All posts by Laura Lewis

News

Solar business lights up Caribbean with cutting-edge new marine technology

INNOVATORS behind revolutionary solar technology for the shipping industry have unveiled a cutting-edge and ruggedised new model for a giant of the marine sector.

Anglesey and Manchester-based Grafmarine created a square Nanodeck tile – in addition to the current hexagonal shape – that will be tested in Caribbean waters by SMT Shipping, a worldwide leader in the movement of bulk cargo.

This will allow pieces to connect on a flat surface even easier, which in turn means the AI solar management system can capture, store, and remotely manage more clean energy.

Leaders in the international shipping market are working towards net zero, driven by customer demand, legislative changes, and global targets, and exploring ways to decarbonise their fleets.

Grafmarine Commercial Director Nigel Marc Roberts said this new partnership will make waves and give them a platform to further trial their cutting-edge technology, supporting those aims.

“Testing this latest model will allow us to use more conventional materials in a square model, which is simpler to manufacture, more powerful and considerably more cost efficient for the client,” said Nigel.

“We will of course still use recyclable ocean plastics and our ethos as a business is to be a pioneer in fully recyclable renewable energy, but this gives us scope to gather data that will feed into the production process.

“This latest version is really heavy-duty and ruggedised, it’s easy to repair, replace and recycle, so we are excited to see the results.”

Chris Russell, Engineering director of Grafmarine, said the new more ruggedised square panels will be produced alongside the hexagonal model, with a focus on different markets.

“The square is ideal for the hard-wearing, extreme conditions of the shipping industry while the hexagonal alternative is more aesthetically pleasing and attracting a lot of interest in the luxury super-yacht market,” he said.

“Both are game changers and will have a major impact on how clean energy is stored and managed at sea.

“The relationship we are building with SMT Shipping, alongside other connections and partnerships we’ve made over the last year, will help us to develop this technology even further and make a real difference to this industry for generations to come.”

Operating a fleet of more than 60 vessels, SMT Shipping is active in the Americas with self-loading and discharging bulk carriers, cement carriers in Europe and transhipment vessels in West-Africa.

With sites in Cyprus, Poland, the UK, Netherlands, Norway, and the US, the company has been a mainstay in the arena for more than 30 years.

Recognising the importance of decarbonisation, several years ago SMT Shipping started the ‘Towards Zer0’ programme to test new technologies that can be scaled up within the fleet.

“We’re thrilled to include the Nanodeck technology in our programme and offer Grafmarine a platform for this pioneering technology. We look forward to the test results and together with Grafmarine will investigate how these systems can be applied on our fleet,” they said.

For more information on SMT Shipping, visit www.smtshipping.com and follow them on LinkedIn @SMT Shipping and Instagram @smtshipping.

Visit www.grafmarine.com and follow Grafmarine on social media @grafmarineltd for the latest on Grafmarine.

News

Skin clinic named best in Wales following expansion, investment and charity campaign

PURE Perfection Clinic added another prestigious accolade to its long list of titles at a national prizegiving.

The trailblazing business, based in Rossett near Wrexham, was named Best Clinic Midlands and Wales at the Aesthetics Awards, hosted by TV personality Vernon Kay.

Director Sara Cheeney and her seven-strong workforce were also commended for Clinic Team of the Year at the ceremony, held at London’s Grosvenor House.

Sara, an ambassador for the world-famous Hydrafacial aesthetic treatment and UK trainer and key opinion leader for Zo Skin Health, said they were “completely shocked” to receive the trophy.

“We were all stunned when they called out our name, it took us a few moments to process before we went up to collect the award!” she added.

“Pure Perfection has won several prizes over the years but none bigger than this, so we are absolutely thrilled.

“It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all our team, who have worked tirelessly over the last year to maintain our high standards following a challenging time for the industry post-Covid.

“We ourselves have gone from strength to strength and being named best in the country reflects that, so we are privileged and thankful to the judges, and our loyal customers, for their support.”

