Category Archives: Denbighshire

Business, Denbighshire, News, North Wales, Retail

Denbighshire County Council is seeking an operator for the Queen’s Market in Rhyl

Work to create a mixed-use development in the centre of Rhyl is progressing and the Council is now commencing the process to secure an operator to manage the development.

The Queen’s Market will be located in the newly developed Queens Building and will provide a mixed-use hall, offering a collection of Artisan eateries, retail and events space.

The development includes 18 individual units, including 5 hot food units, a double-sided bar and large flexible events space internally and an external area capable of holding events, markets or seating.

The building is a key catalyst project within the Councils wider Rhyl regeneration programme.

Recent major projects in the area have attracted multi-million pound private and public sector investment including:

  • Renovation of the Pavilion Theatre and creation of the ‘1891’ Restaurant
  • Two national branded hotels
  • A co-working space for new enterprises
  • The SC2 Waterpark and Ninja Tag
  • The Pont y Ddraig Bridge and Harbour improvements
  • Gerddi Heulwen housing and community park

Traders interested in operating at the Queens Market are also being encouraged to register their interest for a space.

Cllr Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said: “This is a very important step for the Queen’s Buildings project and a brilliant opportunity for local traders.

“Work to demolish the buildings has already resulted in supplying Denbighshire Businesses with work and individuals with placements through the councils Working Denbighshire scheme, however this is where the benefits to the county intensify further and I am very excited to follow the next steps.”

“This project will be an asset to the County and will benefit the whole of Denbighshire’s economy. I would encourage anyone interested in being the operator or wishing to trade at the Queens Market, to express their interest as soon as possible.”

If you would like to operate and manage the Queen’s Market or are interested in trading at the site, please contact us – https://preview-denbighshire.cloud.contensis.com/en/community-and-living/regeneration/rhyl/queens-buildings/opportunities.aspx

Agriculture, Denbighshire, Farming, Food & Drink, News, North Wales

Rhug Estate visitors encouraged to ‘Swap to Organic’ as part of Organic September Campaign

Organic September, the UK’s largest campaign to support organic farmers and producers, will be encouraging everyone to make planet-positive decisions, to show that nature has the answer, and a small swap can make a big difference. Throughout September Rhug Estate will be taking part in the scheme to entice customers to make the swap to organic products.

Organic September is about celebrating everything organic and the hard work and dedication that goes into growing and making it work with nature, not against it. The last year has brought huge changes to our world – now, more than ever, we are all seeking solutions that help restore nature, health and our climate.

With one small swap to organic, consumers can take a tangible action to support a more sustainable future for the world in which we live in – by supporting wildlife and high animal welfare; helping combat climate change and enjoying food as it should be. Organic works with nature, not against it, by protecting our soil, our wildlife and our world.

Unable to carry out something he did not believe in, Lord Newborough converted the land at Rhug, in Denbighshire, north Wales, to organic in 1998 when he inherited the conventional beef and sheep farm from his father. The satisfaction Lord Newborough gets from organic farming is unmeasurable and his passion for organic farming is never ending. Under an organic system the farm benefits from rich organic pastures that the animals are free to graze in a stress-free environment. The animals’ live life as nature intended with minimal stress and the highest quality of life.

Lord Newborough said, “Farming organically is more important than ever to the future of our planet as we are already having to face, head on, the impact of climate change. Every day the headlines tell us of wildfires, floods, record-breaking temperatures. For the sake of the next generation consumers must make the switch to an organic, sustainable, way of living.

“At Rhug we really care about sustainability in everything we do, organic farming, organic skin care, green energy and caring for the environment. We are constantly looking at how each aspect of the business can reduce its carbon footprint. Work will never stop on making Rhug as efficient as it possibly can be.”

           

During Organic September Rhug Farm Shop will be offering visitors a FREE Organic September organic tote bag and campaign postcards while stocks last.

