Leading Welsh transport provider NAT Group has joined South Wales Chamber of Commerce as one of their select number of Corporate Partners, to share expertise and gain support and advice from the business network at a time of key development for the group.
The company, which operates bus services across South Wales from its depots in Cardiff, Swansea and Taffs Well, is currently undergoing a rebrand, gradually updating all 150 vehicle livery with the new ‘Adventure Travel’ branding and fleet names.
NAT Group has led the way with the recent introduction of rigorous cleaning and hygiene procedures across its 150 vehicles, in keeping with Covid-19 rules and regulations, along with being one of the only bus operators in South Wales to adopt cashless bus travel to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is this pioneering approach which aligns the business with many of the Chamber’s priorities.
Throughout this pandemic, NAT Group has illustrated the agility and flexibility of the business, reacting swiftly to passenger needs and Welsh Government requirements while ensuring that the group’s environmental ethos has not been compromised.
NAT Group Managing Director Adam Keen said: “We have gone through a significant period of change over the last 12 months, but we have much more to do. Becoming a Corporate Partner of the Chamber will help us achieve this by providing guidance and connections which will assist the group in cementing its reputation as an innovative, pioneering and responsible Welsh business.
“The Chamber’s longstanding relationship with Welsh Government and other key decision makers also had a great impact on our decision to enter into a partnership. We value other business’ opinions, priorities and input and the Chamber provides a great forum in which to share all of this. We want to be an employer of choice in Wales and a business which works closely with local Welsh commerce.”
South Wales Chamber of Commerce CEO Heather Anstey added: “Partnering with New Adventure Travel will give a pinpoint focus on corporate travel and public transport services. This has never been more important than now, as we deal with the health issues around Covid and as we move to a greater emphasis on sustainability and the environment.”
Take action to ensure that 2m physical distancing is maintained between people on your premises, where possible
Implement other measures to help reduce the risk of being exposed to Covid-19 on your premises, for example, increased cleaning, handwashing and good hygiene procedures
Actively implement Test, Trace, Protect in the workplace
Bridgend Council Leader, Cllr Huw David, said: “As many businesses reopen they must do so safely in a way that complies with the coronavirus regulations in addition to other legal obligations imposed on employers such as health and safety legislation.
“A Covid-19 risk assessment will have particular regard to whether the people doing the work are especially vulnerable to coronavirus. Risk assessments are a legal requirement for pregnant women, no matter the size of the business.
“And, where working from home is not reasonably practicable, those responsible for workplaces or for premises open to the public, must ensure that everything reasonable is done to maintain a 2m distance between people on the premises while they are working, including outdoor locations – this is a legal requirement in Wales under the coronavirus regulations.
“It is vital employers ensure they are up to date with the latest information and relevant guidance to ensure our workplaces and customers are kept as safe as possible at this time.”
Businesses are being asked to take all reasonable measures to minimise exposure to Covid-19, for example by:
limiting the level of face-to-face interaction
using physical barriers
increased hygiene, environmental cleanliness and providing reminders about the importance of hygiene
washing hands well for 20 seconds with soap and drying thoroughly, or using alcohol-based hand gels, before and after close contact
minimising loud noises which will require people to shout over them
The Welsh Government has also issued statutory guidance on taking all reasonable measures to minimise exposure to Covid-19. Failing to take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to coronavirus is an offence in Wales, which on conviction may lead to a fine.
For detailed sector specific guidance on working safely during the pandemic or to complete a Covid-19 risk assessment, please visit the Healthy Working Wales website which brings together a raft of information from organisations including UK Government, Welsh Government, Public Health Wales, NHS Direct Wales and the Health and Safety Executive to help signpost businesses to the relevant guidance.
testing those who have Covid-19 symptoms and asking them to isolate while taking a test and waiting for a result
tracing those individuals who have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, requiring them to take precautions and self-isolate for 14 days.
Further information and a toolkit providing practical resources to help employers keep their workforce safe at work is available on the Business Wales website.
People are seeking in-house support for elderly or disabled relatives as lockdown eases, according to Taylormaids, a Pembrokeshire-based provider of home help and assistance services designed to promote independent living.
The fast spread of coronavirus in care homes has made home support a more attractive option, but as volunteer helpers and relatives return to work, many elderly and disabled people need someone to help them with housekeeping, shopping and other essential tasks.
Taylormaids, part of the NetLet group of companies, provides DBS checked helpers with specialist training geared to the needs of their individual clients, covering everything from Alzheimer’s to mental health issues such as hoarding. The company, which launches its new website this week, aims to bridge the gap between independent living and care homes.