The good news followed a period of investment at the Chester Road site, which included redevelopment of the premises, a revamped treatment room and expansion, with new faces joining in past months.

The mum-of-two, from Llangollen, has also been busy as one of the founding members of the Star Box campaign for the charity Awyr Las, a care package for patients using the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The Unit cared for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and she says the appeal is “a form of therapy”, an outlet to give back and helping others on their “cancer journey”.

Having been put into a ‘false menopause’ while undergoing treatment for the condition, she wants to help more people in that position, having seen a surge in demand for support in past years.

As NHS waiting lists for skin treatments continue to rise, Clinic Manager Marianne Burrell says they aim to meet rising demand by continuing to invest in state-of-the-art technology unavailable elsewhere in the region, including CO2 and vascular lasers.

“We will keep raising the benchmark for aesthetics in Wales and beyond, which means introducing the best machinery and training,” she said.

“The clinic has experienced an increase in the number of men visiting for a wide range of services we offer, which is fantastic to see, and there will be new health treatments for women, which will be rolled out this year.

“We have also seen a rise in acne treatments and the results have been very positive, producing lasting results for patients, while also adapting our clinical pathway to meet the holistic needs of all our customers.”

Marianne added: “There is a lot happening and Pure Perfection continues to grow; to win such a huge award gives us confidence we are moving in the right direction, and that the best is yet to come.”

The Aesthetics Awards are the most prestigious and longest-standing awards ceremony in the UK medical aesthetics industry. striving to promote best practice, safety, efficacy, and recognise the top leaders in the field.

With more than 400 entries and 950 guests attending, the evening brings together the very best in aesthetic medicine.

Visit www.aestheticsawards.com for more information and a list of all the winners.

For more information on Pure Perfection Clinic, visit the website www.pureperfectionclinic.com or follow Pure Perfection Clinic (@purepclinic and @pureperfectionrossett) on social media.

For more on the Awyr Las Star Box fund visit www.awyrlas.org.uk/starbox.

News

Expanding law practice issues warning as almost half of UK adults yet to write a Will

ALMOST half of adults in the UK have not written a will.  

A report by the National Will Register also revealed 42% have not spoken to anyone about what should happen to their estate upon their death.

This is a growing issue nationwide, which is why Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester – has added prominent Wills and Probate lawyer Matthew Skeels to its award-winning team.

Originally from Pembrokeshire and now living in Wirral – an area where the company has experienced growth in past months – the University of Chester graduate urged people to consider making a will and securing a Power of Attorney document for peace of mind.

“The most important aspect of doing so is the security of knowing your family and loved ones will receive your property or possessions and be cared for financially,” said Matthew, who has worked in the sector for more than a decade.

“But also, to help you avoid probate or any conflict and to make plans for the future. That applies to Power of Attorney as well, so that if you were to become ill or unable to work, or unable to make medical or ‘life’ decisions for yourself, someone else you trust and arrange for can make them for you.

“To see such a large percentage of the population do not have these safeguards in place is quite alarming given how family dynamics and demographics have changes over the generations, so we encourage people to get in touch, even just for advice and guidance so we can point you in the right direction.”

He added: “Being part of the growing team at Mackenzie Jones is fantastic, and with my contacts and presence in the North West that’s an area we will be focusing on over the coming years, in all areas of the business.”

The National Will Register report – published in 2023 – also found just 25% of adults have made a “life folder” with will details enclosed and told someone about it; 49% of respondents said their parents had never discussed instructions or details of a will either.

For those who have not made a will, two in five said that they had not got around to making one yet, while almost a third felt they did not have enough to warrant making a will.

Among over 55s, three in 10 have not spoken to anyone on the subject and half of those are unlikely to in the future – a figure that increases to 58% across all age groups.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Accountancy firm continues expansion with North Wales merger

AN ACCOUNTANCY practice unveiled a new partnership with one of Anglesey’s longest standing firms.