Denbighshire, News, North Wales

Trefnant Garage Ltd expands into new premises with support from Barclays Bank

Trefnant Garage Ltd has expanded to a new premise at Unit 1, Kinmel Drive, Boedelwyddan, after a £750,000 investment supported by Barclays.

Established in 1970, the business now employs 9 staff and expects the expansion to create 5 new jobs over the next 12 months. As North Wales’ leading independent Mercedes-Benz specialist, the business continues to invest in new equipment such as vehicle lifts and a new automated test lane to carry out MOT class 4, 5(light) and 7.

 

Lyn Morgan, owner of Trefnant Garage Ltd said, “Investing and expanding post Brexit and during a pandemic has been challenging, but we have continued to grow and diversify the business to meet these challenges. We encountered delays and construction issues during the pandemic but we now have a purpose built, cutting edge facility to drive the business forward.”

 

Alison Monks-Roberts, Barclays Business Manager, said, “As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local growing businesses such as Trefnant Garage Ltd. Lyn is a great example of an entrepreneur using their industry experience, passion and skills to develop a successful business.  By really understanding the sector, we have been able to create a bespoke funding package to support the business throughout its expansion. The business also incorporated a number of environmental considerations into the construction project such as specialist insulation to obtain a preferential interest rate from a Barclays “Green” loan.”

 

Lyn continues, “We are well positioned within a growing market, with a loyal client base and can use this investment supported by Barclays to grow and diversify our business. Running a business is tough but the rewards far outweigh the downsides even after working long hours. We have plans to become an authorised repairer for a well-known car manufacturer in the near future and consolidate our expansion into the new site.

 

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd said “It is always good to see businesses in the Vale of Clwyd thriving. Due to the increasingly sophisticated technology of latest cars, Lyn has invested in the latest computer-based diagnostic equipment to repair a broad range of modern vehicles.

Work in the garage is carried out by Mercedes-trained technicians. He has received Mercedes-Benz training in the UK and Germany and has since lectured in Motor Vehicle Engineering at Llandrillo College.

I was very impressed by his new premises which will enable him to develop and grow the business further.”

 

For further information, visit www.trefnantgarage.com

 

 

 

Construction, Construction News, Denbighshire, News

Construction contract awarded for phase one of the Queen’s Buildings project in Rhyl

Denbighshire County Council has now awarded the contract for phase one of the Queen’s buildings project in Rhyl.

Two new CGI images show plans for the Queen’s buildings, a key catalyst project in the councils wider Rhyl Regeneration programme.

The first phase will see the construction of a new indoor market hall, event space and external landscaped area, along with the refurbishment of the Queens Chambers – the red brick building on Sussex Street.

External Visualisation

Although phase one was already due to have begun, due to birds nesting on the site this will now begin in the summer. Professional teams are closely monitoring the site to discourage further nesting and to ensure that birds already nesting are protected.

The funding for the development has been provided by the Council, the Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme and the European Regional Development Fund, and Wynne Construction has been appointed through the North Wales Construction Partnership (NWCP) framework to construct the building.

Cllr Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation Said: “I am very much looking forward to watching this key development progress.”

“The Queen’s Buildings will bring multiple jobs, and a unique retail offering for Denbighshire residents and visitors from further away.”

“People now use their town centres differently. This project will keep us modern and be a real asset to not just Rhyl but the whole of the County and its local economy.”

Signage has recently been installed around the building to showcase other projects associated with the wider Rhyl Regeneration project including Rhyl High School, Christ the Word, The Rhyl Coastal Defences, SC2, 1891, Greening Rhyl, Rhyl Harbour, Costigans Co Working space and Edward Henry Street.

For the most up to date information about projects involved in the Rhyl regeneration programme, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhyl-regeneration

Awards, Denbighshire, News, North Wales

Rhug Estate announced as finalist in Game Butcher Awards – they need your vote to win!

