Tag Archives: Chester

News

New faces at leading law firm as expansion plans continue ahead of 25th anniversary

THE new practice manager at a leading law firm will support further expansion in the years ahead.

Tammy Strapp, from Flint, has joined the award-winning team at Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, which has offices in St Asaph, Chester, and Menai Bridge.

Having spent more than two decades in the HR (Human Resources) and legal sectors she is pleased to join the business ahead of its 25th anniversary.

Tammy’s arrival follows that of property solicitor Laura Corrigan, and Elliott Morgan, a paralegal, in past weeks.

With directors labelling this “the busiest period” in the company’s history, she is looking forward to the challenge.

“I have worked in HR and for law practices in North Wales previously, so when this opportunity came around given the reputation of Mackenzie Jones, I had to go for it,” said Tammy, who is married to Ian and has one daughter, Morgan.

“I am so pleased to be here and excited to see what the future brings given the growth of the business over the last few years.

“In this position I’ll be able to play a part in that, as well as dealing with compliance, staff development and day-to-day operations, of which I have a lot of experience.”

She added: “The team have all made me feel so welcome, I can’t wait to get started.”

Now employing more than 30 staff, Mackenzie Jones directors Anna Mills Morgan, Richard Jones, and Andrew Foley Jones said Tammy will be pivotal to their success moving forward.

“Tammy is a fantastic addition to the team and joins us at a key time as we continue to expand and secure new clients in North Wales, the North West, and beyond,” said Anna.

“As we develop our health and wellbeing strategy, move towards net zero and sharpen our focus on professional development, her role will be crucial, so we are delighted she has joined us.”

Mackenzie Jones holds prestigious accreditations including Lexcel, CQS, SIA and the Legal 500.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

IT firm approaching 25th anniversary spearheading landmark telecommunications switch

A PROMINENT IT firm celebrating 20 years in business is calling on organisations to be ready for landmark changes to telephone and communication networks in the UK.

CATalyst Systems, based in Denbigh and Chester, is working with customers across North Wales, the North West and beyond ahead of The Big Switch Off in 2027.

The move will see the phasing out of BT’s ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) in favour of newer technology including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

CATalyst Systems owner Rory McGough says this is a watershed moment for the industry, yet many people are unaware that ‘landlines’ as we know them will be a thing of the past.

Employing 11 engineers and administrative staff, the managed IT service provider is at the forefront of developments and keen to support current and prospective clients as they make the transition over the coming months.

“This is happening and it’s happening soon – even with the deadline being moved to 2027 – but the majority of businesses are completely unaware of it,” said Rory, who has worked in the sector for more than three decades.

“For long-standing public and private sector organisations where a landline is key, those that are physically on the premises, this will have a major impact as the traditional analogue systems are being completely scrapped in favour of VoIP and internet-based platforms.

“There is still time but it’s a good idea to get in touch and be prepared, make sure you upgrade existing machinery and technology to meet the deadline, which will be here before we know it.”

A member of popular Irish music combo The Weebag Band, Rory was raised in Dundalk before moving to Liverpool and later North Wales in the 1960s.

He worked for the Ministry of Agriculture in IT before taking the plunge at the turn of the century and going it alone.

One of a handful of IT partners in Wales supporting organisations as they ready themselves for the switch to IP – and a silver partner of prestigious global service provider 3CX – CATalyst Systems has gone from strength to strength.

With a team of dedicated, skilled professionals at his side, Rory supports clients across multiple arenas – including retail, law, medical and finance – and is proud of how they manage to be flexible and offer the “personal touch” while providing high-quality bilingual services.

“We are effectively our clients’ IT department, we are part of the team, and that’s very important to us and to them,” said Rory.

“We have grown together and remained at the cutting edge of advances in technology and sustainability – including our revamped website and journey to becoming net zero – which is vital for CATalyst and its customers.”

