Category Archives: South Wales

Events, Investment, South Wales

£15 billion of investment opportunities in Cardiff Capital Region showcased at largest property exhibition in the world

INVESTMENT opportunities in Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) worth £15 billion are being showcased at MIPIM – the largest property exhibition in the world.

 

A team from CCR and its ten councils are promoting South East Wales and its investment opportunities at the event in Cannes, France from March 12 to 14.

 

Considered one of the leading global real estate events, ‘Marche International des Professionals d’Immobilier’ (MIPIM) attracts more than 26,000 participants each year, including 5,000 investors, 4,800 developers, and 500 journalists.

 

It has become a prominent event in the property and asset investment world, with representatives coming together for networking, learning, and showcasing the skills and potential of their regions.

 

A number of UK regions and major cities also attend the event at MIPIM, so competition for attracting and securing investment is high.

 

The CCR team is holding a series of events across the week, highlighting its investment opportunities, commitment to sustainable development, and its communities.

 

The £15bn worth of investment opportunities include:

  • Aberthaw Power Station eco-park
  • Bridgend town centre
  • The Northern Gateway initiative
  • Blaenau Gwent Tech Valleys project
  • Cardiff Parkway
  • Caerphilly Hotel and Leisure Park
  • St Modwen Park, Newport

 

 

Further details of the opportunities can be found here:

https://www.ccrmipim.wales/investment-opportunities/

 

Among the team attending MIPIM this week and welcoming guests to the CCR exhibition stand is CCR Ambassador Dan Biggar, former Wales and British Lions rugby player, and now playing for Toulon in the south of France.

 

Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive Officer of CCR, said: “We need to sell our region’s competitive strengths on a global stage, and seek out the investors, backers and markets that like our offer.

 

“With its strategic location, thriving economy, and ambitious development projects, CCR offers investors a compelling opportunity to be part of its growth story.”

 

Kellie said Cardiff Capital Region had demonstrated economic resilience in recent times, with sustained growth across key sectors such as finance, technology and life sciences.

 

Attendees at MIPIM from CCR include local authority leaders Councillor Anthony Hunt (Torfaen County Borough Council), Cllr Geraint Thomas (Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council), and Cllr John Morgan, (Cabinet Member for places and regeneration, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council).

 

Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of CCR Cabinet which comprises the leaders of the 10 local authority partners of CCR, said: “This week presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Cardiff Capital Region to a global audience at a renowned industry event.

 

“We look forward to being ambassadors for the Region and we will be working hard to ensure that our attendance will bring tangible benefits for all.

 

“With our universities, research institutions, and tech start-ups, CCR is proving a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

“Our developing technology sector, in particular, is attracting attention from investors seeking opportunities in areas such as digital innovation, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.”

Cardiff, Insurance, South Wales

Cardiff Capital Region London event showcases South Wales investment opportunities

INVESTMENT opportunities in South Wales were the focus of a London event (Monday February 26) which promoted the benefits of co-investment with the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).

The ‘Investing in the Cardiff Capital Region’ event, part of the annual Wales Week London programme, aimed to develop the dialogue with the investment community in Wales, London, and beyond, exploring opportunities around co-investment with the CCR’s portfolio of funds such as the Innovation Investment Capital and Strategic Premises Fund, and also the soon-to-be launched Northern Valleys Initiative.

More than 85 attendees including investors and developers, heard about the competitive advantages in the Region, its cluster strategy, the creation of the new Investment Zone, and the major redevelopment of the former Aberthaw Power Station site.

The event was hosted by Baroness Wilcox of Newport, and CCR director Kellie Beirne facilitated discussions between an expert panel comprising Wales Office Minister Fay Jones MP; Lucy Cohen of Mazuma, which recently received capital funding from the CCR’s Innovation Investment Capital to help boost its operations; Michael Magee, a Partner at PwC; and George Richards, senior director at CBRE.

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Portfolio Lead of Research and Innovation, also spoke about the importance of sustainable growth allied to innovation.

Cllr Brocklesby said: “South Wales offers so many exciting investment opportunities, and the Cardiff Capital Region is an enabler and collaborator that can help make these happen.

“We encourage investors and developers from Wales, the UK, and beyond, to talk to us about how we can work together to bring out economic and social benefits in the region.”

Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: “The CCR has consistently been a catalyst for investment and innovation across South Wales. This event highlighted the breadth of investment opportunities that the Cardiff Capital Region provides, showing why the UK Government is proud to support its on-going work and invest in its future.”

