Category Archives: Business

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.

Business, Cardiff, Events

Cardiff Business Club signs Armed Forces Covenant

At its latest event, Cardiff Business Club signed the Armed Forces Covenant alongside Cardiff Bus, with speaker Major General Duncan G Forbes, the Royal Navy’s Director of Strategy and Policy and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff.

Sponsored by RFCA Wales, the Major General addressed the Club, shouting out his old captain and mentor Brigadier Jock Fraser as he retires this summer, before fittingly highlighting his lecture’s theme of legacy.

Promising to talk with no agenda or spin, but using the occasion to tell stories, kindle relationships and rest, the Major General began by discussing the broad strategic context of the Navy’s current work, touching on the UK’s support to Ukraine, the rise of China, politics, and the situation in Gaza, which he highlighted as the most worrying and important issue right now following Israel’s actions over the weekend.

He then moved to discuss what the Navy is doing right now, thanks to taxpayers’ money. He discussed the SSBN in the North Atlantic, a recent £44m drug bust, and the naval support for Ukraine. Having been involved since day one, he stated: “It will get worse before it gets better. If Ukraine lose, we all lose.”

The Major General then proceeded to look forward, highlighting the importance of young servicepeople and the confidence he has in them, but acknowledging that old systems need to be changed to be bolder, more creative, and take more risks. However, whatever they do to change the approach must maintain the key driving force of being in service to the nation, as that is what the Navy is intrinsically built on.

Touching on the Navy in Wales, he stated that they recruit twice as many marines and sailors from Wales than the wider population, and that those recruits serve for longer than average. They then almost always return to Wales after service, with the right traits to support business growth. He mentioned the HMS Cardiff which will be fully operational later this decade, and the Ministry of Defence’s investment into Cardiff and across Wales.

Lt Colonel (Retired) Craig Hampton-Stone, Director at Cardiff Bus, gave the vote of thanks, before he, Major General Duncan G Forbes and Phil Jardine, Chair of Cardiff Business Club, signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Covenant is a voluntary pledge made by businesses, designed to allow organisations to express their support the armed forces community and commit to ways in which they can provide it. All Covenants have to be approved and registered with the MOD Armed Forces Covenant Team.

Phil said: “We’re so pleased to have signed the covenant, especially alongside such a decorated guest as Major General Duncan G Forbes. Formalising our recognition and appreciation for the armed forces was an easy decision, and we’re pleased to have taken the step alongside Cardiff Bus.”

Appointments, Business, Employment, Energy, Job Opportunities, Jobs

250 new jobs created at Consumer Energy Solutions

SWANSEA-BASED energy efficiency firm Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has recruited 250 new staff so far this year as it experiences growing demand for its products and services.

The recruitment drive follows the opening of two new offices in Swansea’s SA1 waterfront area at the end of 2023 as the company addresses those growing demands.

The fast-growing company now has a workforce of more than 700 people, supporting customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint, and ultimately, their energy bills.

The new hires span across various departments, including administration, customer service, finance, people services, heating, insulation, renewables and electrics.

Lewis John, Managing Director, Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “At CES, we are deeply committed to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the regions where we operate.

“Our investment in expanding our workforce underscores our belief in the potential of local talent and our commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities.

“By nurturing a skilled and diverse team, of which we have massive ambitions to grow even further, we not only strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional service to our customers but also contribute to the vitality of the communities we serve.

“We firmly believe that by investing in people, we can drive positive change and make a lasting impact on both the environment and the economy.”

Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West.

 

Current Consumer Energy Solutions career opportunities can be found here: https://careers.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/

For more information, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/ 

 

Business

Connectus expands nationwide reach with second acquisition in six months

BUSINESS managed service specialists Connectus has acquired tech specialists IT For Growth, it can be announced today.

The deal is the second in the space of five months and forms part of an “aggressive strategy for growth” which Connectus has planned for 2024 and beyond.

By acquiring the Grimsby-based firm, Connectus, which has offices in Salford and Doncaster, will be able to extend its reach into North East Lincolnshire.

This will allow them to connect to more customers boosting the plus 500 plus client base they are already servicing across the north of England and in the Midlands.

Announcing the acquisition, Roy Shelton, the CEO of Connectus, said: “This is another major chapter in the story of Connectus. As we continue to scale, we will continually explore potential acquisitions to ensure we can provide our range of fully managed services to as many businesses as possible.

“This acquisition will allow us to extend into North East Lincolnshire and beyond. The MSP space is experiencing huge consolidation at the moment and as we continue to remain focussed on sustainable growth and outstanding customer services. As a result we will be aiming to complete several more transactions this year.”