Fowler and Hare Ltd is now part of Salisbury’s Chartered Accountants.

The acquisition follows a merger with Lotti Summers Ltd earlier this year, and means the company now has sites in St Asaph, Ruthin, Menai Bridge, and Beaumaris.

Owner Peter Fowler will join Salisbury’s as a consultant and all staff will be retained.

He said: “I’m delighted to be involved with Salisbury’s as they operate in the same way as I have over the years, with a ‘client comes first’ approach to everything they do. I look forward to working with them.”

The move came after the award-winning group – which has grown to a workforce of more than 30 people in 2022 – designed a new health and wellbeing strategy for employees, which includes mindfulness days, birthdays off and a shorter working week.

“We are proud to be in partnership with Fowler and Hare Ltd and look forward to representing their clients,” said Salisbury’s director Aled Roberts.

“It is one of the longest-standing accountancy firms on the island so to have Peter’s experience and expertise alongside that of our team will be invaluable going forward.

“Our name is growing in North Wales and beyond, we will continue to build on that and are pleased with the progress made this year.”

Fellow directors Jeremy Salisbury and Jason Matischok said while further growth, more staff and an increase in turnover are to be welcomed, one of the key priorities for the business is the health and happiness of its staff and clients.

“That is so important to us, especially post-pandemic given the challenges people have faced and continue to face, socially, financially and in terms of their mental and physical health,” said Jason.

“Introducing these changes  is a small way for us to give back because the last few years have been unprecedented; it’s crucial we remember that and make sure our people know we are here for them, whether they need some time off to care for a relative or resolve a personal issue, to slightly extending our opening hours so we they can finish earlier on a Friday and have a longer weekend with their friends and families.”

Jeremy added: “From our investment in staff development to the technological improvements we have made to our IT and cyber-security infrastructure, we aim to give even more peace of mind and continue raising the bar for customer service in the accountancy sector.

“We have plans for the coming months but are also aware this is a very busy tax period for businesses, so if anyone is in need of support and guidance please get in touch – our door is always open.”

For more information, visit the website www.salisburys.com or follow @salisburysuk on social media.

News

Apprentice to fight for world honours on home turf after Shanghai event cancelled

CHARLIE SAMSON will compete for gold at the WorldSkills finals this autumn.

But the 24 year-old will no longer have to travel to Shanghai as the event was cancelled earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will now take place at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham from November 1-4.

Representing the college and Chirk-based Kronospan, Charlie joins South Walians George Denman and Michael Jones for the Manufacturing Team Challenge against representatives from Japan, Chinese Taipei, Korea, and France.

The talented trio were selected from hundreds of participants UK-wide who took part in national skills tournaments pre-pandemic.

Previously an apprentice with Magellan Aerospace, mechanical fitter Charlie, from Wrexham, is looking forward to event, and said: “It has been a long time coming for all of us, but well worth the wait.

“To be one of three Welsh participants representing the UK is a huge honour, we are confident about winning a medal and hope it will be gold.

“The team get on well, we have been training hard and are also looking to have fun and enjoy the experience.

“My friends, family and everyone at Kronospan have been really supportive and I’m sure they’ll all be rooting for us when the time comes.”

He added: “It’s a shame the overseas competition was cancelled but we will be in familiar surroundings and hopefully that works in our favour.”

The Manufacturing Team Challenge includes one main project – the design and construction to scale of a 3D crane – and nine ‘surprise’ tasks which could include CNC Milling, 3D printing, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and electronics.

Cambria lecturer Daytun Unitt is WorldSkills UK Training Manager for this category and feels immensely proud of Charlie and the squad.

“From a college perspective to have him participate is phenomenal, he’s worked so hard and fully deserves his place in the team,” said Daytun.

“It has been a long, hard road for all of them because of the pandemic and the challenges that brought including delays, virtual training sessions and of course the health and safety implications, but they have remained focused on the task in hand.

