STUDENTS on an innovative veterinary course enjoyed a perfect start to the year.
Learners on the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal Practice at Coleg Cambria Northop achieved a 100% pass rate in their first set of exams.
Among them were Hannah Williams and Katherine Oldham, who work at practices in North Wales and hope to go on and have careers in a sector where there is huge demand.
With more students joining the Cambria programme in September, lecturer and IQA (Internal Quality Assurer) Ellie Woodcock is confident the qualification will go from strength to strength, as they have created a unique training facility to replicate a real-life medical setting, complementing theory and assessment modules.
“That is a major USP for us, and the quality of the teachers we have on this programme, all of whom are qualified veterinary nurses,” said Ellie.
“There is demand for more workers in veterinary science, and there are many other roles in this arena, so this is the right time to join us.”
She added: “The facility we have here is at the cutting edge, with ‘dummy dogs’, animal anatomy models, diagnostics, X-rays, sterilisation equipment and more.
“We also have the Small Animals Centre on site and our class space is unique as we can offer support here theoretically and practically.
“We have set it up to replicate their working environment and also have presentations from guest speakers and experts in different areas of veterinary science and surgery, all of which contributes to the students being ready for the world of work when they move on to their future careers.”
Hannah, from Colwyn Bay, works at the town’s Conway Road Veterinary Surgery and, following a spell volunteering with the RSPCA decided caring for animals was to be her dream role.
She said: “I had followed a different path but have always loved animals and decided to pursue that, which was the best thing I ever did.
“The time I spend here at the college in addition to my position as a student vet nurse have helped me to make great strides and build my confidence – this is definitely what I want to do with my life, I love it, and the course is very rewarding.”
Katherine, originally from Manchester and now living in Flint, works at Rhianfa Veterinary Centre in Rhyl, and also switched direction before joining Cambria.
“I always had a love of animals but had never seen it as an option for me as I was in a different industry for 10 years,” she said.
“I decided to take the leap and join an ANA (Animal Nursing Assistant) course here at Northop and then moved on to the Level 3, which has been brilliant.
“Learning with this equipment and the experienced tutors we have here – who are respected and so well-known in this field – are really benefiting us, and the results demonstrate that.”
London October 2024, shizl, an online legal tech business on a mission to empower SMEs to feel confident in legal contract creation, negotiation and execution has launched in the UK today. shizl offers accessible, jargon free, cost effective legal guidance at whatever stage of the business life cycle, from startup to enterprise.
The team behind shizl have over 60 years of legal practice experience and have created the technology after acknowledging the changing tide of the legal industry whilst understanding the business need for clear and transparent guidance. shizl’s online platform has been created to be accessible and straightforward to use, in an often convoluted sector that overwhelms business owners.
shizl provides stress-free and accessible legal document guidance, creation and storage for the self-employed and businesses. Whether a business is just starting out, hiring its first employee, looking to raise finance or looking at further growth, shizl aims to ensure that a business is compliant and has its legal ducks in a row.
Talking about the launch, CEO, Mark Edgeworth, said: “The legal fundamentals of a business are often overlooked by business owners with the legal world often seeming overly complicated and prohibitively expensive, which if overlooked can cost a business hugely further down the line. shizl will not suit every legal situation and will not replace a lawyer for specialist advice, but it aims to equip businesses with the essential documents needed to eliminate the initial need for a solicitor during contract creation and agreement, and minimise the need for a lawyer further down the line if support is needed.”
Founders, Investors and Departmental Leaders can find everything they need in an easy to access, intuitive and cost-effective platform, from agency contracts, to referral agreements, NDA’s or SaaS agreements, documents are easy to find, edit and store.
The shizl platform allows businesses or individuals to personalise, sign and save all documents through DocuSign on a monthly or annual subscription basis, ensuring the legal fundamentals of their business are in one place at all times.
For more information or to sign up, visit shizl.com
A new study from automotive data experts HPI has revealed the cheapest makes and models of cars to run.
