Category Archives: Business

Appointments, Boardroom News, Business

Change at the Helm: Swansea Building Society Welcomes New Chair

Swansea Building Society has signalled a significant transition in its leadership, as Ieuan Griffiths steps down after six years as Chair and nine years on the Board. Stephen Maddock will take over as the new Chair, bringing fresh perspectives to the role.

During his tenure, Griffiths has been instrumental in helping guide the Society through a period of sustained growth and development, leaving an indelible mark on its operations and strategic direction. His steadfast commitment and dedication to the Society’s mission have been deeply appreciated by colleagues, stakeholders, and the broader community alike.

Stepping into the role of Chair is Stephen Maddock, who brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in finance and governance. Stephen joined the Society’s Board in May 2016 and has served with distinction ever since. His appointment as Chair, effective May 2024, underscores the Society’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of leadership and governance.

A Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of ICAEW, Maddock’s professional journey is marked by a distinguished career in the financial sector. Beginning his career at the Swansea office of accountancy firm Deloitte Haskins & Sells, Maddock went on to join Coopers & Lybrand, now PwC, after qualifying. His career culminated in the role of Director of Financial Shared Services for Tata Steel Europe before embarking on early retirement.

In assuming the role of Chair, Maddock brings to bear a profound understanding of financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. His strategic vision, coupled with his deep-rooted commitment to the Society’s values, positions him as an ideal steward for the organisation as it continues its mission of serving its members and community.

Outgoing Chair, Ieuan Griffiths, said:

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Swansea Building Society for the past six years. In fact, I’d have loved to have stayed longer but nine years is the maximum allowed on the Board, so it was time for me to step down. I’d like to thank my colleagues for all that they have done during my tenure, not only do they bring expertise, but they contribute – unstintingly – with their time. I’d especially like to thank Society Chief Executive, Alun Williams. Our working relationship has been uncannily good, and there is a culture in the Society that is very caring, which, I believe, underpins its success.

“I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved together during my time on the Board, and I have every confidence in Stephen’s ability to help lead the Society into its next chapter.”

New Chair, Stephen Maddock, said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at Swansea Building Society. In the six years of Ieuan’s Chair, the Society has changed and grown significantly. I now look forward to working closely with the Board, management team, and staff to build upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessor and help drive the Society forward.

“On behalf of my colleagues, Board, and the Society’s members, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ieuan for his invaluable contributions and commitment to the Society.”

Appointments, Business

Paul Butterworth appointed Vice Chair of Regional Learning and Skills Partnership

Paul Butterworth, the CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) for south-west Wales.

Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, the RLSP is dedicated to bridging the gap between education, skills, and regeneration. It aims to ensure that the skills provision is aligned with the economic priorities and opportunities of the region, as well as tackling the new skills landscape that is happening within the energy, construction, manufacturing and digital sectors.

As CEO of Chambers Wales, Paul brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the economic and skills development of Welsh businesses with him to the board.

As the voice of the business community with policymakers, Paul will advocate for enhanced skills training, infrastructure improvements and the creation of skilled jobs, all aimed at creating local economic growth.

Upon his appointment, Paul said: “I am determined to create a better and fairer business landscape for West Wales to ensure that the local economy has the best available skills development for future project development and the transition into the green economy and energy sector to ensure West Wales thrives.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Partnerships Manager at RLSP, said: “We are delighted to have Paul on the board. He will be instrumental in achieving our goals and look forward to the positive impact his appointment will have on the region.”

Business, Business & Property News, Business Research, News

New Survey Reveals the Unacknowledged Issue Worrying Most Businesses

(London, United Kingdom), Wednesday 1st May 2024: Reputation management is one of the biggest issues concerning businesses, according to research released today. New statistics show that most businesses are more worried about reputational damage than a host of other serious issues.

The nationwide survey, commissioned by Speakers Corner, drew responses from 500 business owners and directors with at least 20% equity, for companies with at least 100 employees.

