Tag Archives: Cardiff

News

Sparkle Walk returns to north Cardiff this autumn

A charity walk will allow memories of loved ones to sparkle and shine as it returns to north Cardiff for a fifth year this September.

City Hospice’s Sparkle Walk, a night-time 10km walk, will see supporters stroll from Insole Court, Llandaff to City Hospice, Whitchurch and back. At the 5km mark, participants will have the chance to leave a heartfelt message for a loved one in the hospice’s memory garden.

Walkers will also be able to highlight their loved ones throughout the route by personalising their specially produced Sparkle Walk t-shirts. The walk is suitable for families, friends, colleagues and children over the age of eight, though anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

The funds raised by the Sparkle Walk will support the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. In addition to providing care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, the charity offers counselling and support services for their patients’ families.

This year’s Sparkle Walk is being sponsored by NFU Mutual Newport, an organisation that has been supporting people, families and businesses for over 110 years with services such as financial planning, insurance and risk management.

Gareth Griffiths, Partner at NFU Mutual Newport, said: “A few years ago, I saw first-hand just how amazing hospice care can be; not just for your loved one but for yourself too. The care and support they provide to both the patient and family makes the most unbearable time in your life just that little bit easier.

“I am proud, along with my colleagues at NFU Mutual Newport, to support City Hospice and the Sparkle Walk this year. It is an amazing event, bringing people together from all over the city. The most helpful thing I did to get through the loss of my mum was to share her story and listen to others who have been through the same. I’m looking forward to hearing people share their stories and support each other through conversation on a beautiful walk in Cardiff.”

Mac Smith, Fundraising and Events Manager at City Hospice, said: “We can’t wait to sparkle through the streets of north Cardiff again this September. It’s a joyous way to remember loved ones and allow our memories of them to shine in the community.

“We are thrilled to have NFU Mutual Newport on board this year and thank them for their generous support of the Sparkle Walk which is now in its fifth year.”

For further information, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/sparkle-walk-2024/

Appointments, Cardiff, Investment, Investment News, South Wales

Howden appoints Account Director to accelerate growth in Wales

HOWDEN, the global insurance intermediary group, has appointed Tony Barber as Account Director as it continues to grow its presence in South Wales.

 

Tony will be based in Cardiff, covering Wales and its surrounding regions, and joins the team having previously worked as Account Director at Willis Towers Watson.

 

In his new role, Tony will help drive Howden’s positive growth in Wales by supporting larger and more complex clients, developing and implementing comprehensive risk management and insurance strategies.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Tony said: “I am thrilled to be joining Howden’s Cardiff office and to build on its already fantastic growth.

 

“I was drawn to Howden due to its employee ownership model as it cultivates a collaborative culture amongst colleagues to the benefit of clients, as well as its renowned entrepreneurial culture.

 

“I’m excited to join a new team and am looking forward to playing a part in shaping Howden’s strategy in South Wales.”

 

Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director at Howden, said: “Tony is yet another fantastic addition to our Cardiff team, and has already made an extraordinary impact in accelerating our growth and creating new ways in which we can support our clients.

 

“As we continue to grow our Howden team in Wales, I have every confidence that we will continue on our upwards trajectory and expand even further across south and west Wales.”

Business, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Development, Investment, Investment News

Innovation Investment Capital announces multimillion-pound investment in Transcend Packaging

Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership (IIC), the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) backed fund, has today announced a multimillion-pound investment into Transcend Packaging (‘Transcend’), the Ystrad Mynach headquartered sustainable packaging company. This investment round has been supplemented by additional equity from significant global corporations, including ITOCHU Corporation, one of Japan’s largest companies and a leading provider of pulp and paper products, providing further investment to the overall region.

 

Transcend is a leading innovator of environmental packaging solutions across the food service and beverage sectors. It supports a new sustainable manufacturing landscape, driven by improved recyclability and reusability legislation and net zero targets, with 290 employees, across three locations. Since launching in 2017, Transcend has successfully innovated and disrupted the traditional packaging sector, recently developing a first to market premium polyethylene-free cup, highlighting its significant ESG credentials.