He added: “For many, the big switch-off is huge, it could be seen as concerning and confusing, but it’s a simple process if businesses anticipate rather than react at the last minute.

“We are already helping companies make the changes necessary, migrating them onto modern cloud-based systems in place of the outdated PSTN technology.

“We are here for help, advice, and guidance, so get in touch to find out more.”

News

‘Busiest period in our history’ for law practice as UK growth continues

A LAW practice approaching its 25th anniversary is experiencing the busiest period in its history.

City centre expansion has contributed to a surge in high-end clients for Mackenzie Jones Solicitors.

The award-winning legal firm – based in St Asaph and Menai Bridge – recorded a spike in commercial cases since opening its new base in Chester.

Director Andrew Foley Jones said there has been a rise in a wide range of sectors UK-wide, including tourism and hospitality, retail – notably opticians – and the healthcare arena.

He says this is arguably the most active period the business – in its 24th year of trading – has ever had.

“I have never known it to be so busy,” said Andrew.

“We are representing companies and organisations across the UK on large commercial sales, often multi-million pound acquisitions such as holiday parks and retail units, and have been inundated since the turn of the year.

“Every department has seen an increase in demand for its services, which is phenomenal, and demonstrates the confidence clients have in our amazing team.”

Relocating to Grosvenor Road in Chester, and growth at its main headquarters in Denbighshire – the practice now employs more than 30 staff – were key strategic moves in the last 12 months.

Mackenzie Jones, which holds prestigious accreditations including Lexcel, CQS, SIA and the Legal 500, has recently brought in two new faces to accommodate the increased demand for its services: Laura Corrigan, a property solicitor and Elliott Morgan, a paralegal, to bolster the expanding property and commercial teams working out of Chester.

Fellow director Sara Parry said part of the reason for their success is in being able to serve more clients in the North West, Midlands and beyond.

“Building our presence In England and UK-wide was the clear next step for the practice as we have such a strong reputation in Wales, and it has paid dividends,” she added.

“We have expanded in tandem with many of our clients, who come to us for representation on what are often huge deals commercially, so it was pivotal we were in position to deliver.

“This is not a business that rests on its laurels, we will continue to grow organically, with a focus on providing opportunities for the next generation of solicitors and legal workers and continuing to provide our clients with a first-class service.”

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Welsh legal firm sees rise in family law cases despite drop in national divorce rate

THE cost-of-living crisis, fewer marriages and a more settled period following the Covid-19 pandemic have contributed to a decrease in divorces in the UK.

But long-term, latest ONS (Office for National Statistics) figures revealing there were 80,057 divorces – down from 113,505 in 2021 – may not point towards family bliss, according to family law solicitors.

The ONS says the numbers may have been affected by the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, which came into effect in April 2022 and introduced new mandatory waiting periods at important stages, and other changes including allowing couples to end a partnership jointly, and the removal of fault-based grounds for divorce.

The cost implications also played a role, according to many in the sector, though Jade Liptrot – a Solicitor at Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, based in St Asaph, Chester, and Menai Bridge – says anyone concerned should explore their options.

“A wide range of factors have impacted on the figures, and of course it looks very positive to see divorce rates in the UK fall,” said Jade.

“That said, staying together for purely economic reasons will no doubt put a strain on the family unit.

“Divorce and relationship breakdowns can be a trying time without having to worry about the financial and legal complications which often go with it, which is why we are focused on providing sensitive care and support.

“We have seen an upturn in people contacting us since the turn of the year, as some have delayed commencing proceedings because of the perceived cost, which is the feedback we are hearing from other practices nationally.”

She added: “Our team have years of experience and are experts in this field, having assisted hundreds of couples across North Wales and beyond for more than two decades.

“This also includes matters such as pre-marital agreements and agreements for couples who live together outside of marriage, so if anyone is worried or unsure about how to proceed, please get in touch.”

