All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Fearless fundraisers to scale their biggest challenge yet for children’s hospices

FEARLESS fundraisers are about to take on their biggest ever feat for a transformative children’s charity.

A group of lecturers and staff led by Karl Jackson, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham, are aiming to complete the Skye is the Limit Challenge next month (May).

Over recent years they have taken on the Welsh Three Peaks and the Crazy 7 for Stepping Stones North Wales and collected more than £1,000 for Menstrual Health Project (MHP) by completing the Cairngorm 4000s, a three-day hike across 4,000ft+ mountains in Scotland’s eastern highlands.

Karl and lecturer Paul Standring also conquered the four-day Freezing Fingers expedition in bleak, wintry conditions over the Rhinogydd mountain range in Snowdonia.

This time the team is raising money for Hope House/Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices and targeting another £1,000 by overcoming their greatest adventure yet.

“We will be driving for more than 12 hours in a minibus through the night before arriving at Skye and then walking for more than three days across the island, with no accommodation,” said Karl.

“Everything we have will be packed in 20 kilo bags on our backs – including tents, food and water – so it’s an incredibly tough challenge but one we will be ready for.”

He added: “The walk is not marked out and the terrain will be very difficult but as usual, we will train hard and prepare well. This is the most difficult and uncompromising task we’ve ever given ourselves, so the stakes are higher than ever.

“We are already receiving donations and are so grateful for the support; hopefully our amazing industry partners and local businesses will get behind us and help to raise as much as we possibly can for this incredible charity.”

Hope House/Tŷ Gobaith area fundraiser for Wrexham Bethan Young thanked Coleg Cambria for its unwavering support over past years.

“We are so grateful to Karl and the team from Bersham Road for taking on this incredible feat up in Skye, it takes real commitment, and they are very brave,” she said.

“We will be thinking of them every step of the way and know they will do brilliantly.”

Bethan added: “Every penny they raise will go directly to the care and support of seriously ill local children and their families – good luck!”

The organisation provides vital care and support for children with life-threatening conditions and has two hospices and 15 shops across Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales helping to raise the £7.5 million needed to fund care for every child in need.

To sponsor Karl and the team please visit their JustGiving page: Karl Jackson is fundraising for Hope House & Ty Gobaith (justgiving.com).

Visit www.hopehouse.org.uk for the latest news and information from Hope House/ Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

News

Welsh business hub opens fourth shop and support centre to meet retail demand

A BUSINESS hub and trading space in the heart of Newtown will attract visitors from across the region.

Launching the new Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support programme at Bear Lanes Shopping Centre, Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams and local councillor David Selby declared it a “brilliant addition” to the area.

The Broad Street retail unit and start-up support centre is the fourth unveiled by Antur Cymru Enterprise in just 18 months and follows Aberystwyth, Cardigan, and Newcastle Emlyn.

Among those already operating from the premises are Peony Green bespoke lampshades, Awaken Spiritual Wellbeing and Home Décor, and Josie’s Creations handmade jewellery, whose founder Josephine Stephens says having a dedicated team of mentors and advisors just next door helps build confidence in their fledgling ventures.

“I had always enjoyed crafting but with the help and advice of Antur Cymru feel I am able to take it forward as a business,” said Josephine.

“We are all able to bounce ideas off each other and try out different things knowing they are there to give feedback, encouragement, and offer guidance on what works and what doesn’t.”

Debbie Williams of Colourburst Jewellery, added: “In the few weeks since joining the space we have had a positive response from customers, it’s a fantastic location and will hopefully contribute to an increase in footfall at the centre.”

Lauren Garbutt, owner of Seren Handmade business logos and workwear echoed those words and, with the support of husband Josh and their three children, and mum Jill – who will work at the shop once a week – is excited to see how the space develops.

“We only started trading a year ago, so this is a great next step for us, the chance to engage with new customers and have the safety net of Antur Cymru’s brilliant team next door,” she said.

“They have given me advice, and a place here at the shop, which I’m really grateful for – we look forward to seeing what the future brings.”

Funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Powys County Council, the programme also encourages local entrepreneurs and existing companies of all sizes to get in touch and capitalise on available grants and training opportunities, mentoring, and extra support on a wide range of topics to take their businesses to the next level, including marketing, exports, sustainability, and diversification.

Cllr Selby welcomed Local Business Support via his role as Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys.

“Starting a new business is both risky and hard work but potentially rewarding, and this scheme has the capacity to remove some of the risk by providing exposure to new markets and customers, literally a shop window for growth,” he said.

Project Manager Julie Morgan added: “We have had such a warm welcome from both customers and other businesses in Newtown, which has been fantastic.

“We will continue to work with start-ups, independent businesses and entrepreneurs and give them a platform to sell their products and lay the foundations for a successful future, which in turn will have a long-lasting effect on the local economy here in Powys.”

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk and follow them on social media at @AnturCymruWales.

Alternatively, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Thrilling new water park to create jobs and make waves in seaside town after planning green light

A THRILLING new aqua park will create jobs, attract visitors, and boost the economy in a seaside town.

Sblash has been given the green light by Conwy’s planning authority and is already making waves in Penmaenmawr.

Owners James and Debbie McAllister – who have decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry – are transforming Graiglwyd Springs Fishery into an inflatable water attraction that will employ up to seven additional staff from May to October each year.

Proposals for the seven-acre site also included parking, changing facilities, hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream.

Each customer will be kitted out with a wet suit, buoyancy aid and a warm welcome on arrival at the reception area, which will complement existing amenities and seven holiday cottages.

With customer safety at the heart of the operation, Sblash is committed to ensuring it meets all health and safety requirements set out by the Aqua Park Association (UK and Ireland).

The water safety team will be qualified to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) standards and sessions have been limited to 25 users at any time.

“The fishery continues to be successful, but we wanted to make this site a more sustainable year-round enterprise, which is why we have diversified,” said James.

“Sblash will be perfect for families, school groups, parties, team building, and anyone wanting to get active and have fun! We already attract people from all over the UK and this will give us another USP to create a buzz in the area.”

He added: “Importantly for us, we want to contribute to the local economy for 12 months of the year, creating jobs and capitalising on our surroundings in a sustainable, responsible manner.

“The aqua park allows us to do that, and by training our lifeguards with RLSS qualifications and keeping the capacity low to ensure a high-quality and safe experience for visitors, we have the peace of mind everyone will leave here having had a brilliant time.

“We are thankful to Business Wales for its support and to the amazing community here in Penmaenmawr; we look forward to opening very soon.”

The wild water adventure will include the towering 3.8m Mount Rainier, exhilarating slides and a range of obstacles, floating trampolines, a freefall experience and the unforgettable Waverider.

Sblash will open to the public on May 18 and is already creating ripples of excitement along the coast. Discounts, family offers, and further activities will be introduced in the months ahead.

Debbie says residents and business owners have been “hugely supportive” and the knock-on effect will be very positive for the town.

“We will be helping to be promote Penmaenmawr as a tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, cafes and other activities in addition to what we are doing with Sblash,” she said.

“The community is fully behind us, and we will look to use local suppliers and products as always, supporting each other and doing all we can to bring more people to what is one of the region’s hidden gems.

“James and I have been in the sector for many years, and this is one of the most impressive developments we’ve created during that time.

“We look forward to bringing something fresh and new to North Wales, an attraction that will capitalise on the incredible landscape and nature with a focus on health and wellbeing, exercise and enjoyment – we look forward to welcoming people soon.”

North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones congratulated the couple on their “innovative approach” to boosting tourism in the region and added: “Utilising the resources available to them to diversify and create a quality fun water park at Graiglwyd should be commended. I’m aware of the tremendous amount of hard work to get to this stage.

“I have every confidence that this new venture will not only succeed but also become a popular tourist attraction for both locals and visitors alike.”

