cardiff, Food & Drink, Hospitality, News, Swansea

Cardiff and Swansea set to welcome Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues

Over the next few months, three popular bars across Cardiff and Swansea will change their name and identity. Cardiff’s Heidi’s Bier Bar on Mill Lane will be rebranded Barbara’s Bier Haus and Proud Mary Pub on St Mary’s Street and Swansea’s Wind Street will become Bonnie Rogues Pub. None of the venues will close and the transition from one brand to the other will happen seamlessly.

Thursday 24 October will see the big kick-off for Bonnie Rogues with a weekend of live music, great food, happy hour, brunches and the biggest live sport. Just in time for the Autumn Internationals, Barbara’s Bier Haus will take over Heidi’s from Monday 4 November. There is a great week of fun activity planned with Ski Sunday, live music and après ski sing-a-longs, as well as the famous beer and Aperol Spritz towers.

 

Venue Manager for Bonnie Rogues Cardiff, Ben Browne, said: “We can’t wait to introduce Bonnie to Wales and show both Cardiff and Swansea what we can offer. Proud Mary has been amazing, but it’s time to build on what we’ve been doing for the last two years.”

 

Josh Donnelly, Venue Manager of Barbara’s Bier Haus, added: “Just in time for the ski season, we will be hosting the best parties and really bring the mountain vibe to Cardiff.”

Eleanor Jones and Connor Powell try out the new uniforms for Barbara’s Bier Haus coming in November

The rebrand follows an impressive first six months of trading for operator NEOS Hospitality, which has announced a £25 million investment to grow its party bar business and increase its footprint across the UK.

 

NEOS’ Chief Executive Officer, Russell Quelch, said: “This is an exciting phase for NEOS. We are confident that we have the winning formula to create seriously good fun spaces for people of all ages to eat, drink, dance, play and watch sports. Investing £25 million in our party bar concepts, starting with the opening of Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues Pub in Cardiff and Swansea, will lay a solid foundation for the future growth of the business.”

 

NEOS Hospitality was formed in 2024, following the REKOM UK administration, and currently operates 19 venues across the UK employing 900 staff.

Events, Newport, Wales News

ICC Wales projected to generate almost £76m in local economic benefit

ICC Wales is celebrating a huge business milestone with its confirmed event pipeline, which is expected to generate more than £75.8m in local economic benefit, with 2025 events contributing more than £39m alone.

The extensive lineup of conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale events which are booked from now until as far ahead as 2028 span a range of sectors including technology, healthcare, education and renewable energy.

 

Events confirmed for the venue include Les Mills UK Experience Event for 2024, the Royal College of General Practitioners Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025, and the Worldchefs Congress and Expo in 2026.

 

A growing number of repeat business wins returning to stage conferences at ICC Wales include the Association of Corporate Treasurers and the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association.

 

In addition to the immediate economic impact of the events, which are expected to draw more than 100,000 delegates from across the world to Newport, they will also contribute to the long-term growth of the region through repeat visits, future events and ongoing relationships between event organisers and the local community.

Ian Edwards, CEO, ICC Wales

Discussing the announcement Ian Edwards, CEO of ICC Wales said: “We are proud to have secured such a diverse and impactful range of events for the next year and beyond. The economic impact these events will have on the local community and beyond is significant and is a testament to the world-class facilities and services we offer at ICC Wales. This success reinforces our position as a leading convention centre not just in the UK, but on the global stage.”

Food & Drink, News, Scotland

Stirling Distillery lands Co-op deal for award-winning nettle gin

Stirling Distillery, situated in the shadow of Stirling Castle, launched its award-winning nettle-infused gin at Co-op supermarkets across Scotland today.

The distillery were delighted to agree a deal with the Co-op where their nettle-based Classic gin will be available in a range of Scottish stores.

Sealed with a hand-dipped wax seal, and decorated with unique illustrations of the Wallace Monument and the Old Stirling Bridge by Scottish artist Ritchie Collins, this is the bottle all gin-lovers should have occupying pride of place in their drinks cabinet.

 

Made with six botanicals carefully chosen to reflect the unique flavour of Stirlingshire’s countryside, the smooth, lingering finish carries a peppery tang and at 43% the mouthfeel is both spicy and dry. By using local nettles they are working to provide a sustainably sourced spirit with links to their Stirling heritage. Their range of products celebrate local history and folklore, such as their Battle Strength gin which commemorates the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

 

The distillery is a small family-run business creating hand-crafted spirits in the historic ‘Old Smiddy’, Stirling’s first legal distillery on the castle rock. Distilled, bottled and labelled on site, the team have been offering daily gin and whisky tastings, distillery tours and gin school since 2019.

