Category Archives: Business

Business, Business Advice, Economy & Jobs News, Wales

Recruitment, trade and taxation sticking points for businesses in Q3

Businesses in Wales have revealed the opportunities and challenges they faced in Q3 of 2024 in Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

Businesses in Wales who trade goods and services domestically performed well. Over two thirds (68%) of businesses taking part in the survey traded in the UK only. 38% of these businesses stated that there had been an increase in UK sales and 33% reported an increase in orders and advanced bookings, with both of these figures up from Q2.

It was a mixed picture, however, for Welsh businesses who trade internationally. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses in Wales shared that their export sales had increased in the last three months, up from 15% in the previous quarter, but only 7% saw export orders and advanced bookings increase in Q3.

David Peña, the Chamber’s International Trade Manager, said: “Many of the survey respondents cited new markets as an opportunity for their business so we need to ensure that those who wish to export can access the guidance, support and contacts they need to fully achieve their trade ambitions.

“Welsh businesses have so much to offer on the international stage. Different markets bring different challenges, and penetrating these markets requires innovation and information. We heard several inspirational success stories from exporters across Wales at our recent exporting excellence event held in collaboration with our partners Atradius and Welsh Government, showing how the right support and ideas can make exporting a reality.”

The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 also revealed that recruitment continues to be a sticking point for many businesses in Wales.

54% of the businesses surveyed attempted to recruit staff in the last quarter, primarily for full-time positions. 79% experienced difficulties recruiting, particularly for professional and managerial positions, citing a lack of appropriate, experienced candidates and skills requirements not being met.

While recruitment and retention remain an issue, an improved economic picture has led to a shift in which external factors are more of a concern to businesses in Wales than they were three months ago. 55% of businesses in Wales stated that taxation was more of a concern this quarter, more so than interest rates, business rates and inflation.

Paul Clark, President at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “With an ongoing skills shortage in the private sector and concerns regarding taxation, businesses in Wales will be watching the Autumn Budget later this month with great interest. Throughout the election campaign and their time in office to date, the government has repeatedly stressed its commitment to boosting economic stability and growth, and the Budget will be chance to set these measures to develop the economy and remove barriers to a higher growth future.”

Business, Business Expansion, Law, Swansea

Acuity Law relocates growing Swansea practice to the heart of the city’s business district

Leading South Wales-headquartered law firm Acuity Law has announced the relocation of its Swansea office.

 

Hopping across the water from the historic Exchange Building on Cambrian Place to the thoroughly modern Ethos on King’s Road, the move sees Acuity Law deepening its connections to Swansea’s thriving business hub.

 

Ethos is a striking, glass-fronted building in the heart of Swansea’s business community, with a prominent position on the waterfront, on the edge of Swansea City Centre. The new location reflects Acuity’s increasing centrality to the Swansea commercial marketplace and ambitions to showcase the notable work the firm is doing for Swansea-based clients.

 

The office houses an impressive meeting space that maximises the building’s waterfront location, as well as generous open-plan office space to accommodate both senior and junior colleagues, and on-site café facilities.

 

Hugh Hitchcock, the lead Acuity partner in the Swansea office said: “Swansea is absolutely key to our growth in Wales. Having worked in the area for the best part of 20 years, I know first-hand what a growing and thriving community full of strong, dynamic businesses it is. I’m excited by the expansion in the team and the opportunities for us as a law firm to further assist our commercial clients, but also by the general growth in the local economy.”

He added: “As we expand with the move to Ethos, alongside the quality and experience of the talented lawyers in the team, I genuinely believe we can provide a service to rival that of any of the larger firms across the UK. That is best exemplified by the complex and high-profile work we are already undertaking.”

 

Nick Founds from Glanmor Chartered Surveyors adds: “Ethos is a prestigious riverside office development, and it is a great new home for Acuity Law. Ethos now has 100% occupancy and this recent letting showcases the continued high demand for grade A office space in prime Swansea locations.”

 

Acuity Law established its Swansea presence in 2017, with the arrival of Carmarthen-born Hugh Hitchcock, who came up through the litigation ranks at a London-based media firm representing celebrity and household-name clients. Most recently, Hugh was named as one of The Lawyer’s 2024 “Hot 100”.