 

IIC’s decision to invest was based on a variety of factors, but the commitment to expand its R&D facilities, production innovation with impressive intellectual property, strong experienced management team and blue-chip customer base all supported the decision.

 

Launched in November 2022 and backed by UK Government funds with an initial £50 million from CCR, the fund is looking to invest long-term capital in innovative, sustainable growth opportunities across the ten unitary authorities in the CCR. Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM) is the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM), responsible for managing the fund and the overall portfolio and risk management, with PwC supporting CFM in advisory matters, including investment research and sourcing. The Transcend investment is IIC’s third investment, following on from AMPLYFI (the Cardiff-based generative artificial intelligence business) and Mazuma (a Bridgend-based tech enabled accountancy platform).

 

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair, Cardiff Capital Region, commented: “Transcend is an exceptional local growth story that we are looking to help scale to even greater heights. Our investment, alongside other investors, will help encourage further growth and development in Ystrad Mynach and the broader Caerphilly region.”

 

Lorenzo Angelucci, Transcend CEO, added: “We are thrilled to receive this substantial investment from IIC, which underscores the confidence in our vision and strategy but also empowers us to accelerate our innovation and expand our R&D capabilities. With the support of IIC and our new investors, we will continue our disruptive journey in the sustainable packaging industry, furthering our commitment to environmental stewardship and economic growth in the Cardiff Capital Region.”

 

“In only seven years, Transcend has built one of the most innovative and sustainable packaging businesses globally. Its growth to date and future commercial partnerships positions it impressively for further growth”, said Rob Asplin, PwC Partner. “Sustainable packaging is a fast growth market and highlights the desire of the fund to support net zero propositions.”

 

Councillor Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council, further added: “We’re delighted to have such a success story on our doorstep, bringing real economic benefits and social value to Caerphilly and beyond.  Transcend Packaging’s success is based on innovation and sustainability and the solutions they are developing here in Caerphilly will benefit the environment and communities in many countries.”

 

“Our Transcend investment fulfils much of the IIC investment criteria, not only by investing in innovative sustainability solutions, but also backing an exciting local business to scale up and encourage other international players to invest in the CCR. The benefits to Ystrad Mynach and the wider region will be felt for years to come,” concluded Lynda Stoelker, Capricorn Fund Managers’ COO and Chair of the IIC Investment Committee.

 

For further information on the Innovation Investment Capital visit http://www.innovationinvestmentcapital.com.

News

Booming sports and advertising Group unveils new director

A TALENTED creative added a splash of colour to the leadership of a pioneering sports, advertising, exhibitions and signage business.

Rowan Freeman is now a director of the award-winning Dragon Group, based in Cardiff and Radstock, near Bath.

The company – which has clients across the UK and beyond – includes Dragon Signs, Dragon Digital, Route Media, Sportin Wales and Colour Studios, the exhibition and display arm of the Group that Rowan will head-up as part of her wider remit.

Employing more than 80 people, the organisation is led by Managing Director Rhys Harrington and has poured significant investment into refreshing and rebranding while remaining at the forefront of innovation and technology.

Hailing from Cardiff, Rowan has spent almost a decade in creative, administrative and management roles and was thrilled to take the next step in becoming a key part of the Group’s executive team.

Her focus is on sustainability, organic growth and fostering new partnerships in multiple sectors nationwide.

“I will be working across the Group with a specific responsibility for Colour Studios, that’s going to be a big part of my role going forward,” she said.

“I’ve loved every second so far and been made to feel so welcome by everyone here, it’s a learning curve but together we are already coming up with lots of ideas.

“It’s an exciting time as we are targeting different markets, with an emphasis on the exhibition space and expanding our services and supply of bespoke, recyclable product displays while exploring the firm’s year-round offering.”

