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News, Wales News

Bridgend secures Cardiff Capital Region match funding

The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has agreed to allocate funds to support the development of projects which can stimulate and help future-proof the economy of Bridgend following the announcement the Ford engine plant is to close.

The Welsh Government has announced that it will ‘match fund’ the £50,000, to fund feasibility works and develop robust business case proposals which have the potential to have the greatest impact on Bridgend.

Responding to the proposed closure of the Ford engine plant next year with the loss of 1,700 jobs has been a key priority for the CCR Regional Cabinet, which comprises the leaders of the ten local authorities in the region.

The Regional Cabinet has agreed the allocation of £50,000 of developmental support to Bridgend County Borough Council to enable the creation of proposals which stimulates economic activity and local regeneration.

As members of the Ford Bridgend Taskforce, CCR will look to invest the £50,000 alongside the ‘match’ amount from Welsh Government of £50,000, generating a ‘seed fund’ totaling £100,000.

This ‘seed fund’ will ensure Bridgend Council has initial resource to begin developing proposals for projects that can help mitigate the impact of potential job losses and stimulate growth of new future-proofed industries.

Some of the areas which could be developed as competitive strengths include innovation in clean growth and renewable energy; incubation space for start-up businesses in priority sectors; and, continued town centre improvements.

Cllr Andrew Morgan, Chair of the CCR Regional Cabinet, and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:

“These are challenging times for Bridgend and the wider region and we stand together in addressing these difficult issues.

“The potential loss of 1,700 jobs is a blow to the local and regional economy, and the supply chain impact will affect economies and communities on a wider scale.

“The Ford workforce is highly skilled and we want to ensure that given our focus on growing key technology and advanced manufacturing industries in the region, we do all we can to retain that talented workforce.

“This seed fund is a catalyst and shows how we can work with Welsh Government and meaningfully fulfil our role on the Ford Bridgend Taskforce to provide some initial stimulus for projects that can give confidence now and build hope for the future.

Cllr Huw David, Bridgend’s Leader, said:

“I am thankful to my colleagues in the CCR and Welsh Government for prioritising seed investment that could activate opportunities to help alleviate some of the impact of the prospective Ford plant closure and to advance the prospects we believe could emerge as key local economic strengths.

“This is not the answer in itself and there aren’t any silver bullets, but it’s a show of strength and solidarity and as we have seen with the City Deal itself, small seeds can grow big potential.”

He continued:

“I know this does not guarantee access to larger City Deal or government investment funds. Accessing these will be about the persuasiveness and strength of the investment proposals we use this seed money to develop.

“But it certainly gives us the boost we need in our quest to lever in the investment – public and private – to build a strong economic future for Bridgend, especially after the exciting news that, with Welsh Government support, Ineos Automotive is to build its new 4X4 vehicle here in Bridgend.”

Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates said:

“When we announced Ineos is moving to Bridgend, I said work to support the area in the wake of Ford’s proposals would not stop there.

“This joint initiative by the Welsh Government and Cardiff Capital Region will be vital in further accelerating new business opportunities which will support Ford workers and boost efforts to secure an exciting future for the town.

“A key aim of the Ford Taskforce is to identify and promote economic opportunities of the site, the area, the workforce, and supply chain to create viable and sustainable commercial options for Bridgend moving forwards. I am confident this funding will help to do that, and build on the economic and social resilience of the local community as we work to maintain, promote and grow economic confidence.”

Construction, News, Property, Wales News

New chapter begins for historic Porthcawl building

One of Porthcawl’s most iconic buildings is receiving a fresh new look in time for its 100th birthday.

Work is underway at the Harlequin Building in Dock Street which is restoring the well-known local landmark back to its historic glory.

The structure is being strengthened so that the building can be brought up to modern design standards with a brand new roof, windows and doors, and a full internal refurbishment is being carried out to make the building suitable for a commercial occupier.

The £143,000 project is being funded by the Townscape Heritage Initiative and Bridgend County Borough Council. Contractors are already on site and the work is expected to be complete by early 2020.

Cllr Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Education, said: “I’m delighted to see the latest piece of Porthcawl’s regeneration jigsaw falling into place.

“The Harlequin is a popular and much-loved landmark building in Porthcawl, and with the next phase of our regeneration scheme focusing upon the Salt Lake area, it will be a prime spot for a suitable business.“We said we would look at the Harlequin when we revisited the town’s regeneration plans, and this work delivers on that promise.

