All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Booming town businesses reap the awards after strong start to 2022

MOLD businesses are celebrating success in a series of national award ceremonies.

Organisations have enjoyed a prosperous year with a glut of nominations in a wide range of industry competitions.

And there is the opportunity to achieve even more this Spring as voting is open for this year’s Mold Community Awards, which acknowledge the outstanding contribution and commitment of groups or individuals living or working within the town and supporting residents.

Categories include Business of the Year, Volunteering, Sporting Achievement and Event of the Year, and the closing date for entries is April 6.

Among those to enjoy a recent period of prize-winning is Celtic Financial Planning, which secured clients and increased its capital management portfolio during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Director Rob Lewis was named in the Citywire: New Model Adviser Awards’ Top 35 under 35 IFA (Independent Financial Adviser) list, and the company was crowned IFA of the Year for Wales.

The Bromfield Lane firm is also in the running for the FSB Cymru Community Award and Micro Business of the Year, and has secured several other titles since last summer, including SME News’ Best IFA in North Wales.

“It is fantastic to be recognised for any award, but for us the biggest prize is client satisfaction and the ongoing trust and belief of our customers, which we pride ourselves on,” said Rob.

“To see Mold thriving as a town is fantastic, we are very proud to be a part of it and congratulate all the businesses who have achieved so much during such challenging times.”

Another to have thrived in past months is Michelle Williams, who opened Eyelicious Brow, Lash and Skin Clinic during Covid.

She picked up five trophies at the British Hair and Beauty Awards, including the UK title for Brow Specialist of the Year.

“This was the first time I’d ever entered, so to win five awards was a huge surprise, a great honour,” said Michelle.

“The clinic was launched in November 2020 and was not open for very long before I was forced to close due to the Coronavirus. It has been a turbulent time but the businesses here in Mold are so supportive, it’s a fantastic place to be.

“And we have the most amazing customers who are more like friends and family, they’re on this journey with me and I’m so thankful for that.”

Other successes include Daniel Morris Butchers, which won medals at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and reached the finals of the Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward’ competition; Mold Alehouse was named Vale of Clwyd CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022; Asia Sensation is among the top 10 Asian food establishments in Wales vying for the Food Awards Wales title; Pure Beauty is up for the Best Customer Experience accolade at the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards; and The Bookshop was among just six Welsh finalists in the running for The British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year.

Caroline Johnson, a partner in the High Street store, says it was the first time they had entered the competition, despite being a mainstay in the town for more than 40 years.

“We were absolutely delighted to be shortlisted, and to see more and more people returning to reading even before the pandemic, something we are very passionate about,” she said.

“We have had so much support from customers and are delighted to be part of the vibrant retail community here in Mold, which continues to go from strength to strength.”

For more information on Mold Community Awards, email or visit www.moldtowncouncil.org.uk. Alternatively, call 01352 758532.  

News

Supportive students raising cash for hospice at Wrexham pop-up shop

BENEVOLENT BTEC Business students are using their commercial talents to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

A seven-strong group from Coleg Cambria Yale opened a pop-up shop at the site’s Enterprise Hub in Wrexham to sell items in-person and online for Nightingale House Hospice.

They have already secured £440 for the charity, including proceeds from the sale of a signed Wrexham AFC shirt.

The cohort is now aiming to garner even more funds before their temporary outlet closes tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3pm.

BTEC Business Lecturer Anne Williams-Redfern said: “This is part of their course but also a chance for them to make a real difference by donating all the money raised to the hospice.

“They have worked so hard and been incredibly resourceful in gathering a wide variety of products to sell at the pop-up shop.

“They are operating as a team and also marketing the space and event to create engagement and attract as many customers as they can in this two-day window.”

She added: “We hope students, staff and visitors will come and show their support, so these learners can experience a real-time, real-life commercial premises and make a positive impact for Nightingale House Hospice.

