Category Archives: Swansea

Appointments, Cleaning & Facilities Management, News, Swansea

Several new appointments for fast growing Mrs Buckét

Leading commercial cleaning company Mrs Buckét has made a series of high-level appointments as it continues its rapid growth within the cleaning and facilities management industry.

The Swansea-headquartered business has appointed several new senior team members in recent months, including: Glenn Day as Growth Manager, Michael Owen, Jane Boyle and Jonathan Pike as Area Managers, Jon Roberts as Division One Operations Manager, and Robert Ford as Talent Advisor.

All new hires join with significant industry experience and will play a crucial role in achieving the company’s ambitious growth plans. Mrs Buckét was founded by Rachael Flanagan, then just 18, in 2005, and has since grown to employ over 360 staff, with a turnover of £7.5 million. The firm aims to surpass the £10.5 million mark by the end of 2024, while also adding an additional 120 employees, bringing the total workforce to 480.

In response to recent major client acquisitions, Mrs Buckét has also strategically restructured its divisions, as well as creating a brand-new schools division, reflecting its substantial growth in the education sector.

 

Rachael Flanagan, CEO and Founder, Mrs Buckét, said: “The calibre and experience of these recent new appointments has allowed us to significantly bolster our senior team, and they are already proving to be incredibly valuable to the business and our clients.

“These key new team members will also play a major role in leading our new divisional initiatives. By realigning our divisions, it’s really allowed us to focus on local markets and work smarter, strengthening our core service pillars, ultimately enhancing the experience for our clients.

“Mrs Buckét has been my absolute passion for half of my life now, and I’m really excited about the future and the growth that is still to come.”

 

Mrs Buckét is a high-quality commercial cleaning and facilities management company. Established by Rachael Flanagan in 2005 when she was just 18, the business has grown to have over 360 employees operating across south Wales and south west England.

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.”

 

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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.

Education, News, Swansea

Swansea Graduate Named Global Winner in Prestigious UK Alumni Awards

Swansea University graduate Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi has been named the Global Winner in the Social Action category of this year’s esteemed British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards.

The award recognises international graduates of UK universities who have made exceptional contributions and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others.

Oluwaseun has received the award for her work championing the enforcement of legal instruments to end sexual and gender-based violence against Nigerian women and girls, leading educational initiatives that equip them to fight inequality in their daily lives, working with communities to generate homegrown solutions to achieving gender equality, and providing survivors with holistic support services.

Oluwaseun has also been recognised for her incredible work in the BBC’s Emmy-nominated #SexforGrades exposé into sexual harassment in tertiary institutions and her involvement in feminist mobilisation across the continent.

Through her organisation, Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER), she is developing and deploying effective programmes to challenge systemic social barriers that promote violence.

Since being formed in 2014, STER has empowered 200,000 citizens to become more aware of their rights to fight against inequalities and violence in their daily lives.

On what the award means to her, Oluwaseun said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It is a true testament to the dedication and hard work I’ve put into contributing to achieving human rights and building an equitable society for women and girls.

“Most importantly, it’s a recognition of our work at STER, fostering policy reform and sustainable solutions that promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5 and 16: Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.“

Studying at Swansea University marked a turning point for Oluwaseun, with an MA in International Relations allowing her to hone skills in policy formulation, strategic thinking, and advocacy strategies.

Oluwaseun said: “My time at Swansea has been pivotal in shaping my journey, with my course broadening my understanding of power and violence, with inequality as the root cause of violence and power negotiation.

“The university’s exceptional academic environment, combined with its emphasis on practical learning and collaboration, provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that are incredibly relevant to my everyday work.

“I’m deeply grateful for the education and continuous support I have received, empowering me to excel in my professional endeavours and helping me achieve deep social change in my country.”

Oluwaseun, who graduated in 2012, plans to continue leveraging her skills to facilitate capacity-building initiatives for national institutions on policy implementation, implement evidence-based programmes and scale STER’s reach.

Professor Judith Lamie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Swansea University, said: “We are delighted the British Council has chosen to recognise Oluwaseun in the Study UK Alumni Awards.

“This award is a testament to Oluwaseun’s hard work and dedication to educating about and reducing gender-based violence.

“It is also an example of the profound impact of education, and we hope it inspires many more graduates in the future.”

Oluwaseun will join her fellow Global Alumni Award winners in the UK for a professional networking opportunity in early 2024.

Find out more about Oluwaseun’s remarkable journey.