“We now look forward to the competition and once again congratulate Charlie for this incredible achievement – best of luck, we will be with you all the way.”

For more information, visit the website: www.worldskills.org.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Sculpture by top chainsaw artist added to £5.2m clocktower restoration site

A SIX-FOOT sculpture created by one of the country’s leading wood carvers will be unveiled at a community event in support of an aspirational £5.2million clocktower revamp.

Rossett-based artist Simon O’Rourke installed the equine-inspired piece in time for the September 17 fun day at the Grade II-listed John Summers site in Deeside.

Made from cedar, the image references the logo of Queensferry-based Enbarr Foundation – which is behind the epic redevelopment – portraying a horse leaping from waves through a crown and paying tribute to the Queen in celebration of the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Designed in partnership with pupils from Veneral Edward Morgan (VEM) RC Primary School in Shotton, he spent four days producing the finished article and is delighted with the results.

“I loved the challenge because horses are so tricky to carve, it came out really well and the imagination showed by the children was fantastic,” said Simon, who has won a variety of global awards for his work over the last 20 years.

“It was also lovely to be able to do something for the community and contribute to the legacy here at the clocktower.

“You can see the gardens and building are taking shape and this concept will be a part of that so I’m very proud.”

Earlier this year, Vicki Roskams and the ‘Guardians’ who spend countless hours bringing the site back to life appealed for schools, artists, horticulturalists, and anyone with imaginative ideas to brighten up the area.

“The feedback was incredible, and this was sculpture was one of the most popular designs, so we are absolutely thrilled to have it in place,” she said.

“It encapsulates the spirit of what we are doing here – this place is for the community, and we rise by lifting others – so it’s another step on the journey.

“Simon has done an incredible job and we can’t thank him enough – it looks amazing.”

The fun day itself is supported by local businesses including Wilson’s Auctions, who kindly donated a Hyundai Iconic car for a raffle to raise money towards renovations at the dilapidated former Tata Steel headquarters.

There will also be live entertainment, birds of prey, activities and attractions and the Armed Forces will be in attendance.

To support the Clock Tower development and to attend the free open day, email vicki@enbarrenterprises.com or visit www.savetheclocktower.co.uk or the Guardians of the Clock Tower Facebook page.

Free entry if you advance book or you can pay on the day: https://www.skiddle.com/e/36156991

Visit www.treecarving.co.uk for the latest news and information from Simon O’Rourke.

News

Rhyl student sees stars and stripes after securing place at top American university

A RHYL student is seeing stars and stripes after securing a place at one of America’s top universities.

Tom Billington will join the School of Engineering at Princeton University in New Jersey this September.

The Ivy League institution counts Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Former First Lady of the US Michelle Obama among its notable list of alumni.

Tom, a former pupil at Rhyl High School, secured the place after achieving the A Level grades he needed in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Product Design and Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge at Coleg Cambria.

“As Princeton is a liberal arts college, I am yet to decide my major, but I am going into the School of Engineering and am interested in civil and environmental engineering, as well as materials science,” said the 18 year-old.

“I have always been fascinated by the man-made world around me and that is what really sparked my interest in engineering more broadly.

“I also like both academic and creative subjects, and this seemed like the perfect subject for me to combine them.”

Thanking staff at Cambria’s Deeside Sixth Form Centre for their support throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, he added: “I absolutely loved my time at the college, I made so many incredible friends, met so many amazing people and was taught by brilliant tutors.

“They kept things moving as if we were still there in person, especially throughout lockdown through both online and blended learning.

“I would definitely recommend Coleg Cambria to everyone as there is absolutely no way I would have the opportunity to go and study abroad for university without them.”

Tom also gave a special mention to Mims Riddell, Head of Deeside 6th and Assistant Principal for Academic Studies.

“She is probably one of the biggest reasons why I am attending Princeton,” he said.

