Category Archives: Swansea

Apprenticeships, Disability, Disability at work, Neurodiversity, News, Swansea, Training & Apprenticeships

Swansea young people build career skills with Supported Internships at Amazon

Three young people from Swansea have boosted their career skills by taking part in a Supported Internship at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea Bay. Amazon launched its Supported Internship programme in 2021, to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to gain work experience and skills as they transition to employment.

Latest figures show that just 4.8% of people with a learning disability and autism, that are known to adult social care, are employed. Supported Internships form part of a Government scheme designed to help change this stat, helping young people with additional educational needs and disabilities gain work experience as they transition from education to employment.

 

In 2023, Amazon started to work with national charity DFN Project Search, to expand their programme to help more people with SEND gain invaluable workplace skills. The internship combines classroom education and practical work experience in different Amazon roles to provide a rounded experience for interns.

 

Ricardo Pesarillo (20), Matthew Norman (18) and Lewis D’Angeli-Squires (21) from Swansea are some of the young people who have taken part in a Supported Internship at the Amazon fulfilment centre in the city.

Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis have now completed their internships and have taken permanent roles at Amazon in Swansea Bay, working in the customer returns team.

 

Ricardo explains the journey he’s been on through the internship programme. “I started my internship late last year, and I’ve moved around different teams during my training. I’ve picked and packed products, and now I work in returns. I find my job interesting and varied and it’s been a great experience for me,” he said.

Amazon is Ricardo’s first job, and he explains what he likes about working at Amazon. “The team here is great,” he said. “They’re so friendly, helpful and they’re a real laugh. I enjoy coming to work and getting to know people – that’s been massive for me. You spend a lot of time with your colleagues, and I feel lucky to have the workmates I have. They have helped me so much during my internship.”

Ricardo also called out the support that Amazon provides for his community. “The people are great here, but so is the work the company does in the community. We have lots of events, support local charities and do volunteering. I really like that,” he said.

 

During Matthew’s time on the Amazon Supported Internship programme, he says has learned new skills. What’s the most important skill or ability he’s learned? “I think it’s my confidence,” he said. “When I first started with Amazon, I was reluctant to ask people for help. I didn’t have the confidence to talk to people. Now I am settled here, I feel more able to ask for support when I need it. My team is always there to help me and that has helped me to approach them for help. I am comfortable talking to anyone now and that’s made a big difference for me.”

Does Matthew have a highlight from his time so far at Amazon? “Working on the picking team on Valentine’s Day was lots of fun,” he said. “I saw a lot of last-minute orders coming through from people who must have forgotten to buy a gift for their partner, and I enjoyed helping them with that special purchase.”

Speaking about his future, Matthew reveals that he has big ambitions for his career at Amazon. “I would love to keep working my way up to one day become a team leader,” he said. “After that, I’d love to train in robotics and move to Amazon in the US – that’s my dream!”

 

Lewis gives a special mention to his Swansea colleagues. “The team here is amazing. They look after all of us interns and they’re always there to support us. They also join in when we play pool competitions in the canteen. I really like that,” he said.

Reflecting on his time on the Amazon Supported Internship programme, Lewis reveals what advice he’d give himself on day one if he could go back in time. “Listen to everyone,” he said. “If you listen to your instructors and you follow all the rules, you will not go wrong. Try to enjoy it too. Be confident that it will work out for the best.”

How has the internship programme helped Lewis? “I’ve found my voice. I’ve become more assertive. I’ve learned that I have a contribution to make, and I should not be afraid to speak up, inside and outside work. It’s something my Mum has commented on too. It’s a big deal for me,” Lewis said.

 

Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis completed their Supported Internship at Amazon in June. Their success was celebrated at a graduation ceremony at the Swansea fulfilment centre, which was attended by their families and Amazon colleagues.

Amazon Swansea Site Leader, Dan Boulger, said: “It’s been great to have Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis complete their Supported Internships at Amazon in Swansea. We’ve loved having them on the team throughout their internship and are looking forward to welcoming them to the team as they join us as employees. The graduation ceremony was a great way to celebrate all the interns in this years as they progress to the next stages of their careers.”