Business, News, Swansea

Swansea Building Society opens head office expansion, welcoming Cllr Rob Stewart

Swansea Building Society has announced the completion of its ambitious expansion and refurbishment project at its Cradock Street head office in Swansea. With the successful acquisition and transformation of the adjacent property, number 13, the Society has accommodated its growing workforce, ensuring enhanced facilities and space. This milestone aligns with Swansea Building Society’s 100 years as a mutual institution, marking a century of dedicated service.

The extensive refurbishment of the acquired property has included the installation of new windows, a new roof, and a comprehensive interior redesign. These improvements were necessary to ensure a comfortable and productive working environment for the Society’s additional staff. The expansion aligns perfectly with a significant milestone in Swansea Building Society’s history, as it celebrates its centenary as a mutual this year.

To mark the official opening of the expanded head office, Swansea Building Society hosted Councillor Rob Stewart, the Leader of Swansea Council. Attending the event, Cllr Stewart emphasised the Society’s commitment to the local community and the positive impact of its expansion on the city’s economic growth.

Swansea Building Society has experienced remarkable growth and success in recent years, driven by strategic planning and substantial investments. In the past year alone, the Society achieved record highs in total assets, mortgage balances, savings, capital, and profits, surpassing the significant milestone of £500 million in total assets for the first time.

Recognising the importance of technological advancements, Swansea Building Society has invested over £1 million in its IT and back-office infrastructure. This comprehensive project involved hardware upgrades, enhanced cyber security measures, the establishment of a remote disaster recovery site, and improvements to its online services for customers. These advancements ensure the Society remains at the forefront of digital banking and delivers a seamless customer experience.

Additionally, the Society has bolstered its workforce with new talent across multiple departments, including mortgage underwriting, IT, marketing, and the mortgage sales team. Customer-facing roles have also been expanded to accommodate increased footfall at all local branches in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive at Swansea Building Society, said:

“The acquisition and refurbishment of number 13 Cradock Street was essential to meet the demands of our growing head office workforce. The expanded premises, now hosting 14 staff, provide us with room for further expansion if needed. Our investments and achievements in recent years position us to better assist our members in planning their finances and accessing the savings and mortgage products they need for a more secure future. By increasing staff, expanding our facilities, and upgrading our IT infrastructure, we can serve our members with tailored financial advice and offer them a choice of convenient options, whether it’s through our branches or online.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“Businesses like Swansea Building Society are so important to the vitality of the city centre, so it’s very encouraging to see the improvements they’ve introduced as part of an impressive refurbishment and expansion project at their Craddock Street headquarters.

“Private sector investment of this kind plays a key role in boosting our local economy, and more workers based in the city centre means more footfall and spending in other businesses like shops, restaurants and bars.

“As a council, we’ll continue to work alongside the city’s businesses to create a modern, vibrant and fit for purpose city centre that meets people’s aspirations.”

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News, Swansea

Mrs Buckét Wins New Key Account with Dow, in Barry

Mrs Buckét, the commercial cleaning company focused on changing the face of the cleaning industry, has secured another major account, Dow Silicones. Dow is a leading global producer of silicones and silicone-based technology, serving the diverse needs of customers worldwide.

Swansea-headquartered Mrs Buckét will work with Dow in Barry to improve cleanliness standards and create high-performing working environments. The company’s innovative approach to cleaning, and commitment to providing both a proactive and reactive service, will help to ensure that Dow facilities are always maintained to the highest standards.

 

Rachael Flanagan, CEO and founder of Mrs Buckét, expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome Dow to the Mrs Buckét family. Our team is dedicated to delivering the best possible job for our customers, and we look forward to working with Dow to ensure their facilities are always clean, safe and welcoming.”

 

Omaima Jennani, Labour and Services Sourcing Specialist, Dow, said: “We are delighted to work with an inclusive and forward-thinking company, who are local with a national outlook and are on a mission to drive change.”

 

Furthermore, Mrs. Bucket has officially been certified as a Diverse Supplier by WeConnect, a leading global network that supports and promotes supplier diversity, specifically supporting majority owned women businesses.

 

Omaima added: “This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Mrs. Bucket’s unwavering commitment to excellence and Dow Chemical’s strong support throughout the certification process. Dow fully supports the drive to gain more Diverse Suppliers into the network to deliver benefits and innovation.”

 

Mrs Buckét’s commitment to changing the face of the cleaning industry has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes. By using innovative technologies and a proactive approach to customer service, Mrs Buckét helps businesses improve their performance by creating cleaner, more productive environments.