“Despite the application process being significantly different to the UK she supported me every step of the way, as did the Sutton Trust US Programme, which helps UK students from low-income backgrounds explore the possibility of studying in the US and helps with the university search, application process and everything in between.

“I always wanted to attend an Oxbridge institution, but after seeing their programme advertised, I went for it. I never in a million years thought that almost two years after applying I would be going to the US for the next four years, but I am so excited to see what this could lead to.”

Congratulating Tom, Mims added: “He is one of the most hard-working and determined students you could meet. We are so proud of Tom and wish him every success at Princeton University.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.

News

Minister launches vertical farming Innovation Hub as microgreens project rolled out across Wales

A REVOLUTIONARY new climate-controlled facility designed to support a ground-breaking vertical farming project was officially launched today (Tuesday).

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, opened the Tech Tyfu Innovation Hub at M-SParc on Anglesey.

Delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Mon, with support from the Welsh Government, the pilot programme was a success with growers in Gwynedd and Anglesey, who developed and supplied fresh micro greens to restaurants, hotels and consumers using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods.

The second phase of the initiative will see 13 growing sites across Wales supported by the Hub – which features a four-layer nutrient film technique rack system with a production capacity of 732 plant heads, flood and drain units, a grow room and a controlled environment chamber – over the next year.

Project Manager Luke Tyler thanked the Minister for attending and believes Tech Tyfu will play a major role in shaping the agri-technology economy nationwide, promoting food tourism, and strengthening supply chains.

“We are excited to open the new Innovation Hub, it will be pivotal in supporting the growers through research and development and horticulture training,” he said.

“From this cutting-edge facility we will trial new crops, growing methods, and equipment, working with academic and business partners to explore opportunities for crops and technology.

“We will also host an equipment library to encourage new growers to take their first steps into vertical farming without prohibitive costs.”

Luke added: “It was a pleasure to be able to demonstrate the progress made so far and our wider vision to the Minister – we thank her again for supporting the project and visiting us today.”

The Minister reinforced those words and said: “It’s great to see this innovation taking place on Anglesey with Welsh Government support.  Vertical farming has the potential to cut the length of supply chains, increase food security and cut carbon emissions.

“The new Innovation Hub will ensure Wales will be at the cutting-edge of agri-technology and horticultural research, and I’m pleased to officially launch it.”

Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient use efficiency by up to an order of magnitude, as well as enabling them to create conditions necessary to grow out of season crops, reducing pressure on the food supply chain as well as transport, packaging, and refrigeration costs.

Innovation Hub Project Officer Molly Poulter now looks forward to exploring further research and development opportunities over the coming months, providing farmers, businesses, and the food industry with more scope to diversify.

“The Hub will bridge the gap between research and development and commercialisation, all of which complements our work on the scale-up project,” she said.

“The initial focus will be on supporting the 13 growers, and long-term we plan to help businesses in different areas of farming and agri-technology with their product and system ideas.

“We will also be looking at the systems and machinery here and the technology supplied to the growers, using feedback to advance that further, and running training courses so people can learn more about vertical horticulture.

“We will continue testing the programme and are excited to seeing how things develop.”

For more news and information from Tech Tyfu, visit www.techtyfu.com and follow them on social media @TechTyfu.

NOTES: Tech Tyfu is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

News

‘Smart towns’ digital boost for rural communities and businesses in Wales

ANTUR CYMRU ENTERPRISE is supporting rural communities by enhancing digital communication and connectivity across mid and south Wales post-pandemic.

Telemat IT Support, based at the organisation’s Antur Teifi Business Park in Newcastle Emlyn, has won contracts to install IoT (Internet of Things) and LoRaWAN technology in a bid to support local authority aspirations for a network of ‘Smart Towns’ focused on economic growth.

Carmarthenshire’s 10 rural market towns will have IoT applications developed and Brecon, Llanwrtyd Wells, Presteigne, Aberaeron, Llandysul, Lampeter, New Quay and Tregaron will all have Town Wi-Fi installed.