The existing fly-fishing business will be open from October for the remaining months of the year as it is seasonal, and future proposals for the park include glamping pods and cold-water therapy retreats.

For more information, to book a session or to apply for a role at Sblash, visit the website www.sblash.co.uk and follow them on social media.

News

New interview scheme will guarantee employers in Wales find perfect candidate

EMPLOYERS will benefit from a new recruitment programme that guarantees candidates will be suitable for the jobs they are advertising.

Conwy Employment Hub’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme is designed to build confidence among jobseekers and streamline the application process for companies looking to hire staff.

Those already signed up to the Hub’s raft of employment and training services can capitalise on the initiative, and they are hoping more private and public sector organisations will join them.

Among those already registered are Llandudno Pier, Alpine Coaches, Conwy County Borough Council, and hotels in Llandudno including The Imperial and St George’s.

Clare Kingscott, Employer Engagement Officer with Conwy Employment Hub, revealed a successful pilot of the scheme led to it being rolled out further.

“We have had so much positive feedback, this is a fantastic opportunity for jobseekers and HR teams across the county,” said Clare.

“We have offered a bespoke service for local employers for some time, but this takes it to the next level and will really enhance their recruitment processes.

“This scheme attracts more candidates and widens the pool of candidates we can place in front of the recruiting business or organisation, but they will have been pre-screened by us, so only applicants who match up with the position will be put forward for interview.”

She added: “We already have some top local companies on board from a variety of industries, so the scheme is off to a flying start.

“It’s a fantastic initiative, especially for employers, so we are encouraging as many as possible to get in touch and take advantage of this opportunity, no matter how big or small your business or organisation is. This is a free service, and we want as many people as possible to benefit from it.”

The move follows the Hub’s successful Conwy Job Expo, which welcomed more than 80 employers and over 1,100 jobseekers to Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay earlier this year.

For more information and to sign up for the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, call Clare on 01492 577202 or 07892 709837.

Alternatively, email employers@conwy.gov.uk or visit https://bit.ly/ConwyEmployers

News

Golden college in top 10 for cyber security as apprenticeship interest grows

COLEG CAMBRIA has retained its position as a leader in cyber security education.

The college – based in Deeside, Llysfasi, Wrexham and Northop – received a gold award from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as part of its CyberFirst initiative, which aims to address the UK’s cyber skills gap.

Cambria is one of only eight institutions in Wales to achieve this benchmark.

The good news comes as interest grows in the college’s popular Digital Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Cyber Security, aimed at prospective learners pursuing a career in IT, software development and engineering, or those already in a relevant position and looking to upskill.

The course includes modules on Local Area Network Essentials, Security and Data Ethics, Web Servers and Authentication, Business and Enterprise Programming, Software Engineering, and Penetration Testing.

Cambria’s Director of Business Solutions Nigel Holloway said maintaining the gold accreditation is a “major USP” for the college’s suite of digital and IT qualifications.

“Given the emphasis and strategic importance of combatting cybercrime on the international stage, for Coleg Cambria to be among only a select number of organisations nationwide to hold this standard is a significant milestone,” he added.

“It gives our learners confidence in the courses we run and demonstrates to our industry partners that we are at the forefront of advances in this sector.

“The programmes we deliver – notably the fully funded Digital Degree Apprenticeships – hold even more weight as a result.

“A big thank you to all of our team for their hard work in not only reaching this standard but going above and beyond it, year after year.”

The Digital Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Cyber Security – in partnership with Bangor University – runs for three years and consists of nine hours of in-person and online delivery per week, split over one six-hour day and one three-hour evening session. For more information, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk/our-courses.

CyberFirst covers a broad range of activities including thousands of free places on CyberFirst courses at UK universities and colleges. Each activity is designed to seek out diverse people with potential, offering the support, skills, experience, and exposure needed to be the future first line of defence in our CyberFirst world. Visit www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst to find out more.

News

Solar pioneers sign major deal to help decarbonise global shipping industry

GRAFMARINE secured a new partnership with a global leader in the decarbonisation of the international shipping industry.