 

The new office in Swansea is the latest in a string of announcements from Acuity Law, which has bases in Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, London, Leeds and Liverpool, as well as Swansea.

Business, PR and SEO

SIX Business Problems Solved by a Headless Content Management System (CMS)

Traditional CMS platforms such as WordPress and Umbraco, while initially cost-effective, often struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As a result, they may lead to increased maintenance costs, security vulnerabilities, and a higher risk of becoming outdated.

Jono Brain, the Technical Director at the digital agency Anything, founded the company after becoming frustrated with the limitations of traditional CMS platforms. His vision for a more adaptable solution led him to embrace Headless CMS technology, which allows businesses to integrate cutting-edge tools and scale more effectively.

For over a decade, Anything has focused exclusively on Headless CMS, creating innovative and sustainable digital solutions for renowned brands such as Quorn, Amtico, and Netmums. Brain emphasizes that Headless CMS provides businesses with the flexibility to evolve, enabling them to stay ahead of their competitors while addressing key challenges in digital content management.

In this article, Jono shares how a Headless CMS can solve six key business challenges.

  1. Complexity

A Headless CMS separates the backend of a website (where content is created and managed) from the frontend (what your clients experience on your website). Traditional CMS systems like WordPress keep the backend and frontend tightly coupled.

This tight integration often restricts website design and limits the ability to choose tools and frameworks that work best for your business. Additionally, the user experience across various digital platforms can be compromised. In contrast, a Headless CMS enables web designers to create a consistent brand experience across all digital touchpoints, from mobile apps to websites and in-store devices, ensuring they function in the most effective way.

  1. Performance

Speed is essential for any website or application in today’s digital economy. A slow website frustrates users and negatively impacts SEO rankings.

A Headless CMS contributes to faster performance by allowing developers to use modern technologies like Astro, which optimize speed and performance. Delivering only the content required for a particular page through APIs reduces the time data is transferred, leading to faster loading times.

For example, flooring manufacturer Amtico websites outperform their competitors in terms of speed which is crucial for brand reputation and success in a competitive market.

  1. Security

Security is a top priority for businesses, and safeguarding digital assets is essential. A Headless CMS provides an added layer of protection by separating the frontend from the backend, making it harder for hackers to exploit the entire system. Additionally, since Headless CMSs don’t render content server-side, they are less susceptible to DDoS attacks that can overwhelm traditional CMS platforms, helping businesses prevent costly downtime.

One of the most significant advantages is that you or your agency/IT team no longer need to worry about applying security patches manually. Everything is handled automatically in the cloud, ensuring your CMS is always up-to-date with the latest security features, protecting against new and emerging threats.

  1. Flexibility

User expectations evolve quickly, and a successful brand must adapt to new technologies, especially if they enhance the user experience.

A Headless CMS offers the flexibility to integrate new technologies without the need for a complete overhaul of the content management system. Content delivered via APIs can be easily integrated with new platforms and devices as they emerge.

Staying ahead of competitors with a more adaptive system also provides a significant commercial advantage.

  1. Reducing Inefficiencies

A Headless CMS enables long-term sustainability by simplifying the maintenance, updates, and extensions of a website. The separation of content and presentation means content creators, such as marketers, can focus on content without worrying about the technical aspects of display. Meanwhile, developers can work on the frontend without being bogged down by content management concerns.

This clear division of responsibilities improves efficiency, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and manage updates. It also simplifies onboarding for new employees, as their roles and responsibilities are more clearly defined.

  1. Future-Proofing

Headless CMS technology gives smaller businesses the opportunity to compete with industry giants like Nike, Netflix, and Tesla. It enables smaller companies to provide a high-quality digital experience across multiple channels, from websites to smart devices.

By decoupling content management from the front end, a Headless CMS allows companies to offer a seamless experience for users, creating a profitable business with an appealing brand. This system supports growth with the flexibility that allows businesses to rebrand or refresh their digital presence with ease, without needing to redo any content in the CMS.

Headless CMS  future-proofs businesses’ websites by integrating new frontend frameworks and technologies as they become available ensuring businesses are ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.