Business Development Manager Kevin Harrington said: “Telemat is delighted to be supporting the roll-out and uptake of Internet of Things applications and Town Wi-Fi.

“Developing Smart Towns technologies will help local authorities and town councils and traders gather important visitor data and provide better services to the public.”

He added: “High streets have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and recent inflationary pressures.

“As our parent company Antur Cymru is a social enterprise, this project fits well with our strategic goal of supporting economic development in rural parts of Wales.”

Antur Cymru has also been working with Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan local authorities to install Welsh Government-funded Cisco Meraki cloud-based systems that can measure footfall and customer trends in town centres, providing pivotal data that will feed into future retail strategies.

“These regions are moving forward as pioneers in developing these methods,” added Kevin.

“The results will enable local authorities and planners to identify what is and isn’t working, how challenges can be overcome and bring about positive change that will have a knock-on effect for businesses and their local economies.”

Telemat’s mission is to deliver a comprehensive bilingual IT service across Wales, encompassing hardware and software solutions for the benefit of homes and organisations in the private and public sectors, including business Wi-Fi, remote worker IT solutions and helpdesk support.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, said these latest developments reinforce Telemat’s commitment to the future proofing of industry.

“Digital connectivity and instant communication are vital in today’s society, not just for businesses but all services and individuals to go about their daily lives, personally and professionally,” she added.

“Securing this work confirms Telemat’s position as a leader in its field and the role it will play in bringing rural communities in line with other areas of the UK for generations to come.”

For further information and to speak to the team at Antur Cymru Enterprise, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

Alternatively, visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk or www.telemat.co.uk.

News

Debut college cohort graduates from prestigious Industrial Cadet programme

THE first ever cohort of Industrial Cadets has graduated from Coleg Cambria.

‘Cadets’ from the college’s Deeside site achieved 20 Gold and 15 Challenger Awards via the programme, a kite mark for schools and students seeking valuable and exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Maths) opportunities.

There was also a ‘Best Effort’ prize for Ryan Reid, representing Atlas Copco, and a team award for learners working with Triumph Actuation Systems.

Over the course of the full academic year participants linked up with leading names in engineering and manufacturing and were later tasked with finding solutions and ideas to challenges before producing or presenting them to their employers and mentors.

Among the other companies involved were Ardagh, AMRC Cymru, ConvaTec, Magellan Aerospace, TATA, Electroimpact, ESD, DRB, UPM Shotton, JCB and Kellogg’s.

“It was a brilliant day and to see how they’ve developed their technical, practical and academic skills with Cambria and these fantastic organisations was very inspiring,” said Nick Tyson, Vice Principal for Technology, Engineering and Construction.

“The lion’s share of them have gone on to secure apprentices with their employers so it demonstrates what a valuable programme this is.”

He added: “This was our inaugural full cohort, and the response was really positive as it gave the learners an opportunity to gain vital real-life, real-time experience with fantastic organisations in various sectors, from food production to manufacturing, engineering and more.”

Among those in attendance was former Cambria student Jack Parry, from Bagillt, who has spent the past two years on a Project Management Apprenticeship with Broughton-based Raytheon UK, a global technology giant focused on aerospace, defence, cyber and intelligence.

The 20 year-old could have chosen to study engineering at university but on leaving St Richard Gwyn High School, Flint, opted for Cambria’s award-winning Engineering Centre of Excellence.

“Jack gave a fantastic presentation and is an example of how our partnerships with industry leaders can provide the springboard to an incredible career in STEM,” said Nick.

“Well done again to all of the graduates, you have very bright futures ahead of you.”

Led by the educational charity the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), the Industrial Cadets scheme is a benchmark for outreach and education, building pathways through academia and employment. Its Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales.

For more information, visit www.etrust.org.uk/industrial-cadets

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria