All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Small businesses in Wales take flight with free international export programme

SMALL businesses will take flight by capitalising on export opportunities with the support of Antur Cymru Enterprise.

The Global Reach Out Programme is funded by UK Government, powered by Levelling Up and delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise in collaboration with International Trade Support Group and Powys County Council.

The project explores trade and overseas partnerships via a series of funded remote and in-person training sessions which resume this month.

Delivered by international trade advisor Clive Barnard – who has more than 30 year’s industry experience, including a decade with Business Wales – attendees from across the region can learn all about the world of international sales and customer relations, no matter the size of their commercial operation.

As part of a small team of industry experts who launched ITSG in 2019 – and subsequently the Wrexham-based Centre for International Trade Support – Clive says small and independent companies in any sector should target exports, particularly given the economic and social challenges of recent times.

“Our Never Too Small to Export programme with Antur Cymru demonstrates there is a market out there for all businesses, especially at a grass roots level,” said Clive.

“In fact, many smaller firms have already sold products or dealt with customers outside the UK to some extent and have experience of dealing in exports, but don’t consider that an avenue to pursue further.”

He added: “In Wales since the pandemic – and this is certainly the case in Powys and rural areas of north and mid Wales – there are many talented independents in different sectors, especially retail, selling online and in a position to capitalise on the huge demand out there – we can help them do it.

“There have been geopolitical events which have affected international trade – Covid 19 and Brexit for example – so we navigate any issues and look at the principles from targeting which countries to sell to, distribution, transport and logistics, documentation and more.

“The feedback has been very positive so far and I’m sure interest will grow in the months ahead.”

The course runs over 10 weeks and runs parallel with other support packages delivered under the Global Reach Out Programme

While the project is for a matter of weeks ITSG’s involvement continues via guidance and advice as the entrepreneurs look at entry into relevant markets and start building relationships overseas.

Additional advice around wider business topics is also available through Antur’s Local Business Support Project.

“By combining Antur’s reputation for excellence in business support with our experience and partnerships, including with various embassies, we have a robust understanding of opportunities to enable local businesses to grow their markets,” said Clive.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, added: “So many small businesses are unaware of the many opportunities out there globally, not just here in the UK or on their doorstep.

“This programme explores where they are and how to make the most of them, so we hope to see a good turnout later this month. As an organisation that has worked to support businesses for more than 40 years, it is fantastic to be able to expand our offer into this specialist area with the support of ITSG ”

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. Visit www.itsgworld.com for more news and information from International Trade Support Group (ITSG).

News

Organic farm estate launches charitable trust to provide opportunities for city families

A MULTI award-winning organic farm estate launched its own charitable trust to promote sustainability, healthy eating and give disadvantaged children from urban areas an opportunity to experience nature and the countryside.

Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year and has raised money for many UK and international organisations and campaigns, including the NSPCC, Awyr Las, Hope House Hospice, and humanitarian appeals for Ukraine.

More than 1,500 school children enjoyed trips to the 12-500 acre site – which includes a farm shop, drive thru, retail operation, sustainable meat processing plant and Wild Beauty collection – in 2023 alone, along with learners and representatives from colleges, universities, agricultural institutions, business groups and more.

With the Charity Commission having now approved the formation of Rhug Charitable Trust, Estate owner Lord Newborough and his 100-strong team have big plans going forward.

“The aim of the charitable trust was to support charities and organisations in our community and across the country,” he said.

“But also, to advance education across a number of curriculum areas, share knowledge about healthy eating and nature-friendly land management and to open up facilities for recreation, particularly to those who might not have access to the benefits of being in the countryside, whatever their age or background.”

Lord Newborough added: “I am very proud to say the Estate has worked closely with schools, colleges, universities, and community groups for many, many years – it’s an important part of our philosophy of educating and informing people about what we do.

“And after several months of hard work I am delighted that we now have a charitable arm to the Estate.

“The funding we can access will enable us to expand our work, giving many more people the chance to experience the countryside, learn about nature-friendly land management and healthy eating, which are so important to us.

“We are excited to see how this develops and already have lots of ideas in the pipeline, so watch this space.”

For more information on Rhug Charitable Trust (Charity Number 1206365), email Estate Administrator Janice Dale at janicedale@rhug.co.uk.

For more news and information including upcoming events and vacancies with the team at Rhug Organic Farm Estate, visit the website www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media at @rhugestate.

News

100+ celebrate diversity and education with college’s growing Culture Collective

A CELEBRATION of education and diversity has gone from strength to strength in uniting communities across north east Wales.