The data examined total cost of ownership (TCO) figures for vehicles at three years and 30,000 miles. The running costs include a range of factors from service and repair to depreciation.
The data reveals that the cheapest car to run is the Dacia Sandero Hatchback which costs £11,042.84 to run over the three years, equivalent to £306.75 per month or 36.8p per mile over 30k miles.
The top 10 list of vehicle TCO is as follows:
Dacia Sandero Hatchback – TCO £11,042.84
Hyundai i10 Hatchback – TCO £11,765.78
Kia Picanto Hatchback – TCO £11,981.28
Toyota Aygo X Hatchback – TCO £11,983.52
Dacia Sandero Stepway Hatchback – TCO £11,986.65
MG Motor UK MG3 Hatchback – TCO £12,049.18
Citroen C3 Hatchback – TCO £12,130.52
Suzuki Swift Hatchback – TCO £12,237.63
Fiat Panda Hatchback – TCO £12,738.66
Suzuki Ignis Hatchback – TCO £13,299.75
Cost-conscious motorists can see how much their car costs to run by running a HPI Check. The check comes with an integrated TCO report enabling users to check the running costs associated with any vehicle simply by entering the registration details.
The online cost calculator informs drivers exactly how much they can expect to spend over the next three years of ownership. The tool also breaks down the costs and when they are due.
The free tool uses real-time data to generate live vehicle running and maintenance costs. It is the most advanced TCO tool available to motorists with detailed costs available on each vehicle.
Andrew Turner from HPI said: “Checking a car’s TCO allows users who might be on a tight budget to select a used car that will fit in with their needs and lifestyle. By simply entering the vehicle registration number or choosing a make and model, motorists can find out the cars that hold their values well, the cheapest models to run, best fuel economy and the makes and models with the lowest maintenance and service costs.”
Potential buyers can also check if the car makes economic sense by calculating factors such as depreciation, fuel costs, road tax, and tyre and brake pad replacement costs.
Added Andrew: “There are many costs associated with owning a car, which are often overlooked, impacting motorists after they’ve already parted with their cash. Accurately showing all the running costs associated with car ownership means no unexpected surprises six months or three years down the line. Understanding and considering costs is important before committing to buying a car. By helping drivers work out the costs involved in a vehicle they are interested in and with so many choices available, we are confident we can help motorists decide on a great value vehicle that is cheap to run.”
Annual Digital Transformation conference focuses on latest trends and tech, with key CX and AI insights for customers
FourNet’s annual Digital Transformation Summit has heard that the main priorities for organisations over the next 12 months are improving customer experience (CX) (26%) and strengthening cybersecurity (17%).
Increasing operational efficiency (12%) and reducing operational costs (11%) were also among the key priorities for most organisations represented at the Summit.
This year’s event was attended by a record 250 FourNet customers and vendors.
Hosted at Manchester’s iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, the conference heard from a range of experts including Sir Jeremy Fleming, one of Britain’s top intelligence experts and former Director of GCHQ, the government’s communications headquarters and a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency.
Richard Pennington, CEO of FourNet, (pictured above) said: “Our annual Digital Transformation Summit is now the most important event we host for our customers and is fast-becoming a diary must-go for those who want to keep abreast of the latest in Cybersecurity and CX technology and to hear the best insights from world-leading experts.
“We were delighted to have such a range of high-quality speakers, and incredibly well attended sessions in the main hall, as well as our fascinating breakout sessions looking at what trends organisations need to be aware of and what technology they should be utilising to improve their cybersecurity.
“Our survey of customers suggests that the year ahead will be one in which most organisations have two key priorities – improving CX and enhancing cybersecurity. These are FourNet’s areas of expertise and ones in which we partner with the world’s leading vendors.”
A poll conducted at the event suggests that organisations feel that AI, state-backed bad actors, quantum computing, deep fakes and Elon Musk are among the biggest threats the world, and businesses, will face in future.
