Tag Archives: alun williams

Swansea Building Society Reports Record Results, Presents Major Donation to Maggie’s at AGM

At the annual general meeting (AGM) hosted at the Swansea.com Stadium on Thursday, April 25, Swansea Building Society unveiled outstanding financial results for the year. Additionally, the Society showcased its dedication to community support by presenting a significant donation to Maggie’s, amounting to more than a pound per vote received.

At the well-attended event the board of the Society presented and explained its best-ever set of results to members as it benefitted from supporting local communities from its growing network of local branches across South Wales while reaping the rewards of an investment programme it started in 2015.

The Society was thanked by a representative from cancer charity Maggie’s, which received almost £20,000 of donations from the Building Society last year. This figure was topped by a further donation of £2,000 rounded up based on the almost 1900 votes it received from members, the highest number of votes ever submitted.

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

“As we reflect on the past year, I am pleased to announce that Swansea Building Society has achieved an unprecedented level of success, despite navigating through turbulent market conditions. Our steadfast commitment to serving the needs of both borrowers and savers amidst a challenging backdrop of cost-of-living crises, fluctuating house prices, and rising interest rates fills me with immense pride.

“Furthermore, throughout our centenary year, the dedication and care exhibited by my colleagues surpassed all expectations, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to our members. Central to our mission is our dedication to social responsibility and community impact. Beyond our core products and services, we have been proud to contribute our time, skills, and resources to support local initiatives. In commemoration of our milestone anniversary last year, we proudly donated an additional £100k to local charities alongside our ongoing support for Maggie’s, our official charity partner.

“Looking ahead, Swansea Building Society is poised to navigate the complexities of today’s economic landscape with confidence. Our strategic focus on digital transformation underscores our commitment to adaptability and innovation, ensuring our members experience continual enhancements in our products and services. The sustained growth and profitability we’ve experienced in recent years will enable us to make strategic investments that benefit both our current and future members.”

Lucia Osmond, Centre Fundraising Manager, Maggie’s, said:

“We extend a massive thanks to Swansea Building Society and are so grateful that the Society has extended its support of our charity for a third year. Our centres now cover the whole of Wales, but we cannot do what we do without this kind of support. So, thanks again to the Society team and its members for their continuing generosity.”

The Society achieved double digit growth in its total assets, mortgages, savings and capital last year despite the difficult economic environment.

For the year to December 31, 2023, total assets grew by 15% driven by mortgages and savings growth of 16% and 15% respectively. Total assets increased by £77.2 million to £607 million, savings balances increased by £72.6 million to £565.5 million, while mortgage balances grew by £66.9 million to £477.8 million. The Society’s mortgage growth was driven by gross mortgage completions of £120.1 million, another record, beating the previous highest set in 2021.

The Society’s growth was supported by record profits before tax of £6.2 million, beating the previous record of £5.4 million achieved in 2022. This increased the Society’s capital reserves to £39.8 million. This is vitally important to the Society, as it provides greater reserves to support members achieve their financial goals.

Swansea Building Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.

Swansea Building Society Supports Child of Wales Awards as Community Champion Award Sponsor

The Child of Wales Awards 2024 has announced Swansea Building Society as the official sponsor of its prestigious Community Champion Award, reaffirming the society’s strong commitment to recognising and celebrating individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities.

Scheduled to take place at Swansea Arena on September 27, 2024, the Child of Wales Awards is entering its third year. This event is anticipated to be an emotional, inspirational, and unforgettable affair for all attendees, attracting media personalities, celebrities, sports stars, and international entertainers.

The event will honour and celebrate the achievements of remarkable children and young people across Wales, while raising vital funds for charities dedicated to supporting children across the nation. The Community Champion Award specifically acknowledges individuals whose selfless efforts have made a significant difference in their communities.

Swansea Building Society is an organisation renowned for its own commitment to helping organisations within the local community. Marking its centenary last year, the Society donated well over £100,000 to a variety of community-based charities and organisations as part of its celebrations.