Lucy Cohen is the co-founder and CEO of Bridgend-based online accountancy firm Mazuma, which recently received a multi-million pound investment from the Innovation Investment Capital (IIC), funded by CCR.

She spoke about what the investment meant for her firm, which is one of the leading providers of accountancy services for micro businesses in the UK, and differentiates its business through a subscription model that allows subscribers to choose from a range of accountancy packages, and benefit from its proprietary technology through MazApp®.

Lucy said: “With the addition of this new investment from IIC Mazuma will accelerate the development of its new accountancy technology solutions, expand the marketing and sales teams in Bridgend, and invest in the firm’s infrastructure and operations to support growth.

“The CCR shares our goals and vision. We can now accelerate the development of our proprietary technology, and leverage our position to pursue long-term strategic goals.”

The Mazuma investment is IIC’s second investment, with the first in being AMPLYFI, the Cardiff-based disruptive generative artificial intelligence business. To date, the fund has received more than 160 applications for funding from potential investee companies across South Wales.

Launched in November 2022 and backed by UK Government funds with an initial £50 million from CCR, the fund is looking to invest long-term capital in sustainable growth opportunities across the ten unitary authorities that comprise the CCR. Its General Partner is Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM), which is responsible for managing the fund and the overall portfolio and risk management, with PwC supporting CFM in advisory matters, including investment research and sourcing.

The ‘Investing in the Cardiff Capital Region’ event was held as part of the Wales Week in London programme which aims to highlight and showcase opportunities in the country.

Disclaimer

Capricorn Fund Managers Limited (Capricorn) is the alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) for Innovation Investment Capital (IIC) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 505252).

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 221411). It is able to offer a limited range of investment services to clients (if they are an incidental part of PwC’s professional services) as it is a member of a relevant Designated Professional Body. PwC is acting on behalf of Capricorn for the provision of advisory and operational services in support of the IIC.

Any information provided by PwC in relation to the IIC is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon any such information without obtaining professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of such information, and, to the extent permitted by law, PwC, Capricorn and The County Council of the City and County of Cardiff on behalf of Cardiff Capital Region (“CCR”) and their respective members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on such information or for any decision based on it.

Please note that data collected for the purpose of your investment proposal to IIC will be shared with Capricorn in their role as alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) for IIC.

© 2024 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

Business, Charity Events, Charity News, Events, News from Wales, South Wales, Swansea

Howden official Swansea office opening flanked by rugby star

The official opening of a new Howden office in Swansea was flanked by Welsh rugby legend Tom Shanklin at an event last week, Thursday February 22. 

Howden, the international insurance intermediary group, began trading from the new office in Axis Court, Riverside Business Park, Swansea, last month, with this event marking the official opening of the new location. The office has already welcomed 14 skilled brokers since the beginning of the year, with plans to recruit more talent in the coming months.  

The official opening event saw Tom, who won 70 caps for Wales between 2001 – 2010, share his experiences with Welsh rugby and the British & Irish Lions—an association that aligns with Howden’s headline sponsorship for the upcoming Lion’s tour. 

Guests at the opening event also participated in a raffle in aid of Wales Air Ambulance Charity, with prizes including 4-ball at the Celtic Manor, a £250 Gaucho voucher, and a Fortnum and Mason hamper.  

The creation of an office in Swansea is part of Howden UK & Ireland’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses. 

On the event, Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, said: “Embracing the spirit of Welsh resilience and teamwork, the official opening of our Swansea office alongside rugby icon Tom Shanklin signifies not only our commitment to the region but also our shared values of excellence and community. Just as in rugby, where teamwork and strategy are paramount, at Howden, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to navigate risks and achieve success together. 

“The swift momentum of our Swansea office speaks volumes, and we’re thrilled to have assembled such a skilled and seasoned team, with more to join in the coming months.” 

 

About Howden  

Howden is a leading global insurance intermediary group with employee ownership at its heart.  Founded in 1994, it operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employing 16,000 people and handling $38bn of premium on behalf of clients. 

  

For more information, please visit www.howdengroupholdings.com 

FInance, Finance and Banking, News, South Wales, Sustainability, Wales

New funding to help South East Wales businesses build a cleaner future

Businesses and third-sector organisations based in the Cardiff Capital Region (Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan) can access fully-funded support designed to help them drive innovation and boost sustainability from January 2024, thanks to new funding secured by Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC).

The Clean Growth Programme is fully funded for eligible organisations and gives participants the tools they need to develop their circular economy understanding, helping them work towards Net Zero goals, enhance service levels, reduce operational costs and meet their responsibilities under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. It is delivered in conjunction with Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Swansea.

