Category Archives: Wales

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.

 

Awards, Business, News, Wales, Wales News

Entries open as Wales Business Awards return for 2024

Entries for the highly anticipated Wales Business Awards 2024 open today (8 December).

The awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, provide businesses across the country with the opportunity to compete for Wales’ most prestigious accolades.

The application process opens today and will close on 29 February 2024. Chamber members and non-members can submit their entries by completing an application form or uploading an audio or video entry.

Businesses have the chance to enter an increased number of categories this year including the new ‘SME Exporter of the Year’ category, as well as other awards such as ‘Innovative Business of the Year’ and the ‘Workplace Wellbeing Award’.

The Chamber will also be awarding ‘Wales Business of the Year’ at the ceremony on 16 May at The Vale Resort, which sees broadcaster Andrea Byrne return as host. Past winners of the award include BCB International, Penderyn Distillery and Euroclad Group Ltd.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The Wales Business Awards are a showcase for the best Welsh business has to offer. The awards continue to be a launch pad for businesses and an opportunity to celebrate their achievements that make a huge difference to the Welsh economy.”

Simon Clarke, the Chamber’s Events Manager, said: “We’re excited to celebrate the best of Wales and Welsh business at our annual awards ceremony next May. With more categories this year and more emphasis on celebrating and networking, the Wales Business Awards 2024 will be the biggest and best celebration yet.”

Entries can now be submitted at https://cw-seswm.com/events/awards-2024-enter/

Brecon, Food & Drink, News, Wales

Beacon Foods prepares for major growth following £6m investment

Beacon Foods, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ingredients and ready-to-eat products, has invested £6 million in a three-year expansion programme.

The investment has doubled both the size of its manufacturing and storage facilities – to 53,000 square feet – and its production capacity in preparation for major business growth.

The Brecon-based company, which has 130 employees, supplies food manufacturers, food service, coffee shops, fast food chains and travel and hospitality industries.

The company has greatly increased production volumes, capabilities and packaging options. New state-of-art machinery includes kettles, a char griller and spiral oven and new packaging equipment to supply sachets and dip pots.

A 50 per cent increase in orders for garlic puree this year has forced the company to introduce a new production line to satisfy growing customer demand.

Aiming to boost its sustainability credentials, Beacon Foods has also invested in 1,428 solar PV panels which will produce up to 500,000 kilowatts of electricity. Beacon Foods will use the majority of the generated electricity within its facilities and potentially export to the National Grid at weekends

The increased production capacity has also prompted the company to upgrade its waste water treatment processing plant.

Two new storage tanks, with more than 430 cubic litres capacity, a new aeration system to increase the biological process and new filters that will increase potential discharge capacity to 150 cubic litres per day have been installed.

Chairman Edward Gough believes Beacon Foods is now perfectly placed to secure new business opportunities.

“We have doubled our manufacturing capacity, invested in state-of-the-art machinery, enhanced our reputation for quality, safe products and personal customer service and have already secured more business this year, so the future looks very promising,” he said.

“We also believe that we are unique in being able to offer UK produced, bespoke recipes of ready to eat, IQF (individual quick frozen) char grilled and roasted vegetables, which are both proving to be extremely popular with customers

“With the new, additional equipment, we are able to offer our customers products packed in small sachets and dip pots.

“We have around 6,000 different recipes, which appeals to customers in different markets, and have many years of experience which makes us stand out from competitors.”

Established in 1993, Beacon Foods is the UK’s leading specialist producer of garlic, ginger and chili puree, roasted and char grilled vegetables and fruit ranges, relishes, chutneys, sauces and fruit compotes.

The ingredients go into literally thousands of products, including sandwiches, ready meals, pizzas, soups, drinks and desserts, which can be found on supermarket shelves, airlines, restaurant chains and coffee shops.

Picture caption:

Edward Gough, Beacon Foods chairman.