“We are very proud of them all, they’re doing a brilliant job and are a credit to Coleg Cambria.”

The group is also raffling an Easter Hamper – with tickets available from reception at Yale’s new Hafod building all this week – and there will be a picnic basket and other treats available to purchase.

Sarah Povey, Community and Events Fundraiser for Nightingale House Hospice, thanked the students for their efforts.

She added: “We are so incredibly grateful to this creative group of students for choosing Nightingale House Hospice to be the beneficiary of this project, it will make a huge difference to patient care and the services we provide.

“It’s wonderful to see students so proactive and committed to their future and I hope the Wrexham community gets behind them and pops in to see the excellent variety of products they have to offer.”

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

For more news and information from Nightingale House Hospice, visit www.nightingalehouse.co.uk.

News

Launch of mental health courses to support post-pandemic working conditions

THE importance of mental health in the workplace has never been more prevalent.

But with more and more people based at home or operating in hybrid conditions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, that workplace is now often the kitchen table or a spare room.

This has raised widespread issues, from isolation to anxiety, which is why Coleg Cambria’s Northop Business School unveiled a suite of programmes to support managers, directors, HR staff and employees dealing with these issues every day.

Level 2 and Level 3 courses include Highfields Introduction to Mental Health Awareness; Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health; Mental Health for Managers; Certificate in Mental Health; Mental Health First Aid Wales, and NEBOSH Working with Wellbeing.

Mental Health and Wellbeing lecturer Caroline McDermott says learning is available in person or online, and specialist, tailored modules can be created for specific industries.

“We have had interest from North Wales and further afield given the innovative and advanced content we will be delivering,” said Caroline.

“Our partnership with the awarding bodies Highfield, IOSH and NEBOSH are a particular USP and attracting managers wanting to enrol day or night, which we can accommodate given the demand.

“And the topics are across changes in the workplace to ensure the wellbeing of employees and those with specific mental health conditions.”

She added: “Larger organisations have explored the possibility of bespoke programmes designed for their sector, given different arenas have different pressures and needs.

“Again, we can support this and have had a lot of interest already.”

Professions including construction, farming, medical and veterinary, and hair and beauty are among those which have experienced high levels of mental health problems, suicide rates and stress.

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Northop Business School, urged people to get in touch to find out more about upcoming programmes and funding.

“Many industries and businesses have suffered because of Covid and issues which may have never been experienced before, from furlough to self-isolation in lockdown,” said Jane.

“Our courses tackle these factors using expertise and examples that will no doubt prove invaluable to participants.

“Financial support may be available and with many companies looking to promote mental health champions and ambassadors the time is now to introduce the importance of wellbeing and mindfulness into strategies and day-to-day operations for the future.”

The courses will be running throughout 2022. For more information, visit employers@cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 006.

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

News

100+ young women attend event designed to attract more females into engineering and construction

MORE than 100 young women attended an event designed to attract females into construction and engineering.

Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham invited all secondary schools in north east Wales to join a day of workshops, seminars, and activities ahead of International Women’s Day this Tuesday (March 8).

Leading names from both sectors were in attendance, such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), and companies including Anwyl, Magellan, Redrow, Jones Bros, Wilmot Dixon, Kronospan, Read Construction, DECA, M&P Surveying, Blue Print, and TACP Architects.

Pupils also travelled from Shropshire and Cheshire to be a part of the programme, enjoy a tour of facilities – featuring the £10m engineering complex – and talks from some of the region’s top women in industry.

Karl Jackson, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology and Site Lead at Bersham Road, said it was “fantastic” to see such a positive response from the students.

“Engineering and construction are traditionally male-dominated fields but there are so many opportunities out there for women to be successful, the barriers that were once there are disappearing,” he added.

“Of course, the challenge now is to demonstrate what these opportunities are and how working in these arenas is an attractive proposition, which is why we held this event.

“The feedback we’ve received has been brilliant, it’s fantastic to see the interest and hopefully the next generation of engineers and construction workers will see far more of a gender balance.”

