All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Clock Tower ‘Guardians’ call on community to cultivate ideas for 13-acre garden

THE team behind a £5.2m clocktower redevelopment are calling on their community to cultivate creative ideas for a 13-acre garden project.

Enbarr Foundation director Vicki Roskams and fellow ‘Guardians’ of the Grade II-listed John Summers Clock Tower in Deeside are one of two organisations in Wales to receive funding to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

They will use the grant to transform the landmark’s dilapidated gardens and want to hear from schools, businesses, artists, horticulturalists, and anyone with imaginative concepts that will brighten up the area.

Installations will be based on these four themes – Children and Youth, Culture and Heritage, Mental Health and Disability Awareness, and the Queen’s Jubilee legacy.

Vicki said: “We are honoured to have secured significant funding from the National Lottery Community Fund that will enable us to leave a lasting legacy at the Clock Tower for generations to come.

“Our vision is to create a ‘time capsule’ – something that belongs to the community and is created by them – so we really need people to get their thinking caps on.

“The more entertaining and interesting the better, whether it’s a statue, wood carving, play equipment, shrubbery, plants or garden furniture, anything that will get people talking and last in the memory.

“We want something inspirational and sensory that reflects this wonderful part of the world, it’s a unique opportunity and we can’t wait to see what people come up with.”

The Clock Tower was selected for a grant because of its rich history as the former headquarters of Tata Steel and British Steel, welcoming many esteemed visitors over the last century, including Sir Winston Churchill, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, whose legacy lives on through the DofE work carried out onsite with young people in the community.

Entrants have until April 22 to submit their ideas, with judges contacting the shortlisted finalists on April 28. The winning ideas will be unveiled at a ‘magnificent street party’ on June 4.

“While work continues on the building this is a fabulous way for us to begin revamping the garden into a warm, welcoming and popular space for the people of Deeside and beyond,” said Vicki.

“It will also give local organisations ownership of the site, knowing they have contributed and can play a part in preserving and maintaining its beauty for visitors to enjoy.

“There is plenty here to inspire them, from an empty swimming pool to telephone boxes, dragon sculptures and more, so we can’t wait to bring the whole place to life.

“We hope to see plenty of people get in touch because this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a major impact on what is one of the country’s most transformative projects.”

To enter the competition and for more information, visit the website www.enbarrfoundation.co.uk/initiatives and follow the Guardians of the John Summers Clock Tower on social media.

News

Business space project launched in rural Wales ahead of national roll-out

AN innovative new scheme delivering affordable office space and free business support to home workers and start-up companies in rural areas has been launched.

Led by Antur Cymru Enterprise, the DeskSpace initiative is being piloted at Antur Teifi Business Park in Newcastle Emlyn, providing a platform for post-pandemic recovery and a well-timed boost for the economy in north Carmarthenshire.

The long-term vision is to roll the concept out across small towns and villages in Wales, helping entrepreneurs who launched a venture during the pandemic – or those who want to move from the kitchen table or spare room to a high-quality office space – the chance to do so in a warm, welcoming environment.

Those signing-up will have access to a free parking, IT support, fast and secure internet, photocopier and scanning services, coffee and tea-making facilities, and guidance from Business Wales representatives on site.

Desks are available for as little as £10 per day and ‘Go Workstations’ are also an option.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, says this is a great opportunity to help grow small and start-up firms with the knowledge that experts and mentors will be on hand to provide pivotal guidance and advice should they need it.

“Importantly, this is more than just a ‘space’ for them to develop, it’s the perfect setting to test their ideas, network, collaborate and grow their business in a safe and sustainable way,” said Bronwen.

“We will be trialling it in Newcastle Emlyn and then other rural areas where the major issues are around broadband provision and slow internet speeds, travel time, fuel costs and administrative services unavailable in more hard-to-reach towns and villages.

“There are so many innovative and exciting new start-ups and entrepreneurs in this region who just need a foundation to build on, so hopefully DeskSpace can provide that and resolve some of these problems.”

A report released by Aberystwyth University last year found the Covid-19 pandemic had further exposed the divide between rural and urban areas of Wales, notably inequalities in broadband speeds, unemployment and healthcare and housing.

“Antur Cymru Enterprise is working hard to remove these barriers and provide solutions that will help to boost the rural economy and turn the green shoots of recovery into sustainable growth,” added Bronwen.

“By targeting small businesses, we can make a positive impact in our communities and hopefully give them the confidence to move forward with our support.