Distillery co-founder June McCann spoke of her delight at Stirling Gin being available at supermarkets across the country:

“We are proud to be sat on the shelves next to some brilliant Scottish gins. We love that the Co-op supports local suppliers and promotes Scottish food and drink in their stores. A big thank you to the team at the Co-op and Select Drams for bringing our nettle gin to the masses.”

 

Voted Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Stirling Business Awards in 2023, winner of ‘Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year’ at the 2024 Stirling Business Excellence Awards and awarded a coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the fourth year in a row, Stirling Distillery is listed as the number one thing to do in Stirling on TripAdvisor’s website.

The distillery has received a range of awards for their gins including a silver medal at the 2023 Scottish Gin Awards, a coveted Great Taste star, plus a range of London Spirits Awards to name but a few. In 2023 the distillery made history by distilling the first whisky in Stirling for 171 years and launched their King James cask club.

 

Visit https://stirlingdistillery.com/ for more information.

 

About Stirling Distillery

Stirling Distillery, established in 2015, is steeped in Scottish history. Located in the shadow of Stirling Castle, Central Scotland, it is the city’s first legal distillery. Offering a range of gins and whiskies, all with historic relevance, the distillery is open daily for gin experiences, tastings and gin school.

 

News

Fulfilling Dreams and Thriving on Change: From Romania to Sardinia, with Dubai on the Horizon

In this captivating episode of Moving Countries 101, Clare Kay’s guest, Cristina Vadastreanu — a Romanian entrepreneur now living in Sardinia — shares her remarkable story, which is not only about relocating but also about embracing the world as her home. She feels at ease wherever she goes, even amidst new people and cultures.

What began as a move to a mountain town in Romania has since taken Cristina to Gran Canaria and eventually to Sardinia, where she now lives with her husband and two children, enjoying the coastal life she once dreamed of. For her, relocating to new countries is a goal in itself. Each move offers a chance to experience new cultures and broaden her horizons.

Cristina’s approach to relocation is deeply rooted in her philosophy that, while plans may not always unfold as expected, we have a choice in how we view these situations. She advocates for choosing perspectives that empower us, creating a positive shift in energy even when things don’t go according to plan.

Cristina sees these moments as tests from the universe, and this mindset helps her learn from every experience, turning challenges into opportunities. She applies this strategy across all areas of her life, teaching her children by example to embrace change. Whether it was navigating severe allergies during sandstorm season in Gran Canaria or dealing with the disappointment of losing an anticipated home, she has calmly handled whatever comes her way, always keeping her family’s wellbeing at the heart of her decisions.

Each move has been motivated by different factors, and now, with her business in mind, Cristina is considering yet another bold move—this time to Dubai. But no matter the destination, her focus remains on providing her children with rich, diverse experiences and ensuring they grow up with a global perspective. Her husband has come to trust her vision completely, finding new job opportunities wherever they go, while their children are actively involved in planning each move. Having already learned English, Spanish, and Italian, the family approaches each new challenge with open minds and a spirit of adventure.

Join Clare and her guest to hear Cristina’s inspiring story and thoughtful insights on how to turn moving countries into an enriching life goal, manage family relocations, and thrive through change. Whether you’re considering a move abroad or seeking inspiration to navigate life’s challenges, this episode offers profound wisdom and valuable perspectives.

—

About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:

Moving Countries 101 explores the journeys of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe, sharing their stories of relocation, adaptation, and travel. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global travel adds a unique perspective, the podcast seeks to inspire and inform those looking to embrace world travel or a global lifestyle. Moving Countries 101 offers insights into the challenges, rewards, and opportunities that come with living and traveling abroad.

Tune in to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights on navigating international moves and global travel.

 

Podcast Links:

You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:

 

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

 

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

News

Fulfilling Dreams and Thriving on Change: From Romania to Sardinia, with Dubai on the Horizon

In this captivating episode of Moving Countries 101, Clare Kay’s guest, Cristina Vadastreanu — a Romanian entrepreneur now living in Sardinia — shares her remarkable story, which is not only about relocating but also about embracing the world as her home. She feels at ease wherever she goes, even amidst new people and cultures.

What began as a move to a mountain town in Romania has since taken Cristina to Gran Canaria and eventually to Sardinia, where she now lives with her husband and two children, enjoying the coastal life she once dreamed of. For her, relocating to new countries is a goal in itself. Each move offers a chance to experience new cultures and broaden her horizons.

Cristina’s approach to relocation is deeply rooted in her philosophy that, while plans may not always unfold as expected, we have a choice in how we view these situations. She advocates for choosing perspectives that empower us, creating a positive shift in energy even when things don’t go according to plan.