But AI is also considered to be having the biggest impact in driving efficiencies (53%), enhancing employee productivity (32%) reducing operational costs (9%) and reducing risks from cyberattacks (6%).
Manchester-headquartered FourNet is one of the fastest growing privately-owned technology companies in the UK, providing CX, communications, cloud, contact centre, managed service, cybersecurity and secure network infrastructure solutions. It works with some of the most secure and critical organisations in the UK, including more than 30 government departments and agencies.
The Mastering Diversity Awards 2024, held at the prestigious Senedd in Cardiff, brought together Wales’ most influential voices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sponsored by Hon Mark Drakeford MS, the awards recognized individuals and organizations driving meaningful change across public, private, and community sectors. With the support of Senedd Ministers, including Hon Julie Morgan MS and Hon Jane Hutt MS, the evening highlighted the Welsh Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.
Bernie Davies, founder of the Mastering Diversity Conference Wales, opened the event by expressing gratitude to sponsors, judges, and attendees. Davies emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships, which she believes are fundamental to achieving long-term success in the diversity space. She also commended the Finalists who made it to the Senedd from north, west and mid Wales, in one of the worst weather conditions in Wales in recent times.
“Diversity is not just a tick box exercise—it’s the foundation upon which we can build more inclusive, thriving communities,” said Bernie Davies. “Tonight, we celebrate those individuals and organizations who are leading by example, not just talking about change but making it happen.”
Hosted by S4C’s Natalie Jones, the awards ceremony recognized champions across nine categories, each sponsored by a key organization committed to advancing the diversity agenda. Below is the complete list of winners and runners-up:
Diversity in Public Sector (Sponsored by Browne Jacobson)
Gold: Sarah Brewer – Public Health Wales
Silver: Rajma Begum – WCVA
Bronze: Hussein Said – LGBTQ + Law
Sarah Brewer, Head of People Experience at Public Health Wales, was recognized for her outstanding contributions in improving staff recruitment, diversity, and inclusion practices. Judges praised her innovative work in creating staff networks, introducing inclusive recruitment practices, and partnering with Swansea University on a groundbreaking internship scheme.
Diversity in Business Champion (Sponsored by NatWest)
Gold: Nathan Vidini – Altra Law
Silver: Akmal Hanuk – Assadaqaat Community Finance
Bronze: Deb Barrow – Barrow HR
Nathan Vidini, founder of Altra Law, was celebrated for his business model, which integrates diversity and community investment into every aspect of its operations. The judges noted that Altra Law has set a high standard for other businesses in Wales by demonstrating how impactful diversity can be on both a business and societal level.
Cognitive and Neurodiversity Champion (Sponsored by Toni Clarkstone Global)
Gold: Julian John – Delsion
Silver: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
Bronze: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC
Julian John, CEO of Delsion, was recognized for his tireless advocacy for cognitive and neurodiversity in the workplace. Following a brain injury over a decade ago, Julian founded Delsion to drive inclusion-led innovation and has become a leading voice for disabled business leaders in the UK.
Diversity in Sports Champion (Sponsored by Team Wales)
Gold: Rajma Begum – WCVA
Silver: Sadique Maskeen – Umbrella Faith
Bronze: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC
Rajma Begum was honoured for her work in increasing sports participation among ethnically diverse communities. Judges commended her for leading the US Girls – Street Games UK project, establishing the Women & Girls Sports Forum, and lobbying for £1.5 million to address inequalities in sports for underrepresented groups.
Digital Inclusion Champion (Sponsored by S4C)
Gold: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
Silver: Philipa Knowles – Centre for Digital Public Services
Bronze: Michelle Alexis – BBC
Event Sponsors
Sophie Mason, CEO of Think EDI, was recognized for her groundbreaking software that helps organizations better understand and accommodate their employees’ digital accessibility needs. Judges praised Sophie’s vision, which is set to transform how businesses support diverse teams in a digital landscape.