The deal comes five months after Connectus acquired Mango Tech. Outlining his future vision for Connectus, Mr Shelton added:

“At the heart of the service Connectus delivers is the Connect- Protect-Collaborate mantra. We can now extend these principles into new areas, offering clients cutting-edge and industry leading services. We have an ambitious growth plan, which is focused on delivering quality outcomes to businesses that mitigate cost, lower complexity and reduce risk. This acquisition will further help to deliver that.”

Commenting, Jonathan Cozens, the CEO of IT For Growth, said:

“I’m delighted to confirm this acquisition. Connectus demonstrated to me that the support, growth and long term development of our customers are of the highest importance to them. They offer a notably better support level than we can deliver at our current size. Although we have been very successful at delivering a first class customer experience over the last seven years, the limited size of our team means we don’t have the breath strength in depth to deal with the size of the opportunity around our client base and the local area.“

“Connectus’ superior scale means they will be able to provide an ongoing technology partnership for your business as you grow. Their track record in enterprise IT systems means they can advise from a position of authority on how best to achieve the commercial outcomes you want, regardless of intended size.”

IT For Growth has helped scores of small to medium businesses looking to improve and grow their income. They specialise in enterprise business support and business workshops which deliver structured training systems which enable firms to make the correct choices for their business and deliver optimum growth.

Business, Energy

How Running Costs Are Affecting Small Businesses

Small businesses face many challenges, not least of which are spiralling running costs that can often threaten their very survival. These costs encompass a wide range of expenses, from rent and utilities, to staffing and inventory, each carrying its weight on the balance sheets of small businesses.

As margins are squeezed and profitability becomes harder to maintain, understanding the impact of these costs and seeking innovative solutions to mitigate them has never been more crucial.

The Rising Tide of Expenses

For many small businesses, rent is one of the most significant fixed costs, with prime locations demanding premium prices. Coupled with the increasing rates of business taxes and insurance, the financial burden can be substantial. Moreover, the fluctuating costs of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water only add to the uncertainty and complexity of financial planning. These variable expenses, sensitive to both market conditions and consumption patterns, require constant vigilance and management.

Utility Costs: A Variable Challenge

Utilities, in particular, represent a category of running costs that can fluctuate wildly, influenced by external market forces and internal consumption habits. The volatility of energy prices, for example, can have a direct impact on a business’s operating costs. When wholesale prices rise, small businesses often find themselves facing increased energy bills, which can erode profits and disrupt cash flow. 

During these periods, it’s important for business owners to understand how much they’re spending each month on utilities and take control of their energy bills. Getting a smart meter for business can help with tracking energy use. Smart meters automatically send regular readings to energy suppliers, and with some suppliers, this means that businesses using smart meters can track their energy use online. Tracking energy use in this way is an essential first step in managing utilities more effectively. 

Labour Costs and the Quest for Efficiency

Staffing is typically a substantial cost for small businesses. With the minimum wage in the UK on the rise, small businesses must navigate the delicate balance between having a large enough workforce to meet the business’s demands and managing payroll expenses. The challenge is compounded by the need to invest in training and development, ensuring that employees are skilled and motivated.

To mitigate these costs, many small businesses are exploring automation and digital tools that can streamline operations and reduce the need for manual labour. From automated inventory systems to customer relationship management (CRM) software, technology offers a pathway to efficiency and cost reduction.

Inventory and Supply Chain Pressures

Inventory management is another area where costs can spiral. Holding too much stock ties up valuable capital, while too little can lead to stockouts and lost sales. The volatility of supply chain costs, including transportation and raw materials, adds another layer of complexity. 

Small businesses must be adept at forecasting demand, managing suppliers, and navigating the uncertainties of global trade dynamics. This is another area where businesses that commit to tracking and monitoring, as well as keeping robust records, will see benefits in the long term. 

Navigating the Challenges

The landscape of running costs for small businesses is complex and fraught with challenges. Investment in innovation and strategic management, leveraging technology and embracing digital tools, will help small businesses to weather the storm of rising running costs in the long term.

A proactive approach to financial planning, alongside a keen eye on market trends and cost-saving opportunities, can make all the difference. It’s about being nimble, resourceful, and, above all, resilient in the face of adversity. The road ahead for small businesses is undeniably challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it is possible to thrive even in the most difficult of economic climates.

Beauty, Business, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Education, Employee Motivation, Hair and Beauty, Job Opportunities, Jobs

Cardiff teen lands her dream job through Jobs Growth Wales+

A 17-year-old apprentice from Cardiff is flying to Budapest after support from the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales+ programme to land her dream role as a Hairdresser.

