Category Archives: Business News

Business News, Cardiff News, Health, Research, Science

Genesis Biosciences joins consortium to tackle antimicrobial resistance

Genesis Biosciences has joined the COMBAT AMR consortium which aims to understand and control the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in complex drain biofilms.

Under the leadership of Professor Jean-Yves Maillard of Cardiff University, Genesis Biosciences will collaborate with the university and other European educational institutions on the research project.

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global challenge and is listed on the UK government’s National Risk Register as a chronic risk that poses continuous challenges. The government’s vision is for antimicrobial resistance to be contained and controlled by 2040 and it is publishing five-year national action plans to achieve this.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when organisms that cause disease evolve and are no longer affected by antimicrobials including antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral medicines. It is a natural phenomenon but is rapidly accelerating due to factors including misuse or overuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals, environmental contamination and poor infection control practices.

Biofilms, communities of microorganisms living on surfaces, are the most common mode of bacterial growth and harbour pathogens, particularly antimicrobial and multidrug resistant pathogens. Due to their ubiquitous nature, biofilms are recognised as a major cause of antimicrobial resistance.

The COMBAT AMR consortium is studying drain biofilms from farms, healthcare settings and homes to understand the complexity of biofilms in different environments and the persistence of antimicrobial genes and multidrug resistant organisms within those biofilms.

The consortium is using a new multi-species biofilm model based on research by Dr Kate Ledwoch, Laboratory Manager at Genesis Biosciences, and fellow scientists which was published in the Journal of Hospital Infection in 2020.

The innovative model will be used during the project to measure the efficacy of several interventions to control the biofilms, explore the phenotypic characterisations of the key pathogens and establish an impact intervention to control antimicrobial resistant organisms on their resistance genes within the biofilms.

Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to both human and animal health, impacting the ability to treat infections and ensure food security. As biofilms act as a reservoir for harmful, resistant pathogens, it is important to improve our understanding of antimicrobial genes and the impact of disinfection on complex biofilms.

“We are looking forward to working with Cardiff University and the other members of the consortium to help tackle this global challenge.”

Accountancy, Business, Business News

Quantum Advisory secure £9m full scheme buy-in for Birmingham Chamber of Commerce with Just Group

Quantum Advisory, the leading independent financial services consultancy, has brokered a £9m full scheme buy-in with Just Group for the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Pension Fund. The transaction provides improved benefit security to around 100 pensioners and 40 deferred members and opens a new chapter for the sponsoring employer, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry, who can now concentrate their resource on commercial activities for the benefit of businesses in the surrounding area.

After much work and due diligence, Trustee Corporation Limited (acting as Sole Trustee) signed terms with Just Group towards the end of last year, a significant step towards full scheme buy-out where all members’ benefits will be secured with, and paid by, Just Group for the lifetime of the Fund.

The lead transaction adviser, investment adviser and Scheme Actuary are Quantum Advisory and the Trustee legal adviser for the buy-out project is Gateley. The longstanding Trustee of the Fund is Trustee Corporation Limited, represented by Vivien Cockerill.

Adam Cottrell, lead transaction advisor at Quantum Advisory, said: “To complete a £9m transaction so seamlessly at an extremely busy time for the market was very satisfying. Knowing how this enhanced level of pension security will benefit members over the long term, at a time when everyone’s finances are so stretched, also makes this a particularly rewarding end to a successful project. The Trustee and the Chamber put their trust in us to make the right moves, at speed, at key stages of the transaction, something which is so often critical in getting this size of deal over the line.”

Joanne Eynon, partner and scheme actuary at Quantum Advisory, said: “We have worked diligently with the Trustee and Chamber since 2010 and so it was very fulfilling for us to see them achieve their long-term strategic objective as planned, providing additional security for Fund members and a new chapter for the Chamber. We are very proud to have helped them reach this key milestone on their journey to buy-out.”

Vivien Cockerill, trustee director at Trustee Corporation Limited, said: “The Chamber of Commerce and the trustees, including Trustee Corporation Limited, identified buy-out as their long-term aim many years ago. Trustee Corporation Limited moved to become the sole trustee more recently and the team is delighted to have achieved the important step of a full buy-in significantly more quickly than expected. The careful planning and good teamwork with the Chamber and the advisers in implementation have worked well.”