Rowan added: “Dragon Group acquired Colour Studios just last year and there has been a lot of investment in machinery and the buildings in Radstock, but the biggest USP is the experience and skill of the staff, many of whom have been with us for decades.

“Sustainability is the core focus as a Group, in our journey to becoming net zero and for the loyal clients we have in Wales, the UK and overseas.

“I am thrilled to now be in this position, it is far more than a job and allows me to be creative and work alongside some hugely talented people whose skills cross over and complement each other across the Group.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support, I’ve been very lucky to have a great network of friends, family and colleagues who have inspired me to believe in myself and capitalise on this incredible opportunity.

“I am proud to be a part of Dragon Group and am confident we will continue to grow, to do amazing things and be bold and inspiring, for our customers and the sectors we operate in.”

With clients including Holland and Barrett, Leekes, FAW, Transport for Wales, dafabet, Travis Perkins, Leicester Tigers, the RNLI, universities across the UK, and Apetito, Dragon Group is one of the fastest-growing companies in Wales.

Rhys congratulated her on the new position and said: “Rowan is an asset to the Group; she has been a valuable member of the team for more than six years and is already making strides in her new role as Director.

“She has a great vision for Colour Studios and its place in the market, which will help us to continue raising standards and our reputation.

“We wish her the best of luck for the future, and I’m sure she will have a big impact on our strategic direction and especially our efforts to lower our carbon footprint and become a net zero organisation.”

For more news and information from Dragon Group, visit the website www.dragon-group.co.uk and follow them on social media.

Business, Cardiff, Events

Adapting to change: CEO of The Royal Mint addresses Cardiff Business Club

Cardiff Business Club marked the last event of its 2023/24 season with insights on change, diversification and authenticity as Anne Jessopp CBE, CEO and Deputy Master of the Mint at The Royal Mint, addressed the Club.

At the event sponsored by Hugh James, Jessopp discussed the recent redevelopment that the Mint has undergone since her appointment in 2018, and following the 35% decline in coin usage through the pandemic.

Highlighting the change in society and industry by asking attendees to raise their hands if they had used coins today, this week, or this month, she went on to say that they have been redefining what it means to be a Mint, building a portfolio of businesses with a £1.9 billion revenue annually.

Before delving into the Mint’s change, she discussed her personal change, from a career in HR to becoming CEO of The Royal Mint. Anne Jessopp stated: “The Royal Mint was like a teenager deciding what to do when it grew up.” To diversify its offering, they had to understand what made the organisation unique, understand the core values held by employees and customers, and understand the capabilities they have, along with those they don’t.

By implementing these steps, The Royal Mint has diversified in absolute marketplaces through product innovation, such as precious metals investments and collectables, and grown into new markets entirely. Jessopp discussed their partnership with Canadian clean tech company Excir, to scale up patented chemistry to extract gold from electronic waste, and their new jewellery line, where their recovered gold is already being used.

She closed by highlighting the importance of job retention through their period of diversification and change, as the organisation will decommission its Overseas Currency business later this year. All 230 employees have been offered new roles in their new industries, be it in the jewellery making section, collectable coin creation, or electronic waste recycling. She stated that people are the most important part of a business, discussing those open to change and those who push against it, but highlighted the importance of them all when it comes to a period of redevelopment.

Anne rounded off by highlighting their overarching goal – to remain authentic to who they are throughout the transformation.

Cardiff Business Club will return for its new season in the autumn.

Business, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Transport, Transport Tech

Veezu returns to Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club as club sponsor

VEEZU, south Wales’ leading private hire platform, is returning as the club sponsor for Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club’s upcoming season.

 

Whitchurch Heath has four Senior league sides and a thriving youth section that runs teams at ages under 9, 11, 13 and 15. They are dedicated to playing competitive cricket in a welcoming, inclusive and social atmosphere in the north Cardiff suburb.

 

This marks Veezu’s third year of sponsoring the club through its ‘Funded by Veezu’ programme, an initiative in which organisations, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

 

The sponsorship will go on to fund day-to-day expenses such as ground maintenance and equipment.

