Category Archives: News

Appointments, Food & Drink, Hospitality, News

Brains CEO hands over baton as brewer now set for further innovation and growth

  • After leading the company for four years, Jon Bridge will step down as CEO in December
  • Hospitality industry expert Nick Payne joins as Managing Director

Cardiff – Brains Brewery’s CEO Jon Bridge has announced he will be stepping down in December following four years in post, where he has successfully led the business from its perilous position during the Covid pandemic to the debt-free brewery and brands business it is today.

He will be handing over to newly appointed Managing Director (MD) Nick Payne, who will take the helm of the iconic Welsh brewer in January 2025.

 

As part of a long-term succession plan, Jon will leave his role after navigating Brains through some of its most challenging times, including the Covid 19 pandemic, which saw the hospitality industry close down entirely and leave the business with significant bank debts.  Jon successfully turned the business around, initiating his Project Phoenix, which saw Brains’ core pub estate leased to Marston’s as part of a strategic deal and the freeholds subsequently sold to private equity. As part of the business turnaround, Jon led a major restructure of the company.

 

Jon’s career spans more than 30 years in the retail and hospitality sectors and prior to his appointment as the Brains’ CEO in 2021, he held roles as its Operations Director and Director of People and Culture. Before joining Brains, Jon enjoyed an impressive leadership career, including 10 years with retailer House of Fraser.

 

On his time at Brains, Jon said: “It has been an incredible journey and privilege leading this iconic Welsh brand and working with such a talented team, both past and present.

“I am confident that I’m leaving the brewery in excellent financial health and with Nick taking the reins, it’s in a superb position to build for the future. I look forward to seeing Brains brewery and its beer brands expand and thrive.”

 

Richard Westwood, Chair of SA Brain & Company, said of Jon’s tenure: “Jon has been integral to the resurgence of Brains Brewery. His commercial acumen and strong strategic leadership have been paramount to the brewery’s continued success. As an authentic, people-centric business leader, Jon is recognised for his integrity, transparency, and pragmatic approach. His unwavering ethical foundation has consistently impressed me. We extend our sincere gratitude for his dedication and invaluable contributions during his time with Brains.”

 

Nick Payne joins the company with more than 20 years of experience in the brewing and beverage industry. Most recently, Nick served as the Managing Director at Cygnet Gin. Prior to his role at Cygnet, Nick has also held roles with Budweiser Budvar UK Limited, Brewdog and Marston’s.

 

Brains is more than beer in Wales. Having been brewing in Cardiff since 1882, the company is still owned by the descendants of Samuel Arthur Brain.

In his new role as MD, Nick will oversee all aspects of the Brains operations, including brand, sales, marketing and further securing and developing the future of the brewer.

 

Nick said of his appointment: “I am really excited to be joining Brains at such an important time in its journey. I have fond memories of stepping off the train as a child and smelling the hops, enjoying match day pints of SA with friends in Cardiff’s best pubs and more recently sharing a pint of The Rev James over Sunday lunch with family and friends nationwide.

 

“Brains is an iconic beer brand, and I cannot wait to join the amazing team in January 2025.”

 

Events, Networking, News, North Wales

Wrexham Young Professionals Event at Moneypenny Inspires Next Generation

The Wrexham Young Professionals group held an inspiring event at Moneypenny’s stunning offices, bringing together local talent and business leaders to support the next generation in their careers.

The breakfast morning provided a great opportunity for the young community in the Wrexham and surrounding area to come together, share experiences, explore collaborations and build confidence for them to grow and develop both as individuals and professionals.

 

A highlight of the event was a special session hosted by Rhys Williams and Chris Nelson at Phoenix Counselling Group, which delivered a compelling talk on mental health challenges in the workplace. Moneypenny’s Working Life Manager Hannah Williams Skinner joined both Rhys and Chris to deliver this session from a “real world” experience and was able to share how the group have helped Moneypenny promote and drive changes to continue to provide wellbeing support to the team. They also discussed the range of support services available to help young professionals overcome, and feel comfortable, to share their challenges to allow them to grow and thrive in their career journeys.