The programme also supports organisations to boost innovation, developing clean growth plans that could be eligible for Welsh Government innovation funding.

In response to growing demand from businesses, eligibility for the 2024 intake has been expanded to include private-sector companies for the first time.

 

The new, six-month programmes will see up to 30 organisations come together to form new innovation communities. Participants will take part in monthly workshops and a two-day residential, collaboratively developing their circular economy understanding, clean growth and innovation plans. Participants will be signposted to additional support available and university staff, as well as 1-to-1 mentoring support.

 

CEIC programme director Gary Walpole, said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend the CEIC programmes to private companies from 2024 via the Clean Growth Programme. Diversifying this cohort will create valuable opportunities for organisations from all sectors to learn from one another, share best practice and identify mutual areas of interest.

 

“In our experience, this collaborative approach speeds up the development of new innovations that not only benefit the organisations concerned but also the wider economy.”

 

The Clean Growth Programme teaches organisations about the principles underlying the Circular Economy, supporting them to rethink resource management and contribute to the Welsh Government’s ‘Net Zero Wales’ ambitions. Participants share tools, techniques and best practice with fellow community members to identify and devise practical solutions to their clean growth challenges.

 

“With official NetZero targets formalising environmental links between organisations at all stages of the value chain, the CEIC programmes offer a real opportunity for businesses and third-sector organisations across the Cardiff Capital Region to work together to develop plans that will reduce their carbon footprints and future proof their operations,” Gary continued. “The importance of sustainable practices and the co-dependency of organisations is increasingly reflected in both recruitment and procurement practices, meaning there has never been a better time for organisations to review their approach and future proof their performance.”

 

The Clean Growth programme is funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Organisations can apply via https://ceicwales.org.uk/spring2024/ or register for one of CEIC’s free online Insight sessions to find out more.

 

Appointments, Newport, News, South Wales

New appointments as Kilsby Williams continues to grow

Newport-based tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has made a series of appointments to its business services and tax teams, bringing the firm’s headcount to 70 as it continues to grow.

Qualified accountant Ffion Clarke has been appointed as a manager in the business services team and will be responsible for preparing the accounts for her portfolio of clients.

Ffion said: “I am thrilled to be a part of Kilsby Williams, joining at an exciting point of growth for the firm. I am looking forward to utilising my skills and experience to support both clients and colleagues and progressing further in my career.”

Alongside Ffion in the business services team, graduates Bethan Mulcaster and Scott Webb-Edwards join as trainees, while Sebastian Mathers O’Donnell has transferred from the firm’s payroll department to begin a new role. The trio will work on accounts and audits while training to become chartered accountants.

Kickstarting her career, recent Cardiff University graduate Catrin James joins as a trainee in the firm’s tax team and will work towards becoming a chartered tax advisor. In her role, Catrin will help with the preparation of personal and corporate tax returns as part of clients’ compliance requirements and assist managers with tax advisory work.

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “As our client portfolio continues to grow, it’s important that we strengthen our teams with the best established and emerging accountancy and tax talent to ensure we consistently provide the high quality service our clients expect.

“With this series of appointments, we have achieved a significant milestone by reaching a company headcount of 70 and cementing our status as the largest independent firm in the region. Ffion, Bethan, Scott, Sebastian and Catrin are fantastic additions to our business, and we look forward to seeing them progress.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients from across south Wales, the Midlands and London, ranging from sole traders to companies in international quoted groups.

Energy, South Wales, Sustainability, Swansea, West Wales

Consumer Energy Solutions marks major milestone

CES has installed 30,000 solar panels

A SWANSEA-BASED consumer energy efficiency company is marking a major milestone as it fits its 30,000th solar panel since it began installations just two years ago.

Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills. The company, which has permanent bases in South Wales, North Wales, West Wales and Exeter, began installing solar PV as a single measure through the Local Authority Delivery Scheme (LADs) in autumn 2021, before introducing them as double measures with loft insulation and as part of a multiple measure whole house approach through the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) in 2022.

 

CES currently employs over 500 staff who undertake the installations, from solar PV installers, to roofers, heating engineers and electricians, alongside the management team based at its Swansea headquarters.

Working with a selection of products and manufacturers, including Swanson McKay, Greentech, CEF and UKPS, CES can tailor its offering to suit homeowners and has successfully implemented cost-effective energy-saving measures to over 8,000 homes across the UK. Of these customers, 2,800 had solar PV roof installations, which were paid for entirely with government backed grants sourced by CES.