 

“It has been brilliant to hear young people speak about their Supported Internship journeys with Amazon this year and to join in with the graduation celebrations across our sites. Young people like Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis talking about the experiences they have had, the skills they have learnt and the opportunities opening up is the definition of success for our collaboration. I am excited to see what we can achieve in the future.” – Carmel McKeogh, Chief Executive, DFN Project SEARCH

 

Since 2021, there have been over 50 Supported Internship interns based in various Amazon operations sites across the UK. Many interns, like Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis, have gone on to work full time at Amazon.

To learn more about Amazon’s Supported Internship programme with DFN Project Search visit About Amazon UK.

 

To find out more about Amazon’s commitment to being an inclusive employer for people with disabilities – https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/amazon-disability-confident

 

Aerospace, Education, News, Swansea

University celebrates double success in aerospace competition

Swansea University students claimed the honours at a unique challenge designed to celebrate the talents of aerospace engineers of the future.

This year’s IT FLIES competition was hosted for a fourth year by Swansea University and the two home teams ended up as joint winners after a gruelling day in front of industry experts.

IT FLIES is a student aircraft design and handling competition run each year in the USA and the UK and organised by Merlin Flight Simulation Group.

The Swansea teams, from the Faculty of Science and Engineering  designed an aerial firefighting aircraft capable of carrying and dropping 2000kg of water or fire-retardant material, while having the capability to deploy smoke jumpers and dire fighting equipment.

Representatives of the two victorious Swansea teams

They were competing against students from the University of South Wales, the University of Manchester and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.  Entries from the visiting teams included a Wings for Aid UAV, a 4th generation fighter jet aircraft, and a supersonic business jet.

Each team gave a 10-minute project presentation, followed by their aircraft designs being flown and assessed by the Test Pilots on one of Swansea University’s MP521 simulators.

The Swansea team led by Liam Maloney also won the prize for the best project presentation with a supersonic business jet design by Adam Cleaver from USW claiming the prize for the most innovative design.

Dr David Philpott judged the presentations and the test pilots were Gordon McClymont and Rhys Williams. The winners were presented with their prizes by Chris Neal, managing director of Merlin Flight Simulation Group.

Marion Neal, from Merlin, said: “We were delighted to see that entries were as varied as ever, and of a very high standard this year. It was great to give the students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of flight and to learn from our experienced test pilots.”

Swansea University’s head of aerospace engineering Professor Ben Evans said: “We are very proud of the aerospace education we offer and were more than happy to host the competition once again this year.

“This was a very close-run contest but we are thrilled that the Swansea teams put up such a good performance. However, we hope that all the students who took part were inspired by the experience and will continue to on their journey in the aerospace industry.”

Find out more about studying aerospace engineering at Swansea University

 

Header image Caption: Competition entrants, organisers and judges in the Swansea University flight simulation lab.

Bridgend, Charity & CSR, Education, News, Swansea

City schools supported by Amazon Swansea

The team from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Swansea has made donations totalling £2,000 to two primary schools in the region.

Portmead Primary School in Portmead and Brynmenyn Primary School in Bridgend received £1,000 each to continue providing positive and inclusive learning communities for children in Swansea.

Michael James, Expressive Arts Lead at Portmead Primary School, said the donation to the school will be used to support learners in developing their skills across digital media platforms with the purchase of electronic equipment.

 

Dan Boulger, Site Leader at Amazon in Swansea, said:

“Schools are fundamental for providing nurturing and inspiring environments where pupils can fulfil their potential. It’s important to all of us at Amazon that we invest in the individuals and places that contribute to children’s daily lives and help benefit future generations; that’s why Portmead Primary School and Brynmenyn Primary School are so deserving of these donations.”

 

Darrell George, an employee from Amazon in Swansea, said:

“Portmead and Brynmenyn are vibrant schools that empower children to find their passion. I’ve found it very fulfilling supporting these local schools through Amazon, as it’s showed me the value I bring to my community and encourages me to help more people.”

Allison Evans, Headteacher of Portmead Primary School, added:

“By donating to our school, you are helping young people build valuable qualities for success in both their academic and personal lives. We are very grateful to Dan, Darrell and the Amazon team for thinking of us.”

 

Community donations [and employee volunteering] are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in poverty. The Multibank ‘Cwtch Mawr’ opened in Swansea this year, with Faith in Families, providing surplus essentials, donated by Amazon and others, directly to those in need. The initiative aims to support more than more than 40,000 families across South Wales.

Amazon has supported more than 500,000 students across the UK with free computer science and STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer. Amazon helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.

 

Images: Children at Portmead Primary School

News, Swansea

Swansea local bags £10,000 cash prize in SPAR Spinner Winner Easter event

A Swansea local has won an incredible £10,000 in a ‘Spinner Winner’ competition run by the food convenience store SPAR.

The competition, known for its focus on money-saving opportunities, was launched this Easter following the success of the ‘Yule Spinner winner’ back in February.

Karen from Swansea who discovered the competition at her local SPAR store on Mount Cresent, Swansea said: “I am ecstatic to have won SPAR’s Spin & Win Grand prize. I’ve never won anything like this, it feels amazing. When I received the phone call from SPAR, I thought it was a prank I was totally shocked. It feels amazing to win.”

 

The Easter competition ran from 14th March until 3rd of April and saw 247,444 spins of the digital wheel leading to over 43,106 entries in the grand prize draw.

The Easter Spinner Winner not only offered customers the chance to win £10,000 cash, but it also gave away 367,999 instant prizes including cupboard food items and vouchers.

When asked how she’d spend her new fortune, Karen added: “I plan to pay off some bills, do some DIY around my home and spoil my dog and cat.”

 

Sharon Thomas, store manager at SPAR Mount Cresent said: “It’s great to see a regular SPAR customer win such a large cash prize. The Spinner Winner draws are a fantastic opportunity to create a buzz in the local community and give back to those who always support our store.”

 

Business, Business News, News, Sport, Swansea

Howden announces sponsorship of local Swansea rugby club

Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, has announced its sponsorship of Swansea youth rugby club, Loughor RFC.  

 

Howden’s Swansea office will be sponsoring Loughor RFC’s youth teams, from the under 6s up to under 15s, and sponsored the Loughor v Fishguard and Goodwick match on 2 March, which ended with a 20-14 win for the home team. This local sponsorship ties in with Howden’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses. 

 

The firm launched a new Swansea office in January 2023, aiming to be the leading provider of commercial broking in South and West Wales. 

 

Founded in 1882, Loughor RFC is an independent sports club located in Loughor, Swansea, and welcomes players of all ages to play in League 2 West. The club hosts regular fixtures and events for the local community and will be boosted financially through the sponsorship. 

 

The sponsorship will contribute towards general running of the club, including travel expenses for the teams, which have risen substantially in recent years. The club is well used by the local community, including the use of the clubhouse as a dementia café, and is currently undergoing a £50k revamp of its toilet facilities.  

 

Gary Stevens, Regional Director, Howden said: “Following the launch of our Swansea base, we are delighted to be partnering with Loughor RFC and supporting a local community hub.  

 

“I have been lucky enough to see firsthand the positive impacts that the club has on its younger members with my son’s participation, making it an honour to be supporting their hard work and hopefully helping to offset some of the rising costs they have been facing.” 

 

Kevin Lewis, Hon Secretary, RFC added: “We are very grateful for the support of Howden this year. As a grassroots rugby club, the current financial climate has been tough on us, but it is thanks to sponsors such as Gary and the Howden team that we are able to keep our teams up and running and continue to be a much-needed hub for the local community.” 

 

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 

 

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 

Apprenticeships, Jobs, News, Swansea

Carmarthenshire apprentice helps Amazon celebrate 1,000 new apprenticeship opportunities for 2024

An apprentice at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Swansea is encouraging others to start an apprenticeship and boost their careers as Amazon announces the expansion of its apprenticeship programme with the addition of 1,000 new positions across the UK in 2024.

Amazon offers one of the UK’s top private sector apprenticeship schemes according to the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers[1], including entry-level placements and more than 230 degree-level apprenticeships in programmes including accounting and data analysts.

Recruitment has now started for more than 30 different schemes, from sustainability to engineering, project management to product buying, and warehouse team leaders to health and safety technicians.

This year, Amazon is also launching new programmes including the digital product manager apprenticeship and the commercial procurement and supply apprenticeship. The range of different apprenticeship schemes reflect both Amazon’s diverse workforce and the communities it serves every day across the UK.

As well as offering hundreds of new roles to external candidates, more than half of the new apprenticeships will be offered to existing employees who will have the opportunity to retrain and gain new skills for an exciting new career path. In 2023, two thirds (67%) of new apprentices at Amazon were aged 25 and over, an increase of 10% year on year, which demonstrates the support apprenticeships provide in helping people pursue new careers.

An apprentice who has completed the programme is David Miles, from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea.