“DeskSpace is just one of the projects we are unveiling in 2022; the growth of industry in rural locations is paramount as we bounce back from the challenges of the Coronavirus, and we are focused on delivering further projects like this in the months and years ahead.”

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/flexible-space/deskspace

News

Celebrities join leadership alumni for virtual graduation event

BUSINESS owners and managers were celebrated at a virtual graduation ceremony.

Hosted by Bangor Business School, the online event marked the success of more than 35 learners on the ION Leadership ILM Level 5 Leading Growth and ILM Level 3 New Leaders programmes.

Honorary Fellows and celebrity well-wishers including singer Beverley Knight, former Wales rugby international Rupert Moon and TV farmer Gareth Wyn Jones joined the successful cohort – who met in person – for a ceremony which also featured drone footage of participating organisations from across north and mid-Wales.

Bangor University Vice Chancellor Professor Iwan Davies, Anglesey MP Virginia Crosbie and Anglesey MS Rhun ap Iorweth were also in attendance.

Among those to achieve the qualification was Paralympic medallist Mark Williams, from Rhyl, the founder and CEO of Bylchau-based prosthetic leg cover design and manufacturing firm, LIMB-art.

He said: “From my perspective the course exceeded my expectations, and the best part was not only the critical learning – which enabled us to continually look at our practices, so we always have a clear vision and a plan B – but the contacts I developed that have helped and continue to help drive the business forward.”

Elin Aaron, owner of Gallt y Glyn hostel and restaurant in Llanberis, reinforced those comments, and added: “I run the business by myself and thought during Covid this would be a perfect way to network while developing my confidence as a leader.

“I’m a people pleaser and sometimes found it difficult to tread the line between being the boss and being a friend to my staff, so this helped with that.

“Like many hospitality companies we have faced challenges during the pandemic but are on our way back and growing again. Graduating from the programme will certainly have a positive impact as we look to recruit new workers and approach our busiest time of the year.”

The ION Leadership programme is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and delivered by Swansea University with funding from the European Social Fund through Welsh Government.

Lorraine Hopkins, Manager for the Leading Business Growth programmes at Bangor Business School, paid tribute to the alumni for their dedication during a difficult time for all industries.

“We were thrilled to be able to celebrate business success at this time, when there have been and are still, so many economic challenges ahead,” said Lorraine.

“The programmes are contributing to a more confident economy by developing our leaders and sharing established business drivers for growth. The team couldn’t be prouder of our delegates.”

Event sponsor Celtest, a pioneering material testing and drilling company based in Bangor, also joined proceedings, namely Jason Chinery, who himself graduated from the programme three years ago.

“We are privileged to support ION Leadership and congratulate all of the learners for achieving this qualification during such unprecedented times,” he said.

“The course helped me to develop my leadership capabilities and gave me a broader insight into different management styles and how they impact organisational performance, productivity, and communication.

“I would encourage all business owners and managers to explore the Leading Business Growth suite of programmes at Bangor Business School; it certainly made a difference to how I approach my role, which in turn has had a decisive effect on my personal and professional life – I wish all of the graduates the best of luck for the future.”

For more information, email ionleadership@bangor.ac.uk or visit Become an extraordinary leader | ION leadership.

News

Sales heat up at solar energy firm as boss gives Chancellor VAT cuts a cautious welcome

A SHINING light in the solar industry has given green energy tax cuts a watchful welcome and revealed customer demand will lead to further growth in the coming months.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak slashed the VAT on renewable options such as solar panels, insulation, and heat pumps to zero during his Spring statement, saving homeowners a reported £1000+ over the next five years.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the UK Leisure Living Group, which has sites in St Asaph, Mochdre and Deeside – said the move has given him fresh confidence in the sector and was a “positive start” but far more needs to be done to steer families towards long-term sustainable alternatives.

“Especially now, with the cost of living and energy prices spiralling out of control, the situation is unacceptable for millions of people across the country,” he added.

“From our perspective this is good news, solar energy is a big part of our business and to have five years of security on that side has given me renewed optimism for the future of the industry. It allows us to invest further in our sites and staff, including taking on new team members to keep up with the growth.

“By eliminating the VAT, people with renewable energy in their homes will pay less – and with the rising price and uncertainty around imported fossil fuels being a major crisis – this is a move in the right direction from the UK Government.

“Steps are being taken, but not quickly enough, and I think when the Winter kicks in we will see people once again struggle with whether to ‘heat or eat’ and make very difficult choices that will impact on their health and wellbeing.

