Category Archives: Bridgend

Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Education

Cardiff Capital Region joins forces with local universities and colleges for future collaboration

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Higher and Further Education (HE & FE) institutions from South East Wales, forming a framework for future collaboration based on key objectives for economic wellbeing in the Region.

The agreement is a first of its kind in Wales, with Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales (USW) being joined by the Region’s Further Education colleges, including Merthyr Tydfil, Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Y Cymoedd and Bridgend College.

Given the concentration of academic and research excellence in South East Wales, this will ensure the wider region realises the benefits of cooperative working. Each of the institutions has a significant role to play in embracing the regional growth agenda and ensuring civic commitments to inclusivity and sustainability are at the heart of new and emerging initiatives.

Since 2017 CCR has worked successfully with regional HE & FE on transformative projects, leveraging significant research and innovation funding for the Region. This includes being the only UK Region to land two UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Strength In Places Fund initiatives (CSConnected & Media Cymru) with a combined value of almost £100m.

This further commitment will ensure alignment on regional ambitions and create further opportunities for business engagement, collaborative learning, teaching and R&D, allowing CCR to gather the expertise that these institutions can deliver together.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said:

“I am delighted that Higher and Further Education partners are uniting in their support of our regional ambitions. This builds on CCR’s endeavours to form a coalition of the willing, bringing together the people and organisations who can contribute to our mission for a bigger, greener and fairer region.”

Kellie Beirne, CEO, Cardiff Capital Region, said:

“This partnership demonstrates a significant coming together of educational and research institutions and a newly established regional public body, allowing us to align our efforts to advance our civic missions together. Innovation stands as the cornerstone of our future, and our joint commitment to collaborate and forge a new path provides the best chance of building sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing change and challenge. By formalising our relationships, we lay the groundwork for regional impact and future sustainable growth and a recognition that together, we can achieve more.”

Bridgend, Business, Business Investment, Careers

Key promotion at industrial electronic repair specialist

One of the UK’s leading providers of industrial electronic repairs has announced a key promotion within its sales team.

Zach Taylor has been promoted from Account Manager to Regional Sales Manager, taking on the new position in February.

Zach joined the Bridgend-based business, which works with leading manufacturers and businesses globally, in December 2020 as a Commercial Management Trainee while studying for a degree in business.

He quickly progressed to an Account Manager role in south-west England and as the newly appointed Regional Sales Manager, Zach will now be looking after customers in Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Dorset, Exeter, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.

In his new role, Zach will meet with new and existing customers in the region, building and maintaining relationships to ensure they receive the best possible solutions and service from the firm.

Zach said: “Since starting at Kontroltek, the company has been very supportive of my progression and growth. I am excited to take on this new role and I am fortunate to visit businesses of all sizes in the south-west, with a variety of needs whether it be repair, supply or on-site engineer visits.”

Cath Demaid, Director of Commercial and HR, said: “Zach is a fantastic addition to our regional sales team. The experience and knowledge he has built since he started with us perfectly places him to provide an excellent level of service and expertise to our customers in the south-west region.”

Outside of work, Zach enjoys playing rugby and is the captain of local club Pencoed RFC, which Kontroltek has sponsored for a decade.

This year’s sponsorship includes an addition designed to enhance the game experience for both the Pencoed RFC senior and current U15s age groups. Kontroltek has invested in a Veo camera, a state-of-the-art technology that promises to transform the way the sport is played and analysed. The Veo camera enables detailed video analysis and performance tracking, offering players and coaches valuable insights to further develop their skills and strategies.

Zach said: “It’s a real privilege to represent both Kontroltek and Pencoed RFC. The Veo camera is a gamechanger for us with regards to how it will help our team improve and develop. Thanks to Kontroltek for their ongoing support of both my professional and sporting endeavours.”

Founded in 2011, Kontroltek specialises in industrial electronic repairs and supply nationwide employing more than 60 staff.

Awards, Bridgend, Commercial Vehicles, Driving, News, Wales News

Hawkstone Commercials named in the Top 100 UK Businesses

Hawkstone Commercials is celebrating after being recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 SME businesses in the UK.

