Category Archives: News

Appointments, Midlands News, News

Bioviate Hygienics secures hat-trick of new recruits to play pivotal role in next stage of growth

Pioneering Biovate Hygienics, which launched this year with a pledge to become the country’s ‘go to’ brand for sustainable and carbon neutral cleaning products, has announced a trio of new hires to help propel it into its next stage of growth.

Kierran Bates, aged 21,  recently joined the company with the objective of him evolving into a sales role after learning the ropes in an office-based support position. Kierran impressed his new employers with the many and diverse roles and skill sets he had developed in hospitality work, tiling, administration, e-commerce and even renovating a camper van to allow him to explore the length and breadth of the UK.

Jenny Barrett has decades of sales and industry experience, and has been passionate about biotechnology-based cleaning products for many years, working closely with the Biovate team in previous roles with distributors. Jenny has joined the team to focus on business development with Bidfood, which is Biovate’s national food service partner and also one of the UK’s largest food wholesalers. Having worked with large national distributors, Jenny is well placed to share her passion about biotechnology with Bidfood and their customers.

Nadia Winstone has an honours degree in human nutrition which included food safety and management of large scale commercial kitchens and can call upon a diverse professional background which includes acquiring an excellent technical understanding of the make-up of biological products. Her other career highlights comprise stints in the NHS as a dietitian and managing her own businesses, making her the ideal recruit for a start-up environment. Nadia is married to co-founder Nick and has been a great support behind the scenes getting Biovate up and running.

Nadia’s focus as Strategic Account Manager is to support the largest London restaurant and hotel group clients of cleaning, hygiene and catering products supplier Sybron, a key distribution partner which has supported Biovate since its inception.

Welcoming the trio of new hires, Nick Winstone enthused: “Biovate Hygienics continues to grow, with sales in the first six months of over 150,000 cases. To attract and retain talent we take a fairly unconventional recruitment approach, by looking externally and internally at the industry to secure the right people to support this growth.

“What has allowed us to grow from start up to over 24,000 cases a month in six months, is the calibre of people in our team, who are incredibly agile and multi-talented.

“To ensure we continue to support this growth, we look at the people, their skill sets and how they will fit into the team’s culture, first and foremost. With Jenny’s depth of industry knowledge, as well as Kierran and Nadia’s diverse backgrounds and skillsets, we’re really excited about these fantastic additions to the team”.

Based in Towcester, Northants, BioVate’s mission is to change the way Britain cleans by:

  • Ensuring the core products use natural biological and plant-based liquids
  • Utilising ground breaking packaging that is reusable and renewable
  • Working towards completely carbon neutral products
  • Being proudly 100 percent made in the UK
  • Using technology to provide a cutting-edge user experience
  • Innovating at all times to drive both its products and the broader industry forward in a journey towards total sustainable cleaning.

Photo Caption: NEW HIRES: (l to r) Kierran Bates, Jenny Barrett and Nadia Winstone are the new team members bringing their range of skills and experience to Bioviate Hygienics.

 

Charity & CSR, Construction News, News

Covers employee braves the shave and raises over £7,500 for charity following her own cancer diagnosis

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester has raised over £7,500 for Cancer Research UK, following her own breast cancer diagnosis in March of this year.

Gina Trusler, Administration Manager at Covers head office in Chichester, underwent a mastectomy earlier this year and took the decision to shave off her hair before losing it due to chemotherapy treatment. After being contacted by a friend who said she was going to ‘brave the shave’ by also shaving her own hair, Gina set up the Bald Babes for Breast Cancer fundraising initiative, which has so far raised £7,532.

Gina commented:

“Being open about my diagnosis and sharing my own story has enabled others going through cancer to contact me, including some of my lovely friends. Offering others help and support whilst they are going through their own journey and fundraising for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research has helped me feel like I am giving something back. The support I have around me is overwhelming.”

