All posts by NTSI Publishing Team

Business, Car News, Carbon Reduction, Cardiff, Climate Action

Cardiff University launch new electric fleet

Cardiff University has launched its new electric vehicle (EV) fleet, a significant step towards achieving its net-zero emissions goals.

The vehicles, purchased through the Welsh Government collaborative procurement framework and supported by the Welsh Government Energy Service, were sourced by FleetEV, a local EV solutions provider. FleetEV focuses on helping organisations transition to electric vehicles through comprehensive leasing, salary sacrifice, and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs.

The new fleet includes Renault and Vauxhall vans, as well as Citroen Ami’s, which have been wrapped by Popin Graphics. These EVs will replace a portion of the university’s fleet of 60 vehicles, and the efficient Ami’s will help reduce the cost of ownership and environmental impact.

The EVs have also been named, following a competition for staff and students to submit their favourites. Winners included Pen E Van, Sos-fan-Fach and Myfanwy.

Professor Monjur Mourshed, Cardiff University’s Dean of Environmental Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to introduce our new EV fleet, which includes a range of vehicle sizes to accommodate our diverse transportation needs. The lighter, more compact vehicles are ideally suited for navigating our urban campus while contributing to our carbon emissions reduction goals. This investment marks a step forward in decarbonising our fleet and demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Jarrad Morris, CEO and Founder of FleetEV, and Cardiff University alumni, said: “We were so pleased to have played a part in Cardiff University’s move to electric campus vehicles. Each institution and business that recognises the importance of EVs and implements change is helping us take a significant step towards a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future, and it means even more that it is my alma mater leading the way.”

Business, Business Investment, Caerphilly, Cardiff

Cardiff Capital Region’s £45m investment in Ogi to boost digital connectivity for South East Wales

The £45m investment from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) into Ogi, Wales’ biggest alternative network provider, represents CCR’s largest single investment into a company since its formation in 2017. The debt-financing package aims to develop and transform digital capabilities in villages, towns and cities across the Cardiff Capital Region, helping to reduce digital disparities and offer local communities and businesses reliable services and ultrafast connectivity.

Businesses will be positively impacted by having better reliable broadband, enabling greater productivity, cloud computing, AI and data storage. The investment is also foundational to the development of CCR’s high-tech sectors and key to ongoing developments like the Investment Zone.

One of CCR’s key priority sectors, the creative industries has already benefited from Ogi’s data connectivity capabilities, with the recent 2024 Paralympics live produced remotely at The Broadcast Centre Cymru in central Cardiff.

Ogi’s new full fibre infrastructure is bypassing old, worn-out connections and giving people working and living in the Region a new level of connectivity. The package will bring many benefits including local employment, and with 100,000 premises already on the new fibre to the premise [FTTP] network, it’s Ogi’s ambition to reach many more.

 

Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith said:

“This is a significant investment by Cardiff Capital Region, backed by the UK Government, which will be transformational for many people and businesses in south east Wales. Good digital connectivity is vital for economic growth and to enable people to access services and enjoy their leisure time.

“I’m delighted that the investment is being put into a Welsh company, Ogi, demonstrating the benefits of working together to create jobs and prosperity.”

 

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, said:

“This investment on a practical level means so much for residents and businesses who may have previously struggled with broadband connectivity. Bringing our Region quite literally up to speed will enhance not only user experience, but also encourage further opportunities and economic growth that align with CCR’s vision for an inclusive, next generation digital infrastructure.”

 

Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
and Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure and Major Projects Delivery, said:

“This major project is being delivered with the express aim of enabling our Region to compete on so many levels. I’m looking forward to the next stages of this Welsh company’s development and seeing even more of the Region benefit from the capabilities of full fibre today, in readiness for tomorrow.”

 

Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said:

“Right from the start, our ambition has been to become a leading Welsh telecoms company, and the last few years have certainly laid strong foundations for that goal.

“With key strategic sites like Aberthaw to the south and the heads of the valleys to the north, there’s massive potential across the capital region – and partnering with CCR at such an exciting time in their own development is the next logical step for Ogi’s growth in southeast Wales.”

Business, Cardiff, Charity, Charity Events, Healthcare, South Wales, Wales

Leaders and legends lunch to connect charity with business community

City Hospice has announced that its inaugural Chair’s Lunch will take place on 18 October at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

Established in 1984, the charity is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

The exclusive ‘Leaders & Legends’ event, organised by the charity’s Chair Michael Baker and sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, will provide the south Wales business community with an opportunity to engage and celebrate with the charity in its 40th anniversary year and hear unique leadership insights from two of Wales’ most influential sporting figures.