The ONS also said the higher number of divorces and dissolutions granted in 2021 may partially reflect delays in the number and timing of divorces granted during 2020 because of disruption in family Court activity during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The lower number of divorces in 2022 may partially reflect the introduction of new minimum waiting periods, meaning that divorces applied for after April 6 that year may take longer to reach final order.

In 2022, there were 78,759 opposite-sex divorces, which is a decrease of 29.6% from 2021 and 23.1% from 2020 divorces.

Same-sex divorces also decreased, to 1,298 in 2022, a decrease of 17.4% compared with 1,571 same-sex divorces in 2021, the first year there was a decrease since the introduction of same-sex marriage in 2014.

For more information and for help and advice, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Another national award for skin experts following launch of ‘menopause clinic’

AN ESTEEMED skin clinic secured its place among the best in the UK with another major trophy victory.

Fresh from being named Best Clinic Midlands and Wales at the national Aesthetics Awards, Pure Perfection won Aesthetic Clinic of the Year for the South West and Wales at the prestigious Aesthetic Medicine Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster London.

The business, located in Rossett near Wrexham and Chester, has gone from strength-to-strength post-pandemic, expanding its client base under the leadership of director Sara Cheeney.

Sara, an ambassador for the international Hydrafacial aesthetic treatment and UK trainer and key opinion leader for Zo Skin Health and Morpheus 8, says the clinic’s seven-strong team is full deserving of the titles given its commitment and dedication to their loyal patients.

“To win another such huge award in a matter of weeks is unbelievable, we were shocked but of course absolutely thrilled and grateful to have been recognised by the judges,” she said.

“Being up there with some of the biggest names in the industry is a huge morale and confidence booster for all of us, notably after the challenges of recent years, and drives us to raise standards even higher for the clinic.”

The Chester Road practice has undergone a revamp in past months, including a new treatment room, and unveiled a series of services such as bespoke, prescriptive facials.

Pure Perfection recently held its first ‘menopause clinic’, where patients discussed a wide range of medical issues or concerns as part of their ‘strive for wellness’ ethos, helping people “to live longer in the healthiest way” given pressures on the NHS and waiting lists for dermatology treatments.

Meanwhile, Sara launched a clarifying serum for Zo Skin Health at Wigmore Medical’s Wigmore Presents convention and will give a talk at Cutera University Clinical Forum in September.

The mum-of-two has also been busy coaching clinicians across the UK – many of whom stay at her luxury holiday cabin, Evelyn’s Retreat, in Llangollen – and as one of the founding members of the Star Box campaign for the charity Awyr Las, a care package for patients using the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

They are preparing for a fundraising ball later this year, and given the Unit cared for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, Sara is determined to continue helping others on the road to recovery.

“Life has never been busier, there is so much happening but in winning awards and delivering new, innovative treatments we are able to remain at the forefront of aesthetics in Wales and beyond,” said Sara.

“As a breast cancer survivor who went through a double mastectomy and medically induced menopause myself, I have a particular passion for helping women going through similar challenging times in their life, the physical and emotional changes that occur.”

She added: “Pure Perfection is not a service, it’s an experience and that includes deeply caring for every person that walks through the door. I think society has changed and it’s no longer taboo, to talk about what treatments you have had which I think is a good thing.

“Having aesthetic treatments is such an individual choice and it is up to us as a society not to judge anyone. Everyone has the choice to do what they want to their own bodies to make them feel better.

“That’s definitely our mantra; caring for yourself both inside and out is more important than ever.”

For more information on Pure Perfection Clinic, visit the website www.pureperfectionclinic.com or follow Pure Perfection Clinic (@purepclinic and @pureperfectionrossett) on social media.

For more on the Awyr Las Star Box fund visit www.awyrlas.org.uk/starbox.

News

Balloon spectacular and live acts added to epic line-up at summer festival

BOLESWORTH CASTLE is reaching for the skies with a new attraction to be launched this summer.