Cancer Research UK is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2022, although its history dates back 120 years under various names and the merging of organisations. The charity’s main aim is to progress towards a world where everybody can lead longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Cancer Research UK receives no government funding, so it relies on a network of supporters like Gina to fundraise and help it invest in and undertake research.

Sarah Verity from Cancer Research UK added:

“The fantastic amount of money that Gina has raised so far, including gift aid, could cover the cost of running one of our research groups at the Cambridge Institute for a day.

“The Cambridge Institute is home to 16 research groups and brings together the leading scientists, doctors and nurses across the city to push forward improvements in diagnosis and treatment. In particular, the Cambridge Institute focuses on breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, oesophageal, blood and prostate cancer. As Gina’s fundraising is for breast cancer research, the donation will likely go to one of our current research groups.”

Henry Green, Managing Director of Covers, said:

“We’re all so proud of Gina for not only the amazing amount of money she has raised for such a fantastic charity, but also the strength and positivity she has shown during her treatment. As part of Covers funding scheme which we launched in 2019, we have pledged £1,000 to Bald Babes for Breast Cancer to show our support.”

Donations can be made to Gina’s Bald Babes for Breast Cancer fundraising campaign by visiting https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/gina-g-and-the-bc.

News

Biovate Hygienics secures hat-trick of new recruits to play pivotal role in next stage of growth

Pioneering Biovate Hygienics, which launched this year with a pledge to become the country’s ‘go to’ brand for sustainable and carbon neutral cleaning products, has announced a trio of new hires to help propel it into its next stage of growth.

Kierran Bates, aged 21,  recently joined the company with the objective of him evolving into a sales role after learning the ropes in an office-based support position. Kierran impressed his new employers with the many and diverse roles and skill sets he had developed in hospitality work, tiling, administration, e-commerce and even renovating a camper van to allow him to explore the length and breadth of the UK.

Jenny Barrett Jenny Barrett | LinkedIn has decades of sales and industry experience, and has been passionate about biotechnology-based cleaning products for many years, working closely with the Biovate team in previous roles with distributors. Jenny has joined the team to focus on business development with Bidfood, which is Biovate’s national food service partner and also one of the UK’s largest food wholesalers. Having worked with large national distributors, Jenny is well placed to share her passion about biotechnology with Bidfood and their customers.

Nadia Winstone, Nadia Winstone | LinkedIn has an honours degree in human nutrition which included food safety and management of large scale commercial kitchens and can call upon a diverse professional background which includes acquiring an excellent technical understanding of the make-up of biological products. Her other career highlights comprise stints in the NHS as a dietitian and managing her own businesses, making her the ideal recruit for a start-up environment. Nadia is married to co-founder Nick and has been a great support behind the scenes getting Biovate up and running.

Nadia’s focus as Strategic Account Manager is to support the largest London restaurant and hotel group clients of cleaning, hygiene and catering products supplier Sybron, a key distribution partner which has supported Biovate since its inception.

Welcoming the trio of new hires, Nick Winstone enthused: “Biovate Hygienics continues to grow, with sales in the first six months of over 150,000 cases. To attract and retain talent we take a fairly unconventional recruitment approach, by looking externally and internally at the industry to secure the right people to support this growth.

“What has allowed us to grow from start up to over 24,000 cases a month in six months, is the calibre of people in our team, who are incredibly agile and multi-talented.

“To ensure we continue to support this growth, we look at the people, their skill sets and how they will fit into the team’s culture, first and foremost. With Jenny’s depth of industry knowledge, as well as Kierran and Nadia’s diverse backgrounds and skillsets, we’re really excited about these fantastic additions to the team”.

Based in Towcester, Northants, BioVate’s mission is to change the way Britain cleans by:

  • Ensuring the core products use natural biological and plant-based liquids
  • Utilising ground breaking packaging that is reusable and renewable
  • Working towards completely carbon neutral products
  • Being proudly 100 percent made in the UK
  • Using technology to provide a cutting-edge user experience
  • Innovating at all times to drive both its products and the broader industry forward in a journey towards total sustainable cleaning.