Interviewed by Deborah Thomas, special guests Nigel Walker OBE and Sam Warburton OBE will share their experiences and thoughts on leadership on and off the rugby field.

The event will support City Hospice, the only provider of community specialist palliative care for patients in Cardiff with terminal or life limiting illnesses. The charity provides care and a range of services including welfare advice and complementary therapies for patients, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.

Michael Baker, Chair of City Hospice, said: “As the Chair of the board of trustees, I wanted to showcase and share the incredible work of City Hospice with the local business community in this special anniversary year.

“With my experience in consultancy focusing on management and leadership, the event just had to be with leaders and legends! It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the charity’s fantastic work. I am extremely grateful to Deborah, Nigel and Sam for being a part of our first Chair’s Lunch and hope guests gain inspiration from their leadership journeys.”

Deborah Thomas said: “Having been personally touched by City Hospice’s care and compassion, the Chair’s Lunch provides me with a chance to give back in a very special way. I am excited to interview Nigel and Sam and learn more about their perspectives on leadership.”

Nigel Walker OBE, WRU Executive Director of Rugby and City Hospice Ambassador, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this exclusive business event in the charity’s ruby anniversary year. As well as hearing from Sam and I on leadership, I hope that businesses grasp this opportunity to engage with and learn more about the brilliant care and services City Hospice provides.”

For further information including booking details, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/chairmans-lunch-leaders-legends/

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Business, Charity, Charity Events, Newport, Tax

Kilsby Williams announces charity of the year

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has announced that it will be supporting Calon Hearts as its charity of the year.

Calon Hearts is a Cardiff-based charity which promotes heart health in Wales and across the UK.

Less than one in ten people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest but survival rates can be increased significantly if a defibrillator is used and CPR is performed. The charity’s mission includes teaching valuable CPR and first aid skills, and ensuring communities have access to defibrillators and are trained in how to use them.

Calon Hearts also provides free heart screenings for people aged between 16 and 25 to detect life-threatening heart conditions that often go undetected.

To kickstart their fundraising efforts, a team of around 20 from the firm has signed up to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on 6 October.

Dafydd Ford, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We are pleased to share that we will be supporting Calon Hearts over the next year, raising awareness of heart health and funds to support their vital work. This is a cause we are passionate about as we sadly lost our colleague Rob Harding earlier this year and we want to make a difference in his memory.

“We’ll be beginning our fundraising challenges with the Cardiff Half Marathon. A half marathon is no mean feat; the team is training hard to pound the streets of Cardiff and do Rob and his family proud.”

Sharon Owen, founder of Calon Hearts, said: “We are delighted that Newport-based accountants, Kilsby Williams, has chosen Calon Hearts as its charity of the year and are greatly appreciative of this support.

“Calon Hearts has worked tirelessly since the charity was founded over 11 years ago to raise awareness of the vital importance of heart health and, to date, has installed over 30,400 defibrillators, provided CPR training to over 99,900 people and screened over 17,000 hearts for potentially life-threatening conditions.

“Calon Hearts would like to wish the Kilsby Williams team the best of luck in the Cardiff Half Marathon, which will launch their fundraising challenges in memory of their colleague.”

Business, Business News

Mon Timber Finalists in The Wood Awards

Mon Timber is celebrating after being shortlisted in the buildings category of the prestigious Wood Awards for its work on the restoration of the iconic Bristol Beacon.

Mon Timber, a branch of Premier Forest Products, worked alongside contractors Ian Williams Carpentry (IWC) and Willmott Dixon to renew the historic Grade 2 listed site earlier this year. They completed bespoke projects to regenerate the interior of the building with beautiful wooden features, with acoustic prowess to match.

The Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in wood. Established in 1971, the Wood Awards recognises, encourages and promotes outstanding wood design, craftsmanship and installation.

From more than two hundred entries, eighteen buildings and fifteen furniture projects were selected by the judging panel of leading architects, engineers, designers, artists, critics and sustainability experts. Winners will be announced at the Carpenter’s Hall in London on 20th November.

Terry Edgell, Co-founder & CEO of Premier Forest Products said: “We’re so pleased to have been shortlisted for the prestigious Wood Awards this year, for the fantastic work completed on the Bristol Beacon. The impressive architecture will be on display for years to come, and the hard work that went into the project needs to be rewarded. A big congratulations to our team at Mon Timber, and good luck for the awards ceremony.”

Premier Forest Products is engaged in the importation, processing, merchanting and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from multiple sites across the UK.

Appointments, Business, Construction, Construction News

Fabricator welcomes next generation with new appointments

FABRICATOR Dudley’s Aluminium has made three new appointments to its team in Cardiff.

Taran Bhullar, an experienced Estimator, has joined Dudley’s from aluminium product manufacturer Smart Systems. Using his expertise, Taran will assist with cost estimation for new projects and will take an active, leading role within the department.