 

Talk to Anything’s Technical Director, Jono Brain, today to create an effective digital experience for your business

Business

EDI Myth-Busting: Global Inclusion Specialist on the Biggest Assumptions Businesses Make 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives are now a central focus for modern businesses. But even though companies are increasingly striving to perform better in this area, many myths still exist about the process which, if left unchallenged, can hinder real progress.
Global EDI specialist Jamie McAnsh has experienced a number of these myths first-hand. As Head of Inclusion at diversity training provider Champions (UK) plc, he works alongside businesses to help better understand the social and economic advantages of equality in the workplace.
Here Jamie outlines some of the common assumptions that companies make with EDI:
‘EDI is only about race or gender.’
False. EDI is about everybody, and its whole purpose is to make people feel included in the organisation. If people feel included, they feel valued. Equity, diversity and inclusion all play a very significant role in that project of making sure everybody in the organisation feels like they have a place.
‘Inclusion is just a nice to have, and it doesn’t impact the bottom line.’

Absolutely false. This myth is mental. It is proven that if you’ve got an inclusive organisation, you are recruiting better, you have a better workforce, and staff retention is a lot higher. But not only that, organisations will want to work with you more if you’re more inclusive.

If you can reduce staff retention, you reduce your outlay, which is actually probably one of the largest values of any business, and the largest expense of any business. So if you can reduce that instantly, you have a result at the bottom line.
‘You only need to focus on EDI when hiring.’

I love this one. It’s absolutely wrong. You need to be concentrating on EDI all of the time. Yes, it is important when you’re hiring, because now 67% of people will work with an organisation or want to work with an organisation more if they’re inclusive.

So that’s a fact. When you’re thinking about recruitment, yes, it’s important, but that statistic of having an inclusive culture within makes it a better place to work, which means you are more open to employing better talent.
‘EDI efforts are only relevant for large companies’
Absolutely false. It is probably more pertinent when you’re looking at staffing for EDI within large organisations, because you have staff, but it doesn’t matter how many people you have working in the organisation.
Taking it right down to the other spectrum of your solopreneurs and single businesses, they also need to be thinking about being inclusive and implementing EDI policies and processes into their organisation, because a lot of bigger companies that they are hoping to work with will want to see that.
They will only employ you if you and your supply chain are inclusive organisations. To not think along the lines of inclusivity, certainly around freelancers, means they won’t work with you.
‘If your organisation has a policy, it means you’re doing enough for EDI’
Couldn’t be further from the truth. The policy is just the starting point. Most EDI policies have sub policies for example: menopause policies, disability policies, racial discrimination policies, they’re all coming in and tying into that so it’s a much bigger package. But inclusion is about culture.
The policy is what gives you a roadmap to that culture, a set of rules. But inclusion is a much bigger project, and you have to concentrate on the culture of the organisation, so that everybody in that has a voice and has a value. And if you get that right and get the culture right, then you’re on the right path to becoming a fully inclusive organisation.
Accountancy, Business, Business News, Cardiff, Charity, Hospice News

Quantum Advisory scores big for Tŷ Hafan in football fundraising tournament

ONE of the UK’s leading actuarial and pension consulting firms, Quantum Advisory, took part in Tŷ Hafan’s Football Fives tournament and raised £3000 for the children’s hospice charity.

The firm rallied together to enter two teams into the round robin league which featured Champions League, Europa League and ECL stages, including knock-out phases, semi-finals and the final.

After standout performances amid tough competition, Quantum Advisory’s teams celebrated success in the top event: the Champions League. One of the firm’s teams won the league, while the other reached the quarter finals of the same competition.

The Football Fives tournament is held annually by Tŷ Hafan at Gôl Centres in Cardiff and was this year sponsored by V12 Retail Finance.

Tŷ Hafan, one of the UK’s leading paediatric palliative care charities, provides comfort and care to children and young people with life shortening conditions throughout Wales. The charity also provide support to parents and siblings, helping to create special memories and offering respite not only at the hospice but in the homes of the families or in hospital, completely free of charge.

Joining the fundraisers at the tournament was former Wales and Cardiff City player Danny Gabbidon who held a live Q&A session and presented a series of awards. Quantum received the top fundraisers award for a second year running, sharing the award this time with V12 Retail Finance. John Plenderleith, an Investment Consultant at Quantum Advisory, was also named ‘player of the match’ for his performance in the final.