As the Community Champion Award sponsor, Swansea Building Society will play a pivotal role in spotlighting the invaluable contributions of young community heroes throughout Wales, highlighting the importance of recognising and nurturing the efforts of those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others.

Nominations are now officially open for this year’s highly anticipated event, and the Awards, in partnership with Swansea Building Society, has invited nominations for the Community Champion Award, encouraging individuals to share stories of unsung heroes whose dedication and compassion enrich the lives of those around them.

Visit www.nationalchildrenofwalesawards.org/nomiante-now to view the categories and nominate a remarkable child. Nominations will remain open until June 10, 2024, and judging will begin shortly after. A mixture of representatives from the award sponsors, celebrities, and independent advisors will form the panel that will have to make the difficult decision to pick a winner for each category.

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

“We are honoured to support the Child of Wales Awards and sponsor the Community Champion Award. At Swansea Building Society, we believe in the power of community and the remarkable potential of individuals to create positive change. We look forward to celebrating the incredible achievements of young community champions and inspiring others to follow their lead.”

Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, added:

“We are thrilled to have Swansea Building Society onboard as the sponsor for our Community Champion Award. The Society’s dedication to supporting local communities aligns perfectly with the spirit of this award, and we are excited to work together to highlight the inspiring stories of individuals who are making a positive impact.”

Milestone Success: Swansea Building Society’s Centenary Celebrated with Financial Triumph

In its 100th year, Swansea Building Society stands as a testament to success, achieving historic growth in mortgages and savings balances, complemented by record profits. The institution’s ability to attain double-digit growth in total assets, mortgages, savings, and capital, even in a challenging economic environment, underscores its financial prowess and strategic resilience.

For the fiscal year to December 31, 2023, Swansea Building Society celebrated significant financial milestones, witnessing a 15% growth in total assets fuelled by a 16% increase in savings and a 15% rise in mortgages. Total assets soared to £607 million, savings balances reached £565.5 million, and mortgage balances expanded to £477.8 million. The Society’s impressive mortgage growth was propelled by setting another record with gross mortgage completions hitting £120.1 million, surpassing the previous highest set in 2021.

The Society’s growth was supported by record profits before tax of £6.2 million, beating the previous record of £5.4 million achieved in 2022. This increased the Society’s capital reserves to £39.8 million. This is vitally important to the Society, as it provides greater reserves to support members achieve their financial goals.

The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.

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

“The Society has ended its centenary year in great health, having delivered a record performance in 2023. This is despite the extremely difficult market conditions experienced during the year. I am extremely proud of how the Society has balanced the needs of borrowers and savers against a backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, falling house prices and a rapidly increasing interest rate environment. Our 100th year has been full of activity, and I am delighted with how my colleagues have shown the level of dedication and care that our members deserve.

“The Bank of England has increased the Bank base interest rate 13 times since December 2021 as they have sought to reduce inflation. We are mindful that many of our mortgage customers have never experienced a rising interest rate market and were considerate of the impact that these dramatic increases could have on both new and existing borrowers. As a result, the Society’s weighted average interest rate paid by borrowers has increased by 2.88% at 31 December 2023, compared to the 5% increase in Bank base interest rate.

“Each time the Bank Base interest rate has changed, we have reviewed the Society’s savings interest rates to ensure that they are still highly competitive. The number of changes to the

Bank Base interest rate during 2022 and 2023 has made this task more challenging than in previous years, as the increased volatility in the savings market has made it more difficult to review the interest rates offered by other savings providers. It was therefore extremely pleasing that we were able to offer our savers such competitive rates that we achieved record savings growth.

“Producing strong sustainable financial results is just one aspect of the Society’s objectives. It is vitally important to the Society that we are also successful in terms of the quality of customer feedback and Member satisfaction. I was therefore delighted that based on customer survey feedback for 2023, 97% of respondents said they would recommend the Society to other prospective customers. This was particularly pleasing given the current economic climate.