David, from Carmarthenshire, works at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea as a health and safety technician. David is a graduate of the Amazon apprenticeship programme, completing a health and safety apprenticeship in September 2023. He has worked at Amazon for almost four years.

“I went to university in 2003 to study computer games development, but it wasn’t the right environment for me. I left university without finishing my degree and stumbled into a job with a pizza company. I progressed through the ranks at the company over 14 years, going from positions in local stores to overseeing the opening of new locations across the UK,” he said.

“I loved my time at the pizza place, but my work-life balance wasn’t what I wanted it to be, so I decided to leave, and I retrained as an electrician.”

David completed his first two years of training at college, where he also picked up a GCSE in English. However, as he was looking for an apprenticeship, he realised that most organisations were looking for young people and he had difficulty finding a suitable role.

“It’s almost impossible to get an apprenticeship as an electrician over the age of 25, so I really struggled. Then COVID happened, and I found out my partner was pregnant. Needing a role quickly, I saw a position at Amazon, and I joined the company. I quickly realised this was a great place to work and I made plans to progress at the site here in Swansea.”

“During my first year, I worked as a proxy for the health and safety team, and I loved it. Around the same time, I saw the apprenticeship opportunity in health and safety, and I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to get a qualification and work at the same time,” David said.

“I thought the Amazon Apprenticeship programme would offer me the opportunity to get more experience in health and safety, so I applied. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – I had so many opportunities to work alongside teams here in Swansea and in Bristol and Swindon, while getting a qualification and having the chance to implement health and safety programmes that I created.”

The flexibility and work-life balance offered by Amazon is also praised by David. “This is the first role I’ve had that when you’re off, you’re really off,” he said. “I appreciate that – it gives you an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – at work and at home – and that’s something I’m grateful for.”

Nicola Drury, Head of Skills and Apprenticeships at Amazon, said: “Every year we look forward to recruiting ambitious and enthusiastic apprentices to join our teams working to deliver for customers all over the UK. Whether they’re retraining to begin a new and exciting career, or gaining new skills to take their career in a new direction, we’re proud to provide opportunities for people to find their dream roles.”

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: 

“Apprenticeships are crucial to giving people from all backgrounds the chance to climb the ladder of opportunity while addressing skills gaps and helping to grow our economy.

“So, it is brilliant news that Amazon, one of our Top 100 apprentice employers is continuing to embrace apprenticeships, opening 1000 full time apprentice positions across the UK this year, including over 230 degree apprenticeships.

“Amazon is a world-leading employer – they understand the apprenticeship levy and use it well, and I hope more businesses follow their lead and experience the benefits of apprentices for themselves.”

The 1,000 new apprenticeships highlight Amazon’s ongoing commitment to creating jobs and training opportunities for people across the UK. Once qualified, apprentices will have the opportunity to work across Amazon’s UK sites including fulfilment centres, delivery stations, sortation centres as well as corporate offices in London and Manchester, and four development centres in Cambridge, Edinburgh, London, and Swansea.

Amazon apprentices work across a wide variety of different schemes in hundreds of teams, from software developers in Prime Video, buyers in fashion, and production in Amazon Studios. This year apprentices could be a solutions architect in Amazon Web Services, a marketer in Amazon Music, or work with cutting-edge technology in operations as an engineer.

Since 2021, Amazon has pledged £8m supporting over 400 SMEs with apprenticeships via the apprenticeship levy transfer service. To date, Amazon has supported over 750 apprentices across a wide range of schemes including adult care, data, dental nurses and broadcast production assistants.

In addition to the apprenticeship schemes, Amazon employees can also take advantage of Amazon’s pioneering Career Choice programme, which pre-pays up to 95% of tuition and fees for courses in high-demand fields, up to £8,000 over four years, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.

Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a modern, safe and engaging work environment is provided for its employees. The roles pay a minimum of £11.80 or £12.50 per hour, rising from April to between £12.30 and £13 per hour, depending on location, and up to £33,500 a year for degree-level apprenticeships. All employees also receive a benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount – which combined are worth thousands annually – as well as a company pension plan.

Amazon has been named as a ‘Top Employer UK 2024’ by the Top Employer Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management. This award recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and well-being of its employees. In addition to the UK accolade, Amazon has also been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for the second consecutive year. https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/top-employer-2024

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme. For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk

[1] https://topapprenticeshipemployers.co.uk/files/Top100AE23.pdf

Awards, HR, HR News, News, Swansea

Swansea team celebrates as Amazon recognised as a Top Employer in the UK for 2024

Amazon, which has a fulfilment centre in Swansea, has been named as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK by the Top Employer Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management. It recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and wellbeing of its employees.