 

Mrs Buckét is a high-quality commercial cleaning and facilities management company. Established by Rachael Flanagan in 2005, the business has grown to have 360 members of the cleaning team, operating across South Wales and South West England.

News, Swansea, Telecoms, Telecoms News

EE ‘Mini masts’ to boost 4G mobile coverage in Swansea’s busiest areas

  • Small cell antennas have been mounted on street furniture such as lampposts, CCTV columns and phone boxes to boost EE’s 4G mobile coverage in busy parts of Swansea
  • EE’s small cells take advantage of existing street infrastructure – including BT’s iconic red telephone boxes – to boost mobile capacity
  • The ‘mini masts’ help improve street-level mobile coverage in busy areas like city-centres and transport hubs where it is not always practical to install more and larger mobile masts. 

New mobile ‘mini-masts’ have been installed by EE on street furniture like lampposts and phone boxes in Swansea to help boost mobile coverage in the busiest parts of the city.

The mini antennas, known as small cells, are now delivering enhanced 4G capacity in high demand areas of the city. The extra antennas mean that customers can take advantage of download speeds of up to 300Mbps, even at the busiest of times.

Small cells take advantage of existing street assets such as lamp posts and CCTV columns, as well as BT’s iconic red telephone boxes, to help enhance street-level mobile coverage in busy areas where it’s impractical to build larger masts, such as city-centres and transport hubs.

EE has worked with partners including Nokia to deploy small cells to boost capacity in busy locations including Castle Square and the pedestrianised shopping area of Oxford St. New antennas are planned for sites including Kingsway, Swansea train station, Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea Arena and Langland Bay.

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks, EE: “As demand for data continues to rise, small cells are becoming an increasingly integral part of our mobile network. Our partnership with Nokia ensures customers continue to benefit from our fastest 4G speeds even at the busiest times and in the most congested of locations, and we’re proud to pass another milestone in this project as we continue to invest in improving the UK’s best mobile network* up and down the country.”

EE’s continued network investment will see more small cells deployed in the coming months, both in existing and new towns and cities. EE is also trialling the extension of small cells to accommodate its 5G network, with Nokia’s AirScale portfolio able to upgrade to 5G.

Marketing and PR, News, Swansea, Wales

New design division unveiled by Seren Global Media

In a significant milestone for Seren Global Media, the PR and marketing agency based in Swansea, the company has unveiled Seren Design, a brand-new design-focused division coinciding with its decade-long journey in the industry.

The new dedicated division offers a range of bespoke design services, graphic design, branding, marketing materials, advert design and visual content creation. The move comes off the back of an increase in demand for visually compelling and impactful design solutions and is aimed at enhancing its existing service offering and further positioning it as a one-stop-shop for all digital marketing needs.

The design division will be led by Grant Nicholas, PR and Creative Director, and delivered by a team of experienced designers, who will work closely with clients to develop bespoke design solutions that align with both brand image and business objectives.

The team of highly skilled designers and creative professionals will draw on their expertise in various design disciplines, to create designs that are not only visually striking but also effective in achieving client’s goals. The launch of the new division comes at a time when businesses are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate themselves in a crowded digital landscape.

Seren Global Media is also celebrating its tenth year trading this year. It was established by Wyn Jenkins, its Managing Director, with the aim of providing unrivalled promotional content and brand awareness services for businesses in Wales. Since then, Seren Global Media now caters to businesses both UK-wide and globally, and the aspiration for further growth through the new division signifies an important development period for the company.

Speaking on the launch, Grant Nicholas, PR and Creative Director, Seren Global Media, said:

“We are excited to launch our dedicated design division, which will allow us to better serve our clients by offering a wider range of services. We understand the importance of design in effective marketing campaigns, and we are committed to providing our clients with top-notch design solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.”

Wyn Jenkins, Managing Director, Seren Global Media, said:

“Reaching our ten-year anniversary was a moment of great pride for everybody at Seren Global Media. Over the years, we have been able to develop longstanding and beneficial relationships with our clients.

“With the launch of this dedicated division, we are excited to partner with businesses of all sizes, from startups to established brands, and provide them with the design expertise necessary to enhance their visual presence, engage their customers, and drive business growth.”

For inquiries or to learn more about Seren Global Media’s dedicated design division, please visit www.serenglobalmedia.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.

 

Finance and Banking, News, Swansea

Swansea Building Society celebrates its 100th birthday by giving £40K boost to Mumbles Park development

Swansea Building Society has donated £40,000 to Mumbles Community Association’s Go Underhill development in the same week the building society celebrates exactly 100 years trading.