Gender Equality Champion (Sponsored by OGI)
Gold: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
Silver: Anna Cooper – #BattleWithEndo & The Menstrual Health Project
Bronze: Lesley Williams – Welsh ICE
Molly Fenton, founder of Love Your Period, was celebrated for her ongoing work in destigmatizing menstrual health and championing gender equality in schools and communities across Wales. Her advocacy has opened the door to important conversations around menstrual health for women, non-binary people, and trans men.
Diversity in Representation Champion (Sponsored by Positive Imprint)
Gold: Blessing Mutamba – NatWest
Silver: Akmal Hanuk – Assadaqaat Community Finance
Bronze: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
Blessing Mutamba from NatWest was honoured for her work in improving representation in the financial sector. Judges commended her for influencing positive change within her organization and across the sector, despite significant challenges along her personal and professional journey.
Diversity in Education Champion (Sponsored by Scouts Cymru)
Gold: Michelle Alexis – BBC
Silver: Mfikelea Jean Samuel
Bronze: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
Michelle Alexis was awarded Gold for her outstanding contributions to diversity and education. Her work within the BBC and higher education sectors has left an indelible impact on policies and practices related to equality and inclusion.
Community Champion (Sponsored by Velindre Oncology Academy)
Gold: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
Silver: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC
Bronze: Julie Cornish – Every Woman Festival
Molly Fenton’s Love Your Period campaign earned her yet another Gold Award, this time in the Community Champion category. Her work in building supportive communities around menstrual health and chronic illness was highlighted by the judges as exceptional and transformative.
Lifetime Achievement Awards (Sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors)
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors, were presented to two remarkable individuals who have made a lasting contribution to diversity and inclusion:
Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE – for her pioneering work on racial equality and advocacy
Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE– for her trailblazing work in healthcare and genetics
Additionally, Michelle Alexis was Highly Commended for her extensive contributions to advancing diversity in education and media, further solidifying her role as a key influencer in Wales’ diversity landscape.
The event concluded with an emotional tribute to Bernie Davies, who has made an outstanding contribution to diversity in Wales
The evening concluded with an emotional tribute to Bernie Davies, who was presented with an inspirational painting by Mfikelea Jean Samuel, and honoured by the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Janey Howell, for her outstanding contributions to diversity in Wales. The event reflected the collective effort of individuals, organizations, and government bodies to build a more inclusive future for all.
STUDENTS are laying the foundations for a future in construction on a groundbreaking new suite of apprenticeship programmes.
The first cohort of learners have taken their places on Wales’s first fully funded Construction Degree Apprenticeships.
The students will spend two years at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham before completing a final two years at Wrexham University.
Funded by Welsh Government, the qualifications will give them the opportunity to gain pivotal work experience while achieving a degree, opening-up a wide range of career opportunities in Construction Management, Building Surveying, Civil Engineering, and Quantity Surveying.
Welcoming the group, Karl Jackson, Site Lead at Coleg Cambria Bersham Road – which has undergone a multi-million pound transformation in past years – and Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology, said: “The learners have already settled into the programme and are looking forward to mixing the theoretical and practical sides of the industry, to boost their skills, knowledge and confidence.
“The degree apprenticeships will develop their professional competence but also give them vital real-time, real-life training in a high-quality setting.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Wrexham University on this and look forward to seeing the partnership grow in the years ahead.”
Launching the degree apprenticeships over the summer, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, former Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University, said: “As a university, we continuously review our portfolio and learning pathways across all levels to meet the needs of learners and employers – and the Construction Degree Apprenticeships are a tremendous example of meeting those needs.
“From engagement with employers in the region, we know that they are excited that these are launching here in Wrexham.”
The programmes are designed to meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the Welsh Government Framework, alongside the requirements of the professional bodies.