Joining Taran in the estimating team will be Estimator Apprentice Miles Neizer. Miles has an NVQ Level 3 in Construction in the Built Environment from Cardiff and Vale College and through his apprenticeship, he will learn to review detailed drawings, elevations, floor plans and specifications to assist the team and calculate the required costs for construction projects.

Project Design Apprentice Evan Robertson completes the trio of appointments. Evan joins the team fresh from completing his A-Levels at Newport High School and, in his apprenticeship, will be undertaking CAD training to develop his skills in project design to create detailed drawings and designs across a range of projects.

Pablo Shorney, Finance Director at Dudley’s Aluminium, said: “We are delighted to welcome Taran, Evan and Miles to our team and look forward to seeing them progress in their roles with our support.

“It’s exciting to see our team grow as our company has enjoyed a successful year with an increasing number of projects live and in the pipeline. We’re also continuing to expand with more apprentices set to join us in the coming months.”

Since 1993, Dudley’s Aluminium has offered clients full in-house design and production facilities, completing many successful and prestigious projects within the education, health, commercial, retail, residential and defence sectors throughout the UK and Channel Islands.

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS accredited, Constructionline registered and BM Trada certified to manufacture enhanced security products to align with PAS24:2016 and BS 4873.

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Economy & Jobs News

Finance teams – evolve now or become irrelevant

A comprehensive new report reveals that finance teams worldwide are at a critical juncture, with just five years to adapt to rapidly changing demands—or face the risk of becoming obsolete.

Finance teams have just five years to transform or risk becoming irrelevant, according to a new report by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and Chartered Accountants ANZ in association with PwC. The report, Finance evolution: Thriving in the next decade, stresses the vital role finance teams play in building sustainable businesses and urges CFOs and finance leaders to take immediate action.

Drawing on insights from over 150 finance professionals and 2,300 survey responses, the report shows that businesses now demand a broader skill set from their finance teams, as retrospective reporting and traditional approaches to planning and forecasting alone no longer meet key decision-makers’ needs. Being pre-emptive is the order of the day.

The report highlights some ongoing concerns raised by survey respondents:

  • A lack of clarity on how finance can add value to the business (38%)
  • Finance being seen mainly as a cost centre (32%)
  • Current technology not meeting the needs of the organisation (30%)

Finance teams must embrace technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics, to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. These technologies help finance teams reduce manual tasks, boost efficiency, and be recognised as key drivers of growth rather than merely number crunchers. The role of finance has also expanded to include leadership on long-term value creation including sustainability issues.

However, the report also emphasises that as finance teams undergo this transformation, the importance of ethics must remain at the forefront. With the increasing reliance on technology and data, maintaining a strong ethical foundation is crucial to building and sustaining trust.

Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, said: “For finance teams to stay relevant, they need to look ahead. CFOs and finance leaders must ensure they are measuring both the long-term and short-term goals of sustainable business models effectively. The role of the CFO is fast evolving beyond finance to encompass wider value creation and management.”

Ainslie van Onselen, Chief Executive Officer of Chartered Accountants ANZ, stated: “While the arrival of new technology presents exciting opportunities to radically transform and improve the way we work, the one thing that must never change is our profession’s strong ethical standing.  While we upskill and future proof our technology capabilities, we must also remain firmly focused on the ethical role that financial professionals – especially Chartered Accountants – must play.”

Moreover, the report highlights significant skill deficits in the areas of digital, data, and sustainability. Addressing these gaps is essential for finance teams to lead effectively in the next decade.

Simon Seymour, Partner at PwC, noted: “Respondents highlighted their biggest skills gaps as digital skills, data skills and sustainability skills.  A critical question for the industry, as a whole, is why these skills gaps remain so pronounced and how far organisations should go to own the skills agenda, and not just rely on traditional training.”

The report is a clear call for action: finance teams must embrace new technologies, develop critical skills in digital, data, and sustainability, and uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure they remain integral to their organisations’ success in the years to come.

Read the report online.

Business, Business Investment, Cardiff, Cardiff News

Cardiff Capital Region invests £1.5m in Whisper Cymru

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has invested £1.5m in broadcast production agency Whisper, enabling the purchase of specialist remote broadcasting equipment to deliver large scale live programming within its new Cymru Broadcast Centre facility in Cardiff, the first being the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

The ambition of this project goes beyond the Paralympics, with other international productions already planned; a commitment to boosting skills, training and employment opportunities for underrepresented groups will see this investment bring tangible benefits to the wider community and a lasting legacy.