Spectacular hot air balloon flights and displays will form part of the epic and much-anticipated Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, which runs from June 6-16.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cheshire Balloon Fiesta – which took place at the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate, near Chester and Wrexham, in 2023 – Bolesworth has added the adrenaline-fuelled activity to its line-up on the weekend of June 14-16.

The action-packed programme will include more than 20 balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, ‘Meet the Pilot’ and ‘Basket and Burners’ sessions and spectacular night glow demonstrations that will light up the evening sky.

Balloon Launches and Night Glows will be taking place on the evenings of Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) with great views from the Live Music Stage. Campers that rise early may also catch the morning flights on Saturday and Sunday (June 15-16).

As Managing Director Nina Barbour and the team put the final touches to this year’s lifestyle and equestrian festival – presented by the globally renowned Al Shira’aa stables – tickets are already selling fast ahead of what looks like being their biggest and best event yet.

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured the hot air balloons for the final weekend of this summer’s Bolesworth International,” said Nina.

“They are always very popular with the crowds here so introducing them to what’s already a stellar series of activities and attractions will go down – or up! – very well with visitors.

“We will actually have more hot air balloons and displays than ever before so it’s going to be a special addition to this year’s celebrations.”

And the highs don’t stop there; the line-up will also feature some of the top names in international showjumping, special VIP and celebrity guests, family entertainment, dog-friendly activities, ringside hospitality and more.

Among the star music guests performing live on Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) will be electronic duo Phats and Small, and there will be appearances by Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band, and the Ultimate Party Mixtape Set with 80s party outfit, Coyote. More acts will be announced in the near future.

There is also the opportunity to pitch up and stay a little longer by camping on-site, with availability from June 13-16.

Among other highlights will be the return of Ben Atkinson and his stunt horses, the Hybrid/EV driving zone, freestyle motocross displays, shopping village, the Champagne Enclosure, a new land and rural business day, Women in Business and Ladies Day, Bolesworth Elite Auction and much more.

“Every year we push the boundaries in uniting the world of equestrianism with entertainment, live music and adrenaline-fuelled activities,” said Nina.

“This year is no exception, in fact it’s the best yet! So be sure to book your tickets soon – don’t miss out.”

Bolesworth has Spring saver prices, with up to 50% off until May 31.

To book your tickets and for the latest news and information about events at Bolesworth, call 01829 782210 or visit www.bolesworth.com/international.

Alternatively, email info@bolesworth.com and follow them on social media at @bolesworth.

For more information about partnerships, trade stands, and hospitality, contact melanie@bolesworth.com

News

Skin clinic named best in Wales following expansion, investment and charity campaign

PURE Perfection Clinic added another prestigious accolade to its long list of titles at a national prizegiving.

The trailblazing business, based in Rossett near Wrexham, was named Best Clinic Midlands and Wales at the Aesthetics Awards, hosted by TV personality Vernon Kay.

Director Sara Cheeney and her seven-strong workforce were also commended for Clinic Team of the Year at the ceremony, held at London’s Grosvenor House.

Sara, an ambassador for the world-famous Hydrafacial aesthetic treatment and UK trainer and key opinion leader for Zo Skin Health, said they were “completely shocked” to receive the trophy.

“We were all stunned when they called out our name, it took us a few moments to process before we went up to collect the award!” she added.

“Pure Perfection has won several prizes over the years but none bigger than this, so we are absolutely thrilled.

“It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all our team, who have worked tirelessly over the last year to maintain our high standards following a challenging time for the industry post-Covid.

“We ourselves have gone from strength to strength and being named best in the country reflects that, so we are privileged and thankful to the judges, and our loyal customers, for their support.”

The good news followed a period of investment at the Chester Road site, which included redevelopment of the premises, a revamped treatment room and expansion, with new faces joining in past months.

The mum-of-two, from Llangollen, has also been busy as one of the founding members of the Star Box campaign for the charity Awyr Las, a care package for patients using the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The Unit cared for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and she says the appeal is “a form of therapy”, an outlet to give back and helping others on their “cancer journey”.