The launch of the pathway was the result of strong co-operation and engagement relevant bodies and representatives in Wales including Welsh Government, The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), The Higher Education Funding Council Wales (HEFCW), The Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk and Home – Wrexham University.
STUDENTS are laying the foundations for a future in construction on a groundbreaking new suite of apprenticeship programmes.
The first cohort of learners have taken their places on Wales’s first fully funded Construction Degree Apprenticeships.
The students will spend two years at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham before completing a final two years at Wrexham University.
Funded by Welsh Government, the qualifications will give them the opportunity to gain pivotal work experience while achieving a degree, opening-up a wide range of career opportunities in Construction Management, Building Surveying, Civil Engineering, and Quantity Surveying.
Welcoming the group, Karl Jackson, Site Lead at Coleg Cambria Bersham Road – which has undergone a multi-million pound transformation in past years – and Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology, said: “The learners have already settled into the programme and are looking forward to mixing the theoretical and practical sides of the industry, to boost their skills, knowledge and confidence.
“The degree apprenticeships will develop their professional competence but also give them vital real-time, real-life training in a high-quality setting.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Wrexham University on this and look forward to seeing the partnership grow in the years ahead.”
Launching the degree apprenticeships over the summer, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, former Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University, said: “As a university, we continuously review our portfolio and learning pathways across all levels to meet the needs of learners and employers – and the Construction Degree Apprenticeships are a tremendous example of meeting those needs.
“From engagement with employers in the region, we know that they are excited that these are launching here in Wrexham.”
The programmes are designed to meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the Welsh Government Framework, alongside the requirements of the professional bodies.
The launch of the pathway was the result of strong co-operation and engagement relevant bodies and representatives in Wales including Welsh Government, The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), The Higher Education Funding Council Wales (HEFCW), The Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk and Home – Wrexham University.
Panasonic’s leading DLP laser projectors elevates immersive RADA production
Bracknell, UK. October 2024 – Panasonic Connect Europe donated leading 1-Chip DLP™ laser projectors to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to help stage its summer production and train the next generation of theatre professionals. The production – the satirical comedy musical “Urinetown” by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis – took place in RADA’s largest venue, London’s Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre, featuring a crew composed entirely of students from the Technical Theatre and Stage Management FdA and BA courses, alongside a cast of final-year BA Acting students.
Panasonic projectors were used to bring Director Nona Shepphard’s vision to life, evoking an atmosphere of a hot, industrial, sweaty, dirty and polluted dystopia in a world where water supplies have run dry. The video backdrop utilised two Panasonic 1-Chip DLP™ laser projectors to create a larger image across the cyclorama, bringing the fantastical world to life in front of the audiences’ eyes. Additionally, a central flown window utilised a Panasonic 1-Chip DLP™ laser projector with an ultra-short throw lens. The lens enables the projector to be positioned very close to the screen, without casting shadows or distracting the actors with bright light.
Matt Leventhall, Head of Lighting at RADA, added, “It’s wonderful when we’re able to meaningfully integrate video and digital design into our work at RADA. It’s relationships like the one with Panasonic that mean we are able to keep our training up-to-date by exposing our students to the methodologies and technologies that they will find at the highest echelons of the entertainment business.”
Lucy Meredith, Field Marketing Manager, at Panasonic Connect Europe, added: “The possibilities for new and imaginative set and scenery design are advancing incredibly quickly thanks to the latest Panasonic projectors. This donation allows the next generation of theatre professionals to become familiar with the latest technology and its capabilities. The only limits are the imagination.”
A BOOMING haulage business is on the road to net zero.
Farrall’s Group – which employs more than 110 workers at its sites in Deeside, Ashton Hayes, Sandycroft, Telford and Newport –successfully lowered its carbon footprint with support from the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund.
The Fund is delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise with the backing of Pathway to Carbon Zero Ltd and Litegreen Ltd, in collaboration with Flintshire County Council.