Director Emma Taylor created Taylormaids after spotting a need for the service in Pembrokeshire, which has a high proportion of retired people.
“As they get older, many people find their needs increase – but often their relatives live away or work full-time so they have limited availability to help,” she says. “The aim of Taylormaids is to help people who, rather than moving into a care home, prefer to maintain as much independence as they can for as long as possible.
“With that in mind, our Taylormaids offer a very wide range of support, and can also bring in people such as plumbers and gardeners from our network of other service providers.”
As well as helping elderly clients, Taylormaids support people with other needs, such as learning disabilities. One happy client is Chris from Crymych, an adult with Down’s syndrome. Chris’ mother Shirley wanted to support Chris’ wish to live an independent life while also ensuring he had the support he needed.
“I have been using them for more than five years and have found them so completely professional,” she says. “I have a full home help housekeeping service, not just a cleaning service, with my laundry done to perfection and delivered promptly.
“I have never been let down by the company and on the very few occasions my housekeeper has not been available they have always sent someone I know and recognise. They have helped me greatly with my son’s independence and I hope to continue using this service for the foreseeable future. I could not recommend it enough.”
For Emma, this kind of story is one of the great rewards of her work.
“I’m hugely proud of our Taylormaids and the support they give our clients,” she says. “They enable them to live independently and with dignity, and to live life to the full for as long as possible. Coronavirus and the easing of lockdown have made these services more important than ever, and it’s a pleasure to be able to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
After an unprecedented rush in bookings for staycations across July and August, UK campsites and self-catering accommodation owners have experienced some of the biggest highs and lows ever this year, losing all their income from spring breaks due to the lockdown, then a complete reversal of fortunes since accommodation re-opened with owners now having to turn away bookings and some campsites charging as much per night as holiday cottages for a patch of grass with hookups.
Despite only recently re-opening, some owners are reporting that Autumn is looking almost as busy as August for bookings. However, it isn’t only lockdown and a lack of availability that is seeing the Autumn months in demand – some tourists prefer to come when things are quieter. We spoke to some UK accommodation providers to see how things are looking for them after the slow start to the traditional Summer season:
“For those not tied to the school holidays, there are so many benefits to enjoying a holiday this Autumn in the UK. The months of September and October offer much more choice of accommodation, you can avoid the crowds, it is often cheaper outside of the peak summer months, and the weather and sea temperatures can often be as good as July and August. These months are also great for wildlife spotting with migratory birds and butterflies more prominent at this time of year.”
New this season, Porthcothan Mill Cottage is a perfect example of a location that is likely to prove popular all year round. The 16th century mill cottage is just a 5 minute walk across a field to Porthcothan Bay, a dog friendly beach – and the cottage is already booked until mid-September.
Porthcothan Bay, Cornwall
Located at the end of a private road in a tranquil valley, the cottage, is a 10/15 minute drive to many of north Cornwall’s popular locations including Padstow and Watergate Bay. The cottage has a range of original character features, and has been thoughtfully renovated and furnished with a mix of new, vintage and recycled furniture including vintage items such as a Paul Metalcraft kitchen with reclaimed iroko worktops. Some of the items in the cottage have been sourced from local vintage shops, and artists. Designed to be comfortable throughout the year, the cottage is gas centrally heated, has a log burning stove, and a kadai – perfect for an evening bbq or for huddling up during those cooler evenings.
Pembrokeshire campsite owner, Geraint Jenkins, still under Welsh lockdown restrictions until 25 July, says despite not opening for campers yet, both Summer and Autumn bookings at his campsite, Dunston Hill, are filling fast – but unlike some, he hasn’t inflated his prices this year:
Dunston Hill Caravan and Camping
Geraint says:
“We are well established and many of our clients are seasonal caravan owners – but I had guests provisionally enquiring about camping bookings for August, September and October long before the Welsh Government officially announced we would be able to open next week, many of whom have not stayed with us before. It isn’t surprising – I’ve heard reports of some campsites in England charging up to £60 per night for a basic pitch (with extra fees for electric, children over 10, dogs, awnings and so on), fees for these sites mount up and can easily exceed the cost for staying in a motel room or holiday cottage. Many are trying Wales for the first time, it seems many aren’t prepared to pay the increases from campsite owners taking advantage.
Newgale Beach
“We are minutes from Newgale Beach and our prices remain extremely competitive, and we tend to be popular across the season anyway. I’m just looking forward to welcoming our regulars and some new faces, it’s a bit of a labour of love for us.”