Quantum Advisory is a longstanding supporter of Tŷ Hafan, with one of its first projects in 2016 winning them an engraved bronze apple to place on the hospice’s Gift Tree in recognition of reaching their ‘pay for a day goal’ of £11,000.

Since 2016, they have raised over £31,000 for the charity. Past events have included the Race to the Stones challenge, a fundraising ball and participation in Tŷ Hafan’s Christmas pantomime. In 2023, Team Quantum took part in Tŷ Hafan’s Football Fives tournament and received the ‘Best Tŷ Hafan Fundraisers’ trophy by former Cardiff City, Celtic, Crystal Palace and Welsh International midfielder, Joe Ledley, in recognition of their continued support.

Stuart Price, Actuary and Partner at Quantum Advisory, said: “We had a fantastic time at Tŷ Hafan’s Football Fives tournament this year. It was wonderful to see so many businesses coming together to raise funds for this incredible cause and thank you very much to those individuals that sponsored us, all the support is warmly received.

“Tŷ Hafan’s work is life changing and we are proud to have been supporting them for almost a decade. I would encourage anyone to find out more about Tŷ Hafan if you have not already and get involved with their next fundraising event.”

Sorrel Mayo, Corporate Senior Fundraiser at Tŷ Hafan, said: “When a child’s life will be short, Tŷ Hafan will walk alongside their family every step of the way – through life, death and beyond. We were delighted to see so many teams at our Football Fives fundraising tournament to help us to be able to do this.

“Quantum Advisory’s fantastic fundraising has contributed to this year’s event raising almost £15,000 which is truly incredible, and we are also extremely grateful to them for their ongoing support and enthusiasm.

“No parent ever imagines that their child’s life will be short. Sadly, this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can’t stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one in Wales lives their child’s short life alone.”

For further information on Tŷ Hafan, visit www.tyhafan.org/. Donations can also be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/tyhafanfiveaside.

Quantum Advisory provides pension and employee benefits services to employers, scheme trustees and members, and has offices in Cardiff, Amersham, Birmingham and London. For more information, visit www.quantumadvisory.co.uk.

Business

Aspiring Welsh entrepreneurs urged to apply for cutting-edge Start-Up Accelerator Programme

Wales’ brightest entrepreneurial minds are being urged to seize an opportunity to fast-track their business ideas. The Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme is now accepting applications for its innovative 10-week immersive Start-Up Accelerator Programme, set to launch in January 2025.

The Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator Programme will provide a series of virtual sessions to deliver a comprehensive, rapid start-up experience. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on turning their ideas into fully operational businesses, with tailored support designed to help them acquire paying customers and develop a sustainable business model.

This accelerator is open to all Wales-based aspiring entrepreneurs with a pre-revenue business idea. The business idea should aim to achieve over £1 million in annual turnover and create ten full-time jobs by 2029, with potential export opportunities. Support is also available to help overcome barriers to participating in the programme.

The cutting-edge programme will also leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance creativity and market research, reduce time to market, and boost efficiency.

The programme offers a blend of webinars, masterclasses, and one-to-one mentoring sessions conducted by business role models and business growth experts. Networking is a cornerstone of the programme, with peer-to-peer sessions designed to facilitate business growth and offer invaluable insights. Participants will also benefit from PR opportunities designed to raise business profiles and drive rapid growth, with the programme culminating in a high-profile awards event.

Richard Morris, Programme Director of the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme, said:

“The Start-Up Accelerator Programme is uniquely positioned to fast-track business development by providing valuable, tailored learning opportunities from industry experts.

“This programme provides the tools and expertise needed to navigate the challenges of starting a business and will help participants build a sustainable support network, which is crucial for long-term growth. Leveraging AI will equip participants with cutting-edge digital tools and techniques to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

“I am excited to see the next wave of Welsh entrepreneurs emerge from this programme, ready to make their local and global mark.”

Richard Selby, Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales and a judge for the accelerator programme’s awards, said:

“Wales has always been a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, with a rich history of turning bold ideas into thriving enterprises.

“The entrepreneurial spirit here is incredibly strong, and the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator Programme offers a fantastic opportunity for aspiring business leaders to harness that spirit and turn their ideas into successful companies.”

Applications for the programme must be submitted by Monday, October 28th, 2024. The accelerator will commence on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, and run until Friday, March 14th, 2025.