In addition to the UK accolade, awarded for the first time, Amazon has been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for a second consecutive year.

The Top Employer acknowledges companies’ commitment to a range of different areas of HR, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and more.

Amazon’s certification in both the UK and Europe is confirmation that the company’s dedication to a better world of work extends internationally, acknowledging the hard work that colleagues are doing at all of its operations sites, including the site in Swansea, corporate offices, and research and development centres in across the region.

Amazon Swansea Site Leader, Dan Boulger, said: “It’s an honour that Amazon has been certified as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK for our ongoing commitment to the development and wellbeing of our employees. Across our business, we strive to be Earth’s best employer and are committed to creating an innovative and engaging workplace where our teams across the UK, who come from all backgrounds, are proud to work.”

 

Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says: “Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024. These employers have always shown that they care for the development and wellbeing of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year’s group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024.”

 

Amazon is dedicated to continual improvement in the workplace, offering some of the most advanced workplaces of its kind in the world, with competitive pay, and processes and systems to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all employees.

Whether in its corporate offices, research and development centres or its operations network, Amazon has created all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people. From those starting work with no formal qualifications to people with doctorate-level qualifications, from graduates and apprentices to people with decades of experience in the workplace, Amazon has created roles across its business where people can develop their careers and positively impact the lives of Amazon customers.

Amazon is proud to have a diverse workforce in the UK, where employees are encouraged to chart their own path, with programmes such as Career Choice and apprenticeships opening opportunities for education and growth.

Amazon also offers a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. These comprehensive benefits begin on day one and include private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee discount and commuter benefits.

This new recognition comes as Amazon was listed second on LinkedIn’s Top Companies 2023 list in the UK, as well as being certified a Level 3 Disability Confident ‘Leader’ in the UK, the highest level.

 

About the Top Employers Institute

Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices and has certified more than 2,300 organisations in 122 countries. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees globally.

 

Read more about working at Amazon.

 

Care, Hair and Beauty, Health & Care, News, Sustainability, Swansea

Welsh innovation leads sustainable revolution in healthcare: Waterless launches world’s first biodegradable shampoo cap

Reducing plastic waste and cutting costs in healthcare, Swansea-based Waterless unveils a revolutionary, eco-friendly shampoo cap.

Waterless, a pioneer in sustainable healthcare solutions, has launched the world’s first 100% biodegradable shampoo cap. Developed in Swansea, this innovative product is poised to transform hygiene practices in the healthcare sector by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional non-recyclable shampoo caps.

Shampoo caps, commonly used in healthcare settings for bed-bound or mobility-impaired people, offer a convenient, rinse-free solution for hair washing. However, the widespread use of conventional plastic-based caps poses a significant environmental challenge, contributing substantially to single-use plastic waste.

In response, Waterless has developed the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap, a product entirely crafted from biodegradable materials. This sustainable alternative retains the convenience and effectiveness of traditional shampoo caps while addressing environmental concerns.

With the NHS estimated to use 300,000 traditional shampoo caps every year, the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap could substantially reduce the millions of tonnes of single-use plastic waste generated annually.

 

The application of the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap is simple and efficient. Users or caregivers wrap around the hair, massage it to activate the shampoo, and then towel off the solution to remove any residue, leaving the hair soft and clean. This process eliminates the need for additional water or rinsing, offering a practical solution in patient care. Unlike traditional plastic-based caps, which add to landfill waste, the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap presents a pioneering eco-friendly option for a competitive retail price of £1.89 per wrap.

 

Established in 2009 as a family business, Waterless has rapidly evolved into a leader in alternative eco-wash solutions for health and personal care. Operating from a purpose-built facility in Swansea, the company’s skilled team devise and manufactures innovative products like the new Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap, ‘towel off’ cleansing foams, alcohol-free sanitisers, and even a pet range for cleaning fox mess.

Waterless is committed to UK manufacturing and serves a diverse clientele, including the NHS, care industry, commercial businesses, and the pharmaceutical and retail sectors.