 

Photo Caption: NEW HIRES: (l to r) Kierran Bates, Jenny Barrett and Nadia Winstone are the new team members bringing their range of skills and experience to Biovate Hygienics.

 

https://www.biovatehygienics.com/

News

Leaders in Welsh industry unite to debate ‘brain drain’ of young rural talent

THE next generation of entrepreneurs in Wales must develop better solutions to existing challenges and use their imaginations and abilities to create value for the economy.

Responding to concerns about young people moving out of rural Wales to seek work opportunities in other areas of the UK, Professor Emeritus Andy Penaluna from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David discussed how recent census data pointed to a rise in the numbers leaving areas such as Ceredigion, which has seen a 28% drop in 15 to 19-year-olds since 2011.

Speaking to more than 80 decision makers and learners at an Entrepreneurship and Career Summit hosted by Antur Cymru Enterprise – held at Canolfan yr Egin, Carmarthen – Professor Penaluna was joined by leading names from multiple sectors.

Among them were Careers Wales Chief Executive Nikki Lawrence; Llinos Price from Big Ideas Wales, CDI (Careers Development Institute) President and Chair, Carolyn Parry, and Scott James, founder of Coaltown Coffee Roasters in Ammanford (pictured).

Chaired by Mid and West Wales MS Cefin Campbell, the panel discussed topics including the national recruitment crisis and how to help young people navigate their working lives, and there was a special message from Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething MS, who said:

“You don’t have to get out to get on, you can make your future here in Wales.

“In terms of skills and employment, our Young Persons Guarantee is an ambitious programme that will aim to provide everyone under 25 in Wales with support to access education, training or into work or self-employment.

“Our challenge is making sure we have balanced communities where young people have a fighting chance of planning and living a successful future right here in Wales.”

Meanwhile, Emma Benger, Senior Programme Delivery Manager for Employability and Skills at the Welsh Government, identified challenges and support available for young people concerned about their next steps to education, training and employment.

She highlighted issues including the widening gap in qualification levels between Wales and the rest of the UK, and said milestones moving forward will include targets such as ensuring at least 90% of 16-24 year olds will be in education, employment, or training; elimination of the pay gap for gender, disability and ethnicity, and for the percentage of working age adults with no qualifications to be 5% or below in every local authority, all by 2050.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru Enterprise, also delivered a presentation on the organisation’s crucial work in rural areas – including delivery of Big Ideas Wales Youth Entrepreneurship support – and thanked everyone who attended on the day.

“The Summit brought together prominent figures from education, politics and different industries and covered some pivotal themes,” she added.

“It was a chance to showcase what guidance and advice is out there for young people, but also to discuss and debate what needs to be done to keep talent in this country, now and in the future – I think we did that and look forward to holding further events soon.”

For more information on Antur Cymru Enterprise, visit www.anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Landscape suppliers lay the ground for improvements at blooming wildlife garden

A PROMINENT landscape supply firm laid the ground for improvements at a blooming wildlife garden.

Organised by Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant, Sealand-based Dandy’s Topsoil and Landscape Supplies kindly donated bark mulch to the ‘wildlife corridor’ and wellbeing garden at Coleg Cambria Deeside.

CEO Adam Dandy said: “We’re so glad our donation will help transform the new growing area at the college.

“We are known for our giveaways to local primary schools, but colleges and places of higher education often get overlooked.

“We’re glad that Jack reached out to us and are more than happy to help the college in creating learning opportunities for students via the new wellbeing space – well done to Coleg Cambria for its innovation in education and bringing that to the outdoors.”

Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, staff and members of the Construction Trainee Academy began work on the 40 sq metre site more than a year ago, with the support of Keep Wales Tidy and its Local Places for Nature project.

Having also received sponsorship from Monkey Lady Corporate Wear, the group planted more than 100 trees, wildflowers, and meadows, 2000 native bulbs, shrubs and more.

Classroom assistant Brian Valentine was a driving force behind the scheme and said: “We are so grateful to Dandy’s for this kind donation, it has made a huge difference to the project.