Anyone interested in taking part should register their interest by clicking the link below:

https://events.newable.co.uk/events/1288/business-wales-accelerated-growth-programme-start-up-accelerator

Ends

 

Media enquiries:

Sara Robinson, Business Wales AGP

Email: sara.robinson@businesswalesagp.org

Phone: +44 (0)7720 634537

 

Notes to editors:

 

This Start-Up Accelerator is part of the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme, funded by Welsh Government. If your business is not ready for this level of growth, Business Wales offers a wide range of business start-up and business growth advice and guidance. To find out more and to speak to a specialist advisor, call 03000 6 03000 or visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/contact-us.

 

 

 

Business, Business Expansion, Business News, Construction, Energy

Consumer Energy Solutions invests £500k in Treorchy training centre

A LEADING consumer energy efficiency company has opened a brand new state-of-the-art, immersive training facility in Treorchy at a cost of £0.5 million, paving the way for thousands of recruits to learn the skills needed to enter, and progress within, the energy trade.

Swansea-based Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) supports customers in reducing their carbon footprint and reducing their energy bills and has already successfully improved the energy efficiency of over 8,000 homes across the UK.

The new insulation department training facility in the heart of the Welsh Valleys has been purpose-built to allow for comprehensive training in various insulation techniques and complements CES’s heating systems training facility in Cardiff which it acquired last year.

The Treorchy training facility, on the Abergorki Industrial Estate, encompasses a 5,000 ft2 main area, 7,500 ft2 first floor storage plus three classrooms. The facility is also used to train CES installers on the rules, regulations, and techniques involved in installing ventilation equipment, which is necessary before any insulation work begins.

Ben Strinati, Insulation Director at Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “The way the business was growing, and the need to recruit more and more insulation teams, combined with a lack of suitable training infrastructure present in the industry, we took the initiative to construct our own custom-built facility and invested £500,000 in the Treorchy site. We take great pride in our advanced training facilities which have been purposefully designed to educate both new recruits and experienced team members in the CES way. Being able to train individuals in all the necessary trades, means we can execute an installation from start to finish, making it a quick and smooth experience for our customers.”

CES has its headquarters in Swansea with permanent bases in south Wales, north Wales, west Wales and Exeter. It currently operates 42 teams of insulation installers, each of which includes carpenters, dry-liners, plasterers and multi-skilled installers, alongside eight dedicated loft insulation teams. The company is committed to providing comprehensive training for all staff and arranges regular manufacturer training programmes and seminars to ensure installers are up to date with frequent regulation reviews and advancement in technology. Basic training starts with an NVQ qualification in construction and building treatments with further learning based on the energy efficiency measure and the method of installation. Additionally, all operatives receive annual training in the latest health and safety regulation, promoting a safe installation for themselves and customers.

The Treorchy facility is part of CES’s ambitious expansion plans which include recruiting 15 insulation teams every month. Finished to such a high standard, the unit has attracted interest from external companies looking to utilise the centre for in-house development purposes.

Ben continued: “We have a highly experienced recruitment team which is supporting our growth vision by finding the right professionals for the roles available, whether in-house or in the field. Our training facilities then come into play, providing crucial training and coaching opportunities for employees.

“At a time when fuel poverty and the climate crisis is such a high priority, we are determined to do all we can to help people reduce their energy usage and save money on their bills and the best way we can do this is by building and training the next generation of energy efficiency professionals to reach more people.”

For further information, visit www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk.