 

Josh Williams at WYP and WR Partners: “We are a relatively new group, but events like this continue to reiterate the reason why this group was formed and demonstrates the need for a platform in the Wrexham community to support the next generation to connect, collaborate and grow, both as individuals and professionals. On behalf of WYP, we’d like to thank Moneypenny for continuing to support us and the team at Phoenix Counselling for sharing their experiences. Both companies align with our mission and we look forward to future collaborations.”

 

Wendy Swash Chief Operating Officer at Moneypenny commented:

“Events like this are crucial for fostering the growth of the next generation and by providing a space for young talent to connect, learn, and gain confidence, we’re not only supporting their individual career journeys but also strengthening the future of business in Wrexham and beyond.”

 

For more information on upcoming Wrexham Young Professionals events, please contact Josh Williams at wrexhamyoungprofessionals@gmail.com.

Charity & CSR, News, Sustainability

“Community Furniture Aid 2023” in the running for top prize at the world’s biggest sustainability film festival.

Charity calls upon millions to watch the free screenings of films of change and hope to bring positive changes to our community, planet and future.

An award-winning Welsh charity is calling upon individuals to watch films at an international film festival.

The 6th Big Syn International Film Festival is screening films, until 26 October 2024. The festival had a grand opening at London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights, Europe’s biggest screen. This is the world’s biggest sustainability film festival, reaching over 45 million in 120 countries, led by a Grand Jury of OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award-winners and leaders from the United Nations, House of Lords, as well as sustainability, policy and media stalwarts.

Viewers are invited to the FREE global screenings of the films on www.bigsyn.org and win 2 tickets to the gala awards.

The festival is screening a dazzling array of nearly 150 films that has been selected from hundreds of feature films, shorts, documentaries, animations, micro-shorts and charity films from over 120 countries. Amongst others, a notable film that is screening at the festival is Community Furniture Aid 2023.

This film explains what the award-winning Welsh charity does to help recycle unwanted items and change people’s lives for the better.

Chairman of Community Furniture Aid, Julian Cash MBE said:

“The charity has been running for ten years and trains up long-term unemployed and ex-offenders to help the poorest in our society. We are very excited to be nominated as a finalist at this year’s award, after a very successful year which also saw us win a Green world champion award.”

The festival is promoted by leading national and international organisations including major UN agencies such as World Meteorological Agency, International Maritime Organisation and UNRIC, as well as other leading art and culture institutions such as the British Council and Directors UK.

Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “The storytelling power of film is a brilliant way to entertain and inform audiences. Big Syn Film Fest will be hosting a wide range of free screenings that will raise awareness about important sustainability issues and inspire urgent action at a time when we are faced with one of humanity’s biggest challenge – climate change.

From features to animations, these films will show us that we all have a part to play in looking after our planet, as we build a better London for everyone.”

The films screening will not only entertain, but also enlighten viewers about the big issues faced by our environment, economy and society; climate change, plastic pollution, conservation, biodiversity, mental health, equity, diversity, gender equality and many more burning topics are covered by this year’s official selections and finalists. These films tell relatable human stories of struggle, resilience, adaptation, innovation and change from across the world that can inspire positive actions from the viewers.

Inviting viewers to the festival, the festival’s founders, Dr Ragini G Roy and Dr Sourav Roy, said: “We are delighted that over 300 charities from across the world have participated this year and over 50 inspirational charity films are currently screening to millions worldwide, spreading their messages of hope and change.”

Winners will be declared on 8th November at the red carpet gala awards ceremony at Curzon Soho and all the winners will be featured on Europe’s biggest screen, London’s Piccadilly Lights on 14th November 2024.

 

—

About the Big Syn International Film Festival.

Big Syn International Film Festival is organised by Big Syn Institute, a part of Centre for Big Synergy, a Civil Society Organisation of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

Since 2019, the festival has reached over 45 million in 120 countries to create public awareness about sustainability and the United Nations Global Goals or Sustainable Development Goals, using the power of meaningful cinema.