 

Peter Bryon, Whitchurch Heath Chair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Veezu once again and are very grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to WHCC. This sponsorship is invaluable to us as we can invest in the club’s grounds and facilities to improve the overall experience for our members.”

 

Sally Krouma, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We are very excited to be continuing this partnership and supporting Whitchurch Heath in their upcoming season. Funded by Veezu is all about reaching out to our local communities and supporting them in any way we can. It’s wonderful to see another great organisation benefit from the programme, and we look forward to seeing this partnership develop even further.”

Business, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Estate Agent News

Thomas H Wood renews partnership with Radyr Lawn Tennis Club for second year

PROMINENT Cardiff estate agent Thomas H Wood has been announced as the lead partner of Radyr Lawn Tennis Club for the 2024/25 season.

 

This marks the second year that the family run sales and letting agent, with a showroom on Station Road in Radyr, will support its local club financially as well as providing prizes for fundraising events throughout the year.

 

Radyr Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1914 and aims to provide the local community with top-class tennis and social facilities which promotes and encourages participation in tennis for everyone.

 

The site is made up of 10 courts which includes a mix of Tiger Turf, artificial clay and hard tennis courts, along with two Pickleball courts. The Club has 500 members of all abilities including 11 doubles teams that compete in a host of Tennis Wales South Wales Leagues and 200 juniors who play in various matches and tournaments as well as non-competitive games.

 

Thomas H Wood was established in 1970 by Thomas Wood and is now managed by sons John and Paul. The company specialises in sales and letting in north Cardiff, including commercial and residential property, and also has a branch in Whitchurch.

 

Cliff Gardner, Radyr Lawn Tennis Club Chairman, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Thomas H Wood for continuing their support for us, especially being a local business themselves. Our mission is to create an energetic, progressive and sustainable tennis club to provide opportunities all year round, and without the generosity of our sponsors this would not be possible.”

 

Paul Wood, Director at Thomas H Wood, said: “Being a local business, supporting our local communities is of incredible importance to us, and so we are delighted to be returning to Radyr Lawn Tennis Club and continuing to support the work they do. After an already fantastic first year of our partnership, the club is set to enjoy another successful year, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.”

Business, Cardiff, Sport, Transport

Veezu kicks off local football sponsorship

VEEZU, south Wales’ leading private hire operator, supported the Radyr Rangers Football Club at their Football Festival on 8 June.

As part of the Funded by Veezu programme, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates by offering funding and grant opportunities, Veezu was a silver sponsor at the event, making a £500 donation.

The Radyr Rangers Football Club provides community football to Radyr, Morganstown and the surrounding area, and successfully provides football training for over 400 children and young people engaged in fun and healthy activities, aiming to provide a safe and fun environment for all.

Through this sponsorship, Veezu welcomes the Radyr Rangers to their community of local sponsorships, with its latest donation in south Wales being to Cash For Kids’ Holiday Hunger appeal.

Wyn Williams at Radyr Rangers FC said: “We are incredibly grateful to Veezu for their support and generosity in enabling our Football Festival to be such a success. It was a joy to see our community come together, with teams from all ages getting stuck in to a fun-filled day of football.”

Sally Krouma, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “The Radyr Rangers held a fantastic event and it was wonderful to see the development of such a welcoming community for young people, and how important organisations like these are. We strive to support as many local community groups as possible in south Wales, and look forward to what the Radyr Rangers go on to do next.”

Art, Business, Cardiff, Diversity & Inclusion, Events, Food and Drink, Hospitality

Live art and LGBTQ+ portraits for Pride at The Red Dragon Centre

CARDIFF Bay’s leading entertainment venue, The Red Dragon Centre, has teamed up with Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn to mark Pride month with a unique art installation and charity auction.

Nathan is a proud spokesperson for LGBTQ+ equality and often uses his art to reflect this. Specialising in creating pieces out of non-traditional mediums, Nathan was a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, and has also appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, This Morning and Good Morning America.