Based in Manchester and Anglesey, Grafmarine is at the forefront of developing Nanodeck technology for the maritime sector.

The company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Njord Accelerator to conduct a proof of concept, followed by a pilot installation which aims to fully explore the capabilities of solar tiles in the maritime industry.

Njord stands out for its role in enhancing the relationship between ship owners, charterers, vendors, and financiers. The organisation’s primary goal is to increase fuel efficiency of vessels, reduce their carbon footprint, and cut down greenhouse gas emissions.

Through this partnership, Grafmarine’s solar energy generation and management system, designed to capture, store, and manage clean energy at sea, in port, or at anchorage, will be validated.

Grafmarine has developed durable square panels and aesthetically pleasing hexagonal tiles that can be affixed to any vessel, showcasing its innovative approach to sustainable maritime technology.

Chris Russell, Engineering Director at Grafmarine, said: “Working with Njord is a privilege. Their guidance and support will be crucial as we refine Nanodeck technology.

“This collaboration not only marks a significant milestone in improving our product but also plays a vital role in introducing us to potential customers and partners within the maritime and shipping industries – it’s a pivotal step forward for us.”

Njord, headquartered in Denmark with a global presence, offers services including Technology Screening, Solution Design, Installation Partnership, and Njord Performance.

Steen Sander Jacobsen, Head of Technical at Njord, said: “At Njord Accelerator, we’re committed to supporting technology providers in advancing the green transition.

“Grafmarine’s solar tiles, known for their scalability, flexibility, and durability, represent a promising solution for the maritime industry. We’re excited about the potential this partnership holds.”

For more information on Grafmarine, visit www.grafmarine.com and follow @grafmarineltd on social media.

To learn more about Njord and its services, visit www.njordsolution.com.

News

Andy’s Man Club launches new Wales support group to meet demand

A MEN’S suicide prevention charity will launch a new peer-to-peer support group in North Wales.

Already welcoming more than 50 people to its free weekly meetings at the Yellow and Blue Hub in Wrexham, Andy’s Man Club (AMC) has added Coleg Cambria Deeside to its growing list of sites UK-wide.

The organisation has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the college and will meet at its conference centre on Kelsterton Road, Connah’s Quay, every Monday from 7pm-9pm, beginning on April 22.

Dan Rowe, AMC’s Regional Area Lead for the West of England and Wales, says the partnership will enable them to reach even more men struggling with myriad issues – storms affecting their lives – including anxiety, depression, loss and loneliness, in Flintshire and beyond.

Hailing from Mynydd Isa, he hopes to see the charity grow even stronger in the months ahead, having won a prestigious S4C Dathlu Dewrder (Celebrating Bravery) Award in December for helping break down barriers and remove stigmas around mental health.

“We’ve been in Wrexham for two years and the numbers attending have increased week on week, so to be able to now help more men in the Deeside area is fantastic,” said Dan.

“Andy’s Man Club has over 180 groups nationwide supporting upwards of 4,500 men, yet we only had one meeting place in North Wales to this point, so this is a step in the right direction.

“We are thankful to Coleg Cambria for making their facilities available to us and for their generosity and backing of our vision to have an Andy’s Man Club in every town and city in the UK, where friendships are built and a group of men of different ages, and from different backgrounds, come together in a warm, welcoming environment.

“We want to continue the conversation, to get men talking in a safe space where they feel comfortable opening up and sharing their experiences, in a room free of judgement.”

The MoU reads: “Coleg Cambria is committed to working in partnership to strengthen links with the local community; particularly on projects that directly support our residents and learners – past, present, and future.

“We are in a position to support Andy’s Man Club in their drive to offer free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK.”

Cambria’s Chief Executive Yana Williams added: “As a college we have a responsibility to not only our learners but their families, friends and our communities in north east Wales.

“We are pleased to be able to help in some small way and hope anyone experiencing mental health issues gets in touch with Andy’s Man Club, attends a meeting and embraces the incredible work they do in bringing about positive change for men across the country, one conversation at a time.”