Construction, News, Wales, Wales News

RLB Wales and West issues latest Construction Market Intelligence for Q4 23

Local construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall West and Wales has issued its latest construction market intelligence (CMI) for Q4 2023 that reports that Wales is currently showing signs of stable economic activity, which is evident in the number of construction projects that are continuing. The three biggest cities – Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, continue to perform well.

The report also shows that there is a drive for new houses and apartments, meaning residential sites and planning consents are still being secured at pace. But this does not necessarily translate into starts, as developers landbank sites due to the impact of interest rates on the sale of private units and the viability of build-to-rent schemes.

The government’s decision to cancel the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project could be of benefit to Wales as money is to be redirected to improve existing transportation links while also creating new rail lines and stations.

Planning consents remain strong. Most areas of Wales, however, are being impacted by extensive delays as planning departments struggle with staff resourcing levels. Pre-acquisition activity is still reasonably active, but with fewer detailed consents being worked-up at pace.

Jackie Pinder, Managing Partner, RLB West and Wales, said: “The stable levels of economic activity we are seeing in Wales is providing a solid foundation for construction industry growth. However, with the backdrop of wider economic uncertainty as to re-allocation of public sector funding, the forecast trend is really towards stability rather than further change.   At RLB, we have been working on a number of major schemes with clients to ensure their viability in these uncertain times, including Cowbridge Road East in the heart of Cardiff, that will provide much needed affordable and sustainable housing.”

 

Tender Price Forecast 

RLB Cardiff

2023                      2024                      2025                      2026

3.00                       3.00                       3.00                       3.00

 

—

Pic attached: COWBRIDGE ROAD EAST

This landmark scheme in the heart of Cardiff will provide affordable and sustainable housing. RLB has been working closely with the client and design team to ensure the scheme’s viability and expected completion in 2024.

For the full RLB Construction Market Intelligence report, please click here.

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business News, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Case Studies and Partnerships, News, Tech, UK, Wales

Flotek continues impressive growth trajectory with ninth successful acquisition in 18 months

The Flotek Group has acquired Ikona IT Solutions, a Cardiff-based IT and telecoms support company, in a deal advised on by The GS Verde Group. This marks the ninth successful acquisition for the fast-growing Flotek group since it started trading eighteen months ago.

Making a name for itself as one of the most prolific IT and communications providers in the region, Flotek is known for taking an innovative and customer-centric approach to transforming networks and digital services for a huge range of businesses. Flotek’s previous acquisitions, also advised on by The GS Verde Group, have included Gower Business Systems, Cloud9ine, Liberty Solutions (Swansea) Limited, and Saecom in South Wales, alongside England-based businesses Mazing Tree, FlexiNet, ECS Solutions, and Toolk-IT, which have facilitated the group’s geographical and service expansion.

The acquisition of Ikona IT Solutions, one of the longest-serving IT support businesses in Cardiff, is particularly poignant for Flotek, as Jay Ball, Flotek CEO, and Spiro Ginis, owner at Ikona, have known each other for 16 years. There was no doubt that the future of Ikona was being placed in good hands.

Adding another strong Cardiff business with an excellent reputation to the Group’s offering, alongside their head office, will launch Flotek’s plans for accelerated growth in the capital and establish a foundation of considerable size in the South Wales area from which to realise their expansive future ambitions.

Speaking of the acquisition, Jay said: “We are pleased that Ikona IT Solutions has joined the Flotek Group. Ikona is an IT company with a wealth of experience in providing businesses with a truly varied range of IT and communication needs, all with a stellar reputation for customer service. The acquisition of Ikona means that Flotek can add these valuable services to our diverse roster, providing a more streamlined and comprehensive service for our customers.”

 

Ikona Director, Spiro Ginis, added: “Knowing Jay and his plans for the future, I believe this acquisition will only strengthen the business and allow us to continue to provide Ikona clients with the high-quality, end-to-end IT support that they know, alongside enhanced cyber security and engineering resource options. We are excited to be part of Flotek’s impressive journey.”