The festival has been led by celebrated sustainability leaders and OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY winning celebrities such as Gurinder Chadha, OBE (Bend It Like Beckham), Amma Asante, MBE (Belle), OSCAR winner Kevin Willmott (Blackkklansman), Anna Smith (BBC, SKY), Jemima Khan, Baroness Prashar (House of Lords), President Obama’s US Ambassador (Rtd) Howard Gutman, BBC Dragons’ Den green investor Deborah Meaden, BT Group’s Head of environmental sustainability, Gabrielle Giner; Founder of Freegle, Cat Fletcher; Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility guru from London Business School, Prof. Ioannis Ioannou; OSCAR winner Chris Tashima; BAFTA and Cannes award winning filmmaker, Waad Alkateab, and Tom Szaky (Founder Terracycle), to name a few.

Through the films and dialogue, millions of viewers are getting inspired to do more in their own lives because they see the big-picture and how all our lives are interconnected in this modern world. All films touch upon or cover one or more major issues faced by the planet and the people; around social, economic or environmental sustainability such as climate change, climate action, gender inequality, hunger and poverty, discrimination, education, mental health, disability, LGBTQIA+ and many more. The festival screens features, shorts, animations, documentaries, public service announcement, charity films, social media and music videos from independent filmmakers and established production houses, across the globe. Winners are screened in London and worldwide. OSCAR and BAFTA winning films have screened at the festival and vice-versa.
Driving, News

Drivers Crossing the Mersey set to be hit by Massive Toll Increases Despite ‘Record Breaking’ Revenues

Written by Harry Turnbull
Drivers crossing the River Mersey are expected to be hit with massive toll increases despite record-breaking revenues.
Mersey Gateway, which controls two bridges over the waterway at Runcorn, is pressing for a 20% tax increase to £2.40 and an uplift of fines by 25% to £50.
The Gateway and Silver jubilee bridges pulled in a record-busting £12.6m for the July-September quarter and annual revenues are expected to top £45m.
Despite this the operations company says it needs more cash to upkeep the facilities which sees more than 80,000 vehicles thunder over the bridges each day.
The MG board’s recommendations to Halton Council sets out a plan which will see toll charges rise next April and remain steady for three further years. This would mean that by April 2028, toll charges would have increased once in the first 11 years of the project.
Image: Deposit Photos
Runcorn’s new bridge was completed in 2017 with construction costs running  into hundreds of millions of pounds but a lifetime price-tag estimated at £1.86bn due to running and maintenance requirements.
Most funding will continue to come from toll charges paid by people who use the bridges. The remainder comes from the Department for Transport (DfT), which provides tens of millions of pounds of funding for the project every year. Without this subsidy from Government, the project would make a significant annual loss.
The Gateway board says pegging prices for seven years now means financial problems are emerging due to inflationary pressures.
Mike Bennett, Managing Director of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said “The whole team is pleased that we’ve been able to keep toll charges the same for over seven years, as well as providing discounts for eligible Halton Council residents and regular users of the bridges. I would urge anyone who uses the bridge regularly to register with merseyflow as that is the only way to get discounts on your crossings and it makes managing your payments so much easier.”
The other original bridge, the Silver Jubilee, has been subject to charges since the new one opened.
Cllr Stef Nelson, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Urban Renewal, added: “We always knew that we would need to adjust tolls for inflation to meet the costs of maintaining and operating the bridges. The recommendations from the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board set out a sustainable approach to doing that.”
Driving, News

Drivers Crossing the Mersey set to be hit by Massive Toll Increases Despite ‘Record Breaking’ Revenues