“A key element of the Society’s purpose is to be socially responsible and to make a positive impact to the local community. We offer support not only through the products and services that we provide, but also by donating our time, skills, and resources. As 2023 was our 100th year of existence, in addition to the money raised for Maggie’s, our charity of the year, we donated an additional £100k to provide further support to local good causes in branch communities.

“To celebrate its 100 years, the Society held several events throughout the year to thank our members, introducers and suppliers for their support. It gave me great pleasure to be able to share the Society’s success with so many of our supporters across our core communities from West to East Wales.

“As we look beyond our 100th year, the Society is well placed to navigate through the challenging trading conditions caused by the current economic uncertainty. Our plans continue with the theme of digital transformation, as we embrace change by investing in our people and technology. Our members will therefore continue to see improvements in the way the Society delivers its products and services in the coming years. The increased growth and subsequent profitability of recent years has enabled the Society to make such investments, for the benefit of both current and future members.

“Our core goal of serving our customers in any way they choose remains. We will continue to support members through whichever channel is best for them, whether that is in-branch, telephone, or online. We pride ourselves on being a true mutual, with a member centric focus, providing relevant, attractive products and delivering exceptional customer service. Together with our robust financial strength, we are in a strong position to deliver on our purpose of providing members with tailored, flexible solutions.”

The Society will hold its annual general meeting at the Swansea.Com stadium on Thursday 25th April 2024. Members can vote ahead of that meeting or attend the meeting in person and the Society will donate a pound to Maggie’s cancer charity for every vote received.

Swansea Building Society Continues Commitment to Maggie’s Swansea 

In a noteworthy announcement, Swansea Building Society has confirmed the continuation of its ongoing partnership with Maggie’s Swansea for the third consecutive year. The decision, met with resounding endorsement from the Society’s staff, emphasises their steadfast dedication to supporting the essential services provided by Maggie’s Swansea. 

Over the past two years, Swansea Building Society has exemplified its commitment through a diverse array of successful fundraising activities. From dress-down days and customer refreshment services to raffles, sponsored dog walks, open water swimming, and participation in the Swansea Half Marathon, these initiatives have collectively raised an impressive cumulative total exceeding £60,000. 

The Society was also the headline sponsor of Maggie’s annual ball two years running, as well as its highly successful inaugural Christmas Extravaganza, held in December 2023.

This substantial financial support has played a crucial role in empowering Maggie’s Swansea to deliver its essential services and support to those navigating the challenges of cancer.

Located at Singleton Hospital, Maggie’s Swansea provides free practical, emotional, and social support to people with cancer, as well as their families and friends. The centre works in collaboration with conventional cancer therapies, offering a caring environment to provide support, information, and practical advice. This includes financial and benefits advice, support with treatment decisions, and access to other cancer services. In addition, Maggie’s Swansea also provides nutrition workshops, complementary therapies, and other services.

Building on its successful fundraising over the last two years, Swansea Building Society is determined to continue to raise as much as possible in its last year supporting Maggie’s and make an even greater impact in the lives of those dealing with cancer during 2024.

It has many fundraising events already in the calendar, including a mutt strutt (sponsored dog walk), dip a day, Swansea half marathon, Long Course triathlon, cycling the length of Wales, and climbing the Welsh three peaks challenge. The Society will also be sponsoring Maggie’s Annual Ball in October and it’s second Christmas Extravaganza in December.

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

“Our commitment to supporting local communities is at the heart of everything we do. We are delighted to continue our support for Maggie’s Swansea and look forward to making a positive difference to those who need it most.”

Lucia Osmond, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Swansea, added:

“We are extremely thankful to Swansea Building Society for choosing Maggie’s Swansea as its official staff charity for the third consecutive year. The support of the Society and its staff means so much to us, and we have been inspired by their generosity and commitment to our cause.”

As the collaboration enters its third year, Swansea Building Society and Maggie’s Swansea anticipate another successful partnership, making a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.