Helen Bates, chief financial officer at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said: “Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry is pleased to secure its members’ benefits following the sale of its premises in 2020 and significant investment in the fund. The Chamber has worked closely with the trustee of the scheme Trustee Corporation Limited and scheme actuary Quantum Advisory to secure the future of the fund, and we can now focus on our mission to connect, support and grow businesses in Greater Birmingham.”

 

Rosie Mills, senior business development analyst, Just Group, said: “We completed this transaction in such a short timeframe, and in a particularly busy market – which illustrates that there’s a vibrant bulk annuity market for schemes of all sizes. We’re very pleased to have helped secure the future benefits of 140 members and assist the Trustee on its journey towards buy-out, while freeing the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry to focus their resources on commercial activity in their local area.”

 

Awards, Business, Business News, Wales

GS Verde Group lead M&A rankings for another year

GS Verde Group, the award-winning multidiscipline corporate advisory firm, has been named the most active dealmaker in Wales for both financial and legal categories in Experian’s Market IQ full-year report for 2023. This remarkable achievement solidifies the Group’s position as a leading force in the UK M&A landscape, further fuelled by its record-breaking growth in 2023 and exciting plans for 2024.

Unlike any other firm, GS Verde Group is the only one to secure the top spot in both the legal and financial categories. This highlights the Group’s unique advantage – a powerful synergy created through its multidiscipline team; offering legal, finance, tax, and communications services under one roof. This end-to-end approach streamlines the dealmaking process for clients, delivering unparalleled efficiency and expertise to optimise the process and secure successful outcomes.

Nigel Greenaway, CEO of GS Verde Group, commented on the placement: “Being named the most active dealmaking team in Wales by Experian for the third year in a row is a great honour,” said Greenaway. “It validates our relentless pursuit of excellence and the effectiveness of our multidiscipline advisory model. Topping both the legal and financial categories truly demonstrates the value our team delivers to clients seeking seamless, efficient transactions.“

While the UK’s M&A landscape cannot seem to recapture the record heights experienced post-pandemic, Experian’s report highlights Wales as the only UK region to show an upturn in deal activity in 2023, the highest levels recorded in the region in the last decade. This growth mirrors GS Verde Group’s busy year, with consistent deal activity across various sectors that delivered a £2m increase in revenue for the Group in 2023. This exciting growth has continued in 2024 as GS Verde Group has been admitted to prestigious share-dealing platform, JP Jenkins, and appointed a new Non-Executive Director, James Lewis.

With momentum already strong, GS Verde Group is poised to capitalise on this pivotal moment and continue its upward trajectory by implementing its ambitious 2024 growth plans, making strategic senior hires, and building additional expert teams. The Group’s unique multidiscipline approach, combined with its proven track record, positions it as a trusted, in-demand advisor for businesses looking to complete a corporate transaction.

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business News, Wales

Fast-growth Flotek expands group portfolio with investment in North Wales business

Flotek Group, a leading IT and Managed Services provider, has announced the acquisition of a majority share in OES, a North Wales-based Managed IT, Cyber Security, Managed Print, and Web Development firm.

Displaying rapid growth and a £3.1 million turnover, OES provides digital technology solutions to businesses. Priding itself on its tailored account management and highly trained experts, the business has developed a reputation in North Wales and the Northwest for its bespoke strategies and service delivery, boasting a strong client roster that includes Boots, Hickory’s, and Gamlins, with a particular focus on the legal market.

This strategic move expands Flotek’s regional presence in the area, alongside its Chester office acquired last year, and pushes the Group to achieve a turnover of more than £10.5 million. Additionally, the acquisition brings 22 experienced OES staff into the Flotek fold, bolstering the Group’s team to over 80 individuals.

Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek, said of the investment, “OES’s impressive track record and talented team make them a perfect fit for Flotek. This acquisition will boost our growth and visibility in the area and, crucially, will allow Flotek to enter the Managed Print and Web Business and develop our provision for the legal sector while supporting OES with access to a robust Telecom offering. We’re pleased to be welcoming OES as part of the group and creating new opportunities for our businesses and our customers.”

The deal will see OES’s management team, Wayne Jones, Peter Edwards, and Luke Murray, remain in their roles as Managing Director, Head of Finance, and IT Manager respectively, benefiting from the strategic guidance of the Flotek board, while continuing to run OES and deliver the exceptional service the business has become known for.