Written by Harry Turnbull
Drivers crossing the River Mersey are expected to be hit with massive toll increases despite record-breaking revenues.
Mersey Gateway, which controls two bridges over the waterway at Runcorn, is pressing for a 20% tax increase to £2.40 and an uplift of fines by 25% to £50.
The Gateway and Silver jubilee bridges pulled in a record-busting £12.6m for the July-September quarter and annual revenues are expected to top £45m.
Despite this the operations company says it needs more cash to upkeep the facilities which sees more than 80,000 vehicles thunder over the bridges each day.
The MG board’s recommendations to Halton Council sets out a plan which will see toll charges rise next April and remain steady for three further years. This would mean that by April 2028, toll charges would have increased once in the first 11 years of the project.
Image: Deposit Photos
Runcorn’s new bridge was completed in 2017 with construction costs running  into hundreds of millions of pounds but a lifetime price-tag estimated at £1.86bn due to running and maintenance requirements.
Most funding will continue to come from toll charges paid by people who use the bridges. The remainder comes from the Department for Transport (DfT), which provides tens of millions of pounds of funding for the project every year. Without this subsidy from Government, the project would make a significant annual loss.
The Gateway board says pegging prices for seven years now means financial problems are emerging due to inflationary pressures.
Mike Bennett, Managing Director of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said “The whole team is pleased that we’ve been able to keep toll charges the same for over seven years, as well as providing discounts for eligible Halton Council residents and regular users of the bridges. I would urge anyone who uses the bridge regularly to register with merseyflow as that is the only way to get discounts on your crossings and it makes managing your payments so much easier.”
The other original bridge, the Silver Jubilee, has been subject to charges since the new one opened.
Cllr Stef Nelson, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Urban Renewal, added: “We always knew that we would need to adjust tolls for inflation to meet the costs of maintaining and operating the bridges. The recommendations from the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board set out a sustainable approach to doing that.”
AI, Digital Transformation, News, Tech, Technology

ServiceNow and Rimini Street Announce New AI and Enterprise Software Model Partnership – Heralding ‘Transformation with Disruption’

New solution enables “Transformation without Disruption” by combining ServiceNow’s AI Platform with Rimini Street’s proven enterprise software support without the costs of mandatory upgrades, migrations or re-platforming

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — October 24, 2024 — ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation, and Rimini Street (NASDAQ: RMNI), a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support and innovation solutions, today announced an expanded partnership that enables organisations to unlock value in existing ERPs and enterprise applications to fund new innovation and growth. The new solution combines the power of the single architecture, single data model of ServiceNow with Rimini Street’s proven enterprise software support, in order to accelerate customer innovation across procurement, finance, supply chain, HR, customer service and IT.

 

According to Gartner ® research, ERP leaders should “adopt an ERP approach that will enable a promising automated business strategy by challenging the old beliefs that led organisations to the current static and monolithic ERP architectures.” 1 

Yet, until now, companies faced two undesirable choices with their existing ERP: “rip and replace,” which involves costly and risky multi-year migrations with an unknown return, or “lift and shift,” which minimises some infrastructure costs, but limits innovation and change.

 

The new enterprise software model from Rimini Street and ServiceNow can produce significant and immediate savings that fuel net-new innovation, unmatched user experiences and AI-driven productivity gains, in weeks to months, not years, with the ServiceNow platform.

 

“Twentieth century systems have created a mess of complexity that hinders 21st century innovation,” said Bill McDermott, chairman and chief executive officer at ServiceNow. “ServiceNow’s partnership with Rimini Street gives customers a more unified, intelligent platform to maximise their existing software investments, for faster paths to transformation. Together, we are enabling a brighter future where technology unlocks unprecedented potential.”

“We are excited to bring organisations this new enterprise software model that enables maximised ROI on their current enterprise software investments, integrates disconnected and siloed landscapes of enterprise software and frees up funding for innovation,” said Seth Ravin, chairman and chief executive officer at Rimini Street. “This new partnership truly brings together the best of ServiceNow innovation and Rimini Street enterprise software support capabilities to solve this common – but complex – IT challenge.”

 

Turn-key Solution for Transformation without Disruption

The new solution is designed to help organisations from business case to deployment to value realisation, including:

 

  • ServiceNow AI platform for business transformation to transform ERP: ServiceNow provides industry-leading modernisation capabilities through the Now Platform, enabling organisations to improve productivity and maximise business outcomes and deliver modern, consumer-like experiences to all users. Rimini Street will design, deploy and manage the Now Platform as an innovation layer for ERP customers with its experienced and certified ServiceNow team, funded by efficiencies and savings through Rimini Street’s support and management of the existing enterprise software foundation.