The showcase will be displayed from 31 May – 30 June, and will feature influential figures such as Cara Delevingne, Kit Connor and Elliott Page. Joining the lineup will be The Red Dragon Centre’s resident Capital Drive presenters, Josh and Kally, whose portraits will be made up of photographs sent in by listeners to celebrate 25 years of Pride in Wales.

The Welsh artist will also be appearing at the Centre for pop-up live art shows where he will create some iconic LGBTQ+ celebrities at the Centre, with ten portraits of his existing artwork being displayed in the Centre’s showcase.

An online auction will take place at the close of the showcase for Nathan’s portraits of George Michael made out of WHAM bars, and Ncuti Gatwa in a Doctor Who collage. The winning bids will be donated to Pride Cymru.

Nathan said: “I am delighted to be teaming up with The Red Dragon Centre’s Pride celebrations, and getting the chance to showcase some of most beloved LGBTQ+ figures out there. Co-in siding with the 25th anniversary of Pride in Wales makes this all the more special, and shows how important it is to continue to celebrate Pride month, and strive towards promoting LGBTQ+ equality in Wales, and beyond.”

Emma Constantinou, Marketing Manager at The Red Dragon Centre, said: “Pride is a wonderful and important month, and we feel very fortunate to be able to host our own celebrations at The Red Dragon Centre for another year. We are very grateful to Nathan for his support and generosity of offering his work to the auction, we hope visitors enjoy spotting their favourite figures at the showcase inside the Centre.

“This month is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the LGBT+ community with our showcase, and two lucky bidders can walk away with a unique portrait from Nathan, knowing that all money raised will be going straight to charity.”

The Red Dragon Centre is home to a multitude of interactive, lifestyle and food and drink venues including Odeon Cinema, the home of Wales’ only IMAX screen, and the Hollywood Bowl which have been key Centre attractions since the beginning.

The Centre hosts a range of additional brands that make up an intrinsic part of the entertainment and dining experience, including Grosvenor Casino, Five Guys, Spice Route, Volcano, EasyThali and Zaika.

The Centre is also the site of the Capital FM South Wales studio, which was formerly Red Dragon FM, as well as Heart FM. Today, you’ll find the likes of Josh and Kally broadcasting their Capital Drive Show live from there every weekday.

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Business News, Cardiff, Leadership

Kilsby Williams announces major Partner promotions

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has announced a major enhancement of its leadership team, doubling its partner group to 11 with six new internal promotions to partner.

Lucy Creese, Stuart Evans, Dafydd Ford, Rob Meredith and Kaye Morris have been promoted from within the firm’s fast growing Tax, Growth and Transactions departments, while Huw Sheppard from the Audit, Accountancy and Payroll teams completes the leadership group.

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for our business and we are proud that we are able to expand our leadership team with six outstanding internal promotions. We have been growing at a fantastic rate over the last few years and the capabilities and ideas our new partners bring will ensure we can continue to do so in the future.”

The announcement coincides with an exciting new brand identity and website.

The brand refresh has seen the firm retain the respected Kilsby Williams name and diamond logo, supported by a fresh colour palette and updated design across its new website with improved functionality, and at its Newport headquarters.

The website’s significant functionality overhaul now offers existing and prospective clients a seamless experience, showcasing the firm’s tax and accountancy expertise, case studies and thought leadership in a more user-friendly way. The new site allows the firm to better interact with its client base of entrepreneurs, local fast growth businesses, and national and international groups.

Simon Tee added: “With the continued use of the Kilsby Williams name, there is a classic feel to the new branding, representing the firm’s determination to stay true to its history and culture. These have been the bedrock of the firm’s success and made us a recognisable, trusted partner to our varied client portfolio for over 30 years.

“Whilst retaining our heritage, we have also developed a modern, forward-thinking new look that fully embraces the firm’s current evolution and growth as the largest independent firm in the region and improves our clients’ experience.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients locally in south Wales, extending across the UK and globally. Their clients range from sole traders to international quoted groups.