From thousands of entries across every sector, Hawkstone Commercials has been ranked 55th overall in the Elite Business 100 (EB100). Hawkstone Commercials will celebrate at the awards evening on March 17th in London and be included in the EB100 digital guide and online directory with a viewership of over half a million people.

The EB100 are the businesses to watch for the future. It recognises excellence in the SME community and ranks them across a broad range of criteria, from their longevity in the marketplace, year-on-year growth to how they embrace innovation and contribute to the community.

The SME industry contributes over £2 trillion in turnover to the UK economy, employing 44% of the British workforce. The last 12 months have been challenging, with many SMEs navigating a landscape of hardship. SMEs like Hawkstone Commercials has demonstrated remarkable resilience to survive and thrive thanks to their robust infrastructure and proven business models.

 

“The EB100 has shown that despite the everchanging economic climate, they haven’t allowed it to hinder the overall performance of their businesses, and many have, in fact, thrived,” said Piers Linney, Former investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den and Founder of small business service provider, Moblox.

 

“Hawkstone Commercials are change-makers in the British business industry and deserve their place in the Elite Business 100,” said Scott English, Brand Director of Elite Business. “This definitive league table exemplifies the very best of SMEs in the UK.”

“This year was highly competitive, with judges commenting on the high standard of entries, impressive sales and growth figures and high-performing cultures.”

 

“Just under two years ago Paul and I were sat at a kitchen table putting together our strategy for Hawkstone Commercials. Within this period, we have generated over £15,000,000 in sales revenue with 10 members of staff spread across two offices. We could not be more delighted with being recognised as one of the Top 100 UK Businesses after such a short space of time. We still feel that we haven’t achieved even half of what we set out to do and have very ambitious plans for the next five years” said Oliver Lewis, Director and co-founder of Hawkstone Commercials.

The team at Hawkstone Commercials is proud to not only provide an exemplary service for its clients but now be named as a Top 100 UK business.

For more information about Hawkstone Commercials, visit www.hawkstonecommercials.co.uk

 

Bridgend, Business, Investment, Investment News

Innovation Investment Capital announces investment in Mazuma

Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership (IIC), the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) backed fund has today announced a multimillion-pound investment in Mazuma, the Bridgend-based online accountancy firm.

Mazuma is one of the leading providers of accountancy services for micro businesses in the UK, with a long-standing track record of innovation. Founded by Lucy Cohen and Sophie Hughes in 2006. Mazuma differentiates its business through a subscription model that allows subscribers to choose from a range of competitively priced accountancy packages and benefit from its proprietary technology through MazApp®.

Over the past year, Mazuma has been scaling the business and rolling out the MazApp® technology. With the addition of this new investment from Innovation Investment Capital, Mazuma will accelerate the development of its new accountancy technology solutions, expand the marketing and sales teams in Bridgend, and invest in the firm’s infrastructure and operations to support growth.

IIC’s decision to invest was based on several key factors, including:

  • Quality and clarity of vision of the firm’s co-founders as a proven management team, with the ability to successfully execute their plans.
  • Mazuma’s successful track-record and the opportunities to further grow in the accountancy market.
  • The firm’s technology and ability to further disrupt the traditional micro-business accountancy space.

The Mazuma investment is IIC’s second investment, with the first in AMPLYFI, the Cardiff-based disruptive generative artificial intelligence business, which was announced in September. To date, the fund has received over 160 applications for funding from potential investee companies across Southeast Wales.

Launched in November 2022 and backed by UK Government funds with an initial £50 million from CCR, the fund is looking to invest long-term capital in sustainable growth opportunities across the ten unitary authorities that comprise the CCR. Its General Partner is Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM), which is responsible for managing the fund and the overall portfolio and risk management, with PwC supporting CFM in advisory matters, including investment research and sourcing.

Cllr Anthony Hunt, Chair of CCR’s Regional Cabinet and Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council, said: “What Mazuma has achieved and its vision for the future is phenomenal. It is a home-grown story, run by two trailblazing female founders. Our investment shows the depth of quality companies we have across the whole of our region, with this investment helping to take Mazuma to the next stage of its journey.”

“Ever since our first conversations with Lucy and Sophie in April 2023, what has always stood out has been their passion, focus and vision to innovate and disrupt the accountancy sector,” added Rob Asplin, PwC Partner. “Based on our discussions, we believe that Mazuma has an exciting future ahead of it.”