“The garden has really taken shape over past months so we would like to thank everyone who has given us so much support.”

Visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/nature.

For the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

News

Growth plans enhanced for The Media Snug following buyout

Award-winning content marketing, PR and design consultancy The Media Snug has announced the successful completion of a shareholder buyout, in a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group.

 

Established in 2017 The Media Snug, based in Hertfordshire, delivers regular campaigns and marketing projects of all sizes in the health, lifestyle, logistics, parenting and other B2B sectors.

 

The transaction sees co-founder and Digital Director Adeline St John, who brings almost 10 years of social media and digital marketing experience, take full ownership and control of the business, buying out business partners Rosie and Ben Reynolds.

 

Commenting on the deal, Adeline said: “At The Media Snug, we are proud to work with both established companies and startups to develop their brands, ensuring they are seen and loved by the right people, in the right places.

 

“With our dynamic team growing rapidly and continued expansion of our client base, we are excited about this next phase of growth for the business.”

 

The Media Snug clients value having every aspect of marketing support, from web development and strategy to digital PR, social media and PPC, aligned under one roof to create a cohesive and effective image of their business.

 

With a growing number of clients, in particular in the health and wellbeing and parenting sectors, ongoing recruitment at The Media Snug reflects the success of the team and its approach.

 

Rosie Reynolds said: “It’s been rewarding and encouraging to see The Media Snug flourish, and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength under Adeline’s stewardship.”

Energy, News

Household hacks to cut energy costs and save money as 45% adults admit they are struggling

The number of adults in the UK finding it difficult to afford their energy bills has increased throughout this year, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data, released today, shows that almost half of adults (45%) who paid energy bills, are finding it difficult to keep up with payments.

Ofgem data has also revealed that the number of UK households in arrears on their energy bills soared to record levels in the second quarter of this year.* This news follows the government’s announcement that the cap on energy unit costs would last only six months instead of the planned two years.

 

Helen Rolph, price comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk comments: “Energy is an incredibly confusing topic right now. As the clocks go back this weekend and evenings become darker and colder, many people are wary of turning the heating on, out of fear that household bills will continue to skyrocket.  Our recent survey shows the biggest financial worry people have right now is the cost of energy, with 73% of people noting it as their top concern.

“We’ve researched a few hacks that could be handy to try but the best way to save money is to look at long-term change. For example, even after the government’s new Energy Price Guarantee, a standard 40w bulb running for a day would likely cost homeowners £1.86 a month, replace just one bulb with an energy saving bulb and that cost could drop to as little as 37p a month. If you have 20 light bulbs in your home that’s a saving of £30 a month.”

 

Quotezone.co.uk has shared recommendations for reducing the cost of energy bills as we head into winter.

 

  1. The cheapest unit of energy is the one you don’t use – so think before you turn things on;

– Watch out for vampire devices which are using energy to do very little (some smart TVs can use a lot of energy on standby just because certain features are enabled – for example “wake up via WIFI” is thought to use almost as much as having the TV turned on)

– Insulate your home – the biggest offenders are usually the walls (35%) and the roof (25%), if you don’t already have these well insulated then look out for support schemes to help reduce the costs of these upgrades.

 

  1. Smart meters let people see when they are using energy, but you can still track your usage with a standard meter – set regular reminders to read your meter more often to see what you’re using. Make sure your bills are correct by sending meter readings to your supplier to ensure you are being billed for the correct usage.

