Category Archives: News from Wales

Awards, Manufacturing, News, News from Wales, Wales News

ROCKWOOL named as finalist in prestigious Lloyds Bank National Business Awards

South Wales manufacturing company, ROCKWOOL, has recently been announced as a finalist in the Lloyds Bank Mid-Market Business of the Year Award category in the National Business Awards 2020. The shortlisting is a commendation to ROCKWOOL’s established market position, growth and success over the years.

The National Business Awards recognise the nation’s most impressive public, private and third sector businesses, with the Mid-Market Business of the Year award celebrating the contribution of businesses to the UK economy.

ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading manufacturer of non-combustible, stone wool insulation products, has made significant investments into the business’ base in Bridgend and has demonstrated excellent expansion and sustained growth plans.

With a culture of ambition, integrity, responsibility and efficiency, ROCKWOOL’s growth aspirations, ongoing innovation and high performing product range were just some of the reasons behind its recent shortlisting.

ROCKWOOL’s turnover has increased 68% over the last two years as a result of continued investment. As a living wage employer, creating over 130 jobs to support the local economy since 2018, ROCKWOOL is pioneering its own success with an investment in technology, sustainability and new market segments to ensure its performance continues to go from strength to strength.

“When it comes to business recognition, the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards are the ones to win. They allow any successful organisation to tell their story, from large private and public companies, to thriving entrepreneurial businesses, promising start-ups and established SMEs. Winning a Lloyds Bank National Business Award comes with significant business benefits, including increased brand awareness and reputation among customers and partners, valuable insight into best practice and employee recognition and retention.” said Sarah Austin, Awards Director.

“We are incredibly pleased to be named as finalists in the Lloyds Bank Mid-Market Business of the Year Award. We have worked hard over the years to maintain our market position as the UK’s leading manufacturer of stone wool insulation and have made significant investments in our business to deliver the best service for the construction industry. This shortlisting is a testament to the determination and drive the entire team at ROCKWOOL has to retain our position within the market.” Darryl Matthews, Managing Director at ROCKWOOL.

The awards are scheduled to take place virtually on 10th November 2020. To find out more, please visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk. To learn more about ROCKWOOL, please visit www.rockwool.co.uk.

Business Investment, News, News from Wales

New investment in Rural Economy to support sector’s recovery

A £106m financial investment could contribute to the rural economy’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The funding package from the Welsh Government and EU Rural Development Programme will be delivered over the next three years to support projects that boost the rural economy, enhance biodiversity and improve food sector resilience in Wales.

The funding has been welcomed by the sector including Don Thomas, Chair of ACCA Wales, who supports businesses who deliver services to the rural economy.

Don’s work primarily focuses on quality assurance in the food production supply chain, ensuring businesses demonstrate compliance and due diligence.

Responding to the financial investment announcement, Don said: “This financial package is a welcome investment for the rural economy and will build upon the sector’s experiences during the pandemic to contribute to a green recovery.

“The rural economy has adapted its practices this year, embracing remote working and sharing knowledge across the sector online which has reduced emissions and the need to travel beyond the local area. However, moving forward we will need to manage a healthy balance of remote and physical work. Funding projects that support the sector to be able to do both will be beneficial.”

Other financial schemes will also be developed in response to the pandemic and other challenges such as Brexit.

Don added: “The rural economy will be greatly affected by Brexit, particularly the food supply chain, as the EU is our primary exports market. The resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic this Autumn has shifted the focus away from Brexit, leaving great uncertainty within the sector about what agreement will be reached by the end of the year and the impact it will have on us.

“As the financial package will be delivered over three years, we hope the investment will also support businesses through any challenges they will face when we leave the EU.”

Finance and Banking, News, News from Wales

ACCA Cymru Wales Issues Response to Chancellor’s Economic Update Statement

ACCA Cymru issued the following response to the Chancellors’ economic update:

“ACCA is encouraged the Chancellor has considered small and medium businesses in his statement. We welcome the extra time and flexibility in the way SMEs will be able to pay back their bounce back loans and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and we hope to see a simple approach for applying for loans or converting existing loans.