 

  • Rimini Support™ to optimise and extend the life of current enterprise software: Replaces software vendor maintenance of traditional perpetually licensed software with third-party support, providing significant annual support fee savings, improved service levels, full coverage for customisations and no required upgrades or migrations for a minimum of 15 years.

 

  • Rimini Manage™ for robust application management: Manages and runs both traditional on-premises licensed software and SaaS applications, either by itself or in combination with vendor replacement third-party support. Rimini Manage relieves the IT department from the day-to-day software operating and support tasks to enable focus on driving innovation and value for the enterprise.

 

“It is imperative that enterprises accelerate AI innovation, digital transformation and workflow automation without being slowed by the complexity and cost burden of upgrading or migrating existing enterprise software,” said R “Ray” Wang, principal analyst at Constellation Research. “Customers seek a comprehensive, all-in-one optimisation and innovation solution that can accelerate and improve productivity, increase profitability and enhance competitive advantage.”

 

—

1 Gartner, Predicts 2024: ERP Evolves Planning With Automation and AI, Denis Torii, 5 April 2024

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

 

About ServiceNow 

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is putting AI to work for people. We move with the pace of innovation to help customers transform organisations across every industry while upholding a trustworthy, human centered approach to deploying our products and services at scale. Our AI platform for business transformation connects people, processes, data, and devices to increase productivity and maximise business outcomes. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com.

 

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, is a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support and innovation solutions and the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software. The Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of unified solutions to run, manage, support, customise, configure, connect, protect, monitor, and optimise enterprise application, database, and technology software. The Company has signed thousands of contracts with Fortune Global 100, Fortune 500, midmarket, public sector and government organisations who selected Rimini Street as their trusted, proven mission-critical enterprise software solutions provider and achieved better operational outcomes, realised billions of US dollars in savings and funded AI and other innovation investments. For more information, visit: www.riministreet.com.

News

A Vast Majority of Businesses Have Established Sustainability Targets with More than Half Still Using Manual Tools for Measurement

A Vast Majority of Businesses Have Established Sustainability Targets with More than Half Still Using Manual Tools for Measurement 

·       More than three quarters of businesses believe technology is essential for achieving global sustainability goals, with digital adoption key to accelerating progress

·       Budget constraints, complex supply chain and technology limitations are the top 3 most common barriers for enterprises to meet sustainability targets

 A significant 80% of businesses surveyed across Asia, Europe and the Middle East have established sustainability targets, but of those who have set sustainability targets more than half (53 %) continue to rely on manual methods for measuring their progress, according to a survey report titled “Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” commissioned by Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group.

The report reveals that among businesses with sustainability targets, 92% have set emission reduction targets. However, only one-third of those organisations have committed to net-zero commitments with science-based targets (SBTs). The highest adoption of SBTs is in emerging Asian markets at 39%, followed by Europe at 35%, developed Asian markets at 30%, and the Middle East at 22%.

Around half of the businesses with sustainability targets cite driving growth (56%), compliance with regulations (54%), and a strong corporate purpose (49%) as their key motivations for establishing targets. Notably, among all markets, Indonesia tops the list with 70% of businesses prioritising growth, Saudi Arabia leads with 73% emphasising compliance, and the UAE excels with 61% prioritising a strong corporate purpose.

A significant 78% of businesses agree that technology is crucial for achieving global sustainability goals, with top markets including Malaysia (89%), Saudi Arabia (87%), Singapore (86%) and France (86%). Regionally, this belief is strongest in the Middle East (86%) with emerging Asian markets a close second (83%). Similarly, 78% believe that adopting digital technologies such as cloud computing and AI will accelerate progress toward meeting sustainability goals, with Saudi Arabia leading at 90%, followed by the UAE (84%) and Singapore (81%).  

