All posts by Mark Baker

News

Awards pour in for Welsh vineyard with plans to grow after grape success

THE awards continue to pour in for a vineyard with plans for expansion and new products after five years of grape success.

Gwinllan Conwy owners Colin and Charlotte Bennett are celebrating a prestigious bronze medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards, having achieved two bronze medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) earlier this year.

That takes their haul to 17 medals in national and international competitions since launching the company.

Add to that a place in the UK Grand Final of the Countryside Alliance Awards – they won the Local Food and Drink Class for Wales – and the future looks bright for the vineyard, based in Llangwstenin, Llandudno Junction.

Colin and Charlotte first planted a quarter of an acre in 2012 and by 2016 were ready to release their first wine.

The Pefriog and Solaris varieties have been lauded by critics and customers, as have their tours and support of independent North Wales producers, but the couple insist the best is yet to come.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won these awards and to receive so much positive feedback and goodwill,” said Colin.

“But for us the most important thing is always the customers, and the quality of the wine we produce here in Conwy.

“Year on year we double in size and that looks set to continue as we prepare to launch a limited-edition range of classic wines following experimentation with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flavours, so watch this space.”

Charlotte added: “Covid-19 has sharpened our focus on returning to normality and adapting to meet the challenges of the pandemic; we are adding an outside kitchen area with a barbecue-style offering and have completed a rebrand of the bottles with a more personalised touch, a view from the vineyard painted by a local artist.

“There is a lot in the pipeline, so we are excited to move forward because like many in the sector we were hit hard by lockdown, it was a hammer blow for all of us.

“That said, it gave us a chance to reflect and promote our web presence, the potential of Welsh gifts and particularly hampers, which we sold almost 1200 of after promoting ourselves more online.”

Gwinllan Conwy now covers more than three acres and marked its recent success by hosting an event with guests including farmer and TV star Gareth Wyn Jones, Aberconwy MP Robin Millar and MS Janet Finch-Saunders, and High Sheriff of Clwyd, Steve Thomas.

There they showcased the tasting room, shop, wine garden, and revealed tours are fully booked into the autumn, before those in attendance enjoyed an awe-inspiring flyover by an RAF Chinook helicopter!

Now producing 10,000 bottles a year with the support of Vineyard Manager Sarah Stewart and countless volunteers, Colin and Charlotte are delighted to be in prime position to capitalise on the easing of Coronavirus restrictions and global interest in their burgeoning business.

“We are proud to demonstrate how innovation can make sustainable farming profitable,” said Charlotte.

“It allowed us to become a major tourist destination while assisting other local producers, which is a priority for Gwinllan Conwy.”

Colin added: “Supporting one another is vital, whether that be winemakers – the website www.vineyards.wales was an important platform throughout lockdown – or the brilliant food and drink firms in this region.

“Our core focus is on outstanding customer service, high-quality wine and a visitor experience that lives long in the memory. We will never lose that ethos and thank everyone who has helped us along the way.”

For more information, visit the website www.gwinllanconwy.co.uk and follow them on social media at @conwyvineyard. Alternatively, email cheers@gwinllanconwy.co.uk.

News

Good grounding for aerospace apprentices on leading Wales business degree

AN INNOVATIVE Business degree partnership has given talented students a good grounding for their future careers.

Airbus apprentices Ryan Duffy and Fiola Woodley reached new heights on completing the Foundation Degree in Applied Business Management at Coleg Cambria’s £3.5m Northop Business School in Flintshire.

Awarded by Swansea University, the qualification will see them progress in their work roles at the global aerospace company, based in nearby Broughton.

The two-year programme can be extended to a three-year BSc, where learners will study modules including Business Management, Project Management and Delivery, and an Organisational Project.

Ryan took on the course to gain more experience and confidence, adding: “I learnt an awful lot about myself, and understanding my own strengths and weaknesses.

“Each module provided me with theoretical knowledge I can apply on the job with Airbus, whilst also giving me exposure to the academic learning techniques that aren’t used on a day-to-day basis at work.

“My advice to someone deciding whether to study at Coleg Cambria would be to never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The beauty of the Applied Business Management degree is it gives you the freedom to be creative and be yourself.”

Both Ryan and Fiola praised the college for swiftly moving resources online when Covid-19 took hold in the UK last year, with the latter confirming this method of learning played a big part in helping to navigate modules successfully.

“It gave us a real insight into the world of work and enabled me to apply thinking and application into my job role, anticipating potential problems and looking at alternative ways to overcome them,” said Fiola.

Business School Manager Lesley Rasmussen said the curriculum was redesigned during the pandemic with more interactive and online learning to make it a pan-Wales offering.

“There is a more blended approach that has been well-received and makes it more accessible, which reflects demand in light of Covid-19 and more people working from home,” said Lesley.

“This will be a new way of delivering the course and because of the flexibility it is more attractive to people already in employment, so we look forward to rolling-it out fully this September.”

She added: “The results so far have been incredible, and in the future, we look forward to welcoming more industry speakers – it’s a fantastic time to be joining the degree.”