“Alongside this it is important the government promotes a responsible lending ecosystem and supports SMEs to access the necessary professional advice to properly plan for these long-term financial liabilities.

‘The Chancellor has also acknowledged the pressure small firms are under in terms of cash flow and being able to extend payment of VAT bills over 11 months will be a relief to businesses. However, we’d like clarity on a deferral scheme for all tax payments, not just VAT.

“While it is welcome that Government is seeking to find ways to help SMEs weather the next six months, it is important these new rules are explained to businesses and their advisors in a clear way, so that everyone knows where they stand.

‘The measures outlined today continue to leave out the two million limited companies company directors employing around 7.5m people. We understand that initial measures had to be rolled out quickly, but this new phase of support is a good opportunity to bring self-employed company directors onto an equal footing with those on the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.‘

News, News from Wales

Premier Forest Features In League Table Of Britain’s Leading Mid-Market Private Companies

Welsh-headquartered timber company Premier Forest Group has been listed in the annual Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 league table which ranks Britain’s leading mid-market private companies.

The inclusion of the Newport-based company reflects its strong financial performance, and also its work supporting the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the creation of the Nightingale and Dragon Hospitals.

Premier Forest Group is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, sawmilling, processing, merchanting, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its 16 sites in the UK and Ireland.

It employs more than 360 staff, and saw turnover grow to £141million for the year ending April 2019, with a profit of £5million.

Terry Edgell, CEO, said: “We are obviously delighted that Premier Forest has been recognised in such a prestigious index of some of the UK’s leading companies.

“It is indicative of the strength and ambitions of the company, and acknowledges also the incredible work the Premier team undertook to support the creation of the Nightingale and Dragon hospitals almost overnight.

“At such a difficult time for so many people we are honoured to have been able to play a part in the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Top Track 250 is sponsored by PwC and Lloyds Bank, and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm.

Arif Ahmad, a Private Business Partner at PwC UK, the title sponsor of the league table, commented:

“There’s no doubt that 2020 has posed unprecedented challenges. But time and again, we’ve seen business leaders rising to that challenge, adapting their plans and taking the opportunity to innovate. This year, it’s more important than ever to recognise and congratulate the companies featured in the Top Track 250. They are the backbone of the UK economy and it’s our pleasure to work with them, at every stage of their journeys.”

Over 16 years, the Top Track 250 league table has featured many of Britain’s most successful mid-market private companies. Past stars include appliance maker Dyson, which first featured in 2005. Ocado, which last appeared in 2008 with sales of £273m, has since seen its value increase more than 20 times to £20bn. The Hut Group first featured in 2013 with sales of £157m, and floated this month valued at £5.4bn.

The full league table is published as a 10-page broadsheet supplement within the business section of The Sunday Times today (27 September), both in print and in the digital edition, and on www.fasttrack.co.uk.

News, News from Wales

Secretary of State visit for Hybrisan

The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart has recognised Wales based Hybrisan for its work in the fight against Covid-19, as part of plans to visit Welsh companies that have made a significant impact during the COVID pandemic.

The MP was able to tour Hybrisan’s facilities and examine the products themselves, including the liquid sanitiser used for surface and hand sanitisation for the NHS and other frontline workers.   The sanitiser, which was developed by Hybrisan is 99.999% effective in killing bacteria and viruses including coronavirus without alcohol, even on surfaces.

Simon Hart was impressed with the company, not only for the work they have conducted throughout the pandemic but with their future plans and has promised to return when the facilities have been completed.

Following the visit, Mr. Hart said: “Hybrisan is a company that was set up to conduct research in the life sciences sector. At the start of the pandemic they downed tools & put all of their efforts into fighting Covid-19.  It has been an unbelievable effort, and it was great to finally meet them at their base in Port Talbot.”