 

To ensure the company’s workforce remains foremost in its field and to meet consumer demand, CES recently invested £0.5 million on a dedicated training facility in Cardiff for all solar and renewable heating training, as well as offering full electrical and health and safety qualifications to all installers.

 

Sam Wilson, Head of Solar at Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “As a business we only started installing solar panels in late 2021 and in that time, we have installed 30,000 units via just over 2,800 projects. We are proud to reach this milestone and thank our entire team of energy efficiency professionals who work together to identify opportunities and carry out the energy-saving modifications needed for each property.

“Coming into winter, we appreciate home-owners will be more mindful of turning the lights or heating on and we are committed to supporting anyone concerned about their energy usage.”

 

—

A large section of CES installations come from the government backed ECO 4 scheme. This is predominantly helping those off the gas grid using oil, LPG, electric or solid fuels for their heating qualify for energy saving measures. To see if you can qualify, please visit www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk or contact 01792 721162.

Business Advice, News, South Wales

The Benefits of Small Meetings

Bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to meetings, in fact, smaller meetings can have a greater impact on business goals and attendee wellbeing.

Rachel Phillips, Sales Director for The Celtic Collection, discusses the benefits of smaller meetings and some tips on how to make them work for your business.

 

Have a clear objective

Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has a famous rule for smaller meetings, if it takes more than two pizzas to feed everyone at a meeting, then it is too big.

Meetings are designed to share new ideas and knowledge, for delegates to share updates on projects and to make clear decisions. Before sending invites to your meeting, you need to make sure it has a clear objective and outcome, as not everyone on the team will be able to contribute to the discussion.

According to a study by global organisational consulting firm, Korn Ferry, 67 per cent of respondents reported that their productivity is negatively impacted due to spending too much time in meetings and calls.

By carefully selecting the attendees that are needed and freeing up the diaries of those who aren’t, you are increasing productivity, focus and creativity across all aspects of your business.

 

Keep it top line

If you are reducing the number of people at your meeting, you should also consider reducing the agenda points. We have all sat in lengthy meetings which could have been an email so, as you’ve selected the most relevant people to attend, it is important to only discuss items which require clear outcomes and actions.

You have selected these attendees for a reason so make sure that you keep them engaged and keep the meeting relevant and the outcomes easier to digest and delegate.

A change of scenery

It can be hard to feel creative when you are staring at the same four walls or laptop screen, so scheduling an in-person meeting away from your daily work location will be much appreciated by your attendees. With a smaller group you can be creative about the location and structure of your meeting; why not factor in a meeting on the move, opt for a space outside which is surrounded by nature.

Across The Celtic Collection there are a wide range of smaller meeting spaces to suit business needs, and they aren’t all boardrooms either. Alongside our traditional spaces at The Celtic Manor Resort, our Hunter Lodges overlook the iconic Twenty Ten golf course and Usk Valley, and can be used for intimate meetings of up to eight people. To keep attendees fuelled we can even organise for a private chef to create you a delicious and energising lunch utilising some of Wales’ incredible produce.

For those looking for a space in the heart of Cardiff, we have The Telegraph Room at The Parkgate Hotel which is the perfect size for smaller meetings and gatherings of up to 50. Intimate and atmospheric, this elegant private dining room evokes the property’s rich history as the city’s former Head Post Office and County Court.  Being in the heart of Cardiff is incredibly beneficial, with plenty of beautiful open spaces to explore including Bute Park, which is a short stroll away from the hotel.

 

Food for thought

While all our meetings spaces offer catering options, you can always change up the setting by taking your small meeting straight to a restaurant or café. If Jeff Bezos measures his meetings in pizza, then who are we to argue against the benefits of sharing ideas while sharing food?

We are very fortunate to have 10 restaurants across The Collection, serving delicious dishes from a range of cuisines including PAD Asian at The Manor House, Steak on Six at The Celtic Manor Resort, The Rib Smokehouse & Grill at Coldra Court Hotel, The Sorting Room at The Parkgate Hotel, and the Newbridge on Usk, in the heart of the Welsh countryside with idyllic views of the River Usk.

 

There are also abundant opportunities for adding team-building activities to the agenda from treetop high ropes adventure to wellness experiences in the spa.