 

Following the recent launch of Flotek Legal, delivering cloud-based technology and streamlined workflow solutions to the legal sector, this acquisition continues the ambitious trajectory the company has charted since its inception in April 2022. Showing no signs of slowing down as the end of the year approaches, Flotek is currently working on two additional deals to be announced before 2024 arrives.

For more information about Flotek and the services it offers, please visit https://flotek.io/

The GS Verde group are business-focused experts in getting deals done. Working as a complete advisory team, GS Verde supports clients through a streamlined deal process, achieving the best possible outcome.

Digital Skills, Employment, News, Training & Apprenticeships, Wales

“The silver-lining after being made redundant was the realisation that I’d been underestimating myself until now.” says digital marketer who benefitted from tailored careers support

A digital marketer from Colwyn Bay who found his dream job after being made redundant, is encouraging others to take advantage of the free career coaching and financial support for training available to people in Wales.

David Burnell, 63, is now working in a new role for a luxury golf travel company after being made redundant earlier this year.

He credits his success to the ReAct+ programme, which provided him with free careers advice and a £1,500 grant to go on a training course to expand his skillset.

The ReAct+ programme, which is funded by Welsh Government, provides people who have been made redundant or are at risk of redundancy with a personalised package of support to meet their individual needs.

 

David explained: “I’ve always loved working on websites, and I’d built up my skills since the early 90s, but up to now I’ve had a sense of ‘imposter syndrome’ and sometimes doubted my own skills.

“When I was made redundant due to a restructure at my previous company, I spoke to Working Wales who paired me with Catrin Owen, a careers adviser. I was feeling worried about the prospect of having to find a new job given my age and whether younger candidates might have an edge on the latest technology and qualifications.

“Speaking to Catrin about my experience and the type of role I wanted to continue working in was so valuable as she helped me put together a plan and showed me all the funding that was available through the ReAct+ programme.”

 

After working through all the options, David chose a course that would help him to gain a professional qualification in analysing website traffic and engagement to help boost his CV and gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends in the industry.

 

David continued: “The course helped me to develop my skills and realise that I had been underestimating myself.

“I think what’s great about ReAct+ is that it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, the course I attended was in London and additional funding meant that I got help with my travel expenses. Not only did I get funding for the course, but for travel too – it’s touches like that which make a big difference when you’ve been made redundant and are feeling worried.

“My careers adviser knew what course was going to give me the best chance, and they invested in me. Feeling that support and faith in me really went a long way during what was a difficult time and it meant I was able to find a new permanent role quickly.”

 

ReAct+ offers people personalised support to overcome their barriers into work including financial support, training and practical support to help them build their confidence, interview technique and CV writing skills. Each candidate is assigned an expert careers adviser, who creates an action plan tailored to the type of help they need to get back into work.

 

“Not only do I have a new job now, but I’m a lot happier, more confident in my skills and I’m thriving in my role. There was a real silver-lining after being made redundant thanks to the support I received.

“I’ve really grown into my new role using the skills I’ve learnt, and I’m now working with people that really appreciate my contribution to the company, it’s great to see the company expand and be a part of that success.

“Meeting with a careers adviser was so helpful and I felt like I had a great mentor who was on my side. When you’re going through a period of uncertainty, it’s really encouraging to get guidance from career experts, so I’d encourage anyone in a situation like mine to reach out for help.”

 

ReAct+ supports those who are out of work or under a notice of redundancy by providing them with a free personalised package of employment support that includes advice and guidance, or funding for training.

For employment support as unique as you, visit workingwales.gov.wales/react-plus or call 0800 028 4844.

Construction, Newport, News, Wales, Wales News

Premier Forest Products strengthens its portfolio with another acquisition

Premier Forest Products, a leader in the UK’s timber and timber products industry, has announced its latest acquisition with the purchase of a specialist fire door manufacturing business.

Established in 1996 and based in Newport, Paul White Ironmongery, Doors, and Fixings (PWIDF), is a renowned specialist door manufacturer with a strong reputation for precision and quality. The business is based on Langland Way, Newport, just a short distance away from Premier Forest’s head office and employs 22 staff.