Rhug Estate has been shortlisted for the Game Butcher of the Year Award in the Eat Game Awards 2022 but it needs everyone to vote online to win.

The Eat Game Awards, now in their fourth year, are a celebration of wild British produce. Eight categories make up the awards, which recognise the achievements of champions of game, including chefs, producers and retailers. The awards aim to raise the profile of game meat and reward the passion, innovation and success of those working with wild game.

The judges of the Game Butcher of the Year Award are looking for the best local butcher selling a range of game meat. For this category, online nominations were collated and the top 10 have gone forward for online public voting. The three nominees with the most votes will go through to a final judging process by a mystery shopper visit, scored against a set criteria.

Steve James, the Manager of Rhug Estate’s Butcher’s Counter in the Farmshop said, “I was delighted when I found out that we had been nominated and shortlisted for this Award. The most rewarding part of the job behind the Butcher’s Counter in Rhug Farm Shop is recommending something to a customer and they come back to tell you how nice it was. It would be a huge honour to win this Award. If customers could take a minute to go online and vote for us it would be appreciated.”

Voting closes on Monday, 21 February 2022, and the Award winners will be announced on 25 March 2022. Please vote for Rhug Estate online here: https://eatgame.co.uk/eat-game-awards/voting/#best_butcher

Chances are if you have visited the Butcher’s Counter in Rhug Estate Farm Shop you have been served by Steve, as he is our expert, award winning, butcher who is always on hand to answer questions about the Rhug organic meat on display.

Steve James has worked at Rhug for almost six years. Previous to working in Rhug Estate’s Farm Shop he worked in Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Vernon’s Butchers and prior to that he worked with his dad on the Butcher’s counter in Kwik Save in Llay, Wrexham.

Steve was brought up around the butchery business as his dad had five shops and it has always been Steve’s great passion to get great animals and produce the best from them. In his spare time Steve enjoys shooting and fishing. His eldest son is in the RAF and his youngest son enjoys fishing with him.

Lord Newborough, Owner of Rhug Estate said, “Well done to Steve for his hard work which has resulted in our Butcher’s Counter being shortlisted for this Award. We pride ourselves on our customer service in the Farm Shop and the success of Rhug is built on always trying to go that extra mile for our customers. As a dedicated team we are always striving to do better and that is how it should be.”

Rhug Estate is renowned for producing the highest quality game including: grouse, pheasant, partridge, mallard, wild rabbit and venison.

This is the first time Rhug Estate has been shortlisted for the Best Game Butcher Award but in previous years Steve James has won the ‘Best Butcher in Wales’ Award. He also won the ‘Best Pie in Wales’ Award for his homemade steak and ale pies two years running.

Denbighshire, Hair and Beauty, News, Retail

Ruthin beauty salon backs #LoveLiveLocal campaign to boost local communities

A Denbighshire beautician says even the smallest purchase puts a huge smile on the face of local traders.

Independent beauty and hairdressing business Beauty on the Square, has been operating in Ruthin for over four years but like most, the global pandemic shook their usual ways of trading, so business owner and hair and beauty professional Kara Tyrrell had to think on her feet and adapt.

Kara who attended Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin and went onto train as a beautician, said: “During lockdown, I recognised that people were keen to look after themselves at home, particularly looking after their health, including skincare.

“I couldn’t offer physical services so instead used my professional knowledge to create skincare tutorials and then uploaded the videos onto our social media channels.

“After adding an online shop, social media viewers soon turned into customers and took advantage of our click and collect and our delivery service – the support was amazing.”

Beauty on the Square started offering gift items such as scented candles, make up bags and trinkets as well as tailor made pamper gift hampers and ‘at home packages’

Kara is supporting is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

She said: “There is an assumption that small businesses aren’t competitively priced as online stores, this is not always accurate. The difference is, by supporting local you are protecting local businesses and ultimately your high street.

“There is so much on offer in your local high street I would encourage people to explore what is on their doorsteps.”