Darla Wathen recently completed her Level 1 NVQ qualification in Hairdressing and is currently working at Henderson & Co. as a Junior Stylist.

When discussing her route to employment, Darla said: “I wasn’t very academic at school, but I’ve always been a creative person. I decided to meet with Working Wales to scope out my options and Jobs Growth Wales+ appealed to me because of the work placements and hands-on training that were incorporated into your learning.

“Back then I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future, so I attended a few taster days to explore different career pathways. The courses on offer varied from childcare to beauty to construction and animal care, but it was hairdressing that I discovered I had a passion for.”

Having found her feet, Darla excelled on the programme and quickly proved to her tutors that she was a talented and dedicated learner.

Darla said: “My tutor, Charlotte, played a huge role in how comfortable and at ease I felt on Jobs Growth Wales+. I was nervous when I first started the programme, but she spent a lot of time helping me build on my essential skills before looking for employment.

“As well as working with me to improve my CV, Charlotte would act out interview scenarios with me to get me used to a real-life environment. This massively helped with my confidence and was a huge turning point for me.

“My Jobs Growth Wales+ tutors saw my potential. Everyone treated me like an adult, and I could tell the programme wanted me to succeed.”

With the support she received, Darla soon secured her job at Henderson & Co. in Cardiff and is currently thriving as a Junior Stylist.

Darla continued: “Working at Henderson & Co. has been amazing. I really appreciate the advice the other stylists give me, and I’ve already learnt so much in such a short space of time. When I’m not with clients, I’m either on reception, tidying or doing stock take – I love going to work because no day is the same!”

“I’m really keen to specialise in colour and I’ve been lucky enough to practice different techniques – from block colour, balayage, foils and highlights. I even dyed a customer’s hair red the other day.”

This year, Darla will be flying to Budapest with Henderson & Co. to attend a fashion show workshop.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be going with the team to a Kevin Murphy fashion show. It’s another new adventure and an opportunity for me to be taught by the very best influencers and experts in the industry.”

Darla has also got her sights set on gaining more work experience in Australia before returning to Wales to set up her own salon.

Darla said: “I’m hoping to progress with Henderson & Co, and maybe in a few years even live and work in Australia to learn new techniques again. At the moment I’m taking every day as it comes but it would be amazing to set up my own salon eventually.

“My one piece of advice for people who don’t know what they want to do when they’re at school is to talk to others about your options. I felt incredibly listened to and was lucky enough to find a career because of the training and funding provided through Jobs Growth Wales+.”

To learn more about Jobs Growth Wales+ visit workingwales.gov.wales/jobs-growth-wales-plus or call Working Wales on 0800 028 4844.

Business, FInance, Finance News, Wellbeing

Quantum launch SME tailored employee benefit solution

Quantum Advisory, the leading independent financial services consultancy, today announced the launch of a new solution designed with small to medium (SMEs) employers in mind.

The service, which has only been available to a handful of existing clients to now, will advise SMEs on group risk, healthcare and wellbeing solutions tailored to them, and to best meet the evolving needs of their employees.

Commenting, principal consultant Graham Yearsley, who leads the employee benefits team at the firm, said: “Although gradually improving, the experience of small to medium employers in the market is generally still poor – they are often overlooked, cannot access the same resources and opportunities as larger organisations, and the quality of advice and consultancy they receive can be lacking. With SMEs by far the majority of the market, the disparity in service levels is unacceptable.

“According to government statistics, in the private sector 5.51 million businesses in the UK have less than 49 employees – this accounts for 99.2% of the total business population. Around 37,000 are medium sized and have 50-249 employees and only around 8,000 are large at 250 employees or more. And it’s growing, in 2023 there was a 0.8% increase of SMEs from 2022.

“Employee benefits programmes are critical attraction and retention tools – meeting employee expectations, ensuring the wellbeing and ongoing loyalty of staff, as well as optimising engagement. Getting it right is important whatever your size, but for SMEs it’s crucial.

“Recruitment is extremely competitive at the best of times and offering ever increasing salaries simply isn’t an affordable option, and neither does it address the overall wellbeing of staff. Frequent staff turnover can also be a real issue for a small employer, and difficult to manage. An expertly executed benefits package can have a big impact on an employment decision and, by proxy, the quality and loyalty of a team.

“It has to include honest investments in employees’ financial security, total health and career growth. As well, of course, as being accessible and affordable for an employer.”

Yearsley continued: “Our independent status means we can act nimbly and innovatively, creating truly bespoke solutions that are fit for purpose. We are able to access new and interesting things and act upon them quickly without the shackles of external shareholders – resulting in direct benefits to our clients and to their employees.”