Launched last year, the Culture Collective is a student-led group organising events and activities at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham.

The latest was a showcase of arts, dance, music, literature, poetry, and fashion held at the college’s Ial Restaurant with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners, supported by funding via the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.

More than 100 people in attendance were also treated to a tea-tasting session, with a selection of flavours on display from a wide range of countries including Japan and Algeria, and a performance by Big Ideas Wales Role Model Joseph George, who has Nigerian tribal roots.

He came along in traditional dress and played drums while singing established songs, followed by Music student Michal Borkowski, who played classic Hungarian instruments.

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander and Lead Chaplain Tim Feak have been at the forefront of the programme and are thrilled with the response so far.

“By showcasing our learners’ cultural diversity, traditions and interests it fosters respect and widens our understanding of our differences and things we have in common,” said Judith.

“We are very fortunate to have such a diverse community within the college and are able to offer such opportunities to come together and broaden our own perspectives and experiences through food and the arts.”

Tim added: “It was a special event and so inspiring to see the depth of skills, passion, and diversity that we have in our college. To see this celebrated and led by our students was wonderful.”

For a full list of events taking place this year, email judith.alexander@cambria.ac.uk or tim.feak@cambria.ac.uk.

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

News

150+ staff at booming care agency benefit from cost of living and mental health support

A CARING business is supporting its 150-strong workforce with a series of events and activities to combat the cost-of-living crisis and health and wellbeing challenges post-Covid.

Since launching in the pandemic, Enhanced Healthcare has grown to become one of the leading names in the sector.

The Colwyn Bay-based organisation is blazing a trail for others in the industry and has done so by prioritising its own team of nurses and health and social care staff.

Delivering temporary staffing solutions to a range of health and social care services across North Wales and beyond, the award-winning company was launched by Chanel Williams in 2021, as she herself was seven months pregnant in hospital recovering from a life-threatening condition.

That same year, Chanel was joined by friend and former colleague Natalie O’Brien, who took up the role of Director of Operations, and together they have overseen a period of expansion while doing all they can to help agency employees cope with the social, economic, and mental health challenges facing many people today.

“The last few years have been difficult in so many ways, with the Covid pandemic and cost-of-living crisis in particular having a huge impact nationwide,” said Chanel, from Colwyn Bay.

“Working within health and social care our team and the services we support were at the forefront of one of the most critical and demanding times we’ve ever faced, so it’s crucial as a responsible business we do all we can to create a supportive, open environment.

“We’ve organised events with financial advisers, health and wellbeing experts and more, tackling issues such as debt, mortgages, rising childcare costs, energy bills and the compounded remnants of the pandemic.

“I have been humbled by the response and proud our team feel they able to talk to us; they are the beating heart of Enhanced Healthcare and that will never change.”

Staff also enjoyed a free day of activities during the Easter break – alleviating some of the financial pressures the school holidays can bring – and held ‘drop-in’ days on a wide range of other topics including nutrition, budgeting, and money saving tips, with yoga, managing stress and physical wellbeing sessions planned for the near future.

“We will hold regular, accessible events for the team,” said Natalie, from Anglesey.

“Not only does this give us peace of mind, that we are doing all we can to help them through these challenging economic times, but it’s also good for morale.

“This is an investment in forward-thinking change which will in turn create positive working environments, improve staff retention, and reduce stress-related conditions.

“We have already seen the results, that by adopting this approach we can in turn make a greater difference and improve the quality of service for our clients and other stakeholders.

“Ultimately, a happy and supported workforce is far more proactive and productive than one which feels undervalued and overburdened. That’s huge for us, and for them in meeting our high standards – we encourage other organisations to consider taking the same steps.”

For more news and information and job opportunities with Enhanced Healthcare, visit the website www.enhancedhealthcare.co.uk and follow them on social media @enhancedagency.

Alternatively, call 01492 459896 or email info@enhancedhealthcare.co.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

Investment in precision agriculture drives 80% rise in students at land-based college

SIGNIFICANT investment in technology is driving advances in precision agriculture and student numbers at a leading land-based college.

New machinery and equipment coincided with a surge in learners at Coleg Cambria’s Llysfasi campus, with enrolment up by more than 80% this academic year.

These developments come as work continues on a £10m redevelopment project at the Denbighshire site, featuring a state-of-the-art, 1095 square metre carbon-neutral education complex that will open in September and include classroom and meeting spaces, a coffee shop, HE centre, wellbeing hub and more.

