Tag Archives: conwy

News

Thrilling new water park to create jobs and make waves in seaside town after planning green light

A THRILLING new aqua park will create jobs, attract visitors, and boost the economy in a seaside town.

Sblash has been given the green light by Conwy’s planning authority and is already making waves in Penmaenmawr.

Owners James and Debbie McAllister – who have decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry – are transforming Graiglwyd Springs Fishery into an inflatable water attraction that will employ up to seven additional staff from May to October each year.

Proposals for the seven-acre site also included parking, changing facilities, hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream.

Each customer will be kitted out with a wet suit, buoyancy aid and a warm welcome on arrival at the reception area, which will complement existing amenities and seven holiday cottages.

With customer safety at the heart of the operation, Sblash is committed to ensuring it meets all health and safety requirements set out by the Aqua Park Association (UK and Ireland).

The water safety team will be qualified to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) standards and sessions have been limited to 25 users at any time.

“The fishery continues to be successful, but we wanted to make this site a more sustainable year-round enterprise, which is why we have diversified,” said James.

“Sblash will be perfect for families, school groups, parties, team building, and anyone wanting to get active and have fun! We already attract people from all over the UK and this will give us another USP to create a buzz in the area.”

He added: “Importantly for us, we want to contribute to the local economy for 12 months of the year, creating jobs and capitalising on our surroundings in a sustainable, responsible manner.

“The aqua park allows us to do that, and by training our lifeguards with RLSS qualifications and keeping the capacity low to ensure a high-quality and safe experience for visitors, we have the peace of mind everyone will leave here having had a brilliant time.

“We are thankful to Business Wales for its support and to the amazing community here in Penmaenmawr; we look forward to opening very soon.”

The wild water adventure will include the towering 3.8m Mount Rainier, exhilarating slides and a range of obstacles, floating trampolines, a freefall experience and the unforgettable Waverider.

Sblash will open to the public on May 18 and is already creating ripples of excitement along the coast. Discounts, family offers, and further activities will be introduced in the months ahead.

Debbie says residents and business owners have been “hugely supportive” and the knock-on effect will be very positive for the town.

“We will be helping to be promote Penmaenmawr as a tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, cafes and other activities in addition to what we are doing with Sblash,” she said.

“The community is fully behind us, and we will look to use local suppliers and products as always, supporting each other and doing all we can to bring more people to what is one of the region’s hidden gems.

“James and I have been in the sector for many years, and this is one of the most impressive developments we’ve created during that time.

“We look forward to bringing something fresh and new to North Wales, an attraction that will capitalise on the incredible landscape and nature with a focus on health and wellbeing, exercise and enjoyment – we look forward to welcoming people soon.”

North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones congratulated the couple on their “innovative approach” to boosting tourism in the region and added: “Utilising the resources available to them to diversify and create a quality fun water park at Graiglwyd should be commended. I’m aware of the tremendous amount of hard work to get to this stage.

“I have every confidence that this new venture will not only succeed but also become a popular tourist attraction for both locals and visitors alike.”

The existing fly-fishing business will be open from October for the remaining months of the year as it is seasonal, and future proposals for the park include glamping pods and cold-water therapy retreats.

For more information, to book a session or to apply for a role at Sblash, visit the website www.sblash.co.uk and follow them on social media.

News

Energy firm continues diversification journey with new solar cleaning business

INNOVATION and diversification continue at a renewable energy firm which has added a sparkling new service to its award-winning portfolio.

Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph and Mochdre – is one of the few companies in the sector to offer solar panel cleaning in addition to installation and maintenance.

The development comes after the business welcomed more than 100 guests and exhibitors to its inaugural two-day Solar and Battery Expo at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.

While some window cleaners will give solar panels a squeegee and scrape as part of their offering, Carbon Zero’s Managing Director Gareth Jones says customers who have invested in PV technology should stick to specialists to ensure systems continue to operate efficiently.

“We are the only company in the region and one of the few renewable energy businesses in the UK to offer a dedicated specialist cleaning service,” said Gareth, a Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council’s Net Zero North Wales network, and Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders in Wales.

“We have the expertise to do it, are fully insured and have a dedicated vehicle to clean solar panels, unlike window cleaners who will do it in addition to other areas of a property.

“As the weather improves, we will see demand increase. Solar systems are sold as a ‘fit and forget’ and some people think the glass is self-cleaning, but this is far from the truth.

“Dirty solar panels can limit system operation by 30% and be catastrophic for older systems, with old technology. Just like rain doesn’t wash your windows clean, rain also doesn’t fully clean solar panels.