Ruthin resident Kara has invested in specialist training to give back to her community.

She said: “We get involved in local fundraising events and are always attending training courses to better the salon and benefit our clients, such as dementia training to ensure the salon is dementia friendly.

“There is a strong community, including with our neighbouring businesses. Look after your local business and we can look after you.”

For further information about the campaign, follow Denbighshire County Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the #LoveLiveLocal Facebook page account.

 

 

Denbighshire, News, Retail

Denbighshire Businesses supported to safely welcome back customers

Covid Marshals are bringing back the confidence to shop safely and confidently indoors across the county.

The Council’s marshals are visiting Denbighshire towns to help provide businesses with support and guidance to ensure they are operating safely and following the legal guidelines as shoppers return as lockdown restrictions lift.

One such business that the Covid Marshals have supported Hayden Perham of Perham Prints on Rhyl High Street, with advice on safely welcoming his customers through the door once more.

The Rhyl business owner, who offers personal and professional printing services, explained that the Covid Marshals provided ‘peace of mind’ to himself and staff to move forward with helping customers enjoy face to face service in the shop.

He said: “It’s just getting that peace of mind that we are doing right in terms of where we place the signage, social distance wise and just general figuring out how to deal with this new virus.”

Hayden added that the support provided by the Marshals is 100 percent beneficial for indoor shopping confidence for those returning to the town after lockdown.

“Some customers are still wary and even if we have one person in people may still wait outside. We call them into the other side to wait as its safe over there. And luckily we have the marshal’s support to tell us that we can do that, so it’s safe to do so.

“Coming into the shop face to face, going back into the old routine now, they (customers) realise it’s a lot better than checking online.

He added: “I hope it shows with the marshals that people are here to support each other, it’s not a scary place to be in, it’s a safe place to shop it’s a safe place to be because there are people checking it all the time which is quite handy… its really good.”

Across the street, Carol Parr of FlowerTops explained the ‘friendly support’ of the marshals was welcomed by her and her husband Colin who also helps run the business.  FlowerTops began in 2009 and Carol, who is an Award Winning Florist, moved into the current premises during summer 2020 from their Wellington Rd shop.

Carol said: “The Covid Marshalls are frequent visitors and are very supportive and ask if we are ok or do we need any help. They are really impressed with what we have done to make our space safe and welcoming, so we must be doing something right.

“They are very visible, very friendly and I know that they have supported a lot of other businesses in town. It is so important that the locals and Visitors of Rhyl know that Rhyl takes safety seriously and has the welfare of the shoppers in hand to ensure all us businesses are following the Covid rules implemented by the Covid Marshalls”

Councillor Mark Young, Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We would like to thank all businesses for their hard work in these unprecedented times, in preparing to welcome shoppers back safely and with confidence by following the guidance and regulations.

“Our Covid Marshals have been visiting the towns to support businesses in welcoming back old friends and customers through their doors by providing advice and assistance on how to make premises safe for shopping.

“We do want to remind everyone that the virus has not gone away and it is just as important as ever to stay safe and stay to the rules whilst shopping indoors. It is still essential to continue to follow social distancing guidelines, use the hand sanitisers available in shops and wear a face mask unless you are exempt.”

 

Denbighshire, News

Denbighshire town centre car parks free throughout July to support local businesses

Denbighshire County Council is continuing to offer free parking at its town centre car parks throughout July.

The majority of the Council’s public car parks in the main town centres have remained open during the lockdown period and continue to be free of charge for the remainder of the month.

The free parking is to encourage residents and visitors to use the county’s town centres for shopping and for doing business.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We wish to remind residents that free car parking in our main town car parks will continue in July, as we recognise that we need to support town centres through encouraging people to come and shop and spend their money locally.

“Many of our town centre businesses are now open and have done so safely, offering locals and visitors a wide range of services and shoppers can take advantage of free parking to support local businesses.

“We made an early decision to drop the charges during the lockdown, however that position is under regular review.”