On average one man every two hours takes his life in the UK. It’s often said a factor is that men don’t talk. That’s why Andy’s Man Club was born. For more information, visit Andy’s Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy’s Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk) and follow the Deeside group on Facebook.

For the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

News

Land sale will boost investment in new sports facilities at independent school

ST GERARD’S School will continue to invest in new facilities and bring all its learners together under one roof following the sale of nearby land.

The prominent Bangor institution has put neighbouring buildings currently used for its early years provision on the market.

Selling the Convent Lane location will support wider redevelopment plans on the seven-acre site and unite the school community, according to headteacher Campbell Harrison.

“The two main reasons for selling the primary school buildings are so we can use money from the sale for our overall investment programme, and most importantly, create one standalone high-quality learning environment for our pupils,” he said.

“We have big plans for the coming months, including the construction of new sports facilities, changing rooms, tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

“For the young people already with us, and prospective learners and their families, we are continually striving for improvement and have demonstrated that with the changes already made since last summer.

“Of course, we will be sad to say goodbye to the primary school buildings but at St Gerard’s we always look ahead. This is the right move for us, and most importantly, the children.”

In past months the school has been subject to a series of significant improvements, including an upgrade to the gardens, access, fencing, signage, learning and IT systems, lighting, external and internal redecoration, and fresh branding.

The roof and guttering has been cleared, there was a revamp of parent areas, the ‘mindfulness room’ and entrance, and a ‘wellbeing walk’ now features in picturesque woodlands surrounding the main campus.

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said the school’s long-term strategic direction is looking bright, and lowering their physical and carbon footprint will reinforce future plans.

“There has been a lot of interest from potential buyers, and the likelihood is that it would be used for residential development,” he added.

“From a safeguarding and teaching perspective, to have all our learners on one site – a site which is going to continue to be improved and developed throughout the year – is the best way forward for St Gerard’s.

“It also means the younger pupils now have ease of access to all the new facilities, and they are part of a closer-knit academic and social community which will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The 0.7-acre city centre site up for sale is separated from St Gerard’s by Convent Lane, off Friddoedd Road.

The main building there is approximately 420 m sq, and the two adjoining structures are 132.5 m sq and 46.75 m sq respectively. The site is being marketed by Conwy-based estate agent, Iwan M Williams.

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

News

Solar-powered manufacturer joins forces with lodge park for sales expo

ONE of the fastest growing manufacturers in the UK holiday industry has joined forces with a luxury lodge park to promote “a trade show with a difference” this April.

Based out of a solar-powered factory and headquarters in Yorkshire, Beverley Leisure Homes will hold the exclusive event at Maes Mynan Park, in Afonwen near Caerwys, next month.

Aimed at park operators and owners across North Wales and beyond, the free two day-programme begins on Thursday April 11 and will include lodge and location tours, guidance and advice and sessions on finance, energy saving, benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI), sales and marketing, and sustainability, followed by a networking breakfast on the Friday morning.

There will also be guest speakers, including Park Development chief executive Miles Dewhurst – a consultant with up to 30 years’ experience – who will discuss fractional ownership and Stay Grounded eco-friendly siting solutions, and E-Motion director John Woodcock, with a talk on their ePitch energy-saving system.

Beverley Leisure Homes was founded by CEO David Hall just seven years ago; now employing more than 30 staff, a period of expansion post-pandemic has seen them emerge as one of the leading leisure home manufacturers in the country.

“The trade show will give us a platform to showcase our lodges at one of the premier sites in Wales and the North West, and demonstrate the value we add as a growing family business which really cares for its customers, giving them a high-quality end to end experience,” said David.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Maes Mynan – which already has two of our Norwood holiday homes in prime locations onsite – and like them we are all about the customer, providing a flexible, reactive service with a personal touch.

“We are hoping to attract other park owners who would like to explore our brand and what we represent as an independent company looking to forge long-lasting partnerships and support others given the challenges the industry has faced in recent times.”