“With its recently-completed coastal sea defences, new Watersports Centre preparing to open at Rest Bay and work forging ahead at the Harlequin, Porthcawl is awash with projects that are designed to maximise its potential as a place in which to live, work or visit.” 

Built in 1920 by Sir Thomas Jones, the building was originally used as an estate agents before becoming the property of Great Western Railway where it served as the Porthcawl Railway station master’s office and later a railway goods office.

After Porthcawl’s railway link was removed following a 1965 restructure, the building hosted a number of different businesses, including a well-known gown and suit shop called Madge and the antiques shop which later lent its name to the building.

Harlequin Antiques was the last business to use the building before it closed in 2005.

News, Wales News

Aberystwyth entrepreneur hits the right note with vocal coaching business

A young entrepreneur from Aberystwyth has started her a vocal coaching business with plans to open her own vocal studio.

Magdalena Mazur, 26 and originally from Poland, has been so overwhelmed with new clients since launching her vocal coaching business, Vocalize, she’s been able to increase her working hours from part time to full time. She started the business with the help of Big Ideas Wales, the youth entrepreneurship service in Wales.

Vocalize predominately offers vocal coaching on a one-to-one basis, but Magdalena has also introduced group workshops locally in Aberystwyth.

Magdalena said:

“I’ve been singing my whole life, but I didn’t consider vocal coaching as a career until after graduating from music school in Poland. I moved to the area seven years ago to do a degree in Drama Theatre and Performance at Aberystwyth University and soon joined a band with a group of friends. A few of them asked if I would tutor them and I loved the idea of being able to share what I know about singing, which I’m so passionate about. The whole business developed from there.”

Magdalena teaches a range of people from 10-65 years old and is currently running a mobile business but she’s on the search for a studio in Aberystwyth to become Vocalize’s official premises.

“I love working in Aberystwyth, but it has been and continues to be a big challenge finding a suitable space to teach. By opening my own studio, I can create the perfect space for my students to get the most out of the sessions.

“Ultimately I would love to open a vocal studio where students could benefit from having lessons with a variety of coaches teaching different techniques.”

Magdalena started her business at the age of 23 with the help of Big Ideas Wales, part of Business Wales and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The service is aimed at anyone between the age of 5 and 25 who wants to develop a business idea.

Magdalena found out about the service through her own research and she contacted them to see what support she could receive. Talking about Big Ideas Wales, Magdalena said:

“I’ve found the service very beneficial and they really motivated me to keep working harder and developing my business.”

Earlier this year, Magdalena joined 30 other young businesspeople at the Bootcamp to Business residential event in the Urdd Centre in Bala, a fully funded three-day workshop hosted by Big Ideas Wales. Bootcamp gives young entrepreneurs the chance to learn and hone their business skills with advice and mentoring from successful Welsh businesspeople.

Speaking of the experience, Magdalena said:

“As well as learning a lot at Bootcamp about how to develop my business, I was also awarded accelerator support which was hugely helpful in allowing me to attend further vocal training to support my teaching.

“Bootcamp was a brilliant experience as it gave me further confidence in my business and showed me the potential of Vocalize.”

Magdalena is hoping to develop her skills further by completing a Masters in Professional Voice Practice at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She will be studying part-time alongside running her business in west Wales.

Magdalena said:

“I am happy with how the business is developing, but through gaining more qualifications and improving my skills alongside running Vocalize, I hope it can help the business in the long run.”

David Bannister, Big Ideas Wales business advisor, said:

“Magdalena is highly skilled and motivated to provide the best service she can, through continuing to train alongside running the business. I wish her all the best for the future and I am looking forward to seeing how the business develops.”

Magdalena finished by saying:

“The people I teach have a variety of goals from school performances and auditions, as well as older people who didn’t get the chance to follow their dream when they were younger. I get a real sense of pride when my students achieve their goals and it makes all the hard work worth it.”