Led by Managing Director Matthew Farrall, the company had already made strides in sustainability, installing 1,400 solar panels at its Deeside HQ – generating half a million kilowatts a year – introducing electric forklift trucks, and looking to introduce Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) into its 70+ fleet of vehicles, which are washed using a rainwater harvesting system.
Matthew said via the Fund, consultants helped them to collate information and explore how best to continue implementing eco-efficient methods and renewable energy alternatives long-term.
“The input of Pathway to Carbon Zero and Litegreen has been very beneficial,” he said.
“Their findings reinforced the changes we have made in the last 12 months, as well as contributing to our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report and giving us the confidence we were on the right path, identifying other areas we can be more energy efficient.”
Matthew added: “As a business we are focused on our carbon footprint and responsibility as an organisation which covers many thousands of miles every year and produces greenhouse gas emissions from its vehicles, warehouse and other operations.
“We will continue to improve and work in partnership with the sectors we serve, from food production and manufacturing to construction, aggregates, retail and more.”
Approaching its 70th anniversary, Farrall’s Group has a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) truck on order, due to arrive in the Spring, and the next phase of their green plans includes electric battery storage.
“That will be a big project but the one which has had the most impact is the installation of the solar system at Deeside, significantly decreasing our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and basically taking us off-grid when the sun is shining,” said Matthew.
“As a result, when the truck arrives it will be powered by the solar energy generated, and our target is for at least 50% of our vehicles to be carbon neutral by 2040 – that’s what we are aiming for.”
He added: “We want to be a leader in sustainable logistics and are committed to implementing solutions that contribute to that, through investment and innovation.”
Aimed at organisations in Flintshire, the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund received £297,294 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with grants available for businesses to access specialist advice on how to become a more sustainable organisation, as well as offering guidance on equipment, buildings, energy use and systems and methods that will reduce their carbon footprint and help increase profitability.
Fund Manager Rowan Jones said: “Farrall’s Group is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the region, especially when it comes to the environment and climate change.
“We are pleased the Fund has helped them to build on the good work which has already taken place and look forward continuing the partnership in the future.”
Tech accessories manufacturer Juice is celebrating its most accomplished month to date, with more people opting for their green products over any other mobile accessories brand in the UK.
The latest data from consumer analytics provider, Growth from Knowledge (GfK), confirms that Juice has retained its position as market leader in the UK for the fourth year in a row.
GfK’s August 2024 ‘Market Update’ revealed that it was the best ever month on record in terms of Juice’s overall market share. The forward-thinking brand is dominating the lightning mains market, having doubled its volume share from last year, whilst its market share for wireless charging is also at the highest it has been.
The business is steadily growing when it comes to charging – not only did its volume and value share for power banks increase by 7.9% and 5.8% respectively, but Juice has now successfully overtaken a major competitor in the mains charging market.
The Banbury based manufacturer is also the number one seller in the UK for cables, selling almost three times more lightning cables than Belkin!
In addition to its growing market presence, 2024 has been an exciting year for Juice, following its ongoing commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Earlier this year, Juice launched an exclusive range in partnership with wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, and is donating 20% of all profits to help end animal exploitation.
Juice founder and CEO, Jolyon Bennett, commented: “This year has been an unforgettable one for Juice. Everything we’ve done – and continue to do – is for the consumer. We strongly believe in “doing the right thing” and this is a mantra we promise to always live by!
“To remain the market leader for another year proves that we are going above and beyond to keep our customers coming back for more. We’re working on a number of exciting projects behind the scenes here at Juice, including our international sales strategy across Europe, India and Australia – and we can’t wait to share more with you.”
Jolyon Bennett founded Juice on the principle that everything the business does is kind to the planet. After becoming the first mobile phone accessories manufacturer in the UK to eliminate all virgin plastic from its products three years ago, Juice has saved 261 tonnes of plastic. Having focused specifically on its sustainability efforts over the last few years, Juice is now collaborating with like-minded organisations to try and make the world a better place.
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