 

  1. Heating is the biggest energy use in homes – there is a lot of debate around how best to save money, but there are some key considerations:

 

  • Maintenance – annual servicing keeps the boiler running efficiently (and helps ensure it is safe).
  • Bleed radiators – air can get trapped in radiators and that causes corrosion and reduces efficiency
  • TRVs – most homes have thermostatic radiator valves, adjust these to the right levels for each room – when the room gets too warm and the boiler is still on, they shut off the radiator and save you money (set them to lower levels for less frequently used rooms, but don’t turn them off completely or you risk causing other problems like damp in the room)
  • Boiler temperature – all gas and oil boilers fitted after April 2007 must be condensing. These boilers stop the heat going up the chimney, but only if they are correctly configured – keep the temperature dial on the boiler under 75 degrees or this cannot happen.
  • Plan ahead – if you are not going to be home, remember to change your heating settings – smart controls allow you to do this from anywhere, so if your budget can stretch you could save a lot**

 

  1. Stay fresh and ventilate your home each day: open the windows a little for a short period to let moisture out in the mornings (and after showering or cooking). Dry air is heated faster than humid air, so this can help save money. If you dry clothes indoors, try to do it in an unoccupied space (like a bathroom or garage) and increase the ventilation in this area.

 

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on household bills and essentials, with over 400 providers across 60 different products including niche items such as home insurance, personal loans, mortgage comparison UK and business use car insurance.

News

New Chairman appointed at GS Verde Group

Specialist merger and acquisition advisory business GS Verde Group has appointed Gavin Johns as its new Chairman, as the Group embarks on the next phase of its acquisition and growth strategy.

 

A technology entrepreneur with global expertise in fintech, mergers and acquisitions, finance and business scale-up projects, honed through almost three decades in industry, Mr Johns’ skill and experience in scaling disruptive business models, global markets and fast-growing business will be a real asset for the GS Verde Group and its clients.

 

He succeeds Peter Wright, who is stepping down after more than eight years as Chairman of the GS Verde Group.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Johns said: “I am delighted to be joining the board at GS Verde Group, at a time of growth and opportunity for the business – both in the UK and further afield.

 

“I look forward to working with the Group in its next phase of growth, as we develop GS Verde’s presence’ in the UK and internationally.”

 

Peter Wright, departing Chairman, said: “It has been one of my greatest satisfactions to see how the Group has blossomed and grown into such a powerhouse in the corporate deals market. I wish all the team every success as it moves onwards and upwards.”

 

Following a brand alignment last year to bring together GS Verde’s seven disciplines, which include law, corporate finance, tax and accountancy services into one collective Group, the business has demonstrated extraordinary growth.

 

M&A activity has soared within the group and GS Verde has advised on over 30 corporate transactions already in the first nine months of 2022, with an aggregate value of over £300m. The Group also has a significant and robust pipeline established for the remainder of the year and into 2023.

 

Independent verification of the GS Verde Group activity level has been seen in the  Experian Market IQ Reports with the Group having been consistently named as the most active corporate finance and legal advisors in Wales.

 

Nigel Greenaway, GS Verde Group CEO and co-founder said: “We are exceptionally grateful to Peter for his support and contributions over the last eight years, which have been invaluable in assisting with our establishment and then growth in that period.

 

“We have now reached a target milestone that will allow another significant step forward, and Gavin has an exceptional reputation of driving pioneering companies to great heights. With an innovative structure and approach, the team at GS Verde Group is proud and excited about adding his skills to our board.”

 

Having grown to over 70 individuals, the team at GS Verde spans the Group’s seven disciplines and three locations in Cardiff, Bristol and Dublin. This year alone, capacity has more than doubled through expansion at both the Cardiff head office and the Bristol city centre office.

Law, News, North Wales

North Wales law firm selected for inclusion in Chambers UK Legal Guide 2023

Leading North Wales law firm Gamlins Law has been selected for inclusion in a prestigious global legal guide.

Gamlins Law is the only law firm in the region to have made it into the Chambers UK Legal Guide 2023.

Each year, Chambers & Partners team carries out a rigorous and independent research process to identify the law firms globally which are “market leaders”.

Gamlins Law’s Crime Department and Head of Criminal Law Dafydd Roberts have been chosen for inclusion.

The Chambers Guide, which was first published over 30 years ago, is regarded as a benchmark of excellence within the legal industry.

Ron Davison, Managing Director of Gamlins Law, said: “It is a great honour to have been chosen for inclusion in the Chambers Guide. Our Crime Department continues to set the standard within North Wales and further afield for legal excellence and the highest level of client service.”