Business

Expert Shares A-Z Guide On Probate And Estate Administration

An A-Z guide explaining the terms that relatives will come across when handling a loved one’s estate has been issued by an expert in a bid to try and help demystify the process.
The advice comes in the wake of a survey by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, showing how nearly half of UK adults have not made a will and a third would rather watch TV than write their will.
It also found that 32% said they haven’t made a will because they do not know how to get started.
A study by Co-op Legal Services has also found widespread confusion over inheritance and estate issues.
Some 31% of people for example did not realise that an estate passes to the Crown if a person has no blood relatives and does not leave a will.
One of the UK’s leading experts on the subject, Steve Bish, fears many people are being needlessly put off by the process.
Steve, a Wills and estates expert, said: “The process of probate can seem daunting so an explanation of the terminology involved may help to avoid errors that can delay the whole process.
“Dealing with someone’s estate after their death can involve a number of different probate terms.
“We have put together a glossary of these to highlight some of the most commonly used words and phrases to help explain the probate and administration process.”
Here, Steve explains the terms that relatives will encounter when embarking on the process of probate:
Assets – all items owned by the deceased, to include money, property, investments and valuables.
  • Bequest – a gift left to someone in a Will.
  • Chattel – personal property, other than money, securities or business assets.
  • Deed of Variation – where the beneficiaries of a Will agree to change its terms. Usually done to make it more tax efficient or to benefit someone who wasn’t included in the original Will
  • Executor – deals with the administration of the deceased’s estate. An executor is appointed by the deceased in their Will.
  • Funeral wishes – It is possible to incorporate your funeral wishes into your will but these are not binding and we always recommend that you let those who may be organising it know of your wishes.
  • Grant of Probate – the legal document issued by the Probate Registry giving an executor legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate. This is the document that the executor will need to apply for where the deceased left a Will. A Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is not needed in the case of a small estate, usually defined as less than £30,000.
  • Heir – a person who is legally entitled to the property of a deceased person, more commonly known as a beneficiary.
  • Intestacy – where the deceased died without leaving a Will.
  • Joint tenants – a form of property ownership between two or more people who share equal ownership and equal rights to the property.
  • Kin – a person’s family and relations are that person’s next of kin.
  • Legacy – another word for bequest, this is a gift left to someone in a Will.
  • Mediation – an informal process for helping people who have a dispute to resolve the dispute without going to Court.
  • Notice of Death – the document required to transfer property owned as joint tenants into the sole name of the surviving owner.
  • Offer of Compromise – a written offer made from one party to another party stating the terms on which they would be prepared to settle the dispute between them without going to Court.
  • Probate – this is often used to refer to the whole estate administration process as well as to the Grant of Probate itself.
  • Qualified Witness,  the persons who are authorised to witness the testator signing their Will. They must be over the age of 18, independent and have capacity.
  • Rules of Intestacy – when someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed to beneficiaries in the order listed in the Rules of Intestacy. These rules set out those who are entitled to inherit in a set order of preference, starting with the deceased’s spouse and children.
  • Survivorship destination – a survivorship destination is a provision often inserted into the title deeds of a property which ensures that title is automatically passed to the other person or persons named on that title.
  • Testator  – the person who made the Will.
  • Undue Influence – where a will can be deemed invalid because the will maker was coerced or influenced by another person to include something in their will that is against their true wishes.
  • Valuation – the value of the estate at the time of death.
  • Witnessed – a will must be signed and witnessed to be valid so all 3 people (will maker and 2 witnesses) must be present together and must sign.
  • X – plus Facebook and other social media sites form part of our digital assets. When drafting a Will, most people will consider what happens to their physical assets such as their savings and their home. However, we are becoming increasingly reliant upon our digital assets and it is therefore important to consider how you want your digital assets to be distributed after your death.
  • You – can make your own will easily enough with a DIY kit. However, nobody with any professional experience would recommend this due to the many potential pitfalls.
  • Zoom – as of 12 Jan 2022, wills can continue to be witnessed via Zoom in England and Wales, measures first brought in during Covid.
If you would like further information on any estate planning issue, contact Steve Bish via https://www.sbishestateplanning.co.uk/about or on 01727 220930 or email contact@sbishestateplanning.com
Business, FInance

Rosebridge Ranked in Top 10 of the FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Advice Firms for 2024

Rosebridge, one of the North’s leading independent Chartered Financial Planning firms, is proud to announce its inclusion in the Top 10 of the prestigious FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Advice Firms list, alongside its sister company Pro Sport Wealth. This recognition highlights Rosebridge’s commitment to delivering exceptional financial advice and services.

The Financial Times evaluated firms based on key factors such as client retention, the expertise of Chartered and Certified Financial Planners, and impressive growth over the past year.

“We are celebrating being recognised in the Top 10  of the FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Advice Firms list. Rosebridge is an established firm of expert Chartered Financial Planners dedicated to providing a bespoke, specialist service. Our holistic approach to financial advice helps us gain a complete understanding of our clients’ needs. Whatever their requirements, we build a robust strategy to support clients with the advice and level of service they need to achieve their goals,” said Phil Rose, CEO.