Hybrisan have recently developed an electrospinning recipe which allows the sanitiser liquid to be spun by a cutting edge machine into ultrafine fibres (nanofibres) and is now working closely with Welsh Government and other PPE manufacturers to scale up production of electrospun fibres for use in facemasks and wound dressings.

Dr Chris Mortimer, Technical Director of Hybrisan said: “We were delighted to welcome the Secretary State for Wales at our new facility in Port Talbot. Whilst we have been working on both our sanitiser and face mask material developments we have been constructing our new cutting-edge facility with electrospinning production capabilities and first-class laboratory space. We are planning to open the facility formally in October”

The business announced a successful equity investment raise earlier this year, and has already set about using the capital to purchase a new ‘electrospinning’ machine which will enable them to scale up manufacturing of facemask filters.  The company has plans for expansion and to create new jobs within Wales, in what is shaping up to be an exciting year of growth for the business.

Book Releases, Business Advice, HR News, News from Wales

Your Business, Your Way: new book launched by serial entrepreneur

A serial entrepreneur and author from Wales has published a new book designed to help individuals fulfil their potential in business by better understanding what is truly unique about them – and the businesses they have created.

‘Your Business, Your Way’, No 1 on Amazons Hot New Releases list in the HR-Training category, has been written by Bernie Davies, a former lawyer, restaurateur, motivational speaker and owner of the Introbiz West Wales franchise. It is already available on Amazon Kindle and will be in paperback by the end of October.

The book builds on Bernie’s previous work the ‘Networking Handbook’, which has been used by hundreds of entrepreneurs to upskill themselves in the art of networking. Bernie argues that networking in the right way leaves an indelible imprint on those you meet, a phenomenon she calls the ‘You Print’.

She believes this unique print is also instrumental in creating a brand that characterises both the individual and, ultimately, their business. It manifests itself in how an individual will structure their company and deliver services. This new book builds on these theories and helps individuals embrace their own uniqueness to create brand and drive success in business.

Due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, Bernie has also taken a unique and innovative approach to organising the official book launch. She will do so during a Zoom meeting on September 3. If you wish to join her at the launch, the link is below.

Bernie also recently formed a new venture. Bernie Davies Global has the stated aim of helping businesses and other entrepreneurs navigate the pitfalls of getting back to a new normal post COVID-19 lockdown – and ready to embrace opportunities that emerge.

Bernie boasts a remarkable CV. An attorney-at-law by training, she became head of property at NewLaw Solicitors, a role in which he became successful networker and Dynamo Role Model for the Welsh Government. She has since built a career as a serial entrepreneur, business strategist, motivational speaker and author. She launched a much-loved chain of restaurants called Jamaican Jill’s and owns Introbiz West Wales a successful networking franchise.

She was also a founding council member of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Neath Chamber of Trade and has received numerous accolades including Best Caribbean Restaurant in Wales 2019, Swansea Black Icon 2019 and Excellence in Business 2017, an award associated with Black History Month. She was also voted in the Top 100 Business Women in Wales 2017.

Bernie Davies said: “I am very excited by the launch of my new book, which I think pulls together all the experiences I have had over the last decade and builds on the theories of my previous work. I believe each of us is unique and by finding and embracing this uniqueness, it is possible to find the winning formula for us as individuals and the businesses we create.”

If you would like to attend the virtual book launch, please visit the following link and register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-audience-with-bernie-davies-author-of-your-business-your-way-tickets-117574844525

‘Your Business, Your Way’ can be ordered at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Business-Way-Perspective-Development-ebook/dp/B08FNJHRLF

Food & Drink, Foodie News, News, News from Wales

Ministerial visit for innovative food and drink producers

Tuesday this week saw the visit of the Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths to the Wye Valley Meadery to see at first hand the work undertaken by the Wye Valley Producers Group during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group is a collaboration of the Wye Valley’s finest, award winning food and drink producers who have come together to offer a no contact, click & collect farmers market for a Friday drive through collection service, giving local residents easy and safe access to local products.