Gower holiday cottage owner/operator, Jon Dickson, who runs Hael Farm Cottages with his wife Julie, says since re-opening earlier this month, their five star equipped holiday cottages are now almost full until October – with bookings through December and into next year:
Three Cliffs Bay
“Our cottages are open all year round, and we were full up until October back in March! It was heartbreaking to see a flood of cancellations and postponements after lockdown, but we were able to support some keyworkers with accommodation. Literally within minutes of Mark Drakeford’s re-opening announcements, our guests began re-booking. We now only have a handful of short break dates left in September, with some bookings already for November and December, priced from £90 per night and sleeping from 5-14 people. Our Port Eynon cottages are 100m from a blue flag beach and Hael Farm Cottage is simply idyllic, approached down a long winding drive which opens into a beautiful clearing. It’s only 5 minutes drive from Three Cliffs Bay and Pennard Golf course, with all Gower’s other attractions within easy reach.
Port Eynon Beach
Both Geraint and Jon experience regular visitors who come year after year, something they expect Kate to also experience. Jon says:
“We couldn’t give this business up if we wanted to, our guests have become our friends and extended family, we see their children grow up, we send each other Christmas cards, running holiday accommodation is hard work, but it’s also a lifestyle, not a job – in fact we spent lockdown creating a pond for our guests to enjoy and our dog, Alfie, loves visitors as much as we do!”
With the UK holiday season this year set to run through September and October – and possibly even November for holiday cottage owners, could lockdown extend the UK holiday season permanently? For these commiteed operators, who lost so much at the start of the season, we certainly hope so!
Cardiff-based aerospace company Smallspark Space Systems has entered into an exciting agreement with Leaf Space, an Italian provider of ground segment services to satellite operators and launchers, to bring cutting edge ground station services to UK Government and private sector clients.
Smallspark and Leaf Space plan for a partnership to deliver joint bids for projects with the UK Government and other commercial operators in the UK , with the aim of becoming the primary contractor for services related to supporting the UK governments ambitions with OneWeb, the proposed 650-satellite constellation which will provide worldwide satellite internet and broadband services to people across the globe.
This major proposed collaboration changes the landscape of UK aerospace, with both companies working together to provide UK-based services for OneWeb, including the development of new, low-cost, rapidly deployable ground stations, expansion of ground segment coverage to new geographies as well as operating & maintaining OneWeb’s existing ground station networks.
At a time when the economy has contracted, and many businesses are facing difficult challenges, such positive news will provide a major boost for the UK Space sector.
If successful, the bid will kickstart rapid development across the space value chain, creating new skilled jobs, providing massive opportunities for investment across the sector, with new sites proposed across the country, and exploring the potential of manufacturing opportunities in the UK.
Commenting on this agreement, Joe Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Smallspark Space Systems said:
“Working with Leaf Space is an exciting opportunity for both Smallspark and UK Space as a whole; with the UK’s goals of dramatically expanding its reach into space, we’re keen to help support the governments ambitions wherever possible. With both satellite constellations and native launch capabilities, it is essential the UK has reliable, agile ground station services to support applications requiring high bandwidth & low latency communications, driven by adoption of 5G technologies via terrestrial & satellite networks. Italy has always been a pioneer in the global space market, and we’re thrilled to lead the path to strengthen UK-Italy ties.”
Jai Dialani, Sr. Business Developer on behalf of Leaf Space, said:
“Partnership with Smallspark Space Systems is a valuable opportunity for our company to start a collaboration with a pioneering launch service provider. We will provide an immediately available ground segment service capability to broaden their portfolio. This will help potential customers find a complete solution for their missions, assuring a reliable and consistent end-to-end service. Thanks to the continuous work effort to expand and develop our products, customers will be able to find a ground segment solution in the early stages of the mission while choosing Smallspark Space Systems launch solutions, also providing an easier and quicker commissioning phase for their satellites.”
“Leaf Space has been offering tailored ground segment services to its customers, including Launch and Early Operations (LEOPS), daily passes, pass distribution and operational conditions, resulting in a perfect solution for in-orbit demonstrations (IOD) or other missions such as serving broadband constellations requiring high contact time and low latency, typical elements of our distributed ground station network.”, added Jai, “ The proprietary ground segment infrastructure provides redundancy and reliability during the LEOP mission phase, and the versatile service can be easily integrated into third-party service bundles. The two companies are planning to conduct integration and testing activities that will ensure the ground segment service provision is operational on a rapid schedule before OneWebs’ satellite launches.”
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.”
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