PWIDF is known locally and nationally for its craftsmanship in manufacturing fully compliant, precision fit fire doors – a growing market. The company also distributes a range of accompanying ironmongery, such as hinges and locks, further enhancing the security and functionality of its products, as well as providing a solutions-based design service for its clients.

 

Terry Edgell, Co-founder and CEO of Premier Forest Products, said: “The acquisition of PWIDF is the perfect fit for Premier Forest Products as we continue to expand our presence in the contract joinery sector, particularly in South Wales, and the team’s bespoke fire door offering fits seamlessly alongside our existing timber-based fire protection products. We are confident that this partnership will drive our business forward and close a gap in our current range, further enhancing the product range available to customers.

“All 22 highly skilled PWIDF employees will be retained, ensuring a smooth transition and preserving the expertise and craftsmanship that have made the company successful. These dedicated professionals will play a vital role in driving the business forward and contributing to its continued success.”

 

Paul White, founder of PWIDF and member of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, said: “I’m extremely proud of the niche we have carved in the highly specialised door market and look forward to growing even further as part of Premier Forest in our new chapter. I believe that our business will flourish under the Premier Forest family, and together, we will have the resources and support to take our products to the next level.”

 

The deal was structured and completed with the support of Acuity Law providing legal counsel, Gambit Corporate Finance who supported the Premier Forest team throughout the deal process, and Kilsby Williams accountants, who conducted financial due diligence.

Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, sawmilling, processing, merchanting, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its multiple sites in the UK.

Christmas, News, Travel, Wales, West Wales

Luxury Welsh resort offers a festive escape for the whole family this Christmas

Bluestone National Park Resort has announced details for its highly-anticipated Christmasland break, which will be running from 6th November 2023 to 4th January 2024, and offers families a festive break starting from less than £18pp per night and with 35% savings.

The luxury holiday resort is situated within 500 acres of National Coastal Park in the scenic Pembrokeshire countryside and for the second year running has been named in the top 3 of best holiday parks in the UK by Which? Magazine.

It’s made up of luxury and platinum lodges, cottages and studio apartments which accommodate between one and 14 guests, making it the perfect festive break for couples, friends and large families.

‘Christmasland’ is an experience like no other with a full-festive takeover of the resort. On arrival at Bluestone, guests are transported into a world of winter wonderment and magic, greeted by twinkling trees and elves who will hand out a ‘Christmasland Passport’ – a jam-packed itinerary of the festive fun to make the most of during the stay, including a Polar Postal envelope, ready for the all-important letter to Santa.

All guests will save on three or four-night stays with free entry into a host of exciting and magical activities including Claus Christmas Show, an interactive theatre experience, and Santa’s Sleigh ride, a VR experience that offers little ones the chance to become Santa’s helper.

Guests staying for this duration will also enjoy free entry to Santa’s Workshop, where you’ll be taken on an enchanting journey to discover the secrets behind Santa’s magical workplace including creating delicious shortbreads at the Jolly Ginger Bakery! before meeting Santa Claus himself.

The whole resort has had a festive makeover, with the indoor water park becoming “Elf Lagoon” and its indoor adventure play dome undergoing a full transformation to become “The Snow Globe”.

For those looking for a more relaxing Christmas spirit, the award-winning Well Spa Retreat offers a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite including experience showers, an ice pod, a sea salt cave, and a meditation room, as well as soothing treatments.

Discover more about Christmasland 2023 at www.bluestonewales.com/discover/whats-on/christmasland

Accountancy & Accounts, Finance and Banking, News, Wales

ACCA comments as government acts to back small businesses and tackle late payments

ACCA Cymru/Wales has today welcomed government proposals to back small businesses and tackle late payments.

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said:

“As we have made clear in our response to government consultations, we welcome any move to help tackle the late payment crisis for businesses in Wales.

“Being paid on time is crucial for small businesses to thrive. Recent ACCA research highlighted the challenges SMEs across the UK face accessing finance, including the critical impact late payment has on cashflow. So we welcome the government’s announcement of further action to tackle poor payment practices.