Surprisingly, more than half the business owners and directors surveyed say reputational damage worries them more[1] than other concerns including falling profits, high staff turnover, high inflation, the cost of living impact on their staff or rising energy costs. In addition, 50% say they are more concerned1 about reputational damage than the potential of a recession, the possibility of going back into lockdown or the green agenda including net zero targets.2

“The results of this survey are a clear indication that reputation management is a critical issue for most businesses – and it’s never been more challenging,” comments Nick Gold, Managing Director of Speakers Corner, the UK’s leading speaker bureau. “Alongside delivering value to shareholders and stakeholders, businesses are also expected to lead the way in corporate social responsibility and ethical practices, as well as having a positive impact on their communities. Any perceived wrongdoing or controversy can have serious repercussions, and this is obviously a huge concern for most businesses.”

Almost 9 in 10 (88%) business owners and directors surveyed said reputation management is more of a priority[2] for their business than training employees and 86% said it was more of a priority2 for them than sustainability.

 

The threat of reputational damage is coming from a variety of issues. 23% of directors/business owners surveyed see financial issues as the reputation issue most damaging to their business, while 16% cite toxic business culture/bullying as the most damaging reputation issue; 16% name data breach issues as the reputation issue that could be most harmful and 11% list environmental concerns as the issue likely to cause most damage to their reputation.

In today’s interconnected world a single negative incident or comment can spread rapidly, potentially causing significant harm to a reputation, making it an increasingly pressing issue for UK businesses.

The top five impacts experienced by the directors and owners surveyed in managing reputation issues are:

  1. Low staff morale (28%)
  2. Staff left (27%)
  3. Negatively impacted profits (26%)
  4. Negative impact on culture / weakened value proposition (24%)
  5. Investment withdrawn (22%)

 

The stress of reputation management may not be one of the topics making headlines – for example a potential recession or high energy costs are. But these survey results highlight how huge this worry is for the majority of business owners and directors.

Concern over protecting their business from reputational damage is one of the biggest issues most businesses currently face.

 

[1] ‘Reputational damage concerns me much more’ and ‘Reputational damage concerns me somewhat more’ answers combined.

2 See notes to editors for a further breakdown of data as illustrated in the infographic.

[2] ‘Reputation management is significantly more of a priority’ and ‘Reputation management is somewhat more of a priority’ answers combined.

Business, Cardiff, Mergers, Mergers & Acquisitions

Two south Wales storage businesses announce merger to drive growth and funding opportunities

CARDIFF based blue self storage Ltd (bss) and Maltings Document Storage Solutions (MDSS) have announced their merger to create a new entity branded as ‘Blue Storage Group’, while continuing to operate under the existing brands.

 

While both companies operate profitably and sustainably, the markets in which they operate are changing rapidly with the emergence of new digital technologies. Becoming a larger entity will allow greater investment in new systems and processes, and both companies to take advantage of new funding opportunities, grow operations and scale up geographically.

 

blue self storage is one of the leading container storage providers in the UK, providing storage services for homes, business, vehicles, and removal companies. The fast-growing company has facilities across the UK in Cardiff, Tyneside, Bridgend and a soon-to-be-launched Gloucester site.

 

Maltings Document Storage Solutions, based in Cardiff, provides reliable document storage and management solutions. MDSS has over 40 years’ experience providing its bespoke services in Cardiff and surrounding areas, with aspirations to expand further into England in the near future.

 

Chris Bryan, Managing Director of blue self storage, will assume responsibility for the strategic direction of the overarching entity that includes both companies, and Dean Daly will continue as Operations Director at blue self storage. Gareth Oram will also continue as a non-executive director of MDSS, with the day-to-day operations being steered by Commercial Director, Chris James.

 

Chris Bryan said “This merger will enable us to improve our current offerings, expand our services, and deliver better value to all our customers. While both businesses offer storage solutions to different industries, the infrastructure that’s required for both offerings are very similar.

 

“We have ambitious plans for Blue Storage Group; building on the recent opening of our Bridgend operation, we are currently finalising our plans to open a facility at Gloucester and have several other sites in the pipeline”

 

Gareth Oram added: “The merger represents a strategic move towards greater growth and efficiency. We believe that we will be better positioned to pursue opportunities and continue our aim to be one of the key innovators in what is a very competitive sector. Striving towards innovation, we have invested in the latest digital software and technology so that we can focus on consistent, high-quality service for all our customers, large or small.”