 

The Celtic Collection team are happy to provide guidance and suggestions on the perfect meeting spaces to suit your delegates and business needs. For further information contact us on +44 (0)1633 410252 or discover our meeting and events offering on our website www.celtic-collection.com

 

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News, South Wales, Swansea, Telecoms, Telecoms News, Wales

Flotek Completes 8th Acquisition in 12 Months

Flotek has acquired Liberty Solutions (Swansea) Limited, a telecommunications provider based in Swansea. The deal is the 8th acquisition for IT & Comms MSP Flotek Group since launching in April 2022 by CEO, Jay Ball.

 

Flotek is known for its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach. With a mission to help SMEs consolidate data and voice communications with one trusted provider, the acquisition further enhances the offering to Flotek’s customers.

 

Founded by Andre Morgan, Liberty Solutions is a telecommunications provider offering telephone systems, telephone lines and business broadband solutions tailored to small and medium sized businesses.

 

Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek, said: “We are pleased that Liberty Solutions is now part of the Flotek family. They have been a trusted telecom provider for local businesses in and around South Wales, joining Flotek means customers will now benefit from Managed IT & Cybersecurity services from one technology provider.”

 

Flotek’s growth strategy is driven by its core value of providing customers a single point of contact for all their technology needs.

 

On Flotek’s rapid growth, Jay continues: “Having completed 8 acquisitions in 12 months, we now have 4 Swansea bases as well as multiple locations in England. Expanding our market share so rapidly in such a short period of time has been a great first step in our long term growth strategy.

 

“Right now, our priorities are integrating and operating as one business with clearly defined goals. We continue to communicate with all parts of the business to ensure integration plans are on track ready for any future acquisitions.”

 

Previous deals made by Flotek include Gower Business Systems, Cloud9ine and Saecom in South Wales and Mazing Tree, FlexiNet, ECS Solutions and Toolk-IT, which enabled the group’s geographical expansion as well as enhancing Flotek’s service offering.

 

Multidiscipline dealmakers GS Verde Group structured and advised on the deal.

Connect with Flotek: at www.flotek.io.

 

Apprenticeships, Cardiff, News, South Wales, Wales

New year, new apprentices for Welsh fabricator

CARDIFF-based fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium has welcomed four new apprentices to its team.

Daniele Casiero-Malpas

Daniele Casiero-Malpas joined the team in October 2022, while Morgan Goodrich, Joshua Parton and Thomas Wyatt began their roles in the new year. All four are apprentice fabricators, helping the production team to prepare and assemble aluminium frames for doors, windows and curtain walling in the workshop.

Daniele said: “This apprenticeship is a brilliant way for me to get stuck into practical work, gain experience and learn valuable skills that will set me up for the future.”

 

 

Morgan Goodrich

Morgan said: “I wanted to earn and learn at the same time so an apprenticeship seemed like the natural choice for me after leaving school. I’m enjoying learning from the team and familiarising myself with the equipment and materials we use.”

 

Joshua Parton

Joshua said: “I’m happy to be part of the Dudley’s Aluminium team and to be treated as a fellow worker. The apprenticeship is a starting point for a good career in this industry and I have already learnt so much about specific tools used in aluminium fabrication.”

Thomas Wyatt

Thomas said: “I decided to pursue an apprenticeship with Dudley’s Aluminium as it was a chance to join an architectural aluminium business and learn from more experienced colleagues. I’m really enjoying my time here.”

 

The quartet are the latest apprentices to work with Dudley’s Aluminium. Izaak Lenney and Lewis Richards recently successfully completed their initial 15 month bespoke apprenticeships within the Dudley’s estimating team.

The fabricator is now supporting Izaak and Lewis with their ongoing professional development to help them progress further in the company. Izaak is studying a Diploma in Management course as a trainee site supervisor while Lewis is studying a Foundation in Quantity Surveying course as a trainee estimator and surveyor.

 

Colin Shorney, Managing Director of Dudley’s Aluminium, (pictured above) said: “Welcoming Daniele, Morgan, Joshua and Thomas to the team through our bespoke apprenticeship scheme has been a fantastic way to start the year. They have made a great start with colleagues in our workshop, and we are looking forward to seeing them progress.

“We are proud to invest in the training and development of all of our employees and it’s our pleasure to support our former apprentices Izaak and Lewis to take the next step on their chosen paths within the company.”

 

Since 1993, Dudley’s Aluminium has offered clients full in-house design and production facilities, completing many successful and prestigious projects within the education, health, commercial, retail, residential and defence sectors throughout the UK and Channel Islands.

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS accredited, Constructionline registered and BM Trada certified to manufacture enhanced security products to align with PAS24:2016 and BS 4873.

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.