He added: “We think outside the box, are passionate and creative and like to drive innovation with our flexible design process so we can meet the requirements of any customer while maintaining our focus on people and place.

“We know Maes Mynan has a vision which reinforces that – it’s going to be a fantastic event, and we look forward to seeing you there.”

One of the Acorn Leisure portfolio of sites in Flintshire, Maes Mynan is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The first phase of the development was formally opened by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas in 2019.

Directors Peter and Louise Barlow have transformed the stunning site following significant investment and are pleased to be hosting the two-day expo next month.

“Working with Beverley Leisure Homes has been a pleasure as they are an independent company which is creative and adapts to shifts in the market,” said Louise.

“As a park we need total trust and belief in the manufacturer to make sure our customers are happy, and with them we have that assurance.

“We wanted to share our positive experience of working together and help the company build a relationship with other parks locally and beyond, which is why we are happy to be hosting this trade show.”

Peter added: “From our first contact with Beverley Leisure Homes they have shown true understanding of the current issues facing parks and the leisure industry in these difficult economic times. With the line-up of guest presenters who will be appearing and the insight they bring to the market, this will be a well-timed show that adds a lot of value for customers and demonstrates now more than ever it’s about working together, not apart.”

To attend the event, register for free here: Beverley Leisure Homes & Maes Mynan Park Trade Event 11th & 12th April. (zohopublic.eu)

For more information, visit the Beverley Leisure Homes website www.beverleyleisurehomes.com or email enquiries@beverleyleisurehomes.com. Alternatively, call 01964 508508.

Visit www.acornleisure.com and www.maesmynanpark.com for the latest news and information from Acorn Leisure.

News

Roadchef receives Futures Employer Award

Roadchef has today announced that it has been selected as the first recipient of the Futures Employer Award.

The Futures Employer Award from the Witherslack Group, in collaboration with The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, honours organisations leading the way to create workplace cultures and environments that both celebrate neurodiversity and accelerate young people’s futures when entering the workplace.

Roadchef’s contribution includes facilitating Future Ambassador sessions, workshops that delve into individual journeys to success, providing a firsthand look at the diverse experiences and opportunities they can offer. Additionally, their commitment extends to hosting children and young people through its Work Inspiration programme, offering students of Avon Park School hands-on experience in various roles at sites, including Watford Gap services.

The award was presented on Tuesday, 5th of March, at the Roadchef Conference & Awards Ceremony, where hundreds of team members came together for the event.

Tracey Fletcher-Ray, Chief Executive Officer of Witherslack Group, commented:

“It is truly fitting that Roadchef should be the very first recipient of our WG Futures Employer Award. A huge congratulations to everyone at Roadchef for such a very well-deserved accolade. Your commitment, creativity and shared values have had a hugely positive impact on our young people, and in turn their aspirations and plans for their next steps beyond education. Their partnership has been a clear trailblazer for all our employer partnerships, which now stand at in excess of 150, and right from the very first conversation we could see they possessed the collective passion and energy to really invest in the futures of our young people.”

Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation added:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Witherslack Group to champion and acknowledge great practice in the workplace around Neurodiversity inclusion.  Neurodiverse minds have, and always will be, a key element of innovation  across of all facets of life, industry and entrepreneurship.   Therefore, it is vitally important that we cultivate an employment ready attitude and career aspiration that enables pathways into meaningful employment across all sectors.  The Futures Award amplifies this message and celebrates those organisations who are embracing the outstanding contribution neurodiverse employees can make.  I am delighted that RoadChef, who clearly embody the values of the award, are the first, and very worthy, recipients.”

Laura Bunn. HR Director of Roadchef commented:

“We are thrilled to be honoured with the inaugural Employers Award. Our collaboration with Witherslack Group is of great significance, as it allows us to actively contribute to the development of young minds in a compassionate manner, aligning with Roadchef’s core value of caring. This partnership has been steadily expanding each month, and we eagerly anticipate the promising journey that lies ahead.”

Find out more about the Futures Employer Award here.