“This is a specialist’s job and maintenance should be completed by experts who know how to treat and handle them. Plus, businesses will need a maintenance contract to satisfy insurance requirements.”

He added: “For us the priority is providing an end-to-end experience for our customers, from the moment we discuss their renewable energy needs through to advice, installation, and maintenance, that relationship continues for many years to come.

“Our recent Expo was an example of that, with collaborators and partners joining us to celebrate the industry and be on hand to help those needing our guidance on a range of issues.

“This surge in interest, led to us taking on new staff in the past weeks having announced our highest ever accounts, so we thank everyone for their support and encourage anyone who has any solar panel or renewable energy system needs to give us a call or keep up to date with the latest news on the sector via our popular new YouTube podcast, Eco Talk Rewired.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

To watch the podcast, visit YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EcoTalkPodcast.

News

1,000+ jobseekers attend returning North Wales employment expo

MORE than a thousand people flocked to one of the biggest employment exhibitions North Wales has ever seen.

The third annual Conwy Job Expo brought together over 1,110 attendees with up to 90 leading organisations at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay.

Organised by Conwy Employment Hub (part of Conwy County Council) in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, Creating Enterprise and Conwy Business Support, the popular Expo exceeded all expectations, shining a light on career opportunities and securing permanent and temporary positions for many candidates.

Among those in attendance were Abergele’s Manorafon Farm Park, North Wales Police, Llandudno Pier, British Army Careers Centre, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Thorncliffe Building Supplies, HB Leisure, HMP Berwyn, Zip World, Dwr Cymru, Wales Ambulance Service Trust, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Evadx Ltd, Conwy County Council, the RAF, and many more.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said: “We were expecting an increase in numbers on previous years given the current economic climate and demand for workers in this region, but to have well over a thousand in attendance was incredible.

“The feedback we’ve had has been positive, particularly as a lot of the companies had vacancies and were able to pre-interview candidates, which was great from both sides.

“The workshops we held at Jobcentre Plus in advance of the Expo helped job seekers prepare for this important event with top tips on how to stand out to exhibitors and increase their chances of success in finding their dream job.

“This proved invaluable, with many also taking up the follow up one-to-one support with CV and job applications, so that’s something we will look to do again in the future.

“Thanks so much to everyone who came along on the day, notably the exhibitors who showcased the amazing careers available right on our doorstep.”

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “What makes Conwy Job Expo so special is the very real opportunities that are out there, and the platform prospective candidates had to discover so many different sectors, and discuss with top employers whether it’s a career for them.

“The results spoke for themselves, both in the number of people who attended, and the successful links built between recruiters, educators, and private and public sector organisations.

“Once again, thanks so much to everyone who came along to this year’s event, it was a fantastic day.”

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

News

Campaign appeals for public and businesses to support thousands of young carers in Wales

A CAMPAIGN is calling for recognition and support for the thousands of inspiring young carers in north and mid-Wales.

Credu has appealed for businesses, schools, colleges, universities, and communities across the region to help shine a light on the dedication and commitment of more than 2,400 young carers in Wrexham, Conwy, Denbighshire, Powys, and Ceredigion.

Ahead of Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday March 13 – organised by Carers Trust – they are pushing for more organisations to recognise bilingual resources including an identity card offering discounts, fast-track and incentives to young people with unpaid caring responsibility for a family member or loved one, often for up to 50 hours a week on top of their work or studies.

This latest appeal, entitled Fair Futures for Young Carers, also wants education settings to demonstrate more empathy and understanding of the challenges they face and come up with solutions to alleviate pressure and create a positive learning environment.

Young Carers Coordinator Sally Duckers said Bangor University is a role model for other institutions, having invited young adult carers to attend a residential taster while recognising the barriers they face in accessing higher education, given they are traditionally likely to be living in areas of high deprivation, compared to their peers.

“Young carers are consistently telling us they wish their schools would understand them better, which is disheartening,” said Sally.

“Credu has been working on a programme of resources to address that, which includes free bilingual lesson plans aimed at key stages two and three that follow the Welsh curriculum and new promotion of the Young Carers ID card, which invites support from our communities.

“Some businesses and attractions are already on board, but we would like it to be more noticed and prevalent in the communities we work in. We hope others will offer that support to the young carers given the economic and social obstacles they often face.”

She added: “To have the support of Bangor University and other educators is vital, as it gives them something to strive for, a pathway to their future careers.

“Statistics from UCAS revealed young carers tend to apply to universities within 30 minutes of their home, so having FE and HE providers in North Wales showing so much support and understanding is key – we are really thankful for that.”