Lucy Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO Mazuma, commented: “We are thrilled with this investment and look forward to working with the Innovation Investment Capital team, who share our goals and vision. We can now accelerate the development of our proprietary technology and leverage our position to pursue long-term strategic goals. As a woman who has spent the last 17 years in such a male-dominated space, what we have achieved here, and what we will achieve in the future, will hopefully give people the confidence to back female-led businesses.”

Cllr Huw David, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council commented on the home-grown nature of Mazuma: “We’re immensely proud of the ambition and reach of Bridgend-based companies like Mazuma whose achievements will resonate across the UK. CCR’s funding of innovative companies such as Mazuma helps to accelerate the growth in our Region and especially in Bridgend.”

“This investment will allow Mazuma to build on its success and accelerate growth through strategic hires and innovative technological development. It also highlights the fund’s appetite to support businesses from across a variety of different sectors and across different areas of the region,” concluded Lynda Stoelker, Capricorn Fund Managers’ COO and Chair of the IIC Investment Committee.

Legal advice was provided by Hugh James and financial & tax due diligence was provided by Hazlewoods. Bruce & Butler provided data protection and cyber security advice.

For further information on the Innovation Investment Capital visit http://www.innovationinvestmentcapital.com.

Bridgend, Commercial Vehicles, Mental Health, Motor Industry, Motoring, News

Hawkstone Commercials Supports Men’s Mental Health with Vehicle Acquisition

Bridgend based multi award-winning commercial vehicle leasing broker Hawkstone Commercials acquires community use vehicle for a men’s mental health community interest company (CIC).

Lads & Dads Men’s Mental Wellbeing C.I.C has been gifted the use of a community outreach vehicle to continue its fight against the increasing challenges of men’s mental health in our communities. Launched in 2019, Lads & Dads focuses on walking, talking, thinking, and supporting. With over 2,000 members and 12 committee members.

Oliver Lewis, Co-director of Hawkstone Commercials said, “The work that Lads & Dads have done in recent years has been exceptional. They have helped so many individuals combat the struggles which we all face in life and make a real positive impact in our local community. For Lads & Dads to continue providing their support, it is vital they have the right tools available to them. As a business, we have invested heavily in supporting our own staff and their mental health, so it’s fantastic to be able to expand our reach to the wider community and play a very small part in the ongoing cause. I would like to thank the committee at Lads & Dads for allowing us the opportunity to support them on their journey”.

 

Lads and Dads have already reached thousands of people and is recommended to patients by doctors’ surgeries, local crisis teams and other community engagement groups. The group also have their own football team which plays against other mental health awareness teams across South Wales.

Rob Lester (chairman of Lads & Dads) said – “To watch our group grow over the past four years has been nothing short of amazing, however we feel that there is so much more to do. We rely heavily on our sponsors and supporters to keep our group running efficiently and to be able to offer the care our members need. This comes in the form of organised events and even counselling sessions. We are sincerely grateful for the support Hawkstone Commercials have shown us in recent months in the form of sponsorship, but for them to acquire a vehicle for us is just incredible. On behalf of the committee, and our 2000 members I would like to thank the Directors Oliver and Paul as well as their team for this generous donation. We are now able to put this van to work and help more of members and the wider community with the epidemic which is mental health”.

 

Over the last 18 months, Hawkstone Commercials has achieved some truly phenomenal goals. However, this is something that Hawkstone cherishes above all. As an organisation, their goal has been to give back to the community. This gesture will save and changes lives, something that is utterly priceless.

Bridgend, News

First Minister opens new £1 million Innovation Centre at Siderise Maesteg

Huw Irranca-Davies MS joined staff of Siderise Maesteg to welcome First Minister Mark Drakeford on a visit where he unveiled a plaque marking the company’s ongoing investment in the local area and commitment to product testing and quality control.

The business moved to Maesteg in 1991 and continues to grow their presence in Wales and around the world. During the visit, the First Minister and visiting group took the opportunity to chat with employees and enjoyed a guided tour of the brand-new testing facilities as he officially opened the new Innovation Centre.