“In our response to the government’s consultation earlier this year we underlined the key role the Small Business Commissioner plays as an external champion shining a light on unfair treatment of SMEs. We called for the Office of the Small Business Commissioner to be strengthened, so we warmly welcome plans for additional powers.

“Strengthening the regulatory regime, including payment performance obligations, is a key piece of the late payment puzzle, enabling better transparency on the performance of suppliers. However additional action, such as continued education, will be required until new legislation can be put in place. Accountants in Wales – as key advisors to small business – as well as professional bodies like ACCA, have an important role to play in sharing our experience and expertise but a collective effort is now required to change the UK’s late payment culture.”

 

Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Environment, Environment News, Marketing & PR, Marketing and PR, Marketing, PR and SEO, News from Wales, PR and SEO, Sport, Wales, Wales News

Welsh Business MSS Group Partners With Cardiff Rugby

RSK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, and its Cardiff-based environmental services company MSS Group are partnering with Cardiff Rugby to use their expertise to help the club achieve its sustainability goals. And the partnership already has players like utility forward Josh Turnbull and flanker Ellis Jenkins talking about their own sustainability goals.

RSK and MSS Group, both principal partners and shirt sponsors, and another RSK environmental business, Nature Positive, will work with Cardiff Rugby to help the club evaluate and reduce its environmental impact by examining a range of factors including team and supporter travel to matches, recycling and food and beverage packaging, waste management along with examining sustainable energy options such solar power.

RSK Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “RSK is an enthusiastic supporter of sport, and like MSS, which has been supporting the club for more than a decade, we’re looking forward to working together to take our relationship beyond the rugby pitch. We know how passionate Cardiff Rugby is about its commitment to its community. Through the Cardiff Blue Community Foundation, it uses the power and values of sport to inspire, engage and improve opportunities for communities. The environmental impact of all we do, and the choices that we make, affect all of us and we hope to work with the club and the foundation to talk about how we can all make a difference every day.”

Cardiff players Josh Turnbull and Ellis Jenkins prioritise sustainability in their own lives and said they hope to learn more from RSK.

Josh said: “I’m quite environmentally conscious and I’m very aware of things like single-use plastic, staying away from that wherever possible, and teaching my kids good habits around recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. It’s something I’ve become more and more aware of with the increasing exposure of the climate crisis, how much plastic there is in the oceans and things like that. Ultimately, we want this planet to be here for a very long time after us for our kids, their kids and so on. The more sustainable and responsible we can be in all areas of life the longer we will have this planet.

“We’ve had an environmental committee and as a playing group, we are very aware of the challenges and are always driving to be more sustainable in our environment. I was at Glastonbury recently and it was quite an eye opener in terms of how much recycling there is available, the way tents are recycled and turned into flags, sculptures made from recycled products.”

He added: “RSK is clearly driving the standards of sustainability and as a club, we want to be part of that. If they can help us drive those standards, collaborate and work with other partners to be more sustainable, then that is brilliant.”

Ellis agreed, saying: “I have always been passionate about the environment and sustainability, so it is great to see the club continue their partnership with MSS Group, and now their parent company RSK, who is such a major player within that space.

“We already have many sponsors and suppliers who promote sustainability, whether someone like Octopus Energy or our waste management company, so it is great to bring all of this together and take it to a new level with RSK coming on board.

“Personally, I am also trying to make small changes like only buying locally sourced meat to ensure it is farmed responsibly and the food miles are as low as possible. I am really excited to see how this partnership develops in the coming years and how much difference we can all make. Having RSK on board will not only help make us more sustainable as a club but educate us in ways we can all improve our lifestyles to reduce our footprint on the planet.”

Jonathan James, MD at the MSS Group, added, “I am delighted that MSS and the RSK family are continuing our partnership with Cardiff Rugby. We know first-hand the positive influence that the team has on the Cardiff community and South Wales, and I am excited to see the wider effect our collaboration on this important sustainability project will have.”