Chris Burke, Head of Early Careers at Airbus in Broughton, said: “Degree apprenticeships are being seen by many as a valid alternative to university. Airbus degree apprentices benefit hugely from the work-based learning they undertake, which helps them achieve academic excellence in a wide variety of disciplines.

“Next year’s recruitment will begin in Autumn 2021; so please the Airbus website to find out about the programmes we run and how to apply.”

Alan Price, Programme Director at Swansea University School of Management, said they are proud of their association with Coleg Cambria and collaboration on this course.

“The performance of our learners has been extremely impressive and a large part of that is down to how the team have managed the challenges presented by the pandemic,” he said.

“Now we are building on our early success by extending the availability of the programme across Wales, we feel certain employers will see the value of the flexible nature of the programme and the fact learners will be business-ready on completion – we are excited by the prospect of introducing this to new organisations.”

For more information on the Applied Business Management FDSc/BSc, visit the website: www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/som/fdscapplbusman

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

Visit www.airbus.com/careers for more information about Airbus apprenticeship programmes.

News

Heart patients monitored at home via mobile phone as part of health pilot

CARDIAC patients in North Wales are trialling innovative new technology that allows clinicians to monitor their health and recovery via mobile phone.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has teamed-up with healthtech company Huma to assess whether people with heart problems can be supported in their homes using an app that reports on their condition.

The pilot programme has been funded by Welsh Government, and Huma’s revolutionary application means any changes in the patient’s health or response to medication could be identified sooner.

The technology allows people to record their symptoms and vital signs, such as weight and blood pressure, which will be reviewed by the clinician and fed-back to the patient to record progress and any concerns.

The technology also allows patients to have consultations by video, which can help avoid unnecessary visits to clinics or hospitals.

The Welsh Government’s Help Us, Help You campaign is encouraging people to use a range of different services to alleviate pressure on the NHS; they believe this cutting-edge solution is one way of doing that, particularly in lowering waiting times.

Viki Jenkins, Heart Failure Advanced Nurse Practitioner for BCUHB, said “We want to build on the advances made in digital technology since the beginning of the pandemic, and this is an extension of that, but we need to understand how easy or difficult it is for people to use the application, which is what this pilot is all about.

“This is a great opportunity to explore what health services are going to look like in the future – COVID-19 has shown us we have to embrace innovation like this.”

As part of the trial, patients will receive equipment to take readings, including a blood pressure cuff, weighing scales and a pulse oximeter.

Cardiology specialists will be able to remotely monitor each patient’s symptoms, progress and conduct video consultations to address any concerns. If needed, hospital visits can be arranged for further treatment and consultation.

As trends continue to change nationally due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Helen Northmore, Head of Digital and AI (Artificial Intelligence) at Life Sciences Hub Wales, said the Huma app is an example of how technology will play an even bigger role in patient care going forward.

“The traditional pathway is for cardiac patients to regularly attend a hospital appointment and have these readings taken,” she said.

“This application will free up clinicians’ time so they can be there for patients who need them more urgently, and it also saves the patient from having to travel and wait at the hospital to be seen.”

The pilot is one of five projects to be awarded funding as part of the £150,000 Digital Solutions Fund, looking at new and revolutionary ways to use technology in the fight against Coronavirus and beyond.

Dr Jonathan Gledhill, Head of Healthcare at Huma, said: “We are pleased we can make it easier for patients to get the care they need and spot any deterioration in their health, whilst saving significant time for clinicians so they can focus care where it is most needed.

“Our technology already helps patients on surgery waiting lists, people with acute illness like COVID-19 and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

“Our published research shows we can make a big difference and it’s exciting to test yet another way that we might be able to help patients.”

For more information, visit www.huma.com.

Visit www.bcuhb.nhs.wales for the latest news and information from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Please use the hashtags #HelpuNiHelpuChi and #HelpUsHelpYou to support the Help Us, Help You campaign.

News

North Wales college receives highest award for standards of inclusion for disabled workers

COLEG CAMBRIA has achieved leadership status in developing standards of inclusion for disabled people.

The north east Wales college is now a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader.

The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) scheme encourages organisations of all sizes to encourage, support and retain talented, loyal and hard-working disabled employees.

As a Disability Confident Leader, Cambria is also a benchmark for its partners and stakeholders, as well as businesses and the wider community.

Director of People Diane Jolly is thrilled to have received the accolade, which applies to their sites in Deeside, Llysfasi, Wrexham and Northop.

“Inclusion is an organisational imperative; we’ve been on this journey for several years and are committed to continuing to raise standards of inclusion, here at Cambria and in the local area,” said Diane.

“The Disability Confident Award – which is the highest organisations can achieve – demonstrates our commitment and the investment we continue to make into our workforce, for the benefit of our learners.

“And to do it after the challenges of the last year is especially rewarding.”

The DWP confirmed the college had met the criteria and provided evidence of its actions and operations as a Disability Confident Leader, adding: “In continuing your Disability Confident journey, you are ensuring disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.”