The next Bootcamp to Business is taking place on 23rd -24th November at the Urdd, Cardiff Bay. Applications are now open. To apply, head to: https://businesswales.gov.wales/bigideas/

For more information about Vocalize please visit: https://www.facebook.com/mazur.magdalena.ewa/

Has this inspired you to kick start your business idea? Visit www.bigideas.wales to get started

Health, Wales News

New conference strives to improve mental health and wellbeing in Wales

Healthcare professionals from across Wales will come together in Cardiff in October to attend the Together for Mental Health 2019 conference organized by GovConnect, which aims to improve mental health and wellbeing in Wales through partnership working.

With the overall cost of mental health issues in Wales estimated at £7.2 billion a year, the conference will consider the progress of Together for Mental Health – the Welsh Government’s cross portfolio strategic response to mental health – and examine options for future improvements and innovations.

Following a keynote address from Ken Skates AM, whose policy interests include mental health, the conference’s packed agenda includes speeches, case studies and panel debates with specialists including Sara Moseley from Mind Cymru, Dr Kate Chamberlain, Chief Executive, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and Hazel Powell, Nursing Officer for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Welsh Government.

Dr Kate Chamberlain, Chief Executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales said:

“Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing is of importance for all of us. I am looking forward to taking part in day of discussion on how we can improve and transform services so that they can meet people’s needs.”

Conference sponsor Ludlow Street Healthcare, a specialist provider of care for adults with complex mental health problems in Wales, is hoping the conference will provide an opportunity for everyone to share their experiences of delivering against the Welsh mental health strategy and vision for future mental health provision.

Dr Andrew Hider, Clinical Director at Ludlow Street Healthcare said:

“We are proud to be the main sponsor of this significant conference.

“If we are going to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Wales, a collaborative approach is essential. This conference is important as it is bringing together senior leaders from many of the key organisations and stakeholders around mental health and well-being in Wales.

“Mental health impacts on so many people, at so many levels and in so many spheres. Addressing this growing problem in a cohesive way requires involvement from a broad-range of organisations so it is crucial to bring everyone together to create and communicate a shared vision. I’m looking forward to the day and planning what we can achieve together in Wales.”

Hazel Powell, Nursing Officer for Mental Health & Learning Disability at Welsh Government, who is one of the guest speakers said:

“I am looking forward to joining the discussions and hearing about some of the innovative approaches being taken forward to improving mental health and well-being in Wales.”

Together for Mental Health 2019 will take place on October 16th in the Radisson Blu, Cardiff.

To find out more about the conference please visit https://togetherformentalhealth.co.uk

News, Wales News

Cardiff lawyer appointed by leading charity to champion importance of mental health in legal sector

LawCare has launched a new advocacy scheme ‘LawCare champions’ to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Thursday October 10th.

The legal mental health charity has appointed Capital Law lawyer Clare Good as part of the programme, designed to improve mental health and wellbeing within the legal community. Clare is one of 14 newly appointed LawCare champions from across the UK.

Clare joined Cardiff-based Capital Law as a Commercial Disputes solicitor in April 2019. She is also the Wellbeing officer for both the Cardiff and South East Wales Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), and the Cardiff & District Law Society. The role was created for her, after she stepped down as Chair of the Cardiff JDL in September. That month, she planned a number of fully booked events for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Clare also sits on the South Wales Forum for Tomorrow Committee and assists in organising the Committee’s networking events for young professionals in the property and construction industry.

Speaking about why Clare was chosen to be part of the LawCare programme, Gemma Matthews from the organisation said:

“We chose Clare as a champion as she has a real passion and interest in the wellbeing of lawyers, she has been instrumental in helping us reach more junior lawyers in Cardiff and the events she organised for Mental Health Awareness Week were a huge success. We are excited to continue to work with her in her new role as Wellbeing Officer for the Cardiff Law Society.”

LawCare works to provide information and support to anyone in the legal community experiencing mental health and wellbeing problems. They work to raise awareness, promote understanding and to improve the culture and practice of law.

Between 2018 – 2019 the organisation reported a 5% increase in callers, with 26% of callers stating that stress was the reason for their call, followed by 19% who reported issues with depression. 48% of callers were junior lawyers, students or qualified for five years or less.

Elin Pinnell, Managing Partner at Capital Law, said:

“Being a lawyer is a highly rewarding career, and a demanding one. But this doesn’t mean that having to skip lunch, miss out on social life and work under huge pressure is acceptable. Research shows that mental health impacts the workplace, and vice versa. That’s why it’s so important to have support networks that are tailored for, and understand, our profession.