Having been put into a ‘false menopause’ while undergoing treatment for the condition, she wants to help more people in that position, having seen a surge in demand for support in past years.

As NHS waiting lists for skin treatments continue to rise, Clinic Manager Marianne Burrell says they aim to meet rising demand by continuing to invest in state-of-the-art technology unavailable elsewhere in the region, including CO2 and vascular lasers.

“We will keep raising the benchmark for aesthetics in Wales and beyond, which means introducing the best machinery and training,” she said.

“The clinic has experienced an increase in the number of men visiting for a wide range of services we offer, which is fantastic to see, and there will be new health treatments for women, which will be rolled out this year.

“We have also seen a rise in acne treatments and the results have been very positive, producing lasting results for patients, while also adapting our clinical pathway to meet the holistic needs of all our customers.”

Marianne added: “There is a lot happening and Pure Perfection continues to grow; to win such a huge award gives us confidence we are moving in the right direction, and that the best is yet to come.”

The Aesthetics Awards are the most prestigious and longest-standing awards ceremony in the UK medical aesthetics industry. striving to promote best practice, safety, efficacy, and recognise the top leaders in the field.

With more than 400 entries and 950 guests attending, the evening brings together the very best in aesthetic medicine.

Visit www.aestheticsawards.com for more information and a list of all the winners.

For more information on Pure Perfection Clinic, visit the website www.pureperfectionclinic.com or follow Pure Perfection Clinic (@purepclinic and @pureperfectionrossett) on social media.

For more on the Awyr Las Star Box fund visit www.awyrlas.org.uk/starbox.

News

Expanding law practice issues warning as almost half of UK adults yet to write a Will

ALMOST half of adults in the UK have not written a will.  

A report by the National Will Register also revealed 42% have not spoken to anyone about what should happen to their estate upon their death.

This is a growing issue nationwide, which is why Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester – has added prominent Wills and Probate lawyer Matthew Skeels to its award-winning team.

Originally from Pembrokeshire and now living in Wirral – an area where the company has experienced growth in past months – the University of Chester graduate urged people to consider making a will and securing a Power of Attorney document for peace of mind.

“The most important aspect of doing so is the security of knowing your family and loved ones will receive your property or possessions and be cared for financially,” said Matthew, who has worked in the sector for more than a decade.

“But also, to help you avoid probate or any conflict and to make plans for the future. That applies to Power of Attorney as well, so that if you were to become ill or unable to work, or unable to make medical or ‘life’ decisions for yourself, someone else you trust and arrange for can make them for you.

“To see such a large percentage of the population do not have these safeguards in place is quite alarming given how family dynamics and demographics have changes over the generations, so we encourage people to get in touch, even just for advice and guidance so we can point you in the right direction.”

He added: “Being part of the growing team at Mackenzie Jones is fantastic, and with my contacts and presence in the North West that’s an area we will be focusing on over the coming years, in all areas of the business.”

The National Will Register report – published in 2023 – also found just 25% of adults have made a “life folder” with will details enclosed and told someone about it; 49% of respondents said their parents had never discussed instructions or details of a will either.

For those who have not made a will, two in five said that they had not got around to making one yet, while almost a third felt they did not have enough to warrant making a will.

Among over 55s, three in 10 have not spoken to anyone on the subject and half of those are unlikely to in the future – a figure that increases to 58% across all age groups.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Waste management giant preparing thousands of customers for landmark shift in recycling laws

A LEADING waste management company is preparing customers for a landmark shift in recycling laws.

From April 6 workplaces across Wales must sort and separate all waste – including paper and card, food, glass, metal, plastic, and unsold textiles – before collection, or face strict financial penalties.

The new Welsh Government legislation will impact all businesses across the country, but according to ASH Waste Services, very few are even aware of the rules and the fines they’ll receive if they don’t comply.