Business, Business Expansion, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Insurance, Investment

New Cardiff office for insurance group Howden

Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, has announced the opening of a new office in Cardiff, to support businesses with tailored insurance solutions.

Located at Regus House, Malthouse Avenue, in Cardiff Gate Business Park, the new office will build on the success of the recently inaugurated office in Swansea last month and Howden’s acquisition of Watkin Davies in 2020. The addition of a new Cardiff office underscores Howden’s dedication to becoming a prominent force in the commercial broking sector in South and West Wales. The expansion will be spearheaded by Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, who has outlined ambitious plans to position Howden as the foremost competitor in the region.

Gary expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating: “I am very pleased to lead the opening of yet another office in Wales. An office in Cardiff was the natural choice for our expansion, and we are confident that by increasing our presence in South Wales by growing our team of advisors to 20+ enabling us to continuing to provide exceptional services to our clients.”

Under Gary’s leadership, the new Cardiff office is set to accommodate a team of six highly skilled brokers, who will work to uphold Howden’s commitment to excellence in risk advisory services, with more brokers set to join in the coming months. The team will play a pivotal role in driving the growth of Howden’s UK Corporate & Commercial pillar throughout 2024.

Gary added: “We’ve already made great headway in attracting a team of highly skilled brokers, and we anticipate significant growth throughout 2024. Our new Cardiff office, working closely with our Swansea operation, will play a key role in cementing our position as a leader in the South and West Wales commercial broking sector.

“We are very excited about our South Wales presence, and also becoming a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions for their forthcoming tour of Australia in 2025.”

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.

Business, Driving, Transport

Veezu donates £1000 to Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation

VEEZU, Wolverhampton’s fastest growing private hire operator, has donated £1000 to Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation through the Funded by Veezu programme.

Funded by Veezu is an initiative in which local residents, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation is the official charity of Wolves FC and has delivered over 45 unique projects across the city in health and wellbeing, developing education and skills, and encouraging community. The Foundation supports people of all ages and abilities.

Kieron Ansell, Wolves Foundation Business Development Manager Business said: “We are really appreciative of the generous donation made by Veezu and would like to pass on the thanks of everyone at Wolves Foundation for the support.

“This funding is the only way we can deliver these wide-ranging works. In supporting us with this donation, Veezu are directly impacting our projects and helping us to make a positive difference in our local communities.”

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director for Veezu, said: “The Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation does incredible work in supporting the Wolverhampton community. We are delighted to be giving back and contributing towards building better outcomes for the people of Wolverhampton.

“Working within the community is a big part of what we do at Veezu, and we want to support as many local groups and charities as we can. Funded by Veezu has already been incredibly successful in making the work of local groups and charities possible, and we look forward to making a positive impact for the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation.”

Awards, Business, Digital Transformation, News, Technology

‘PLATINUM STATUS’ – A NICE award for FourNet

FourNet becomes the only partner in the UK to earn the top tier accreditation

Digital transformation and customer experience experts, FourNet, have been awarded Platinum Status by NICE, one of the world’s leading CX AI providers.

FourNet is one of just four Solution Providers this year, and the only partner in the UK, to earn the top tier accreditation, which is part of NICE’s Partner Programme.

Globally, only 14 companies across all partner types have reached NICE Platinum Status this year.

Richard Pennington, FourNet CEO

“Achieving Platinum Status is a very strong indication of the incredibly important working partnership FourNet has with NICE,” said Richard Pennington, FourNet CEO. 

“Being a Platinum Partner brings with it a range of positive benefits for both our companies. We look forward to continuing to grow together, and to benefit our customers as a result.”

Last year, FourNet was awarded NICE Customer Experience Partner of the Year.

“Our partnership with FourNet is a great example of what it means to partner for success. Working with FourNet to deliver best in class solutions brings benefits for both of our customer bases,” said Darren Rushworth, President, NICE International.

“We are thrilled to be able to award them with Platinum Partner status, which is a significant milestone.”