“We’ve been supporting LawCare for several years, and we’re lucky to count among us several lawyers who, like Clare, are passionate advocates for wellbeing. They truly are ‘champions’, driving a much-needed cultural change. We’ve also trained many members of our staff in Mental Health First Aid courses, to ensure we protect the mental health of our employees as well as their physical health.

“As a firm, we strongly believe that personal and professional development go hand in hand. We have an on-site canteen and quiet areas, and offer weekly yoga classes, sports massage and language classes. But there isn’t a one-size-fit-all solution to mental health issues, which is why we need to keep the dialogue going. Back in May, we teamed up with LawCare to deliver a breakfast seminar for Mental Health Awareness Week. It included a mindfulness session and a talk on mental health in the workplace. The event was very well received, and we look forward to taking part in many more to come.”

Clare joins 14 other new LawCare champions, including James Pereira QC, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Lloyd Rees, and IP inclusive lead executive office Andrea Brewster OBE, with more to follow next year.

Elizabeth Rimmer, Chief Executive of LawCare, said:

“We are very proud to launch this new scheme on World Mental Health Day. This is a cross-jurisdiction, cross-profession initiative and our new champions have all been carefully chosen for their commitment, passion and enthusiasm in raising awareness about the importance of good mental health and wellbeing in the legal community.”

“We hope our champions will help us to drive positive change in the culture of law. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is suicide prevention, and we must all come together as the legal community to improve dialogue on mental health issues.”

The charity has also launched a new animated video today available at www.lawcare.org.uk   

Wales News

Leading Business Council welcomes giants of care and housing industries in Wales

GIANTS of the housing and care sectors have joined a regional Business Council.
Care Forum Wales and social landlord ClwydAlyn are new members of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council.
The cross-border organisation, whose members include the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), North Wales Tourism, West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Wrexham Business Professionals, works with the public sector on regional economic development.
As an active member of North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB), the Business Council has worked hand in hand with local authorities on the £1bn North Wales Growth Deal, which the NWEAB is developing and delivering in partnership with the UK and Welsh Governments.
Chair Ashley Rogers said having two of the region’s most respected groups on board will add value, given their presence in local communities and positive influence on the region’s economy.
“It is a privilege to welcome ClwydAlyn and Care Forum Wales to our regional Business Council,” said Mr Rogers.
“These sectors provide essential support to our local communities and have a substantial positive impact on employment and our regional economy.”
He added: “Health and social care businesses and housing associations are vital to a prosperous, sustainable economy and the wellbeing of our communities.
“We look forward to working with them for the benefit of our region across all sectors.”
ClwydAlyn, based in St Asaph, will be representing all six housing associations in North Wales.
Their combined new-build housing programme is worth £100m, and the group believes joining the Business Council will give them an opportunity to collaborate with more private and public sector partners in the region.
“ClwydAlyn is delighted to become a member of the of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council and to be able to represent the views of the six housing associations in North Wales,” said Group Chief Executive, Clare Budden.
“As social businesses with a combined annual turnover of £65m and employing more than 1,800 people across the region, we are committed to maximising the Welsh pound and welcome the opportunity the network provides to build our relationships with local suppliers and service providers.”
Wrexham-based Care Forum Wales supports more than 450 care providers across Wales. The industry contributes £2bn to the Welsh economy every year, employing 83,400 people.

Chief Executive Mary Wimbury said they are delighted to become members of the Business Council and work alongside pioneering leaders and industry heavyweights across a wide range of arenas.

She added: “With Welsh Government’s economic strategy identifying care as a key component of the foundational economy it’s important for us to build our links with other key sectors of the economy.”

For more information on North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, visit the website: www.nwmdbusinesscouncil.org

News, Wales News

Maesteg Triathletes head to Kona, Hawaii, for the Ironman World Championships

Maesteg Triathletes Paul Lewis and Paul Thomas are heading to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii for the 2019 Ironman World Championships next weekend. The duo will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles alongside 1800 competitors from around the World in scorching temperatures reaching 38C (100F). Both triathletes are clients at Bridgend Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, one2one Therapy. Rhian Davies, physiotherapist and one2one clinic director says:

“Qualifying for such a prestigious event is a huge achievement and we’re really proud of our clients. They’ve worked so hard to get to where they are, it’s not easy training for hours and hours when you’re juggling work and family life.”