The building society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, made the donation on February 6th – the day after its 100th birthday – to further help Mumbles Community Association (MCA) redevelop the facilities in Underhill Park.

The Go Underhill development is a major multi-phase project to redevelop and refurbish the much-loved Underhill Park in Mumbles. It aims to protect and enhance the asset with up-to-date facilities fit for the 21st Century, which can be enjoyed by the local community and visitors to the area.

This most recent donation by Swansea Building Society follows one for £10,000 made in 2022 to help fund the completion of two additional changing rooms, which had originally been omitted from the contract let due to budget limitations.

The latest £40,000 boost has been warmly welcomed by Mumbles Community Association – a registered charity – to help it continue its plans to redevelop the site across several phases. The initial £2 million phase 1 commenced at the start of 2022 and includes the refurbishment of the pavilion with new public toilets, new changing facilities for sports teams, new facilities for the disabled, and a new community hub and café.

The project has also recently secured funds from Sport Wales and Swansea City Council, which will go towards the final element of phase 1 of the project – a £1.1 million all-weather pitch.

Once this first stage of the development is completed, MCA will then take on management of the park and the new facilities under a 125-year lease and will work with existing and potential users to create more opportunities for the community.

Swansea Building Society was founded as a mutual Building Society on February 5, 1923. The Society’s principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers – particularly in the South Wales area. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in West Wales.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“It’s wonderful to be able to make this £40,000 donation to the Go Underhill project in the same week the Society celebrates its 100th birthday. Swansea Building Society is one of the few financial institutions that still has a permanent premises in the village of Mumbles. As such, the Society feels very much invested in this ambitious, but much-needed, redevelopment of the popular park and facilities.

“Underhill Park is regularly used by thousands of local residents, as well as visitors to the area. It is home to two established sports clubs, Mumbles Rangers Football Club and Mumbles Rugby Club, who between them have more than 50 grass-roots sports teams using the site for training and matches. With its fabulous children’s play area and great run around space, it is a real cornerstone of the local community and is vital for the health and wellbeing of local residents. That’s why all of us, here at the Society, are looking forward to seeing how the project develops over the coming months and years.”

Simon Tse, Chair of Mumbles Community Association, said:

“We are very grateful to Swansea Building Society for this large donation of £40,000. It will make a big difference to what we are able to deliver in phase 1 of the project, and we are really excited about how the whole development is coming together.

“Underhill Park is such a valued resource for local people and visitors; so, this funding from the Society will leave a fantastic legacy for the area and help us ensure that the new facilities are in place to enable more people to enjoy this wonderful sport and recreational space for generations to come.”

News, Swansea

Swansea Building Society appoints solicitor as new Non-Executive Director

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, has appointed a new Non-Executive Director to its board – Sophie Thomas.

Thomas comes to the role with over 13 years as a practising solicitor, specialising in commercial litigation with additional significant experience in property law.

The majority of Thomas’s legal career has been spent with JCP Solicitors in Swansea, where she is currently Director and Joint Head of Commercial Litigation. This role sees her lead a team providing a service to lenders recovering secured and unsecured business lending from companies and individuals across the UK.

Thomas is also JCP Solicitors’ Training Principal, with responsibility for mentoring trainee solicitors and supervising their training contracts. She is listed in the Legal 500 (the world’s leading legal directory) as a Next Generation Partner.

The solicitor – a Llanelli native with family roots in the town – is also a committee member of the Swansea and District Law Society and an Associate Member of Nara, the professional Association of Property and Fixed Charge Receivers.

The appointment comes as Swansea Building Society, established in 1923, is set to celebrate its 100-year anniversary with multiple initiatives, events and fundraisers, all based around the number 100, throughout 2023.

Sophie Thomas, Non-Executive Director at Swansea Building Society, said:

“I’m very excited to be taking on this new Non-Executive Director role with Swansea Building Society – particularly as it celebrates a milestone as important as its centenary. The Society’s success in recent years is a tribute to its team and its customer-focused, common-sense approach to lending. I hope that the legal experience I bring to the role can help the society continue on this successful road, and enable it to help even more people build a more financially secure future for themselves and their families.”

Alun Williams, chief executive officer at Swansea Building Society, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Sophie to her new role of Non-Executive Director. Sophie’s skillset and experience in the areas of commercial litigation and property law are bound to be a great benefit to the Society and will be invaluable in helping us build on our success and achieve our business aims.”