Angharad Underwood from The Preservation Society, one of the Wye Valley Producers group said,

“We are currently selling via an online click & collect for a Friday drive through. We also post boxes of deliciousness and our long term plan is to have a permanent base and promote stockists of Wye Valley Producers. We are arranging events, sharing event attendance and planning a collaborated ‘one stop shop’ ordering system for outlets to buy from us all with a coordinated logistical delivery system.”

Producers of the Wye Valley Producers group include Cinderhill Farm, Untapped Brewery, Gorsley Growers, Sourdough by Hill Farm Barn, Isabels Bakehouse, Netherend Farm Butter, Hollow Ash Orchard, Wye Valley Meadery, The Preservation Society, Silver Circle Distillery, Brooke’s Wye Valley Dairy Co., Cottage Sweets, Kontext Coffee Company, Chilli Rogues, Parva Spices, Humble by Nature, Kingstone Brewery and Orchard’s Cider.

Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said,

“I was delighted to be invited to the Wye Valley Meadery and to meet with the Wye Valley Producers to hear of the work that they have been doing to help the local community by coming together to offer a service that is safe and easy during this challenging time.

“A lot of our Welsh food and drink businesses have had their plans for this year disrupted and they have had to adapt to survive. This shows great determination and as Welsh Government we will endeavour to support our crucial food and drink industry as we rebuild the economy.”

During the visit the Minister met with a number of the Wye Valley Producers, where she also sampled a range of their products and was given a hamper to take home.

Lesley Griffiths was also provided with an overview of the support offered to the Wye Valley Producer Group via the Welsh Government’s Fine Food & Drink Wales Cluster network, which aims to help Welsh food and drink producers to grow.

Commenting further Angharad Underwood from The Preservation Society said “The Fine Food Cluster has been absolutely brilliant, helping to facilitate and support the development of the Wye Valley Producer Group. Practical support has been provided to realise the idea and identify solutions for issues”.  

The Fine Food & Drink Wales Cluster brings together a range of food and drink producers, which have high quality products with ambition to grow alongside commercial, government and academic partners. It provides opportunities to work with other businesses to overcome obstacles to growth and exploit commercial opportunities.

FInance, Finance News, News, News from Wales, North Wales, Recruitment News

Flintshire recruitment company is the right candidate for post-COVID growth thanks to RBS support

Recruitment and training services provider, Enbarr Enterprises, has secured a £300,000 funding package from Royal Bank of Scotland Invoice Finance to support the business through the coronavirus pandemic and drive forward growth plans.

The Flintshire-based company, which specialises in recruitment and upskilling workforces in organisations in the manufacturing, distribution, innovation and space, engineering, and third sector industries, will use the funding to boost cashflow until lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.

Enbarr’s Managing Director, Vicki Roskams, founded the business in 2015 to help clients with their recruitment, training requirements and upskilling their current workforce. The business also works with candidates in the local area looking for new roles. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the firm expected to turnover up to £3 million this year.

However, the impact of lockdown meant hiring ambitions for many of Enbarr’s clients were put on hold. And, while the business quickly pivoted into training key sectors like skilled cleaning for COVID-19 to secure workplaces, demand for Enbarr’s core services dropped in lockdown.

The funding from NatWest will allow Enbarr to see through this challenging period while providing enough supporting capital to allow the business to continue its growth plans once lockdown restrictions are lifted. The funding has also been used to upgrade Enbarr’s IT and digital connectivity to make it easier for its customers to access its services online.

The additional capital will also support the recruitment and training firm as it brings its two key members of staff back from furlough.

Vicki said: “The last six months have been challenging to say the least and without this funding and support, I believe the future sustainability and story of our organisation would not have been so positive.”

“The team at NatWest have supported us from the beginning of the pandemic and as a result, we should be in a strong enough position to continue with our growth ambitions after lockdown and once our full team have returned to the office.”

Bathgate Leasing Limited introduced Vicki to Business Development Managers, Maria Fraughan and Steven Phillips.

Steven said: “Recruitment & Training businesses like Enbarr rely on a strong economy and active job market, so when both were impacted by lockdown, it was important that we stepped in and helped as much as possible.