Employing more than 300 people at its sites in Wrexham, Chester, Birmingham, Barnsley and Widnes, the firm is urging private sector organisations nationwide to get in touch ahead of the deadline for one of its free waste audits, and for support and guidance.

“We have more than 15,000 customers in the UK but at present this will only affect those in Wales, many of which have yet to address the issue,” said Steve Rymill, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director at ASH Waste Services.

“Some don’t even know about this, but it is a huge change to recycling regulations, it’s a legal requirement however big the business is – companies of all sizes must take it seriously.

“Enforcement officers will be in place across the country so it’s vital managers and owners talk to staff, contact us or their waste and recycling waste collector, and be prepared for the change by having internal and external waste containers to comply with the law.”

Founded more than 35 years ago by Alan Hassall, ASH Waste Services has more than 2,700 commercial customers in Wales and has already been in contact with them to raise awareness and begin the switchover.

A certified carbon neutral company itself, new electric vehicles are being rolled out as part of a £5m investment – in addition to its 100+ fleet of bin and skip wagons – in response to growth and to help manage an increase in demand and modifications in the collection system.

As Wales is currently third in the world for recycling household waste, the Welsh Government is determined to repeat that success on the commercial side.

Group Managing Director Neil Hassall says food and drink businesses – notably takeaways and fast-food restaurants – will be particularly affected by changes to workplace recycling.

“We want to work in partnership with them to make the transition as smooth as possible,” he added.

“It’s crucial they don’t bury their heads in the sand or wait until the last minute because this will be a legal requirement, it’s not a choice of whether to do it or not.

“Our team will be on hand to support companies through this process, by organising free waste audits and with information on what steps to take.

“Wales will be the first to implement these laws with England to follow in 2025, it’s one of the biggest changes we’ve seen in our many years of trading and a milestone for the sector.”

For more news and information from ASH Waste Services, visit www.ashwasteservices.co.uk or call 0800 035 0447. Alternatively, email enquiries@ashwasteservices.co.uk.

Visit www.gov.wales/changes-workplace-recycling-guidance-workplaces for more on the new Welsh Government legislation on changes to workplace recycling.

News

City centre move leads to expansion and new commercial clients for law firm

A CITY centre move led to expansion and clients across new commercial sectors for an acclaimed law practice.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and a recently opened base in Grosvenor Street, Chester – is attracting business in a wide range of industries.

The firm is representing opticians, care homes, holiday parks and more from its North West office and now planning to take on a paralegal to meet demand, having recruited a Wills and Probate lawyer in past weeks.

Director Andrew Foley Jones said relocation and growth in the team will help service territories which have increased “significantly” in the last 12 months.

“Opening in Chester and then moving to larger, more central premises across the city was a result of the huge amount of interest and feedback we’ve received in multiple industries, particularly those purchasing or selling businesses,” said Andrew.

“We’ve represented some major organisations but also independent retailers and hospitality firms looking to expand, and our own growth has aligned with that.

“As a result, we have taken on new staff and will require more, particularly on the administrative side.”

Among those to call upon the support of Mackenzie Jones in recent times were the Jaunty Goat coffee empire; the Livingston family when brokering the multi-million pound sale of Morfa Lodge Holiday Park in Dinas Dinlle, near Caernarfon, and a number of traders moving from Chester Market to the neighbouring £72m Northgate Project development.

Now employing more than 30 people, fellow director Sara Parry believes the company will continue to rise in 2024.

“We have seen more and more walk-ins since the move and being more prominent in this busy location has put us front and centre in people’s minds, given the thousands of cars and pedestrians that pass by every day,” she said.

“And that hasn’t just been in Chester and North Wales, we have more and more calls coming in from across the UK, which is heartening.

“Commercial activity has increased significantly but we’ve also seen that in other areas of the company, including wills and probate and conveyancing, so it’s an incredibly busy time for us.”

The firm, listed in the prestigious Legal 500 rankings, is also exploring plans to open another office in north west Wales.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.