The expo also included practical and interactive sessions, career guidance and support, and ‘have a go’ simulation exercises in welding, trades and more.

Gemma Booth, a Member of the CIOB (MCIOB) recently moved from construction into education with Cambria and says the event showcased what they and the organisations in attendance have to offer.

She herself succeeded in what was a traditionally all-male environment but says times have moved on.

“In some careers there is still a stigma about women’s ability to do the job, but at Coleg Cambria we are all about breaking down barriers and giving our learners the best possible chance to progress and flourish on whatever path they take,” said Gemma.

“And we do so in partnership with many of the country’s top engineering and construction companies and trade bodies.”

She added: “Thanks again to everyone who came today, it’s been a very rewarding and insightful event, for us and for those who attended. We hope it has inspired more young women to think about their futures and broaden their horizons when considering the years ahead.”

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

Visit www.internationalwomensday.com for more on International Women’s Day.

News

North Wales college unveils education partnership with leading university

COLEG CAMBRIA has unveiled a suite of higher education programmes in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Prospective students can apply to study Foundation degrees in Criminal Justice, Tourism and Hospitality and Sport Coaching at the north east Wales college’s University Centre from this September.

The courses will be validated by the Merseyside institution, which is ranked 49th in the UK (Times Higher World University Rankings).

Emma Hurst, Dean of HE and an Assistant Principal at Coleg Cambria, said: “To be working with Liverpool John Moores is a fantastic USP for these programmes and I’m sure that relationship will lead to the unveiling of further degree-level qualifications in the future.

“With the state-of-the-art facilities we have at Yale Wrexham and Deeside I’m sure these three programmes will prove popular with learners in north-east Wales and beyond.”

Sports Coaching will be held at Deeside over two years, with the option of a further year to complete a BSc at LJMU’s world-renowned School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Possible careers include sports coach, sports development officer and PE teacher.

Tourism and Hospitality Management is to be held at Yale Wrexham face-to-face, with the opportunity to go on and ‘top-up’ in a different field, and Criminal Justice will be in person at Yale Wrexham over two years (subject to validation) with modules including History of Crime and Criminalisation, Media, Public and Criminal Justice, and the Criminal Justice System.

There is the option to study online if needed.

The collaboration with LJMU comes as Cambria unveils a new website and student guide, taking its HE offering to the next level.

“For those learners who do not want to go away to university we are the perfect option,” said Emma.

“You can study at one of our pioneering north-east Wales sites and have the opportunity to go on and top-up the qualification at Liverpool John Moores or one of our other partner institutions.”

She added: “The University Centre at Cambria has grown in stature, with prospective students deciding to take the opportunity to study for a degree in first-class facilities on their own doorstep.

“We recognise that and will continue to lay the foundations for HE in this region, with the future of our students and their career prospects at the heart of everything we do.”

LJMU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) Professor Phil Vickerman welcomed the collaboration and said: “LJMU is proud to partner Coleg Cambria in offering life-changing opportunities to students in north-east Wales and, hopefully, we will see many of them in Liverpool in the near future.”

News

International recognition for £20m sustainable dairy factory ahead of Spring opening

A £20MILLION cheese factory development received international recognition ahead of its opening this Spring.

Lauded as the cream of sustainability and innovation in the sector, Mona Dairy was visited by Australia’s High Commissioner George Brandis QC and Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon.

The 25,000 sq ft Anglesey facility will be the most modern anywhere in Europe, capable of producing 7,000 tons of Welsh and continental cheeses every year.

Just weeks after the UK signed a historic trade deal with Australia – expected to unlock more than £10bn in contracts annually, and worth a reported £60m to the Welsh economy – Mr Brandis congratulated Mona Dairy Managing Director Ronald Akkerman and colleagues for bringing their vision to fruition.

He added: “One of the great winners of this trade agreement is the processed food sector.