Swansea Building Society sponsors Barbarians for Wales showdown

Rugby enthusiasts are in for a unique treat this autumn, as the iconic Barbarians, nicknamed the Baa-baas, gear up for an historic showdown against Wales on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The much-anticipated fixture will pay tribute to the world’s most-capped player and former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain, Alun Wyn Jones. It will also mark the homecoming of the Wales team after their Rugby World Cup campaign in France.

Swansea Building Society – celebrating its centenary this year – will act as sponsor of the Barbarians’ iconic black and white hooped shirts for the match, with the society’s logo prominently displayed above the players’ numbers on the back of the shirts.

The Barbarians’ star-studded squad includes South African Duane Vermeulen and Argentine back row sensation Pablo Matera, who will make a quick journey from France following the World Cup to join their teammates. They will be joined by the illustrious Australian back row veteran, Michael Hooper, who boasts 125 international caps and holds the record for leading his country 69 times. Hooper, who narrowly missed the World Cup due to injury, is no stranger to Cardiff, having played in the 2015 World Cup Final defeat to New Zealand at Twickenham, winning six out of seven games against Wales on Welsh soil.

Additional stellar names are expected to feature for the Baa-Baas, with further announcements forthcoming. This thrilling encounter also promises a battle of the coaching titans, with Warren Gatland and his coaching team pitted against Australia’s Eddie Jones and New Zealand’s Scott Robertson, who will lead the opposition from the coach’s box.

This match offers rugby fans from across the globe an extraordinary opportunity to pay homage to one of the game’s greatest warriors, Alun Wyn Jones, while providing Wales head coach Gatland with a platform to build on the World Cup experience as he readies his side for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations campaign.

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

“We are immensely proud to sponsor the Barbarians and to adorn their iconic black and white hooped shirts with the Swansea Building Society logo. This partnership is not only a celebration of rugby’s rich tradition but also a testament to our Society’s commitment to the community and the sport. We are thrilled to be a part of this historic clash and delighted to celebrate the remarkable Alun Wyn Jones – a fantastic player with close links to our Society.”

The game will kick-off at 2:30pm, and tickets are available now from WRU.WALES/TICKETS.

Swansea Building Society unveils sponsorship agreement with Swansea RFC

As it marks its centenary year, Swansea Building Society proudly announces the continuation of its commitment to local sports, community organisations and charitable causes through the renewal of its sponsorship with the local rugby union team, Swansea RFC, known as ‘The Whites.’

Swansea ‘Whites’ was originally established in 1872 as a football club, before the team switched to the rugby code in 1874. A few years later, in 1881, Swansea RFC became one of the founding clubs of the Welsh Rugby Union and has gone on to be four-time Welsh Premier Division Champions.

During its early years, the team displayed remarkable prowess, boasting an astonishing 22-month unbeaten streak. In 1935, it achieved a crowning achievement by defeating the formidable New Zealand All Blacks with a score of 11-3, becoming the first-ever rugby union club to conquer this renowned team.

Fast-forward to the 1990s, and the club experienced another era of remarkable success, highlighted by a historic 21-6 victory at home against the reigning world champions, Australia. The team’s home ground, St. Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground, offers picturesque views of Swansea Bay. Their inaugural home game at this venue took place in 1876, and it also hosted the first-ever home international match for Welsh rugby in 1882.

The club boasts an illustrious roster of former players, including notable names like Gavin Henson, Dan Biggar, Mark Wyatt, Ryan Jones, and the esteemed Alun Wyn Jones, who not only represented Wales but also captained the British and Irish Lions.

The renewed sponsorship of Swansea RFC comes in the same year that Swansea Building Society marks a momentous occasion: celebrating 100 years. Founded as a mutual in 1923, the Society has remained dedicated to serving the South Wales area by offering a range of savings and mortgage products. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

The Society’s centenary year has seen it announce record-breaking results, with total assets, mortgage balances, savings, capital and profits all reaching record highs in the 12 months to December 31, 2022. For the remainder of 2023, Swansea Building Society will continue to celebrate its centenary milestone by engaging in various charitable initiatives and community projects – including the donation of over £100,000 to local charities. These initiatives reflect the Society’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the Swansea community that has supported it for the past 100 years.