“I just hope – like many in the industry – that this is the start of an era where we move away from the traditional, expensive and damaging energy sources to clean, green energy that is more affordable, better for the environment and more efficient for future generations.”

Earlier this year, Carbon Zero recruited extra staff to cope with a surge in enquiries from homeowners and businesses for solar panels.

Gareth said this most recent announcement will see them take on even more employees in 2022.

A board member at the Federation of Master Builders and North Wales Past President, he added:

“At the moment our priority is the supply chain and access to materials given the massive rise in interest over past weeks.

“We have secured thousands of panels with our buying power, but time will tell if it’s enough.

“We are getting so many calls we’ve had to bring in other members of the UK Leisure Living team to help and can only get out to see customers who are committed to having solar panels installed in the very near future, and not just considering it.

“That’s not how we normally do things, but this is an unprecedented situation and there is a lot of urgency, so we can’t afford to waste a second.

“This trend looks set to continue so if anyone does have any concerns or questions please get in touch and we will do everything we can to help you.”

Recent reports revealed British homes are among the draughtiest in Europe, with millions of properties in need of upgrading if the UK is to stay on track for net zero carbon emissions.

For support, guidance and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website Solar Panels North Wales & North West – Carbon Zero (carbonzerorenewables.co.uk) or call 08450 34 35 40.

News

Construction course building new careers in Wales

A CONSTRUCTION course is building new careers to help meet demand in the sector.

Conwy Employment Hub – which oversees Communities for Work, PaCE and Communities for Work Plus – has been delivering jobs and skills opportunities in partnership with social housing enterprise Procure Plus and Mochdre-based RELM Construction.

Among those to have benefited is Tom Whitworth, who secured a role with RELM Construction after impressing on a placement as part of a two-week practical and classroom-based course which covered themes such as manual handling, environmental awareness, health and safety, how to use power tools and equipment safely, and working at height.

Tom, from Llandudno, said: “I had previously worked in catering but wanted to try a new career and discovered this course with Conwy Employment Hub.

“I was looking for help and I found it with them after coming across so many obstacles; they were really helpful and pointed me in the direction of the construction course, which was fantastic.”

The 30 year-old added: “I would advise anyone in the Conwy area to get in touch with the Employment Hub because they help get rid of barriers to work and are always on hand with support and advice.

“For my placement to turn into a full-time job with RELM Construction is brilliant, and I am enjoying the day-to-day experience, learning new skills all the time and looking forward to the future.”

The company, which specialises in the planned and reactive maintenance sector, as well as catering for commercial refurbishment schemes, praised Tom for his “positive attitude” and “eagerness to learn”.

Kate Parker, Senior Regeneration Manager at Procure Plus, added: “We’re thrilled our partnership with Conwy Employment Hub has helped people like Tom secure good quality sustainable jobs with great local construction employers like RELM.

“We have similar partnerships across the whole of North Wales, working with a variety of community groups and employers.

“As Tom has discovered, construction is a great industry and there are plenty of opportunities in a variety of trades and settings.

“Procure Plus’s work across North Wales provides people with the free training, skills and placements needed to be able to take advantage of those jobs, regardless of age, background or experience.”

Plans are in the pipeline for further skills programmes with Procure Plus in 2022, given a national shortage of construction candidates.

There is widespread demand for more skilled employees in numerous trades including scaffolding, carpeting, bricklaying, and electrical engineering, which, according to a recent survey by the CBI, could last for “years”.

For more information, visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council.

News

Author and former Government Minister to explore Welsh history at library event

A LEADING author and ex-Government minister will be in conversation at Mold Library on Wednesday March 30.

Organised by The Bookshop, based on the town’s High Street, former MP for Delyn Sir David Hanson is to sit down with Richard King for a Q&A session on what was a turbulent time in Modern Welsh History

They will discuss Richard’s new book Brittle With Relics  – A History of Wales 1962 – 1997, and explore the late 20th century, a period of great change for the country, with key figures including Neil Kinnock, Michael Sheen, members of the mining community and others contributing.

The Bookshop owner Caroline Johnson said: “This promises to be a lively and interesting evening discussing what has become a very popular book and a topic which I’m sure many people will find fascinating.”

Susannah Hill, Library Manager, added: “We are very pleased to be hosting this event at Mold Library and to be delivering a programme of events across Flintshire at various Aura libraries in partnership with Mold Book Shop.

“Author events are always very exciting for us and we hope that everyone in attendance enjoys the evening.”