Police Officer Paul Lewis competed in his first ever triathlon because of a bet. Friend and colleague Alun Thomas (Maxi) made a bet with him to participate in the Cosmeston Lakes Triathlon 20 years ago and they both had forfeits for the loser. Maxi was unaware of Paul’s achievements as a runner, being the Welsh Cross Country Champion, Welsh Road Champion and Welsh 1500m Track Champion aged 15/16 so was surprised when Paul beat him over the finish line. When he agreed to the forfeits, he was not expecting to be the one to dye his hair blonde! After a few years, Paul gave up triathlon because he had a young family then returned to the sport 3 years ago after watching Ironman Wales in 2016. He got the bug for the longer distance races and found that he was pretty good at it when he won his age group in his first ever Ironman race in Tenby 2017. He qualified for the World Championships at that race but declined his place. The following year, Paul finished 24th overall and first in his age group but this time his wife Hayley convinced him to accept his place. Hayley and their 2 children will be travelling with Paul to support him and Hayley will celebrate her birthday on raceday. Paul Thomas, a senior engineering manager at Orthoclinical Diagnostics and age group athlete from Maesteg first took up triathlon in 2011 when a friend convinced him to enter Ironman Wales. Since then Paul has completed 13 full distance Ironman events (6 in Tenby) and 2 half Ironman events. Paul is no stranger to the Ironman World Championship events having competed in Kona in 2017 and in Nice earlier this year for the 70.3 Worlds. He qualified for the 2019 Ironman World Championships when he raced in Cozumel last November so he’s had plenty of time to prepare. Paul said:

“This time I’d like to go under 10 hours but it depends on the conditions on the day”

Paul has always been a lover of sport, he was the Motorcycles Trials Rider Welsh Champion aged 13 and again at age 31, and also played rugby for Maesteg from 1991-96. He’s always had the support of his wife Paula who’ll be travelling again to Kona with him. Rhian at one2one Therapy says the whole team are excited to follow the duo’s achievements and plan to track their progress through the gruelling event:

“From all the staff at one2one, we’d like to wish the two Pauls all the very best for the race. We’ll be tracking you and cheering you on!”

We’re sure there will be more than a few proud followers in Maesteg too!   Image of Paul Lewis: Black Magic Photography

Health, News, Wales News

Digital health CEO encouraged by £50m investment in Wales

This week, Health and Social Services Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced plans to transform digital health and care in Wales.

The plans include creating the role of Chief Digital Officer for Health and Care and a new NHS Wales organisation to deliver national digital services, supported by £50 million new funding.

The Chief Digital Officer (CDO) for Health and Care will define national standards for digital software and services, as part of moving to an open digital architecture, across all digital systems. The CDO will also advise Welsh Government on digital strategy, lead the digital profession, and be a champion for digital health and care in Wales.

NHS Wales Informatics Services will transition to a new standalone NHS Wales organisation, reflecting the importance of digital and data in modern health and care.

Dr Sandeep Bansal, CEO and founder of Wales-based Medic Creations (creators of Medic Bleep):

“The announcement from NHS Wales that £50 million will be invested into digital health advances and overseen by a new Chief Digital Officer and central body for digital health services, is hugely encouraging and another welcome commitment from NHS Wales to realise the potential of digital transformation in the NHS.”

“The development of the Welsh clinical Portal and modernisation of the mobile network infrastructure are testament to NHS Wales truly understanding of the importance of digital. In line with ‘A Healthier Wales’ initiative, I am confident that this investment in strategic priorities will act as a catalyst for change, pushing Wales to another level of digital transformation. I look forward to seeing how these additions will strengthen delivery, but I am confident that this will ultimately be hugely beneficial to the people of Wales – improving staff productivity, patient outcomes and financial efficiency.”

Medic Bleep is a secure and real-time communication solution, created by Medic Creations.

It enables doctors, nurses and the wider team to communicate and collaborate within and across healthcare organisations.

Peer-reviewed research found Medic Bleep can save nurses 21 minutes per shift and junior doctors 48 minutes per shift. These are time savings that can be given back to healthcare professionals to do what they do best – care for patients.

News, Wales News

Transport for Wales publishes first annual report and financial statements

Transport for Wales (TfW), the not-for-profit company driving forward the Welsh Government’s vision for transport in Wales, has published its annual report and financial statements for the 2018/19 financial year.