Gamlins Law, which employs 75 people, has its head office at Morfa Hall in Rhyl and further offices in Mold, Ruthin, Denbigh, Abergele and Holywell.

Gamlins Law offers a comprehensive range of legal services including commercial, commercial and residential property, employment law, family and matrimonial, children, personal injury and clinical negligence, criminal, regulatory, litigation, inheritance tax, wills and probate.

Climate, Climate Action, Events, News, South Wales

Everyone can take part in the world’s longest ever climate relay on 5th November – and stay at home!

Residents of South Wales, who have already taken part in the world’s longest relay ever attempted, are urging others to get involved in the ‘Running Out of Time – The Global Stage‘. This is a special stage on Saturday 5th November to celebrate the relay’s arrival at COP27 and to help show world leaders at the UN climate change summit, COP27, how strongly the public wants them to take action to combat climate change and not just make more promises.

However, this latest part of the relay lets people get involved where they live!

The Running Out of Time Relay unites thousands of members of the public who are running, cycling and sailing 7,767km/4,826 miles, day and night to deliver a climate action message from young people to world leaders when they gather at COP27 in Egypt. The relay started on September 30th in Glasgow and is travelling through 18 countries before arriving at Sharm el-Sheikh on November 5th for the start of the next UN summit about climate change.

Over 70 local people ran or cycled a 10 km (approx) stretch when the relay passed through Wales, and Swansea and South Wales in particular between Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th October – you can see the full route here. The participants included a running team from the SPECIFIC Innovation & Knowledge Centre at the University of Swansea which is developing an environmentally friendlier form of concrete, and cycling and running teams from Seagrass Ocean Rescue, an environmental charity working to restore the 92% of seagrass in British waters has been lost in the last century. Seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide at a faster rate than rainforests and, although seagrass occupies just 0.1% of the seabed, it holds onto 11% of the carbon dioxide buried in the ocean.

When it passed through Wales, the relay also visited The Carbon Community in Carmarthenshire, which is carrying out one of the largest field-trials in the UK designed to accelerate and enhance carbon drawdown in trees & soil with nature-based techniques, and The Penpont Project in Powys, the world’s first large-scale, intergenerational nature restoration project and a blueprint for how youth action and conservation can bring change.

They’re now urging more people to support the relay’s climate action message by joining in with the ‘Running Out of Time – The Global Stage’. At 10.00 am on 5th November (or as close to that date as possible), people are being asked to run, walk, cycle, dance or be active in some way for 27 minutes  – on their own or with friends and family. Then to post those pics & selfies tagged with #RunningOutofTime to showcase unity across the world for combating climate change, and to call on world’s leaders to do the same. More information and registration is at Running Out of Time – the Global Stage.

 

Bethan Thomas, one of Seagrass Ocean Rescue’s team commented:

“To combat climate change, we need all of us working together. Project Seagrass were delighted to be invited to take part in a few stages for the Running Out of Time Climate Relay and help get a message across to our global leaders. Everyone now has the chance to get involved with the Global Stage to have their voices heard and help convey the urgency of climate action.”

 

Georgia Bevan, one of SPECIFIC’s team said:

“We’re delighted that SPECIFIC’s low carbon Active Buildings were part of the Climate Relay when it came through Swansea. Several of our staff took part then, and we heartily encourage anyone who couldn’t be there to try the Global Relay. The message that is being carried to the world’s leaders at COP27 is such an important one, and this is a way to add your voice to growing demand for action on climate change. Knowing that you’re running alongside thousands of others from around the world is a great motivation too!”

 

People can also add their names to the message to help to show the strength of feeling the public have for tackling climate change right now rather than just talking about it. The message will be read out at the Ministerial session on climate change and education, and it’s calling on Governments to provide quality education, skills and resources to enable people to tackle climate change where they live and to protect their communities from the worst effects of climate change. People can add their names to the message and help to meet the target of 500,000 signatures here.