Tickets are available from Mold Library or The Bookshop priced £5, redeemable against the purchase of a book.

For more information, call 01352 759879 or email info@moldbookshop.co.uk. Alternatively, visit the website: www.mold-bookshop.co.uk. 

News

School pays visit to £1.2m rural education hub with rooms named by pupil

A SCHOOL pupil who named rooms at a £1.2m rural education centre has visited the cutting-edge building with her classmates.

Catrin Wynne won a competition to come up with ideas for facilities at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi’s Hwb Cymunedol (Community Hub).

The nine year-old, a pupil at nearby Ysgol Pentrecelyn, came up with these four titles – Cricor, Y Gelli, Y Waun and Y Accre – inspired by local farms.

The class were joined for an unveiling ceremony and tour by Head of Llysfasi Elin Roberts, who said: “It was lovely to have Catrin and all of the children here to see the Hwb Cymunedol for themselves and the rooms she named.

“Her ideas really captured the spirit and warmth of this part of Denbighshire, the families, farms and history that are so important to our community.

“Well done again to Catrin and thank you to the pupils and staff at Ysgol Pentrecelyn for all your support and for coming to visit us.”

Headteacher Andrew Evans added: “We are very proud of Catrin, this is a great legacy for her and for the school as it further strengthens our links with the college and the hub in particular is a great asset to the Vale.”

The two-storey education centre includes IT and multimedia suites, space for workshops, classrooms, breakout spaces, a kitchen area, offices, and meeting rooms which will deliver bilingual and family and community-focused services.

For more on Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk

News

90% funded ‘green’ leadership course to help grow business post-pandemic

POST-PANDEMIC sustainability and success will be the focus of a ground-breaking new industry qualification which is 90% funded by the UK Government.

The Help to Grow: Management programme delivered by Bangor University Business School is aimed at directors and chief executives of SMEs nationwide and will be presented online and in person by some of the top names in leadership and academia.

The course begins on March 21 and is valued at £7,110, but thanks to government support will cost participants just £750.

Dr Lynn Oxborrow, Associate Professor in Management at Nottingham Business School and Programme Director of Help to Grow, hopes Welsh companies will sign up for interactive sessions that will have a long-term positive impact on their futures, and the environment.

A researcher and teacher of sustainable fashion and supply chain management, she added:

“Addressing the climate crisis is essential and everyone needs to do their bit. SMEs can play a big role here, as introducing sustainable innovations and practices not only helps to reduce carbon emissions, but it can also have a positive impact on business competitiveness.

“This could include everything from cost savings and improved efficiency to winning new business, carving out a niche, and retaining employees – the benefits have a real impact on productivity and innovation for forward thinking SMEs.”

Among those to have already signed up is Jen Jesse, Director of Operations and Administration at Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay.

“When I heard about the course, I thought it provided a great opportunity to assist in the development of the Zoo’s strategic plan,” said Jen, who holds a degree in Business Studies and Marketing from Bangor University.

“The pandemic hit us hard and now in our recovery stages we are keen to build upon the Zoo’s offering to make it a success for many years to come.

“I’m really looking forward to starting the course as I believe it will provide me with the necessary skills to continue to help drive and steer the Zoo forward.”

The programme includes 50 hours of in-depth virtual and face-to-face training, one-to-one mentoring, and guidance on how to grow a business while trying to become a ‘net zero’ enterprise.

Themes include financial management, strategies for growth and innovation, digital adoption, and responsible business practices. On completion all graduates will receive a bespoke Growth Plan.

Nicola Sturrs, Marketing and Administration Manager for the Help to Grow: Management programme and Business Development Manager for ION Leadership programmes at Bangor University Business School, says there has already been widespread interest from multiple sectors.

“There is an appetite out there for financial growth in tandem with sustainability and a ‘greener’ approach to business,” she said.

“The pandemic has given many leaders, managers, and executives an opportunity to reflect on their long-term models and address issues they may not have had the time to address because of day-to-day demands.

“Help to Grow is the perfect platform to gain inspiration, from those delivering the programme and other companies taking part, so we look forward to getting started.”

Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director, Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, added: “Business schools support many thousands of small and medium sized businesses to address pressing issues they face, including growing their businesses in sustainable ways.

“All the business schools delivering this course have been accredited by the Small Business Charter – an assessment led by small business leaders themselves.”

For more information on the Help to Grow: Management course, visit gov.uk/helptogrow or call Nicola Sturrs on 01248 383024. Alternatively, email: n.sturrs@bangor.ac.uk.