Market Commitment Levels and Challenges

When assessing market commitment levels, Singapore ranks highest with an impressive sustainability index of 91%, followed closely by Germany at 89% and Indonesia at 86%. The sustainability index refers to percentage of businesses who have set up sustainability targets in the 13 markets.  

Businesses encounter various barriers in meeting their sustainability targets. Budget constraints emerge as the most significant obstacle, affecting 29% of organisations, particularly pronounced in the Middle East (41%) and Europe (31%). Complex supply chains further complicate efforts, impacting 28% of businesses, especially in the Middle East (35%) and Europe (29%). Additionally, technology limitations hinder 23% of companies, with the Middle East facing a slightly higher rate at 26%. Time constraints also present significant challenges across all regions, affecting 23% of organisations. For those yet to set sustainability targets, budget constraints (32%) and technology limitations (29%) remain the primary barriers to meeting sustainability targets.

Reliance on Manual Measurement

As businesses strive to enhance their sustainability efforts, the necessity for effective digital tools is evident. The survey emphasises the necessity for businesses to improve their understanding of digital tools, as 59% of respondents acknowledge a gap in their knowledge regarding how technology can help achieve sustainability goals. This sentiment is particularly evident in Singapore (83%) and Hong Kong (75%) and Thailand (70%).  

The report also shows a general reliance on traditional practices among businesses, which may present challenges in effectively achieving sustainability goals. The study indicated that over 50% of businesses depend on manual processes to measure sustainability performance using spreadsheets, emails, and similar methods. All markets, except for Hong Kong (29%), South Korea (43%) and France (49%), exceeded the 50% threshold, with the highest percentages in the UAE (68%), Saudi Arabia (61%), and the UK (60%). Meanwhile, only around a third of the businesses use digital software tools including cloud platforms for the sustainability progress and measurement. Indonesia (59%), Singapore (48%) and Japan (43%) demonstrate a higher adoption of cloud-based solutions, while the average usage is at 38%.

“The survey findings underscore the urgent need for organisations to reassess their sustainability measurement methodologies and embrace advanced technological solutions like cloud-based platforms and AI services. These digital tools not only streamline the measurement process but also provide actionable insights that can drive meaningful progress for sustainability,” said Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.  

“As a dedicated cloud service provider, we are committed to providing innovative and AI-powered solutions such as Energy Expert to enable enterprises to effectively measure and analyse carbon emission and energy consumptions to advance their sustainability goals. By addressing existing barriers and investing in such advancements, organisations can better align their sustainability initiatives with established targets,” she added.

“Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability while highlighting how technology can be applied to drive impactful change.

About the Survey 

Alibaba Cloud’s “Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” was independently conducted by Yonder Consulting, a UK-based consulting firm, with advisory, design and analytical support from The Purpose Business, an Asia-based sustainability consultancy with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. The survey collected feedback from May 10 to June 19, 2024, involving 1,300 business leaders and senior management from various industries, including technology and communications, finance, infrastructure, renewable resources, healthcare, transportation, retail, and manufacturing.

Respondents were located across 13 markets in Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore and South Korea), Europe (France, Germany, and United Kingdom), and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and UAE). In this survey, developed Asian markets refer to Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, while emerging Asian markets include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Business Podcasts, Global Mobility, Global Travel, Lifestyle & Travel, News

Clare Kay’s Journey Evolves: Moving Countries 101’s Next Chapter

Podcast Host Clare Kay shares an exciting update as her podcast begins to take a new direction

I’m thrilled to announce a new direction for my podcast, Moving Countries 101. After more than 40 episodes featuring fascinating guest conversations, I’m venturing into solo episodes to offer listeners a more personal look at the challenges and rewards of international relocation.

What started as a point of interest, born out of my inability to work in America, has fast become a journey in itself. I’ve had the immense pleasure of speaking with people from all walks of life, sharing our fascination with moving countries and exploring the circumstances that prompt the desire or need to relocate.