David Blyth, Board Member, Swansea RFC, said:

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Swansea Building Society – which has been a long-standing supporter of the club – as it celebrates its centenary year. This sponsorship is a testament to the Society’s unwavering commitment to the local community and sports and something we fully appreciate here at Swansea RFC. Together, we aim to continue our legacy of excellence, both on and off the field.”

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

“All here at Swansea Building Society are proud to renew our support for Swansea RFC, a club with a rich history and a deep connection to the local community. Our shared values and commitment to the people of South Wales have been the foundation of Swansea Building Society’s success for a century, and in the case of Swansea RFC for just over 150 years. We are delighted to be able to continue our support of this historic club and wish the team every success in the coming season.”

Alun Williams passes baton as chairman of Coastal Housing Group

Alun Williams, the Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, has made the announcement that he will be stepping down from his role as Chairman of Coastal Housing Group, concluding a remarkable nine-year journey as a board member.

His dedicated service has left an indelible mark on the organisation, and he will be succeeded by Patrick Hoare, who is poised to continue the group’s mission of creating affordable, high-quality housing solutions for communities in need.

Coastal Housing Group, headquartered in Swansea, is a leading housing association with a history of providing affordable and sustainable homes to individuals and families across the region. The organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality properties for both rent and sale at lower costs than the private sector has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals and families, making it a pivotal player in the local community.

Alun Williams, in his role as Chairman, has been instrumental in driving Coastal Housing Group’s vision forward. His leadership and strategic guidance have been vital in shaping the organisation’s growth and success over the past nine years. Under his stewardship, Coastal Housing Group has expanded its reach, increased its impact, and remained steadfast in its mission to improve the quality of life for those who need it most.

Reflecting on his tenure, Alun Williams, outgoing Chairman of Coastal Housing Group, said:

“After nine years on the board, which saw me hold the roles of Vice Chair and Chairman of Coastal Housing Group, I would like to express how much I have enjoyed working with the dedicated and passionate team at Coastal. Their commitment to delivering high-quality properties for both rent and sale at a lower cost than the private sector has made a real difference to the lives of those who need them most in our communities.

“As I step down from my role, I am confident that I am leaving the organisation in safe and capable hands. Patrick Hoare, the current Vice Chair and Chair of the Finance & Development Committee, will take over as the new Chairman. I wish Patrick all the very best on his appointment, and I have no doubt that he will continue to lead the organisation forward, building on the great work that has been done to date. I am proud to have played a part in the growth and success of Coastal Housing Group over the past nine years, and I will continue to follow its progress with keen interest in the future.”

Debbie Green, Chief Executive of Coastal Housing Group, added:

“Alun has been an invaluable asset to Coastal Housing Group. His leadership and dedication have been pivotal in our journey to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions to

our communities. We are immensely grateful for his contributions and wish him a well-deserved retirement from the role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Hoare as our new Chairman. His extensive experience within the organisation and his commitment to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide us into the future. With Patrick at the helm, we are confident in our ability to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Coastal Housing Group looks forward to the continued growth and success under Patrick Hoare’s leadership as they remain steadfast in their commitment to building better communities for all.

Swansea Building Society £1000 donation helps children’s hospice with sensory POD

Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice has been given a £1000 donation from Swansea Building Society, as part of the Society’s centenary celebrations, to fund a sensory POD to help children with life-shortening conditions and their loved ones.

The donation will specifically fund a POD sensory themed space at Tŷ Hafan. These spaces play a crucial role in helping children explore their emotions in a calming environment, particularly those living with special sensory and complex needs.

The POD is an invaluable addition to the hospice and is designed to provide a respite care environment that aids in communication, development, and emotional well-being.

When entering the POD, children are transported to another level of sensory engagement. They are surrounded by a 360-degree graphical representation that immerses them in various environments, such as a spacecraft traveling through the galaxy, a jungle, or a snowy scene.