Cristina sees these moments as tests from the universe, and this mindset helps her learn from every experience, turning challenges into opportunities. She applies this strategy across all areas of her life, teaching her children by example to embrace change. Whether it was navigating severe allergies during sandstorm season in Gran Canaria or dealing with the disappointment of losing an anticipated home, she has calmly handled whatever comes her way, always keeping her family’s wellbeing at the heart of her decisions.

Each move has been motivated by different factors, and now, with her business in mind, Cristina is considering yet another bold move—this time to Dubai. But no matter the destination, her focus remains on providing her children with rich, diverse experiences and ensuring they grow up with a global perspective. Her husband has come to trust her vision completely, finding new job opportunities wherever they go, while their children are actively involved in planning each move. Having already learned English, Spanish, and Italian, the family approaches each new challenge with open minds and a spirit of adventure.

Join Clare and her guest to hear Cristina’s inspiring story and thoughtful insights on how to turn moving countries into an enriching life goal, manage family relocations, and thrive through change. Whether you’re considering a move abroad or seeking inspiration to navigate life’s challenges, this episode offers profound wisdom and valuable perspectives.

—

About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:

Moving Countries 101 explores the journeys of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe, sharing their stories of relocation, adaptation, and travel. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global travel adds a unique perspective, the podcast seeks to inspire and inform those looking to embrace world travel or a global lifestyle. Moving Countries 101 offers insights into the challenges, rewards, and opportunities that come with living and traveling abroad.

Tune in to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights on navigating international moves and global travel.

 

Podcast Links:

You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:

 

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

 

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, FInance, Finance and Banking, Finance News, Sustainability

New diploma from ACCA sets the global standard sustainability in finance

  • The qualification has been developed in response to the demand for skills and training in sustainable finance.
  • ACCA has worked with global regulators on their requirements for sustainability auditors, and the new professional diploma has been designed to meet their needs.

 

In response to growing demand from businesses and professional accountants, ACCA has launched a pioneering Professional Diploma in Sustainability, designed for finance professionals at all levels who are looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and accreditation to prove it.

Businesses often lack the essential skills to support the move to more sustainable business models and urgently need the skills to consider non-financial as well as financial business drivers, according to research by ACCA.

The professional diploma brings together high-quality learning support and assessment, aligning with the increasing demand from employers, as well as individuals, wishing to pursue the widening career opportunities related to sustainability, and emerging regulatory requirements around the world.

ACCA has been working closely with regulators globally on their requirements for sustainability auditors and this new professional diploma has been designed to meet their needs. Once completed, the professional diploma provides a comprehensive accreditation in the core areas of sustainability.

This leading-edge qualification builds on the increasing number of sustainability learning opportunities ACCA has added to its portfolio in recent years, as well as the addition of more sustainability content into the ACCA Qualification.

The Professional Diploma in Sustainability consists of a comprehensive, integrated learning programme, in-depth knowledge, a revision kit, and a three-hour exam. Offering over 60 hours of learning and practice across four certificates and one exam, learners will gain in-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks and ethics, sustainability strategy and management, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance.

Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said: “The expertise of accounting and finance professionals in driving sustainable approaches to business is absolutely essential if we are to make the progress the planet so desperately needs.

“With their central role working in and for countless businesses and organisations across the world, professional accountants are well placed to play a key role in shaping the future we need. This new qualification is designed to help meet that increasing need and recognises that success is not now just about profits, but about sustainability and social value too.”

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/ Wales noted: “Sustainable organisations that create long-term value for society will be the bedrock of our future economy – and professional accountants will be at the heart of these organisations. This specialist diploma will support them as they drive positive business change and support the Welsh economy.”

 

Visit ACCA’s website for more information.

Europe Travel, News

Travel News: Important changes for travel into Europe due to come into effect this November

The European Union is introducing important changes for travel to Europe, due to come into effect in a few weeks.

The post-Brexit “Entry/Exit System” (EES) was, in fact, first due to launch in 2022 but has faced several setbacks. It was first rescheduled for May 2023, then delayed until the end of last year and is now due to start on 10 November.

 

The EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports when people go through passport control when arriving in and departing from their destination.

It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, which basically means it will register someone’s movements every time they cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area.

Once the new system is live when someone goes through passport control on their arrival to, and departure from their destination, as well as providing a passport you will also need to have a photo of your face taken and your fingerprints scanned.

 

The new rules apply to even those travelling for a short stay, from what the EU calls a ‘third country’. This is people who are not an EU citizen or a citizen of the Schengen area. Post Brexit that now includes the UK so it will apply to most people travelling from the UK.

Short stay refers to visits, holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days and are taken within a 180 day period.

The vast majority of travel between the UK and Europe will be classed as a short stay.

 

Irish passport holders are exempt from EES.

If you are a British passport holder but have EU residency you are also exempt from EES.

 

People of all ages will need to go through the EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints but they will need to have a facial scan taken.