Cambria’s Chief Executive Yana Williams said the status highlights their ethos as a college.

“We have a commitment to inclusion, we lead from the front and are the benchmark in this region, not just for our students and staff but the many partners we work with in the private and public sectors,” she said.

“I am so proud that we have been recognised for that and of course we will continue to improve and develop our position as a Disability Confident Leader.”

Find out more about Disability Confident at: www.gov.uk/disability-confident

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

News

Free animal care consultations as pet retailer and leading vet join forces

PETPLACE has teamed-up with a leading veterinary surgery to offer free consultations at its Abergele store.

The pioneering pet retailer – which also has sites in Ruthin, Llangefni, Chirk and Mold – and Mochdre Vets will hold daily sessions from July.

Pet owners can bring their animals for assessment, advice, and guidance on a range of issues from allergies and skin problems to dental pain and lumps and bumps.

Mochdre Vets, which counts the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay among its clients, is one of the most respected practices in the region and one of only 12 in the UK to offer Solensia, a revolutionary new therapy for osteoarthritis in cats, pioneered by global animal health care organisation, Zoetis.

Accredited to gold standard by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the surgery celebrates is currently celebrating its fourth anniversary.

Director Dr Sarah Heywood is delighted to be working in partnership with the award-winning chain.

She said: “We will have a permanent presence at the Abergele store and be on hand for a few hours each day for any pet owners who want to bring their animals in to be checked-out.

“From there we can decide on what the best course of action will be and how we can support and manage any symptoms or provide the relevant information.”

Dr Heywood added: “PetPlace is an incredibly dynamic and innovative company, always looking at new ways to improve life for pets and pet parents.

“We are thrilled and genuinely feel so lucky to be a part of that and look forward to welcoming people to see us in-store.”

PetPlace recently launched the PetPlace Plus+ app, providing free advice and guidance, latest news, and exclusive offers with added benefits for loyal and long-standing shoppers.

Managing Director Sion Pritchard said their strong start to 2021, including this new in-store health check, is just one of several services to be unveiled this year.

“Having Sarah and members of her team on-hand for people to pop in with their pets for a consultation or a discussion about any concerns is a fantastic addition to our Abergele store,” he said.

“Two North Wales businesses coming together to enhance the lives of our beloved animals is a very positive move – we can’t wait to get started.”

Coronavirus health and safety restrictions are in place at all PetPlace outlets and customers are required to wear a face covering and social distance.

For more information, email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk or follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit www.mochdrevets.co.uk for more news and information on Mochdre Veterinary Surgery.

ENDS

coleg cambria, Economy & Jobs News, Education

North Wales course will meet demand for skills in booming Esports industry

COLEG CAMBRIA has unveiled a new course that will help meet demand for skilled workers in the booming billion-dollar Esports sector.

The college is welcoming students to join the innovative BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Esports.

The two-year qualification will run at Cambria’s Deeside site from September and has been created by the British Esports Association and awarding body Pearson.

Cambria’s Curriculum Director Suzanne Barnes said their academic offering is forever evolving to meet the needs of industry and advances in technology.

“Esports is a newly established and rapidly-growing sector which presents opportunities for employment locally nationally and globally, therefore, it is crucial we at Coleg Cambria provide our learners with courses relevant to the new economy,” she said.

“The qualification includes a wide range of contemporary transferable skills demanded by employers which will enable our learners to take advantage of the multitude of career pathways and progression routes awaiting them – either directly to employment or via further study.”

Suzanne added: “Esports offers a unique chance to study a sector that crosses over multiple subject areas such as sport, marketing, enterprise, and the creative media.

“It provides an opportunity for alignment of social, physical, mental, and financial skills into an exciting and new qualification which will deepen and expand learning.”

Modules include Games Design, Business Applications of Esports in Social Media, Esports Coaching, Live-Streamed Broadcasting, Producing an Esports Brand, and Video Production.

“The skills delivered in modules such as these are highly valued in the changing and fluid workplace of the new economy, so we are excited to be at the forefront here in North Wales,” said Suzanne.

According to the British Esports Association, the industry has created thousands of new jobs around the world – and this number is continuing to grow.

The number of Esports roles in the UK posted on jobs website Hitmarker has risen by 163% year-on-year, and Newzoo, a leading gaming and esports market analytics firm, says global esports industry revenue will hit $1.084billion in 2021.

In another exciting development the Cambria course has attracted the sponsorship of a leading manufacturer and international retailer of esports peripherals, HyperX.

“Not only has HyperX generously donated a range of top of the range peripherals to our Esports course, but they will be active partners in providing pathways into the wider business elements of the industry for our learners,” said Suzanne.

Gary Tibbett, Education Manager at British Esports, added: “It’s great to have Coleg Cambria as one of the colleges running the BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Esports from September.

“Esports engages a wide demographic of young people and is intrinsically a fun, team-building activity that promotes leadership, character development, and much more.  These skills can be transferred across into alternative industries and offer a multitude of career pathways.”

For more information on the new Esports qualification at Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk

NOTES: Stats and information available at https://britishesports.org/news