News

£21m Wrexham ‘Commercial Village’ development marks first anniversary

THE first year of a multi-million pound Wrexham ‘Commercial Village’ has been an overwhelming success.

The Ial brand at Coleg Cambria Yale successfully launched last Spring, blending retail and hospitality with education, creating new jobs, providing vital work experience for learners and supporting the local economy.

Based at the college’s £21m Hafod building, Director of Commercial Operations Maria Stevens is thrilled with how the beauty and hair salon, restaurant and training academy, coffee bar and florist performed in the last 12 months, despite the pandemic.

“The response has been amazing when you consider the challenges we’ve faced, particularly in recruitment,” said Maria.

“Feedback for all our services has been positive, and we are organising more and more activities – such as the popular Christmas Markets – to generate footfall and give the students a flavour of real-time, real-life events.

“We have also taken on skilled industry professionals to ensure learners are ready for the world of work and support the significant increase in recruitment demand in the industry, which is already being reflected in rising demand and visitor numbers.”

Students, staff, and the public have access to these services and sectors, which complement existing provision and support the town at a challenging time for high streets across the country.

Maria said their focus has been helping the local economy make a positive recovery from the pandemic.

“Our ethos has been centred on supporting local producers and independent businesses and preparing students for the world of work, which is vital as there is huge demand for skills out there,” she said.

“And the Hafod building has played a major role in helping Wrexham build back from the last two years of Covid, particularly the retail and hospitality sectors that were hit so hard.

“We will maintain that focus and thank everyone who has given us so much support – it inspires us to do even better.”

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

* Ial has created the perfect gift package for Mother’s Day. For just £60 the deal includes afternoon tea for two, a pedicure voucher and a bouquet of flowers. Find out more at Celebrate Mother’s Day in Wrexham at iâl Restaurant | March 27th 2022 (ialrestaurant.co.uk). 

ENDS

News

Tasty new role for kitchen star thanks to North Wales jobs programme

AN INNOVATIVE jobs and training programme served up a tasty new role for Jason Davies.

Jason, from Old Colwyn, is now working as a kitchen porter at Hickory’s Smokehouse in Rhos-on-Sea thanks to the support of Conwy Employment Hub.

In partnership with the restaurant’s placement scheme ‘Smokehouse Stars’ and the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), the 34 year-old took part in a nine-week course which built his confidence and included sessions on teamwork and communication, how to write a CV and real-time experience.

Conwy Employment Hub – which oversees Communities for Work, PaCE and Communities for Work Plus – was also on hand to provide him with work clothes and shoes, and mentoring advice and guidance via the DWP.

“I really enjoyed the course and am delighted to now have a job at the end of it because the team here at Hickory’s are fantastic, they have made it fun and helped me all the way,” said Jason.

“It was great to meet new friends and learn new skills, and I look forward to learning more.

“The Employment Hub removed barriers to me finding and securing this position, so I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Service, added: “We are absolutely thrilled for Jason, he showed great commitment throughout the course and was rewarded with a permanent role.

“He fully deserves it, and we wish him every success for the future.”

Communities for Work Adviser Wendy Harrison was also proud of Jason’s achievement and said:

“Jason was very keen to get back into the workplace and to access the nine-week training with Hickory’s.

“I’m so pleased, I knew he would do well and I’m sure he will be an asset to the restaurant team.”

A recent labour market report by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership explored the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on key industries, including tourism and hospitality, which makes up more than 25% of employment in Conwy.

Candidate and skills shortages remain a substantial challenge across the region, a point echoed by Hickory’s Head Chef Luke King.

“Recruitment in this industry has been tough due to the pandemic so initiatives and opportunities like this work placement course are so valuable,” he said.

“Jason has been a terrific asset and has worked hard throughout the process. We are delighted to have him as part of the team.”

Hickory’s Training Programme Coordinator James Taylor added: “Jason has swiftly become an integral part of the back of house team and has built strong working relationships with those around him.

“It’s people like Jason joining us at every level that help us keep up with the demands on the industry, they allow us to continue to thrive and grow; they make us better.

“It’s been a journey and, from the moment Jason stepped through the doors of our Rhos-on-Sea restaurant to the second we handed him his apron, it’s one I’ve been proud to have been a part of.

“In just a few months he has gone from strength to strength – he is a different person, and while we’d love to take some credit for it, we can’t. We only gave him the tools he needed, through sheer hard work and determination he got himself to where he is today.”

For more information, visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council.