Both businesses have recently been engaged in a customer experience project for UK dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society, which is expected to transform the organisation’s dementia support services and fundraising capabilities.

The contact centre solution has been tailor-made to ensure best-in-class support for people living with dementia, with key input to the design from people with lived experience through Dementia Voice, Alzheimer Society specialists and their Dementia Friends programme.

Award-winning FourNet is one of the fastest growing privately owned technology companies in the UK, providing communications, cloud, contact centre, managed service and secure infrastructure solutions to a broad range of enterprise and public sector organisations.

With offices in Manchester and Derby, FourNet works with some of the most critical and secure organisations in the UK, including more than 30 UK Government departments and agencies, as well as emergency services and local authorities.

Business, Construction News, Wellbeing

Medical and wellbeing park plans for former Victorian asylum site in Carmarthen

THE new owners of the Parc Dewi Sant site in Carmarthen have announced plans to convert the former Victorian asylum into a medical park with health and wellbeing benefits for the whole community.

 

Parc Dewi Sant Limited has acquired almost all of the 38-acre site from Carmarthen County Council after the council put the location up for sale.

 

A number of NHS services currently operate on the site, and there is also a Swansea University facility teaching student nurses. All existing organisations on the site will retain their tenancy rights.

 

Parc Dewi Sant Limited wants to develop the medical provision on the site while protecting the 22 buildings, many of which are listed. They include an ornate Victorian chapel, and a theatre.

 

The plans include retaining and recruiting both NHS and private health providers, especially in occupational health, and providing serviced clinical offices.

 

Other facilities will include a gym and a walking track, which will be accessible to local community including dog owners.

 

A spokesperson for Parc Dewi Sant said: “We want to create a hub for medical, well-being and leisure facilities which is accessible for everyone in the community. By bringing top quality healthcare providers to the area, we aim to support the health and well-being of the local population.

 

“We are already in discussions with a number of healthcare providers, including a private GP practice, and would welcome discussions with anyone who wants to be part of a modern and vibrant health hub.

 

“Taking on so many listed buildings is a significant financial commitment. However, we are fully committed to protecting these outstanding buildings and their history, while ensuring they have a meaningful purpose to serve the local community for years to come.”

 

The new owners of the site have a large portfolio of residential, commercial and office developments throughout Wales, including many period properties.

 

Their vision for Parc Dewi Sant will transform and bring life and vibrancy back to the iconic estate which began life in 1865 as the Carmarthenshire, Cardigan and Pembrokeshire County Asylum.

 

The hilltop hospital expanded and had more than 900 beds by the early 1970s.

For more information about the plans visit http://www.parcdewisant.co.uk/

Business, Business Advice, Business News, Business Owners & Start Ups, Global Mobility, News

“My solution to everything is start a business.” – An opportunity no matter where you relocate to.

Award Winning entrepreneur talks relocation and starting a business overseas on Clare Kay’s Moving Countries 101 podcast

Award-winning, multi-8-figure entrepreneur, Rebecca Page is passionate about helping people lead businesses that fulfil on their vision and interest.

This week, you can join Rebecca, who is in conversation with Clare Kay on the Moving Countries 101 podcast. Rebecca shares her perspective and values to reveal a deep wisdom that she now brings to her new venture to support people in setting up business across a variety of industries and irrespective of what country they live in.

Over 20 years ago, Rebecca moved from New Zealand to the UK. In true pioneering spirit, and not letting anything faze her, she trusted her experience of establishing businesses in New Zealand and set up her own business in the UK. She has gone from strength to strength and has a wealth of experience in buying and selling businesses and having them reach their optimum potential.

Listen to Rebecca’s top tip on how to discover your unique business, side hustle, or income stream as she expands on why starting a business presents itself as a solution, and as opportunity to be of service and contribution, no matter where you live.

Join Clare Kay as she showcases personal stories through her conversations with people who have moved overseas. The popular podcast focuses on helping people who want to move countries (no matter the location), sharing useful, actionable advice both before and after you make the move.

This week’s podcast is live on the following links:

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

Don’t forget to click follow if you are interested in or planning on living and working overseas, or if you enjoy hearing the stories from those who have.