With a funding contribution from the Welsh Government Small Grants Efficiency capital scheme – designed to increase on-farm investment, technical performance and enhance the use of innovation in agriculture – the college purchased more than £80,000 of machinery including an automatic calf feeder, automatic cattle weighing machine, and an automatic sheep handling and drenching system.

Head of Llysfasi Elin Roberts said this series of improvements and focus on the quality of agricultural academic programmes has led to a wave of positivity among learners and staff.

“Our courses in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry and Countryside Management have been particularly successful, with a rise of more than 80% students this year,” she said.

“The technology has helped meet the extra demand and also aligns with the raft of net zero initiatives unveiled here in past years such as the biofactory, which has been supporting farmers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Curriculum Director Joe Mault says the college’s position as a pioneer in net zero farming will benefit both the farming community and learners as the industry becomes more sustainable.

Hailing from Bryneglwys, the former NFU adviser and ex-player of Ruthin RFC (Rugby Football Club) is enjoying the role and says it’s an exciting time to have joined the college as it takes its place at the forefront of precision agriculture in Wales.

“These new automatic and electronic systems are vital to the sector and mean we can monitor animals even more closely, which will inevitably lead to financial savings as we can pinpoint areas and be more detailed, rather than taking a more blanket approach to things like drenching,” he added.

“That will make a big difference to farmers in the future and gives our learners the most up to date experience with state-of-the-art technology that will play a major role in achieving net zero targets, here and nationwide.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more news and information from Coleg Cambria Llysfasi.

News

School racing team on track for future glory after F1 podium success

A Rhyl primary school’s F1 racing team reached the top of the podium in its very first season!

Ysgol Llywelyn’s F1 in Schools squad – BAS Racing (standing for Believe, Achieve and Shine) – enjoyed pole position along with the award for Best Engineered Car at the North Wales regional finals in January.

This saw them qualify for the recent UK National Finals in Rotherham, where the talented group – Cian L, Isla, Seren, Mehrnaz, Ellie and Cian D – fought off tough competition to take home the award for Sponsorship and Marketing.

The competition saw participants design, make and race miniature F1 cars, with teams assessed across a variety of areas – including speed, engineering quality, brand identity and verbal presentation skills.

F1 in Schools aims to inspire students to engage with STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Dafydd Montgomery, teacher at Ysgol Llywelyn, said: “We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work the children have put into this project. It has been a pleasure to witness their growing confidence throughout the challenge.

“Their achievements at both the regional and national finals are a testament to their hard work.”

The children obtained sponsorship deals with St Asaph-based Radar PR, Nice Pak International, AT 3D Squared Ltd, Simply Logo Ltd, Gwasg Print and EESW. They would like to thank them for their generosity and support.

The school will be competing again next year and seeking sponsorship from local businesses. If you know of any companies that may be interested in supporting the 2024/25 team, please call them on 01745 353392.

Visit www.ysgol-llywelyn.com for the latest news and information from Ysgol Llywelyn.

For more information on F1 in schools, visit the website www.f1inschools.co.uk.

News

Buoyant lecturer to take the plunge for transformative swimming charity

A BUSINESS lecturer will take the plunge for a transformative children’s charity.

Anne Williams, a tutor at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham, is to participate in the epic Aquasphere Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim this summer.

The 5.2-mile challenge takes place on Coniston water in the Lake District on Saturday June 22.

Anne, from Cefn Mawr, is hoping to raise more than £250 for Level Water, an organisation which provides affordable and expert one-to-one swimming lessons for children with physical, visual and hearing impairments.

A former RAF senior aircraftwoman, she swam for the military before competing in several Masters’ events in recent years.

Training hard for the event at Hanmer Lake, Park in the Past, Hope, and Alderford Lake in Whitchurch, she said: “My Dad was in the Navy, and I was in the RAF for seven years before going to university and becoming a lecturer, so I swam for them when I was younger.

“I’ve always been comfortable in the water, especially outdoors, and while this is a huge task I am looking forward to it and hoping people get behind what I’m doing.

“I love swimming and love a challenge! Training in extremely cold water over the winter was tough but it’s left me well prepared for what’s ahead.”

Anne added: “Level Water is an amazing charity supporting children with disabilities to enjoy and experience more independent lives, so please give generously.

“And I must thank Alderford Lake Watersports and Aqua Park who gave me a free pass so I can train there – it is very much appreciated.”