“Welsh cheeses produced from Welsh farm-supplied milk will be one of the beneficiaries of the deal, so there are opportunities to be seized.”

Based on Mona Industrial Park, the dairy was built using the most modern production technology available.

Creating 100 jobs and running entirely on renewable energy, it will be a zero combustion and zero emissions site benefiting from circular systems for inputs such as water and heat.

Mr Akkerman said the project will set new standards for the industry, blending traditional and revolutionary methods to produce Edam, Gouda, Cheddar, and a range of artisan cheeses using milk from local farms.

“This factory is the largest development in the food sector in recent times and is attracting a great deal of interest from across the industry globally,” said Mr Akkerman.

“It is very exciting to now be able to show people around the plant as it is nearing completion.

“We thank Mr Brandis and Mrs Crosbie for coming to see first-hand what an innovative project this is, for us, the region and the dairy sector.”

Mrs Crosbie added: “With a clear focus on sustainable and ethical cheese production, Mona Dairy will set new standards for the industry and the world.

“It is wonderful to see such a market leading initiative on Ynys Mon, which will create 100 jobs for the area.  All with sustainability firmly at its core.”

Mona Dairy’s core ethos is to deliver a better, fair, and transparent deal for farmers, whilst building their sustainability and environmental credentials and encouraging regenerative dairy practices.

Mr Akkerman said: “We want to do this because not only is it fundamental for the environment, there’s also much greater demand from consumers for brands that have sustainable credentials.

“We can deliver that, as our production facility is well positioned to give the products created here a global competitive advantage.

“It’s an exciting time for us and for the industry – we can’t wait for the process to begin.”

Visit www.monadairy.com for more news and information from Mona Dairy.

News

Pipe fitter inspired to gold by Dad’s death is supporting apprentices on their skills journey

A PIPE fitter inspired to victory by the death of his father is supporting teenage apprentices on their WorldSkills journey.

Oliver Bolland is reigning gold medallist in the Sheet Metalwork category of WorldSkills UK, having secured bronze in the same event three years earlier.

Now working at MG Engineering in Flint, the 22 year-old – a former Fabrication and Welding student at Coleg Cambria Deeside – is hoping apprentices Owen Fricker and James Jones can emulate his success in the years ahead.

Also a previous winner in the Construction Metalwork contest at Skills Competition Wales, Oliver is helping the Flintshire duo, both students at the college, as they begin entering competitions in the hope of being part of their WorldSkills UK squad this autumn.

Admitting the passing of his Dad hit him hard during his 2019 debut in the finals, the ex-Richard Gwyn High School pupil is enjoying life and looking forward to a bright future with the company, which has been delivering engineering solutions to multiple sectors for 30 years.

“It’s great to see Owen and James begin their training for the skills competitions, I’m sure they will do really well,” said Oliver, from Connah’s Quay.

“After winning at the Welsh skills contest my performance at WorldSkills was impacted upon by Dad’s death, and I always hoped I would get another chance at it, to do myself justice.

“Then Covid-19 hit the UK and I thought that opportunity was lost; to be able to compete again in 2021 was a big surprise, and I was delighted to win gold for my family.”

He added: “It is an intense situation as the finals are held over three days and you can get caught up in that pressured environment, but I managed to relax and just get on with the task in hand.

“If you can stay calm and almost forget about the judges, do your work and stay focused, you can succeed, which I managed to do.”

Thanking Cambria and in particular lecturer Tony Commins for his role in helping him secure work placements and eventually a full-time position in the industry, Oliver said:

“I owe Tony a lot, he believed in me and now I’m here in a job I love – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

“Demand has increased, and I’ve travelled all over the world during the pandemic, fitting the products we manufacture in the US, Canada, Germany and Finland, because it’s an essential field we are operating in.

“Now my aim is to support other apprentices and use everything I learned at Cambria and in competition to continue improving as part of the team here. I will always look back fondly on memories of WorldSkills and encourage other young people to give it a try.”