Year on year, Rosebridge has demonstrated significant growth and dedication to excellence. The FTAdviser Top 100 list, announced on 24 September 2024, showcases the best in the UK financial advisory sector.

“Rosebridge has embraced Consumer Duty challenges and opportunities by investing in our team and innovation. We focus on training, consistent communication, managing client expectations, and leveraging technology to enhance service quality. We are committed to safeguarding client data and adapting to the evolving financial landscape,” explained Steven Banks, Head of Leeds office.

Rosebridge are committed to delivering the highest standard of professional service. With offices spread across the North of England, with national reach, Rosebridge help people achieve more from their financial circumstances, both now and in the future.

“Rosebridge has built a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and innovation. We are proud to be a highly qualified team with an award-winning impact. We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, offering expert advice on investments, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. Our client-centric approach is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to providing value for money while building long-lasting relationships with our clients based on trust and transparency.” concluded Gareth Griffiths, Head of Chester office.

 

About Rosebridge:

Rosebridge Ltd Rosebridge and Pro Sport are Chartered Financial Planning businesses –  our reach encompasses the whole of the United Kingdom with offices across the North of England in Ramsbottom, Leeds, and Chester. We provide expert financial advice to our clients; the majority of whom are based within easy access to the M62 corridor, but with no geographical restriction, clients can be confident wherever they are and whatever their requirements their financial affairs will be in expert hands.

Rosebridge Ltd is honoured to be named one of the FTAdviser Top 10 Financial Advice Firms. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and our dedication to adapting to the evolving needs of our clients. We continue to embrace new technologies and regulatory changes, such as Consumer Duty, to enhance the quality of our services and safeguard client interests.

At Rosebridge Ltd, we believe in empowering our clients to achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future. Our mission is to provide clear, actionable advice that helps our clients make informed decisions and achieve financial peace of mind.

To date, they have invested hundreds of millions of funds – a testament to the trust their clients place on the firm.

For more information about Rosebridge, please visit: https://rosebridgeltd.com

 

Business, Business Finance, Cardiff, Employment

Cardiff Capital Region celebrates commitment to Real Living Wage

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is now accredited as a Real Living Wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation. The Real Living Wage accreditation formally recognises CCR’s existing commitment to fair pay and driving inclusive economic growth.

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. In Wales, more than a tenth of all workers (12.9%) earn less than they need to get by, with around 161,000 jobs paying less than the real Living Wage.

CCR is also a tenant in Cardiff University’s sbarc|spark, Wales’ first Living Wage building which means all tenants are obliged to pay the real Living Wage to employees and onsite contractors.

Kellie Beirne, CCR’s Chief Executive, said:

“Fair economic opportunity is central to CCR’s ambitions to foster good growth across our Region. Our accreditation as a real Living Wage employer formally recognises our long-standing commitment to ensuring fair wages within our organisation, a milestone that sets the standard for businesses across our Region.

“By transitioning to a Corporate Joint Committee, CCR has gained new powers and responsibilities as an independent public body which has made formal accreditation possible, allowing us to carve our own identity and mature as an organisation. This will lay the groundwork for us to build upon our wider vision of regional prosperity.”

Councillor Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair, CCR Committee, adds:

“I am pleased that Cardiff Capital Region has gained the real Living Wage Accreditation. Since becoming a public body earlier this year, CCR’s commitment and determination to further fairer working in our Region aligns with Cardiff Council, which was the first capital city to become a real Living Wage City in 2019.

 

“As Chair of the Cardiff Real Living Wage Steering Group and Action Team, I’m an advocate for fair wages, which keep money within our local economy. After the Steering Group was recognised as ‘Local Champions’ at the Living Wage Champions Awards ceremony this summer, I’m glad to see further progress being made to strengthen the commitment to fair pay across the City Region.”

 

Councillor John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council and Portfolio Lead for Economic Inclusion said:

“This is a very welcome pivotal move by the CCR team and it augurs well for future growth across the Region. Economic inclusion is the watchword for our ambitions to be a fairer and more prosperous Region.

By shining a spotlight on this issue we are taking determined steps to support our colleagues and demonstrate how valued everyone is.”

Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted that CCR has joined the movement of over 14,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

“They join thousands of businesses that recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like CCR, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.”