Signs have been placed at all car parks that are free and residents are reminded that charges do apply to car parks not located in town centres. You can find more information on the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/car-parks

Council car parks which currently have charges are:

Beach Road East, Prestatyn

Nova West, Prestatyn

Nova rear car park, Prestatyn

Barkby Beach, Prestatyn

Rhyl Pavilion

East Parade car park, Rhyl

Rhyl Promenade on-street parking

Moel Famau

Loggerheads

Llantysilio Green

This doesn’t include private car parks such as Morfa Hall, Rhyl or St Asaph Cathedral.

Denbighshire, Healthcare, News, News from Wales, North Wales, PPE

PPE experts ensure NHS Wales’ equipment is fit for purpose

As the Covid-19 pandemic sparked unprecedented global demand and competition for personal protective equipment (PPE), a Denbighshire-based protective equipment specialist has leveraged its international supply chains to ensure Wales has access to sources of essential equipment.

Established in 2005, Workplace Worksafe is a major UK supplier of workplace PPE and protective workwear. As one of the largest independent distributors in the UK, the company typically sells more than 250,000 products to customers operating in a range of sectors across the country and Europe.

Responding to a call issued by Life Sciences Hub Wales for industry support in Wales’ battle against the virus, PPE experts at Workplace Worksafe utilised their relationships with an international network of PPE and protective clothing manufacturers to establish a pipeline of productive equipment, including masks, scrubs and fitment tests, into the country.

The Covid-19 emergency has seen businesses across Wales rally to ensure NHS Wales and frontline services can access PPE equipment that will protect those working to save lives and serve their communities. To date, partnering with Life Sciences Hub Wales has enabled Workplace Worksafe to supply over 27,120 pieces of equipment into NHS Wales via the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership.

Cari-Anne Quinn, CEO of Life Sciences Hub Wales, said: “Our call out to Welsh industry generated a phenomenal response from businesses operating in a range of sectors across the country.

“Workplace Worksafe are a fantastic example of how Wales has been able to create partnerships that unlock specialist expertise and facilitate collaboration that results in new supply chains into NHS Wales. Our work with NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership has enabled us to secure safe and certified products that will play a vital role in protecting both patients, and those working on the frontline of our health and social care sectors.”

The achievements of the Workplace Worksafe team goes beyond the ability to source PPE. Their expertise and experience alongside partners at Life Sciences Hub Wales has enabled them to ensure that the equipment sourced meets the standards required for use by NHS Wales.

PPE equipment, such as masks, can only protect an individual if it fits correctly, forming a secure seal when worn. For this reason, Workplace Worksafe also worked to secure FIT Test kits that help NHS Wales staff ensure that they find the type of mask that best fits and protects them.

In addition to producing and sourcing equipment for Wales’ healthcare and frontline services, Workplace Worksafe is also helping employers across Wales to access the PPE they need to keep their teams and customers safe.

Workplace-Worksafe’s managing director, Rhian Parry, said: “As a Welsh business, we are passionate about moving the production of PPE and other critical goods back to Wales. Our team in Ruthin have been working extended hours, seven days a week to secure supplies and we are proud that we have been able to help with sourcing much-needed resources for healthcare teams across the country.

“Working with Life Science Hub Wales is allowing us to ensure that the equipment, that our teams have worked tirelessly to source and create, goes directly to where NHS Wales needs it the most. That work isn’t over as we continue to secure regular shipments of PPE for NHS Wales, with new containers arriving each month.”

Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, Lee Waters said: “Welsh businesses continue to play an absolutely crucial role in helping us provide the vital PPE supplies our healthcare workers need.

“Suppliers like Workplace Worksafe have really risen to the challenge posed by this pandemic and are key in ensuring we have a long-term supply of important items.

“I would like to thank them, and the Life Sciences Hub, for all that they’re doing as we continue to deal with coronavirus.”