Owen, 17, from Caerwys, and 16 year-old James, from Bagillt, are also keen to sharpen their skills.

According to Tony, they have the ability to go far.

“Like Oliver they have positive attitudes and want to learn, which is key to doing well in these competitions and academically,” he added.

“Oliver is a great inspiration to them and many of our learners because he has shown that if you put your mind to it and work hard you can do anything.

“We are all so proud of his achievements and wish him well for the future.”

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

For more on WorldSkills UK, visit the website: www.worldskillsuk.org

News

New business support scheme and live event to break down barriers for start-ups in Wales

A £1MILLION grant support scheme will help entrepreneurs overcome barriers to business success.

Funded by Welsh Government, the Barriers to Start-Up Grant is targeting people across Wales who are unemployed or economically inactive.

Hwb Menter/Enterprise Hub – based at M-SParc on Anglesey – will be hosting a live virtual event to support potential applicants on Wednesday February 16 from 10am-4.30pm.

The Hub’s Miwtini programme will lead the online webinar, which includes themes on building confidence, marketing advice and the fundamentals of starting a business.

Guest speakers include Anglesey-based illustrator Heledd Owen (pictured), who herself benefited from the guidance and support of the organisation.

Enterprise Hub Manager Sara Roberts said: “The grants and our virtual event are focused on helping people with ideas and innovations to take their first step towards launching their own business.

“As well as guidance and advice we can give fully funded access to resources and financial information that could prove invaluable when starting out.

“It can be quite a daunting prospect, so this is an opportunity for people to ask questions and find out more from industry experts in a friendly, welcoming environment.”

She added: “The purpose of the grants – which are up to £2000 – is to open up avenues to success and give tailored help in overcoming barriers to running your own business.

“We also want applicants to think about sustainability, the environment and the social impact they could have, to give their local economy a boost and support the post-Covid recovery in Wales.”

Applications for the Barriers to Start-Up Grant are encouraged from individuals who identify as disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic, women, college or university leavers who graduated in the last two years and are contracted for less than 20 hours a week, and NEETS (Young people Not in Education, Employment or Training). The grant scheme is open until March 24.

Heledd is looking forward to the virtual event, and said: “Two years ago I was in the same position as this latest group and received amazing guidance from the Miwtini team.

“They gave me the tools and knowledge to start my own business, as well as support applying for a grant which gave me a boost at the start of my journey. Two years on, I am now fully self-employed and expanding.”

Hwb Menter/Enterprise Hub is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

For more information and to register for the free Miwtini seminar, visit barrierstostartupmiwtinifeb.eventbrite.co.uk

Alternatively, contact Sian or Anna at Hwb Menter / Enterprise Hub on 07790 365476 or 07508 449 201.

Business

‘Dog-friendly’ town centre a hit with shoppers and their pets

A BOOMING town centre continues to lead the way with shoppers in North Wales.

And Mold has also become a favourite with pet owners after more than 20 businesses signed-up to allow dogs onto their premises.

‘Dog-Friendly Mold’ encourages anyone visiting the town with their four-legged friends to “leave only footprints” and ensure waste is picked up and disposed of to keep the streets clean.

The campaign has been embraced by customers and store owners across the area, with many now offering tasty treats, water bowls, and safe outdoor spaces.

Among them is RainbowBiz CIC social enterprise, whose director Sue Oliver said canine kindness has been well received at their Hippy Shop.

“We have a water bowl at the door and signs saying dogs are welcome,” she said.

“For many people, their dog is their best friend, so we understand that having them with them while they visit us is important.

“As a result, we’ve seen an increase in the number of dogs and their owners coming here – as long as they all behave, they’re always welcome!”

The same goes for Simmi Womanswear on New Street, whose owner Simone Ellis unveiled a new range of ‘paw-fect’ designer gifts this week.

“We have keyrings, bags and more for pet owners, which are already proving popular,” she said.