“Considering the company is only five years old, Enbarr has an impressive turnover and that’s testament to Vicki and her team’s drive to grow the business. We’re confident they’ll come out of this stronger and meet the company’s future growth ambitions.”

COVID-19, Healthcare, Jobs, News, News from Wales

BBI Creates New Jobs to Support Next Phase in COVID-19 Home Test Development ( Now Hiring in Crumlin, South Wales)

BBI Solutions is recruiting for roles to support its work as part of a UK Government consortium, tasked with developing and manufacturing a Covid-19 Point of Care antibody test to support the government strategy on COVID-19 testing.

Four months ago, UK Government established the UK-Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC), in which BBI Solutions is a partner, to develop a COVID-19 lateral flow antibody test that can be used by people in their homes to determine if they have an antibody response to COVID-19, which would confirm previous infection.

This test together with the Government’s overall strategy on testing and vaccination mark a move towards detecting and eradicating the virus.

The successful completion of the development of the assay means BBI and its UK-Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC) partners require more staff to meet production demands in advance of final approval of the test by regulatory authorities.

BBI is investing in multiple roles at its manufacturing headquarters in Crumlin, South Wales, and these roles will be based in Manufacturing, Quality Control, Compliance, Technical Operations and Supply Chain.

Given the scale of the potential demand for the test within the UK, the Consortium will introduce a phased ramping up in capacity, but is making these key appointments in preparation for ensuring a smooth transition to high volume production at the manufacturing facilities by the end of the year.

This is a unique opportunity to join a progressive and growing organisation, which is contributing to South Wales and the UK’s resistance to the pandemic.

BBI Group Chief Executive Dr Mario Gualano said: “Given the difficult times we find ourselves in, we are delighted to announce vacancies. We have always valued our employees and they have been key to the speed at which our work with UK-RTC has progressed. We are pleased to be able to build on our team – these are exciting times for BBI and we envisage these key appointments playing their part in further developments with the Consortium.

“This is a very complex project that is being completed at extraordinary speed, compared to a normal test development programme.

“But we remain on track to deliver a test to the UK that will make a significant difference to the approach needed to manage COVID-19 infections.

“We are proud to be an integral part of this project and are thrilled with the progress to date.”

For further details on vacancies, please see www.the-bbigroup.com/careers/our-vacancies/

Awards, News, News from Wales

Cardiff-Based Entrepreneur Ben Keighley Shortlisted As ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020’ Finalist

Against the backdrop of a global health crisis and ongoing economic uncertainty, Cardiff-based Entrepreneur Ben Keighley has received a shortlisting for the ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020’. The shortlisting process has seen a plethora of worthy nominations from across the United Kingdom, whittled down to only five finalists in each category.

Encompassing the entire UK, the ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards’ is an annually held event designed to recognise, celebrate and support the achievements of entrepreneurs from the four nations. Cardiff-based entrepreneur Ben Keighley has been announced as a finalist in the Welsh region’s ‘Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year’ category, in a field of strong competition.

Ben commented: “I’m delighted to have been told my nomination has been shortlisted as a finalist in this category. I’m passionate about what I do and genuinely believe in the untapped potential of entrepreneurial minds. Now more than ever, we need to be broadening our thinking and supporting innovation across every industry.”

Ben Keighley is the founder and managing director of ‘Routes 4 Media’ – a full-funnel digital ad agency that uses unparalleled creative, targeted media buying and data, to produce results for ambitious companies. From its inception over 7 years ago, Ben Keighley has shaped the organisation into a forwarding-thinking, results-driven ad agency, that puts clients first.

Ben continued: “The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is a fantastic platform for entrepreneurs to connect, take inspiration from one another and to foster a sense of community. Each category is bursting with talented individuals and I’m both thrilled and humbled to be a shortlisted finalist.”

The ‘Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020’ regional finals are on the 23rd September and will be held virtually this year. For more information, please visit the official website at https://www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com