For those departing from the UK, in most cases the EES checks will take place in Europe – when you arrive at your destination airport or port, and when you leave at the end of your trip.

 

However, if you are departing via the Port of Dover or via international train from the UK (London St Pancras and Folkestone), then these checks will happen when going through the passport control in the UK, on your departure.

This is because there is a dual border – both British and French borders – at these locations.

However, you won’t need to do these checks again when you arrive on the other side.

The system will also record refusals of entry.

 

The new scheme has attracted much attention since it was first mooted back in April 2016, including criticism in some quarters.

Euromonitor International, a UK-based data analytics portal, says that, for visitors from outside of Europe, ETIAS will be of little consequence as this is usually pre-planned travel and the EUR7 fee will be marginal relative to the overall spend per trip. Logistically, the border crossing formalities will change only marginally and the facial scanning and fingerprinting are not expected to significantly slow passage through migration at airports.

 

A challenge for the EU will be to build traveller awareness regarding the scheme, especially among UK visitors who have been used to needing only a valid passport to visit Europe.

Even if, say, LeShuttle and ferry terminals in Kent prove to be well prepared ahead of EES implementation, potential consumer anxiety over border processing times could lead to passengers arriving early and “overwhelming” waiting areas. In February, the regional news site “Kent Online” warned of “14-hour delays”, citing a report by Kent County Council, home to the port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel terminal. Similar scare stories could negatively impact consumer confidence in cross channel travel, cautions Euromonitor International.

Further concerned have been voiced by the NGO, Statewatch which said the amount of time to test the system prior to its launch was “rapidly decreasing.”

 

Travel industry representatives, such as Northern Ireland’s Tourism Alliance have expressed fears that the rollout could deter up to 25% of holidaymakers.

A European commission source said possible disinformation about the scheme is another challenge, particularly if it is spread via social media.  The source said there were several unofficial sites providing “information” on the scheme, not all of which are up to date.

 

The source said, “The Entry/Exit System will enable automation of border controls which should ease the experience of travellers at the border crossing points. The EES will digitally register short-stay visa holders and visa-free travellers, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries for a short stay (up to 90 days in 180 days).

 

The scheme, says the EU, will help prevent irregular migration and “will also improve the EU’s security.”

 

News

AuditBoard launches ‘Agents of Change’ podcast for UK audit and risk management teams

AuditBoard, the London-based cloud-based platform transforming audit, risk, compliance and ESG management, has announced the launch of its ‘Agents of Change’ podcast, hosted by Richard Chambers, former CEO of the Institute of Internal Audit.

In this engaging podcast series, Chambers, who is currently Senior Advisor, Risk and Audit at AuditBoard, engages with leading professionals from the audit and risk industry to discuss what it means to be an innovator in the field.

In upcoming episodes, Richard Chambers will speak with chief audit executives from firms such as McKinsey & Company and Advance, as well as other industry experts to discuss topics including the strategic use of AI in internal audit, strategies to attract and retain top talent in today’s dynamic environment, and how internal audit can deliver value beyond its traditional roles. They will also discuss unconventional approaches to risk management and ways internal audit can survive in the age of perma-crisis.

“I look forward to having conversations with risk visionaries and discovering how they’ve made a meaningful impact on their organizations and the industry at large,” said Richard Chambers. “With the risk landscape constantly changing, these conversations are more relevant than ever. I hope the podcast will serve as a valuable connection point for risk professionals and shed light on the road ahead.”

The podcast is a must-listen for all C-level executives looking to gain valuable insights from some of the world’s leading enterprise risk leaders. You can listen to and download the podcast at: https://open.spotify.com/show/03PsN7SQDF9VzCCchOuMKb

L&D, News

Employee upskilling not a priority for one-in-seven UK manufacturers

Training of staff only the highest priority for a further 16%

Employee upskilling is not on the priority list for as many as 15% of manufacturers, with only 16% placing it at the very top. This is according to research by Visual Components of manufacturing decision-makers in the UK.

Despite a lack of prioritisation, the labour shortage is expected to have a significant impact on productivity and output over the next five years for 45% of organisations. Only 3% believe that the shortfall will have no impact on their operations.

And many manufacturers have taken insufficient action to address the issue, particularly in terms of supporting tools and technologies. 64% are only somewhat equipped or not very equipped to reskill and retrain existing employees to address the skills gap, and 73% are only somewhat ready or not very ready to adopt and implement new technologies that can improve factory floor efficiencies.

“It’s time for manufacturers to place training at the top of their priority list. Simulation software and robot offline programming (OLP) allow staff to upskill in factory floor processes and save time on manual work by effectively deploying robots on repeatable tasks. Any staff member, regardless of experience and skill, can make a difference with the right tools to hand,” says Mikko Urho, CEO, Visual Components.