The comprehensive report provides an update on the progress TfW is making transforming transport for the people, communities and businesses of Wales. It also reveals some of the company’s ambitious future plans.

TfW spent £151 million during the financial year, the majority of which was invested in the Wales and Borders rail service. This expenditure also included infrastructure upgrades which are part of the £738 million commitment to the South Wales Metro. A number of South Wales Metro projects have been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Committed to providing customers with the best possible service as soon as possible, the Welsh Government-owned company begun revitalising its services during the year. TfW started to invest £40 million to improve its current fleet and fund additional services, customer experience and accessibility improvements.

Recognising that each region of Wales has its own opportunities and challenges, TfW also opened its North Wales business unit in 2018 headed by North Wales Development Director, Lee Robinson.

Public investment with a social purpose is critical to the Welsh Government’s approach to rail and in 2018/19 TfW appointed a number of suppliers to its innovative Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Delivery (STRiDe) Framework. STRiDe enables local suppliers to benefit from TfW’s investments.

TfW is a fair, inclusive and progressive employer and is building an effective social partnership recognising all relevant trades unions.

Everything TfW does supports Welsh Government policies and TfW is playing its part in delivering Prosperity for All – the national strategy for Wales. The Well-being of Future Generations Act is also at the heart of TfW’s activities. TfW’s annual report and financial statements outline progress against these and other key policies such as the Active Travel Act and the Ministerial Task Force: Our Valleys Our Future.

Commenting on TfW’s first annual report and financial statements, James Price, TfW’s Chief Executive said:

“TfW is an open and transparent organisation with a collaborative approach and I hope that our annual report and financial statements demonstrates the progress we’re making to create an integrated transport network in Wales.

“2018/19 was a busy year of transformation and growth for TfW. Looking forward, the scale of what we now have to deliver is unprecedented but the team at TfW is focused on making a difference for the people, communities and businesses of Wales.”

TfW’s Chair, Scott Waddington added:

“2018/19 was a pivotal year for TfW as we took over the Wales and Borders rail service and I would like to thank our many stakeholders for their ongoing insight, help and support.

“We have now put the right foundations in place and while our strategy is ambitious, I am confident that we are prepared for the challenges we face as we enter a key delivery phase of our journey.”

Welcoming the publication of TfW’s first annual report and financial statements, Economy and Transport Minister, Ken Skates said:

“An effective transport network is a key building block of an economy that works for all and we’re on a journey that will greatly improve our rail services. Our customers’ needs are at the heart of this transformation and I’m pleased that they’re already starting to see the benefits.”

TfW’s 2018/19 annual report and financial statements are available at www.tfw.gov.wales.

News, Wales News

Swansea flooring specialist celebrates 10th anniversary with expansion & new brand

A Swansea-based flooring group has launched its first store under the newly created brand, Simply Flooring, with the support of Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Simply Flooring Swansea, located on Mill Street in Gowerton, will serve both residential and commercial sectors, retailing a comprehensive range of wood, carpet, vinyl and laminate flooring.

The expansion, which comes in the group’s 10th anniversary year, has been supported by a six-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank to acquire the new Gowerton premises.

The group has a long-standing relationship with Lloyds Bank after the bank helped it acquire its 5,000 sq ft warehousing facility in Hafod in 2016. The latest round of funding forms part of the bank’s £1.1billion pledge of support for Welsh businesses this year.

James Mather, director and owner of Simply Flooring, said:

“The launch of Simply Flooring represents a significant expansion for our group and one we’ve been working towards for a number of years. Working with Lloyds Bank by our side, the growth of our existing flooring business in Swansea has given us every confidence of hitting the ground running as we look to expand our reach locally.

“We’ve developed a hugely positive relationship with the bank over the last five years. Its latest round of support has been invaluable and, crucially, enabled us to invest our own capital in modernising and refurbishing the new store in preparation for launch.”

Damian Robbins, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:

“With generations of flooring retail experience behind James and his family, the group stands in good stead as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Supporting ambitious and entrepreneurial businesses is a key part of our commitment to help Britain prosper and the launch of this new brand is a great example of that plan in action.

“With a strong client base already in place – ranging from landlords and developers to homeowners – I look forward to this new venture maturing as it targets a successful first year of trading.”