 

In this week’s solo episode, I delve into the top five reasons why people move countries: economic opportunities, safety and security, education, lifestyle choices, and family reunification. I share my personal experiences and how they relate to these motivations, drawing from my own journey that spans multiple continents.

My fascination with world cultures has been a constant thread throughout my life. It began during my formative years in Zambia and grew when I befriended Japanese children during a holiday, communicating without a shared language. As a teenager, my interest was further fueled by a TV series about China’s customs and traditions.

My adult life has been a series of international moves, each one teaching me valuable lessons. From my university days in China, where I experienced both familiarity and foreignness, to my time in Nigeria, and now in the U.S., I’ve learned that the only certainty in life is uncertainty. My current stay in the U.S. has been an ongoing lesson in tapping into resources I didn’t know I had.

 

Through creating solo episodes, I plan to explore our emotional and relationship needs as well as the logistical and practical elements when relocating, as it’s a transformative experience that touches every aspect of our lives.

 

I’m incredibly grateful to both my audience and my guests for being on this journey with me. As Moving Countries 101 evolves, I look forward to sharing more personal insights and continuing to explore the fascinating world of international relocation.

 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Moving Countries 101, available on all major podcast platforms, to join me on this new chapter of the show.

 

About Moving Countries 101:

Moving Countries 101 is a podcast that dives into the deeply personal stories of people who have crossed borders—whether for career, family, or forced circumstances. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global relocation adds a unique perspective, each episode offers listeners and viewers a raw look at the challenges and growth that come with relocation. The show provides valuable insights into both the practical and emotional aspects of moving abroad, presenting a paradox of moving to a new destination while focusing on the ongoing experience of having moved countries. As the podcast evolves, listeners can expect a blend of solo episodes from Clare, sharing her insights and experiences, alongside conversations with guests who bring their unique stories to the table.

Subscribe to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights about moving countries.

Podcast Links:

You can listen to/watch Moving Countries 101 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Follow this week’s podcast here:

 

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

Art, Art and Crafts, Crafts, Food & Drink, News

More local artisans set to take over Aber Falls Distillery this weekend

Aber Falls Whisky Distillery has played host to a number of talented, artisan makers at the Abergwyngregyn site, at a trio of unique weekend events this October, and this weekend will see multiple artisans take over for a day at the Visitor Centre.

Dubbed ‘Artisans @ Aber Falls Distillery,’  this weekend sees five local business owners and creators taking over the distillery to display their crafts at stalls within the Visitors Centre.

Local businesses can be found offering a unique mix of artistry, creativity, and handmade goods. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, shopping for unique gifts, or simply looking for a delightful weekend outing, Aber Falls Whisky Distillery is open to visitors.

This follows the two earlier successful events this month, which saw Aled Lewis and Fad Clothing and Embroidery welcome guests to the Visitor Centre.

Aber Falls kicked off its October artisan weekends on 19th October playing host to Aled Lewis, an acclaimed photographer whose breath-taking work is currently featured in Oriel Môn. Aled’s stunning photographs capture the natural beauty of Wales in all its glory, and our visitors enjoyed browsing through his collection, chatting with Aled and, dare we see it, many also took home a piece of North Wales to adorn their walls.

Visitors to the distillery on Sunday 20th October were delighted to find Fad Clothing and Embroidery. Their custom-made clothing and embroidery pieces are crafted with care and attention to detail. From stylish garments to personalised gifts, our visitors enjoyed discovering a wonderful array of high-quality designs that blend tradition with contemporary style.

Sunday, 27th October 2024: A Day of Multiple Artisans

This weekend, the Distillery welcomes a fantastic selection of talented artisans set to take over at Aber Falls Distillery Visitor Centre, where Aber Falls’ third and final October artisan event will be an exciting showcase featuring five incredible local vendors:

  • Eryri Candles: Explore a range of handcrafted, aromatic candles inspired by the beauty of Snowdonia (Eryri). These eco-friendly candles are perfect for bringing warmth and cosiness into your home as the colder months approach.
  • Wonderland Cards/Gifts: Embrace the festive spirit early with Wonderland Cards and Gifts. Featuring a wonderful selection of Christmas-themed items, from handcrafted cards to unique gifts, this is the ideal stop for your holiday shopping.
  • Scribe n Graving: A blend of tradition and modern design, Scribe n Graving specialises in beautifully engraved products and calligraphy pieces. Perfect for personalised gifts or something special for yourself.
  • Silver by Victoria: Discover timeless elegance with Silver by Victoria, offering an exquisite range of handcrafted silver jewellery. Whether you’re looking for a delicate necklace or a bold statement piece, Victoria’s work is sure to impress.
  • Dad’s Cabin: For those who love rustic, handmade wooden creations, Dad’s Cabin brings unique woodcraft items that add a touch of nature to your home decor or make thoughtful gifts.

Carole Jones, General Manager at Aber Falls Distillery, said: “We have always been proud supporters of fellow Welsh businesses, and we’ve really enjoyed hosting a range of them at our site across October. It’s proving to be a fantastic series of weekend events and we’re hoping the success will allow us to put on further events like this and welcome more guests to our distillery in future.”

 

The events will be held from 10am – 4pm across the dates mentioned above at Aber Falls Distillery, Station Road, Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0LB.

Those looking to learn more about Welsh whisky and Aber Falls Whisky can visit the distillery for a guided whisky tour or visit www.aberfallsdistillery.com.

 

Lettings News, News, Retirement

From Uncertainty to Security: How assured tenancy renting has given one couple complete peace of mind

For Michael Broome, 80, and Anna Harvey, 70, the start of 2024 brought a great deal of stress and uncertainty. After 19 years of living in their beloved rented bungalow, they were forced to move when the owner decided to sell the property.

For the couple, both retired from long careers at Sainsbury’s, it was a worrying time. After nearly two decades in the same place, they never imagined they would find another home they loved as much—until they discovered they could rent a one-bedroom apartment at retirement development called Oakhaven in Harwich through My Future Living.

 

“We had been in the same home for so long that we thought it would be impossible to find another place that felt like home,” said Michael. “The news that we had to leave was devastating. At our age, starting over wasn’t something we’d ever planned.”

 

The couple searched for a new home, and after months of uncertainty, they found retirement rentals specialists, My Future Living.

The new apartment they found offered more than just a place to live—it provided a supportive and vibrant community of like-minded retirees, and a modern, comfortable home tailored to their needs. For Michael and Anna, it was the fresh start they never expected but desperately needed.

 

“Moving here has been a dream come true,” said Anna. “We were so worried after losing our bungalow, but My Future Living has given us a new sense of peace and security. The community at Oakhaven is wonderful, and the staff have been so supportive. We’re happier than we’ve been in years.”

 

The transition to My Future Living has been life changing. Not only has the couple found a new home they adore, but they’ve also gained access to amenities and services that make their retirement even more enjoyable. With the development’s vibrant social calendar, well-maintained surroundings, and a host of activities, Michael and Anna have embraced their new lifestyle.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have found this place,” says Michael. “It’s more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a community where we feel part of something.”

 

Anna adds: “We feel like we’re on holiday every day Every day, we go to the sea, whether it’s sitting in the car watching the waves or taking a leisurely stroll along the seaside. The fresh air and the sense of freedom have completely transformed our lives.”

 

The assured tenancy offered by My Future Living guarantees long-term security, providing residents like Michael and Anna with a real sense of stability. For the couple, it has removed the fear of ever being forced to leave their home again, allowing them to fully enjoy their retirement without the worry of an unexpected move.

 

“The moment we moved in, we felt at peace,” said Michael. “Knowing that we have an assured tenancy means we’ll never have to face the uncertainty of moving again. It’s a huge relief.”

The couple have found this new sense of security has finally given them the peace they longed for. They can now enjoy life without the fear of being forced to move.

 

My Future Living offers modern, affordable retirement housing for those seeking a comfortable and secure place to live in their later years. For Michael and Anna, it has been the perfect place to call home, providing them with not just a house but a community and a renewed sense of happiness in their retirement.