Wayne Jones, OES MD, shared his excitement for the investment, “Being part of Flotek is a great opportunity for our team and our clients. It’s a huge deal to receive the investment from a Welsh independent-owned business and I’m personally very proud to remain a Welsh business. We have always prioritized customer service at OES and now we can benefit from the systems and processes that Flotek uses to improve our customer’s experience. We can also offer a broader range of services and use Flotek’s resources to increase our reach in the region. I’m eager to enter the telecoms market and grow with Flotek.”

OES’s brand will be maintained under the Flotek Group umbrella, ensuring continuity and familiarity for clients and employees but delivering an enhanced service through the businesses’ stellar expertise and commitment to future growth.

This is Flotek’s second investment acquisition, following the inclusion of Hampshire-based Flexinet last year, where the Flotek Group can offer its vast service portfolio and expertise alongside the business’s experienced existing management team.

The acquisition was advised on by multidiscipline dealmakers, GS Verde Group, combining law, finance, tax, and communications to offer end-to-end transaction support in one place.

Bereavement, Business, Business News, Charity News, Wales News

2wish Cymru revealed as chosen charity for Wales Business Awards 2024

Bereavement support charity 2wish Cymru has been announced as the chosen charity for this year’s Wales Business Awards.

2wish Cymru was founded by its CEO Rhian Mannings in 2012 in memory of her son George and husband Paul. The charity provides immediate and ongoing support to families, individuals and professionals that have been affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult aged 25 and under.

2wish Cymru aims to ensure that every emergency department in Wales has a suitable bereavement suite for families, that memory boxes are available for families at each hospital and that immediate bereavement support is available for suddenly bereaved families. The charity offers counselling, complementary therapy and play therapy to those it supports.

2wish Cymru primarily operates in Wales but has recently expanded its service into England.

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid will be raising awareness of the charity’s work and fundraising for 2wish Cymru during the Wales Business Awards ceremony in May.

The event, which celebrates the best of Welsh business, takes place on 16 May at The Vale Resort, with broadcaster Andrea Byrne returning as host. Businesses have until 29 February to enter the awards.

Rhian Mannings, CEO of 2wish Cymru, said: “When a family loses a child or young adult suddenly, the effects are devastating for all who knew and loved them. Our charity’s mission is to ensure that all those affected receive the bereavement support they deserve; it’s essential that bereaved families know that they are not alone in what can be an extremely distressing and isolating time.

“We are very grateful to have been selected as the charity for this year’s Wales Business Awards. We are excited to meet the finalists, winners and businesses in attendance at the ceremony to share our message, create connections and highlight opportunities to get involved with our work.”

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We are delighted to be supporting 2wish Cymru as our chosen charity for the Wales Business Awards this year. We are looking forward to encouraging the Welsh business community to get involved with our fundraising efforts during the ceremony, in addition to shining a spotlight on 2wish Cymru’s incredibly important work here in Wales.”

For further information on 2wish Cymru, visit https://www.2wish.org.uk/.

For further information on the Wales Business Awards, including how to enter, visit https://cw-seswm.com/events/awards-2024-enter/

Business, Business News, Cardiff, Industry News

Genesis Biosciences begins year with significant promotion

Genesis Biosciences has made a key promotion to drive innovation and ensure quality in its environmentally friendly microbial and antimicrobial product ranges.

Dr Kate Ledwoch has been promoted from Senior Scientist to Laboratory Manager.

Kate is an accomplished scientist whose work has previously been published in the British Journal of Hospital Medicine and the Journal of Hospital Infection. Her qualifications include a PhD in Applied Phycology from Cranfield University, an MSc in Biofuels Process Engineering and a BSc in Chemical Technology and Engineering.

Since joining Genesis Biosciences, Kate has excelled in spearheading important research and development (R&D) projects and has represented the company at numerous scientific conferences around Europe, raising industry awareness of Genesis’ innovative microbial technologies.

Stepping into her new role, Kate will play a pivotal part in driving R&D initiatives, optimising laboratory processes and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety of their products.

On her promotion, Kate said: “I am delighted to be stepping into this new role and continuing to develop products with a purpose. Since joining Genesis Biosciences, I have seen firsthand how important our work is through its positive applications and, most importantly, how they are constantly being developed and improved.”

Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “We are very pleased to be promoting Kate to this position. She has shown exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, enthusiasm and is committed to fostering innovation, thus making her perfect for this role.

“I am confident that Kate’s vision and leadership will contribute significantly to our ongoing company success and commitment to scientific excellence.”

Business News, Charity, Charity Events, Charity News

City Hospice sets exciting new challenge in its 40th year

City Hospice has set a fundraising challenge for businesses and community organisations to mark the charity’s 40th anniversary.

The charity was established in 1984 to provide community palliative care to the people of Cardiff. Over the four decades since its inception, City Hospice’s services have expanded to meet the needs of its patients, families and the wider community.

In addition to home-based specialist palliative care for patients with life-limiting and terminal illnesses, the charity now offers welfare advice, complementary therapies, counselling and bereavement support.

To help City Hospice celebrate its 40th year and continue to care for Cardiff, businesses and community groups are being invited to take part in the 40 Charity Challenge and make a significant impact.

Each business or organisation that takes part in the challenge will be provided with £40, which has kindly been donated by sponsor Hodge Bank. Participants will then have until November to transform their £40 into a minimum of £1600 through creative and innovative fundraising.

An awards lunch will be held at the end of the year to recognise the achievements and fundraising efforts of participating businesses, organisations and community groups.

A number of local businesses including Apple Cardiff, Carter Lauren Construction, CPS Group, Effective Communication, Hilton Hotel, Isla Alexander Estate Agents, Jellyfish, Richard Andrews Architects, Route Media, Space2B at the Maltings, St David’s Centre and Wessex Garages have signed up for the challenge.

Sophie Mear, Office Manager at Space2B at the Maltings, said: “We are delighted to be supporting City Hospice as our charity of the year throughout 2024. Space2B at the Maltings is home to 130 businesses employing some 600 people, so we are only too aware that some of our families, whether tenants, colleagues or suppliers will sadly be affected by cancer or other life-limiting illness.

“We will do as much as we can to raise vital funds through the year, and we will be encouraging our tenants to take part in the 40 Charity Challenge being funded by Hodge Bank. This is what makes The Maltings special; that sense of community, which our late founder Nick Williams OBE always instilled in us from the very beginning. We are very happy to support City Hospice to continue his legacy.”

Nicky Piper, Corporate Partnerships Manager at City Hospice, said: “It is fantastic to see so many businesses already signing up to take on the 40 Charity Challenge in our anniversary year. From bake sales and bingo nights to skydives and team hikes, the fundraising possibilities for this challenge are endless and we can’t wait to see what those taking part decide to do!

“Our work, caring for our patients and families, would not be possible without the support of our local community, businesses and supporters. We hope this challenge provides participants with the opportunity to have fun and be creative, while making a difference to the lives of so many in the city.”

For further information, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/40-charity-challenge/

Appointments, Business News, Insurance

Howden strengthens commercial team with new appointments

Howden, the international insurance group, has welcomed two new appointments, Dean Barker and Ross Power, to its South and West Wales region.

Dean Barker joins the firm as Account Executive and will be responsible for delivering insurance solutions to businesses operating across the commercial sector.

Dean joins with almost 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, previously working for regional and national brokers such as Jelf and Towergate. Dean specialises in supporting clients in the construction, manufacturing and retail industries.

Dean said: “I’m thrilled to have joined the Howden team in Wales and feel as though I’ve really hit the ground running.

“Engaging with and providing dedicated assistance to our clients is a true passion of mine, and Howden’s commitment to a client-centric approach really resonates with me.

“I was also impressed by how active the firm is within the local community, and this is something I’m really looking forward to getting involved in.”

Howden has also welcomed Ross Power to its South and West Wales region as Commercial Account Handler.

Ross, from Swansea, is responsible for assisting the company’s Account Executives in building new business and attracting new clients, as well as working closely with clients on their day-to-day needs.

Ross will draw upon his extensive experience within the insurance industry in South Wales specifically, having worked for a number of brokers in the area, most recently for Douglas Insurance.

Ross said: “I am thrilled to be part of Howden’s dynamic team in South and West Wales. Working closely with our clients to address their day-to-day needs and contribute to the growth of the business is a challenge I am eager to embrace. Howden’s reputation for excellence in the insurance industry drew me in, and I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact in the region, building on my experience in the South Wales insurance market.”