To sponsor Anne, please visit her JustGiving page: Anne Williams is fundraising for Level Water (justgiving.com)

For more on the challenge ahead, visit: Aquasphere Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End – 22nd June 2024

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

News

New face joins growing team at globally-recognised organic beauty brand

THERE’S a new face at an award-winning organic beauty range.

Skincare expert Louise Evripidou has joined the team at Rhug Wild Beauty, the popular collection based at Rhug Estate, near Corwen in North Wales.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, Louise is well placed to help take the brand – which is produced using ingredients foraged on the 12,500-acre Denbighshire site – to the next level.

Now living on the picturesque farm estate with partner Mike, the mum-of-two, who hails from Wirral, is thrilled to be helping drive sales via the farm shop while also holding beauty therapy consultation and education sessions in the evenings.

With plans for a pop-up spa and wellness centre on site, Rhug Wild Beauty is looking to build further on its reputation for quality, sustainability, and care, having achieved seven medals, including two golds and three silver, at last year’s Free From Skincare Awards.

“I am so pleased to be here, I really believe in the products and the success of the range so far speaks for itself,” said Louise.

“I’ve worked in five-star spas, hotels and the aesthetics industry for more than 25 years and this collection is up there with the best I’ve come across, so I’m privileged to now be part of the Wild Beauty journey.”

Skin consultations will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays this month, and there will be an evening consultation and mini facials session on Wednesday March 27 from 6pm-8pm.

As well as offering tips and guidance, Louise can create bespoke skincare routines for customers, and there will be product trials, arm and hand massages, and more.

“This is the perfect place inside and out for people to come and receive a treatment or even sit and talk through our range of products in a warm, welcoming environment,” she added.

“Rhug Wild Beauty is renowned in the UK and globally for its commitment to naturally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, so I’m going to incorporate that same approach into our personal pampering rituals.

“I look forward to welcoming new and existing customers and being able to share my expertise as the brand continues to grow and go from strength to strength.

“Rhug Estate is so idyllic; we are loving being part of the fabric of this amazing destination and are excited for the future.”

For more information on Wild Beauty, visit www.rhugwildbeauty.com or follow them on social media @rhugwildbeauty.

To book an evening session and for more information on times, visit the website: https://rhug.co.uk/product/mini-treatment-skin-consultation

News

Granddaughter saves family sweet shop from extinction with help of Antur Cymru Enterprise

NATASHA Osinga has enjoyed a sweet start to life in business with the support of Antur Cymru Enterprise.

When Yum Yum traditional sweet shop in Cardigan shut down in September, there was sadness among loyal customers.

The family business was founded by the Osinga family in 2001 and became a popular part of the high street for more than two decades.

And now it’s back, with the original owners’ granddaughter Natasha at the helm.

She called on Antur Cymru, based in Newcastle Emlyn, for help to reopen the beloved store and was given guidance and advice by business advisor Barry Morgan as part of the Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support programme, which is funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Ceredigion County Council.

As well as successfully applying for a start-up loan to install new fixtures and fittings, purchase stock and secure new suppliers, Natasha has now taken on five permanent and seasonal staff.

Just a few weeks into life at Yum Yum, she is thrilled with the response:

“It’s busier than I ever expected, since the opening day it’s been absolutely non-stop!” said Natasha.

“As the store has been in the family so long, I really didn’t want to see it empty or run by someone else, so it was brilliant to be able to bring it back to life.

“Thanks so much to everyone who has shown myself and Yum Yum so much support, I am so grateful and look forward to many more years here in Cardigan.”

With the backing of her family, the mum-of-three said she would not have been able to realise her vision without the help of Antur Cymru.

“They were amazing, especially Barry who guided me through the whole process, which was vital as it’s not something I had any experience of before,” said Natasha.

“I’m already diversifying, and we’ve had bookings to supply for parties and weddings, so that’s an area I hope to grow in the months ahead, as well as introducing exciting new sweets and treats for our customers.

“I feel more confident, and we are in a good place, so I’m excited for the future.”

Barry added: “It was a pleasure to be able to guide Natasha from her initial interest in taking on the business through to the opening day, which was a real celebration.

“We are pleased to have been able to support her on this amazing journey, and other traders on the bustling Cardigan high street, which has really come to life since the new year.

“As an organisation we are committed to helping business owners, entrepreneurs and anyone with a germ of an idea, and have the tools and resources to help make their dreams a reality – that was certainly the case here, congratulations Natasha!”

For more on Yum Yum Sweets, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/yumyumsweetscardigan.

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.