 

Jess Efford, CEO of Waterless, shared her enthusiasm for the new product:

“In the UK alone, an estimated 700,000 shampoo caps go in the bin annually. When you consider the usage across Europe and the rest of the world, it’s clear to see what a blight these products are on our environment.

“Our biodegradable alternative, the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap, presents an opportunity for healthcare providers to prevent millions of tonnes of single-use plastic waste from polluting our planet. This launch is more than a milestone for Waterless; it’s a step towards realising our vision of a sustainable future in healthcare.

“We are committed to leading this change, providing quality products that are eco-friendly and cost-effective. The overwhelming interest from customers reinforces our belief that the market is ready to embrace more sustainable practices.”

 

Developed after a year of dedicated research, the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap is made from specially woven biodegradable bamboo viscose. It features a biodegradable heat-compatible formula encased in 100% recyclable packaging.

 

Victor Efford, Operations Director at Waterless, highlighted the challenges and triumphs in developing the shampoo wrap:

“Developing the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap was a journey marked by numerous challenges, particularly in creating a fully biodegradable, effective, and affordable product. We faced hurdles in material selection, preserving biodegradability, and ensuring product efficacy. Yet, our determination and commitment to sustainable innovation drove us forward.

“Overcoming these obstacles has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited about the potential for widespread adoption in hospitals, care homes, and domiciliary care. The Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets environmental consciousness.”

 

Waterless has been supported by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), which provided crucial assistance in business strategy and branding.

 

“The support from the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme has been instrumental in our journey, helping us bring our vision to life,” said Jess Efford.

“As we proudly introduce the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap to the healthcare market, we’re doing more than just launching a new product; we’re championing a significant shift towards more sustainable healthcare practices.

“Our dedication to eco-friendly innovation is not just a part of our business model; it’s a call to action for the entire industry. We invite healthcare providers, partners, and customers to join us in this journey. Together, we can set a new standard in healthcare – one that prioritises the well-being of our planet and future generations.”

 

—

About Waterless:

Waterless specialises in creating eco-friendly hygiene products for the healthcare and personal care sectors. Based in Swansea, Wales, the company is dedicated to reducing environmental impact through innovative solutions like the Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap, the world’s first 100% biodegradable and recyclable shampoo cap.

News, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Sport, Swansea

Consumer Energy Solutions shows support for Rhondda Swimming Club

Leading energy efficiency company Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) is showing its support for a local swimming club in to its 2023/24 season with sponsorship of a brand-new team kit.

The Swansea-based company has handed over £1,500 to Rhondda Swimming Club as part of a package to become the main kit sponsor, which will be worn by the club’s active members.

 

Rhondda Swimming Club was formed in 1975 with the opening of Rhondda Sports Centre. It has grown to a club of some 150 swimmers and 40 volunteers, and has competitors fighting it out in regional competitions and at Welsh national level. The club plays a crucial role in promoting swimming and water safety within the local area and is run entirely by volunteers, aligning with CES’s commitment to social and community involvement.

CES, which has permanent bases across Wales and the South West and has a workforce of more than 500 people, supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills.

 

Alun Williams, Swimming Coach, Rhondda Swimming Club, said: “I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to CES for their generous support in supplying our new swimming kit. Our club, located in an economically challenged area, has faced difficulties in providing the correct gear for our young members. Before CES stepped in, our equipment was a mismatched assortment that lacked coordination and branding.

“This positive change was initiated through a conversation between myself and one of the directors at CES. The new swimming kit not only equips our athletes with high-quality gear but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within our team. It’s a game-changer for us.

“CES’s support not only enhances our athletes’ performance but also contributes to the professional and cohesive image of our club. Their commitment to making a difference in our community is commendable.

“We are deeply grateful for CES’s partnership and the opportunities it offers our young swimmers. This support will have a lasting impact on their development. Thank you, CES, for helping our club thrive.”

 

Sal Furreed, Operations Director, CES, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Rhondda Swimming Club as the main kit sponsor and to be part of their exciting journey in the 2023/24 season. At Consumer Energy Solutions, we’re deeply committed to supporting local sports teams and sharing their inspiring stories through our social media channels.

“Our dedication to energy efficiency goes beyond homes; it’s about creating a positive impact in our communities. We look forward to making a splash with Rhondda Swimming Club this season.”

 

Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West. The company employs more than 500 people and to date has installed over 39,000 measures. CES is an approved installer of Government backed scheme ECO4.

For more information, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/