“The feedback to being a ‘dog-friendly’ business has been positive, and as long as the owners are responsible, they’re always welcome here.”

Words echoed by Gareth Jones, owner of Mold Alehouse on Earl Road.

“We are proud to support the campaign and always happy to serve well-behaved dogs, and their well-behaved humans!”

Mold has been celebrating a town centre vacancy rate of just 5.8%, having seen more than 50 shops open in the last two years.

The town’s retail success led to praise from Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, who admired its “distinctive” offering and said: “What you see in places like Mold is that they have developed something that’s different. It’s not just like being on any other high street in any other town.”

Marie Revell, owner of Latte Lottie in the Daniel Owen Precinct certainly agrees, and says the warmth between businesses, shoppers, and their pets, has brought a feelgood factor to the area.

In fact, Marie’s own dog – sprocker spaniel Lottie – inspired the name for the coffee and sandwich bar, which opened last summer.

“The reaction from customers is always positive, they are delighted to have somewhere to bring their dog, to relax and unwind, especially when the weather is bad,” she said.

“We are more than happy to accommodate them, and the free sausages and treats we give the dogs always go down well! It’s a great campaign and once again shows why Mold is such a unique, friendly place.”

For more information and a list of which businesses are part of the Dog-Friendly Mold scheme, visit www.totallymold.org.uk/Dog-Friendly-Mold and email totallymold@moldtowncouncil.org.uk if you would like to register your organisation as dog-friendly.

Visit www.totallymold.org.uk for details on the Totally Mold voucher scheme and where you can spend them.

ENDS

News

Apprentice engineer launches fundraising campaign ahead of Miss Wales final

A TALENTED apprentice and Miss Wales candidate wants to inspire future generations of young girls into engineering.

Jess Downes, from Towyn, is still reeling after being shortlisted for the national competition, which takes place in Newport this May.

Given her day-to-day life as a learner at Coleg Cambria and apprentice maintenance engineer at Toyota’s Deeside plant, she admits some people have found the decision to enter the beauty pageant a little strange.

But the 23 year-old former flight attendant is all about “breaking the mould” and hopes to fly the flag for both organisations while raising as much money as she can for the global charity, Beauty With A Purpose.

“A lot of people still look at these contests as if they are dated but it’s very different now, the focus is on empowering young women, creating opportunities, feminism and making a difference,” said Jess, who is backed my mum Sarah, dad Russell and eight year-old brother, Olly.

“That really appealed to me, but initially because I spend most of my day working with vehicles a lot of people found it strange to put these two worlds together!

“I think it’s important to break the mould and try to see and do things differently, to challenge yourself and stereotypes.

“With the support of Coleg Cambria – who are sponsoring my Miss Wales journey – there’s no doubt I can do well, but the most important thing is to represent all the other young girls out there who may find obstacles between them and their chosen career.”

As a teenager, Jess battled with mental health issues and anorexia but has fought back and feels fitter, stronger, and happier than ever.

The pandemic hit her hard and forced a rethink as to what the future held; a love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and ICT subjects led her down the apprenticeship route, and she has no intention of looking back.

“I am loving every second of it and everyone is so welcoming and helpful,” she added.

“It is a traditionally male-dominated environment but the only way that will change is if more young girls show an appetite to make a difference and take the opportunity to join this industry.

“I acted on impulse when I found out about the apprenticeship, and the same with Miss Wales; sometimes you have to just go for it.

“I’m glad I did and look forward to sharing my message in the months ahead – you can do anything if you work hard and put your mind to it.”

Kelvin Hand, a Technical Training Officer at Cambria’s Institute of Technology in Deeside, reinforced those comments.

“We are immensely proud of her achievements in the competition and very pleased with the work Jess continues to do in college,” said Kelvin.

“She is a true asset and role model to the programme – we need people like Jess to inspire more young women into engineering.”

To sponsor Jess, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jessica-downes12.

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