With this new studio equipment in place, Whisper has been able to create one of the most accessible production facilities in Europe. The facilities include a changing spaces toilet, wide walkways, ramps, power-assisted doors and accessible signage. Attention has also been given to the Centre’s colour schemes and signage throughout to ensure the Cymru Broadcast Centre can be used by as wide a range of people as possible. In addition, Media Cymru and Channel 4 co-funded research and development around accessibility in live production in conjunction with The Ability People – with the hope of acting as a case study for other technical facilities to use as best practice and to share learnings.

As one of CCR’s key priority sectors, the Creative Industries will benefit from this investment, delivering Creative Bootcamps for up 100 people over five years, covering digital and broadcast skills. In addition, Whisper will deliver two outreach events across the Region each year – the aim is to introduce young individuals to the diverse career opportunities within the industry, and to foster inclusivity and diversity.

Wales Office Minister, Nia Griffith said:

“It’s wonderful to see the Cymru Broadcast Centre open and Whisper Cymru delivering live coverage of the Paralympics for Channel 4. The UK Government recognises the value of the creative industries for Wales and that is why we are proud to invest in the Cardiff Capital Region and see that funding used to support the sector.

“We, along with our partners, are helping to build a world-class reputation for Film and TV in the Cardiff region.”

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, added:

“The Cymru Broadcast Centre shows the tremendous rewards of CCR working together with our partners at Welsh Government and Whisper Cymru. The wider economic benefits of job creation, retention of homegrown talent and attracting skilled individuals to Wales, as well as the highly accessible build of the facility opens employment opportunities to all, nurturing diversity and inclusion in our Region.

“I’m very excited about the growing creative industries sector in the Cardiff Capital Region and look forward to seeing it continue to grow and flourish.”

Business, Charity Events, Charity News, South Wales

Consumer Energy Solutions kick off fundraising for Crisis

Leading energy efficiency company Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has raised money for their charity of the year, Crisis, by taking part in the Swansea beach rugby tournament, Beach Rugby Wales.

The tournament, founded in 2006, sees a host of ex-international rugby stars taking part alongside newbies to the sport. 48 teams took part in this year’s event, sponsored by Nathaniel Cars MG.

Swansea-based CES fielded a team in the annual tournament which took place last month, led by Scott Barclay and Kyle Fisher, raising over £500 for Crisis.

Crisis is a national charity that helps people directly out of homelessness and campaigns for the changes needed to end homelessness altogether.

The Skylight, located on St Helen’s Road, Swansea, is one of 9 run by Crisis across the UK. The Skylight team support people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot to end their homelessness through providing advice, support and learning opportunities.

CES, which has permanent bases across Wales and the South West and has a workforce of more than 800 people, supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills.

Gemma Morris, Operations Manager at Crisis Skylight South Wales, said: “I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to CES for their ongoing support over the years, and for this donation in particular. A big thanks to Scott and Kyle for thinking of us when entering the tournament, and a big congratulations to them.”

Scott Barclay, Technical Surveyor Coordinator, Insulation Department at CES, said: “We’re so pleased to have raised so much for our chosen charity Crisis, all whilst having fun in the sun in Swansea Bay. The annual tournament is a great day out and to have raised much needed funds for such an important charity as Crisis is a great feeling. We hope to do the same again next year.”

Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West. CES is an approved installer of Government backed scheme ECO4.

For more information, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Appointments, Business

New appointments strengthen audit and accountancy team at independent firm

Kilsby Williams, one of the largest independent tax and accountancy firms in south-east Wales, has made four new appointments to its audit and accountancy team.

Channa Wijesekera joins Kilsby Williams from one of the ‘Big Four’ global accounting firms and will use his external audit, internal audit and special assignments experience to support the firm’s audit specialists as a senior.

Channa said: “I am very grateful to all the Partners of Kilsby Williams for the opportunity given to me. It is a great experience working with diverse people, clients and cultures.”

Joining Channa in the department will be manager Stephanie Pingue, an ACCA qualified business services manager with years of experience working in practice, and seniors Ryan Jeffs and Alex Manton. The trio will be responsible for providing accounts preparation services, including financial statements, year-end accounts, management accounts and VAT returns for a range of clients.

Ryan said: “The future at Kilsby Williams looks really promising; their plans for expansion and growth really give me hope for what’s to come. There are big things to look forward to from the company and I am glad I managed to join at the right time so I can continue my career and grow as they do.”

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Channa, Stephanie, Ryan and Alex to our audit and accountancy team. Their skills and knowledge strengthens our existing team and will provide a multitude of benefits for our clients. We look forward to seeing them progress in their roles and will do all we can to empower them to maximise their potential.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients locally in south Wales, extending across the UK and globally. Their clients range from sole traders to international quoted groups.