These appointments coincide with the opening of a new office in Swansea, as part of Howden UK & Ireland’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses.

Dean and Ross will sit under the leadership of Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, previously of Aston Lark, which was acquired by the Howden Group in 2022.

Gary said: “Welcoming Dean and Ross to our team is a significant step in reinforcing our presence in South and West Wales. Their wealth of experience and dedication to client satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Howden’s values. As Regional Managing Director, I am confident that their contributions will play a key role in our continued success in the region. We are excited to have them on board as we expand our operations with our new Swansea office.”

Business News, Charity News

Swansea Building Society Continues Commitment to Maggie’s Swansea 

In a noteworthy announcement, Swansea Building Society has confirmed the continuation of its ongoing partnership with Maggie’s Swansea for the third consecutive year. The decision, met with resounding endorsement from the Society’s staff, emphasises their steadfast dedication to supporting the essential services provided by Maggie’s Swansea. 

Over the past two years, Swansea Building Society has exemplified its commitment through a diverse array of successful fundraising activities. From dress-down days and customer refreshment services to raffles, sponsored dog walks, open water swimming, and participation in the Swansea Half Marathon, these initiatives have collectively raised an impressive cumulative total exceeding £60,000. 

The Society was also the headline sponsor of Maggie’s annual ball two years running, as well as its highly successful inaugural Christmas Extravaganza, held in December 2023.

This substantial financial support has played a crucial role in empowering Maggie’s Swansea to deliver its essential services and support to those navigating the challenges of cancer.

Located at Singleton Hospital, Maggie’s Swansea provides free practical, emotional, and social support to people with cancer, as well as their families and friends. The centre works in collaboration with conventional cancer therapies, offering a caring environment to provide support, information, and practical advice. This includes financial and benefits advice, support with treatment decisions, and access to other cancer services. In addition, Maggie’s Swansea also provides nutrition workshops, complementary therapies, and other services.

Building on its successful fundraising over the last two years, Swansea Building Society is determined to continue to raise as much as possible in its last year supporting Maggie’s and make an even greater impact in the lives of those dealing with cancer during 2024.

It has many fundraising events already in the calendar, including a mutt strutt (sponsored dog walk), dip a day, Swansea half marathon, Long Course triathlon, cycling the length of Wales, and climbing the Welsh three peaks challenge. The Society will also be sponsoring Maggie’s Annual Ball in October and it’s second Christmas Extravaganza in December.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Our commitment to supporting local communities is at the heart of everything we do. We are delighted to continue our support for Maggie’s Swansea and look forward to making a positive difference to those who need it most.”

Lucia Osmond, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Swansea, added:

“We are extremely thankful to Swansea Building Society for choosing Maggie’s Swansea as its official staff charity for the third consecutive year. The support of the Society and its staff means so much to us, and we have been inspired by their generosity and commitment to our cause.”

As the collaboration enters its third year, Swansea Building Society and Maggie’s Swansea anticipate another successful partnership, making a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.

Business, Business News, Wales

Chamber and Feefo announce partnership

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has announced a partnership with Feefo, the award-winning ratings and reviews platform.

The platform works with over 6,500 brands worldwide, collecting reliable and constructive reviews that businesses can learn from and display. The company has a confirmed-customer-only policy for reviews and an extensive post-moderation process to enable businesses to benefit from authentic feedback.

As a Corporate Partner of the Chamber, Feefo joins an exclusive group that shares a special relationship with the Chamber, connecting with its members to provide support and resources to the Welsh business community.

The Chamber and Feefo have joined forces to offer members access to the platform’s expert feedback tools and specialist insights which can support business growth and development.

The partnership will ensure that Chamber members benefit from the power of customer feedback and the knowledge of how to use it. Honest customer feedback can not only boost a company’s reputation and social trust, but it can also provide invaluable insights to help shape business strategies and opportunities to thrive.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We are delighted to partner with Feefo, the business feedback tool that offers verified feedback on service; an outstanding tool for businesses to develop insights to enable them to improve and prosper.”

Jats Slezak, Head of Partnership at Feefo, said: “The Chamber shares our values for helping business thrive and supporting communities. We’re so excited to help them utilise the power of customer feedback and leverage the wealth of knowledge that comes with it.”