Speaking after the visit Huw Irranca-Davies MS said:  “This is a fantastic new facility, and this huge investment by Siderise is a real vote of confidence in the incredible workforce and in this area as the base for future expansion. We were all delighted that the First Minister took the time out of a busy schedule to open this facility. He even fired up the new testing furnace – named Idris by the staff – which is a state-of-the art testing facility.”

Siderise Insulation are now global leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of high-performance passive fire protection solutions and help to deliver safer buildings all over the world.

Their purpose-built facilities feature a specialist fire test furnace which, once UKAS accredited, will help the company to enhance its research and development and be used in the wider construction industry supporting fire safety standards across the sector, helping to put Wales on the world map as a hub of safety innovation.

Bridgend, Business News, Camping, Driving, EVs and Automotive News

Platinum Wave selects Hawkstone Commercials as exclusive partner for Wales

Solihull-based vehicle convertor Platinum Wave have seen huge growth since their launch in December 2017, supplying high specification Volkswagen Campervans and Kombis.

With a view of expanding across additional markets, Platinum Wave have embarked on a journey to source key partners within the motor sector to supply their vehicles to customers across the UK, whilst maintaining their reputation for service and quality.

Now boasting 30 members of staff, Platinum Wave are one of the fastest growing vehicle convertors in the UK, supplying hundreds of modified VW vans to all corners of the country.

Hawkstone Commercials, another fast-growing business that operates out of South Wales has been selected as the exclusive partner of Platinum Wave for Wales.

Oliver Lewis, Director of Hawkstone Commercials said “It was a great privilege to be shortlisted by Platinum Wave, as we have been an admirer of their work for some time, but to be chosen as their exclusive partner for Wales has been very welcoming news for all of us here at Hawkstone Commercials”.

“We’re excited with the prospect of being able to offer our customers a broader range of vehicles from the standard vans that we currently supply. We know the market for customised VW Vans is a competitive one, but we are confident that with the right marketing, we will become a key player in the success of Platinum Wave” Oliver added.

Charlotte the Business Development Manager for Platinum Wave Campers said “Platinum Wave Campers are thrilled to have Hawkstone Commercials as our Wales Approved dealer for our premium Kombi range! They will be offering 1,2-,3-,4- & 5-year lease terms as well as outright purchase. Its very exciting for both companies.”

The motor industry has started to see an incline in vehicle sales in recent months after what has been a challenging period. 2023 has started positively for the UK’s commercial vehicle market, with 25.8% year-on-year growth in January. A staggering 17,566 more units were registered last month compared to the same period last year, taking the total to 22,098.

For more information, and to request a quotation for a new high specification Volkswagen Transporter, head over to www.hawkstonecommercials.co.uk.

Bridgend, Business, News

New Bridgend Site for Fast-Growing Welsh Business Storage Giant

Welsh firm Storage Giant has cut the ribbon on a new high-security self-storage facility in Bridgend, which gives the company a tally of six sites in Wales.

The fast-growing company, which is headquartered in Newport, is one of the most impressive business success stories in the country, having started out as a single-facility concern at the onset of recession, in 2007, to becoming the largest independent self-storage firm in the UK.

The Bridgend facility offers 47,625 sqft of personal, domestic and business units and 600-plus storage rooms, ranging from 10sq ft to 250sq ft, at South Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate, 25 mins from Barry.

Storage Giant MD, Simon Williams, said: “We are very pleased to bring a new Storage Giant facility to the people and businesses of Bridgend, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Barry, Neath, Caerphilly and the surrounding areas.  This is the first ever high-tech 5th generation self-storage facility in the town. The Storage Giant footprint extends to The Midlands and the M4 corridor but we are a home-grown success story and it is great to add to our Wales-based portfolio of Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Cwmbran and Llanelli. This expansion for us is, of course, also a sign that the local economy is resilient in the face of recent hardships, and that firms in Wales are continuing to invest and to grow.”

He adds: “Storage Giant has always been a go-to choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs to establish their smes in our office and storage spaces, or for larger firms to set up satellite offices, and we know this is something local entrepreneurs in Bridgend will tap into. The Storage Giant story continues to be one of steady, managed growth and we continue to expand our portfolio in 2023, with a new Storage Giant facility in development, in Nottingham, set to open this year with several more in the pipeline, including Stoke-on-Trent, Willenhall, Kidderminster and Witney.”