With a control panel and holographic effect navigation equipment, the children feel fully immersed in these environments, promoting a sense of calm and enjoyment. The highly visible formations subtly mapped out in the POD further enhance the experience, allowing children to explore and communicate their emotions effectively.

Sorrel Mayo, Corporate Senior Fundraiser at Tŷ Hafan, said:

“At Tŷ Hafan, many of our children find communicating quite difficult, so it is essential to use sensory items to help with development and communication. In turn, these activities help to reduce anxiety and provide emotional support through play, along with learning new coping strategies for the difficulties they face. Importantly, this also promotes emotional well-being which has a knock-on effect for the whole family.

“Huge thanks to Swansea Building Society for very kindly providing the funds for the themed pods; they are a hugely important addition to the hospice, and the benefits to the children are immeasurable.”

Swansea Building Society’s donation to Tŷ Hafan forms part of its larger centenary initiative, which aims to give back to the community. In total, the Society will donate £100,000 to local charities, with £85,000 being allocated to three main charitable causes. Additionally, the Society’s Swansea, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge branches will donate £15,000 to charities directly related to their local communities. These contributions reflect Swansea Building

Society’s values of supporting the local community and making a positive difference in the region.

Alongside the donation to Tŷ Hafan, Swansea Building Society has undertaken various centenary initiatives throughout the year. These include 100 days of volunteering, encouraging staff members to engage in local projects; planting 100 trees at Penllergare Valley Woods; as well as organising various other fundraisers, with proceeds benefiting the Society’s official staff charity, Maggie’s Swansea.

Richard Miles, Head of Savings & Marketing/Area Manager East, said:

“We are delighted to donate £1000 to Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice to fund this sensory POD as part of our ongoing centenary celebration. It is a privilege to support such a remarkable charity that provides comfort, care, and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their loved ones. At Swansea Building Society, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our local community and are honoured to play a role in improving the lives of these children and their families.”

Swansea Building Society fund sensory POD at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice

Swansea Building Society donates to ten Welsh foodbanks

The Society also supports two Swansea charities with large donations during December

Swansea Building Society has made generous donations, totalling £7,000, to ten foodbanks and two local charities this December, driven by concerns over the cost-of-living crisis affecting many of the communities it serves across Wales.

The building society, with branch offices in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, has donated £500 to each of the ten foodbanks, which span all the geographic areas covered by its branch and admin offices.

The foodbanks benefitting from the donations are Carmarthen, Sketty, Neath, Port Talbot, Ammanford, Llanelli, Taff Ely, Cardiff, Vale (Barry), and Abergavenny. This is the second such donation Swansea Building Society has made to foodbanks in 2022, following one made to five local foodbanks earlier in the year.

In addition to the foodbank donations, the Society has also donated £1,000 each to two separate Swansea-based charities to help with their Christmas appeals.

One donation was made to kidney charity, Popham Kidney Support, to enable 100 children and their families to attend a screening of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. The second to Faith in Families’ (Swansea) Compassionate Christmas Appeal, to help give struggling parents a gift voucher to buy their child a Christmas present this year.

Staff at Swansea Building Society with a cheque for donations to Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen foodbanks.

 

Margaret Jones, Chair of the foodbank committee, Port Talbot foodbank, said:

“This donation from Swansea Building Society is a real help for Port Talbot foodbank at this incredibly busy time. The cost-of-living crisis is severely affecting our already overstretched service, and we have seen more people than ever coming in to get the food and other essentials they so desperately need. Our service is completely reliant on donations, so to receive this boost from Swansea Building Society just before Christmas is very welcome.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Swansea Building Society, added:

“Swansea Building Society has achieved great success over the past couple of years; however, we are exceedingly mindful of the financial difficulties so many are facing during this current cost-of-living crisis – a crisis compounded by the spike in heating and fuel costs during this cold spell of weather. That is why we are very glad to be able to make these donations to the food banks and charities making a real difference to the lives of those who may be struggling financially this Christmas across Wales.”