For more details about Storage Giant go to: https://www.storagegiant.co.uk/

Bridgend, News

Hawkstone Commercials Targets Further Growth in 2023

It’s been an incredible first year for a Bridgend-headquartered start up.  Oliver Lewis and Paul Ricketts launched Hawkstone Commercials in March 2022 and have since experienced enormous growth in the commercial vehicle supply sector.

Since they began trading, Oliver and Paul have opened their first office, employed six members of staff, and have supplied over 300 new vehicles to businesses across the UK, generating over £1.6 million in sales revenue.

As well as exceeding sales projections, they won ‘Most Trusted Commercial Vehicle Supplier – Wales’ at the SME News Business Growth Excellence Awards 2022 and were a finalist for ‘Start-up Business of the Year’ at the South Wales Business Awards 2022.

“When we first sat around a kitchen table back in January, we put together a detailed business plan on what we thought we could achieve in 2022. We knew what the challenges were and how tough vehicle supply was, so we had our reservations on how successful we would be in our first year,” said Oliver.

With 2022 nearly behind them, Hawkstone Commercials have set out their objectives for the upcoming year and have not held back on their aspirations.

Oliver said “We have worked hard over the past 9 months to put processes and systems in place to help everyone become more effective in their role. We recently signed the lease to our second office that we believe will be full of staff before the summer. We are currently in the middle of a recruitment drive and have interviews running nearly every day to find the right people to do the jobs we need. We have developed partnerships with some of the leading vehicle suppliers in the UK for us to be able to double our orders in 2023.”

When asked about stock shortages and vehicle supply, Oliver said “We haven’t really seen the impact of the stock shortages as we have only been advertising vehicles we can physically sell. We’re aware of the various supply issues, but have already secured 200 units for quarter one, and have more in the pipeline for the remainder of the year”

Oliver and Paul plan to add a further 8 employees to their growing team in 2023 across a variety of roles that include sales and administration.

Bridgend, News, Tech, Wales

Bridgend marine technology integrator completes MBO

A Bridgend-based technology service provider for the marine sector has completed a management buyout (MBO) with a seven-figure package from the Development Bank and HSBC UK.

Established in 2019, Avantis has used the equity investment from the Development Bank to complete the MBO from current owners Envoy and Partners with young entrepreneur Thomas David taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer. At 30 years of age, he is supported by Chairman Chris David, Chief Operating Officer Jack Jenkins and Chief Commercial Officer, Leon Solder.

Working capital from HSBC UK will now be used to support Avantis’ growth plans, centred around decarbonising the marine and oil and gas industry. It will secure long-term employment opportunities in South Wales and internationally. The MBO will also ensure the business is managed centrally, enabling the management team to have control over day-to-day operations and prospecting.

 

Tom David, Chief Executive of Avantis, said: “We’re thrilled that we were able to complete this transaction, which will see our business continue its journey of growth. Since establishing Avantis only three years ago, we’ve achieved sustained growth and almost doubled our turnover year on year. This deal felt like the next logical step to ensure that we can continue to deliver our vision as a management team based in Wales.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Development Bank of Wales’ and HSBC UK for their support in making this transaction happen.”

 

Ruby Harcombe and Navid Falatoori are both Senior Investment Executives with the Development Bank of Wales. They said: “Providing energy efficiency services to the global marine industry, Avantis is pioneering green technology and reducing carbon footprint with a business model that is focussed on entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility.

“It’s particularly pleasing that Tom and the team are benefitting from our £25 million Management Succession Fund as it is specifically for management teams in Wales who want to run and own their own business. This is a real home-grown success story and we’re particularly pleased to be backing Tom as a young Welsh entrepreneur. “

Warren Lewis, Head of Corporate Banking, Wales at HSBC UK, added: “We’re pleased to be supporting this innovative business achieve its next phase of growth. With offices in Rio De Janeiro and Dubai, as well as its headquarters in Cardiff, Avantis is a fantastic example of a global business that has developed an excellent reputation in the technology market.”

 

Berry Smith and Grant Thornton advised the Development Bank of Wales and Activity Law advised Avantis.