Lowrian Williams, Widening Participation Officer for UK Recruitment and Admissions at Bangor University, said the institution is “dedicated” to supporting young carers in Wales and pleased to support the campaign.

“A highlight for us is our annual Young Carers Residential, happening every Easter,” said Lowrian.

“With support from our partners at Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales Partnership, we invite young carers from all over Wales, and during their stay on campus, they experience a taste of university life, connect with our friendly staff and students, and take part in workshops and academic talks.

“It’s not just a break from caring; it’s a chance for them to focus on their own goals and aspirations and we look forward to welcoming them again this Easter.”

She added: “Young carers bring a unique and enriching perspective to our university student community. Their resilience, compassion, and diverse life experiences contribute greatly to the academic community and beyond.”

Eve Lambrick, a Raising Awareness Coordinator with Credu, hopes to see more people become ‘Champions’ for young carers to ensure they do not miss out on activities, adventures, or job opportunities because of a lack of transport, lack of finances or lack of social connections.

“We hear many inspiring stories where some positive support in a timely way has led to young carers being able to flourish and develop skills after being given a platform to succeed,” she added.

“We would love to see businesses especially identify opportunities for young carers, to give them a voice and opportunities they might never have thought were possible.

“That’s the community we are looking to build so they have all the transferable skills, maturity and resilience needed to thrive – that will give them a fair future.”

To access the Credu resources pack, visit www.padlet.com/creducarers/credu-young-carers-resources-u0pc4j2tuz8vzovv.

For more information, email carers@credu.cymru or sally@credu.cymru or visit https://rb.gy/n1xur7. Alternatively, email  admin@credu.cymru.

Use the hashtag #YoungCarersActionDay to support the campaign.

News

70+ organisations to showcase career opportunities at returning Welsh job expo

MORE than 70 organisations from across Wales and the North West will join forces to showcase employment opportunities at a returning careers event.

Organised by Conwy Employment Hub in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Creating Enterprise, Conwy Business Support, and Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the popular Conwy Job Expo will be held on Thursday February 22 from 1pm to 5pm at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay.

Ahead of the big day, which is expected to attract more than 500 people of all ages, there will be a live workshop with mentors and trainers at Jobcentre Plus in the town’s Bayview Shopping Centre.

To be held this coming Tuesday (February 6) from 12.30pm-1.30pm, it will include tips and advice on a wide range of subjects from CV skills to interview techniques and guidance on applying for your dream role. There will also be additional live workshops held between now and the event.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said: “These pre-Expo sessions will give anyone wanting to attend the chance to sharpen their skills before meeting the prospective employers in attendance.

“They represent many different industries, and some will even be conducting interviews and meeting with possible candidates on the day so being fully prepared can only be of benefit from all sides.”

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “Once again we have some of the top public and private sector organisations in the region – and beyond – exhibiting at what has become the number one jobs and careers fair in North Wales.

“As well as looking for potential hires they will be showcasing what they do, and why people should work for them, so it’s going to be a very useful event for everyone in attendance.

“As was the case last year, we hope it brings people together and shows what amazing careers are out there and how there is demand in multiple sectors for new workers.”

Among the businesses, charities, social enterprises, and public bodies exhibiting will be the British Army Careers Centre, Thorncliffe Building Supplies, HB Leisure, HMP Berwyn, Alpine Travel, Supertemps, Maximus UK, Zip World, Prime Cymru, North Wales Police, GYG Karting, Excell Supply, ALG Security, The Imperial Hotel in Llandudno, EvadX, Airbus, the RAF, St Kentigern Hospice and many more.

For more information or to book attendance at one of the live workshops, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 575578.

News

Jobs Expo returns bigger and better after 500 attended last year’s event

THE leading employment and training event in North Wales is back and bigger than ever before.

Businesses, skills organisations, educators, charities, and individuals wanting to exhibit at this year’s Conwy Job Expo are urged to do so fast.

The free exhibition will again be held at Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay and following the success of last Spring – when up to 500 school and college students were in attendance – it has been opened-up to people of all ages.

In partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Creating Enterprise, Conwy Business Support, and Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the Expo will be held on Thursday February 22 from 1pm to 5pm.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, hopes to see even more organisations at the venue than in 2023, when more than 80 signed up.

“We have had a very positive response so far and spaces are filling fast,” she said.

“As well as pupils from schools across the region – many of whom are still undecided on their future career – this will be an opportunity for people in jobs who are looking for a new direction, or anyone seeking employment, to explore what opportunities are out there in multiple industries.”

‘The Barn’ at Eirias Events Centre will be divided into sections for exhibitors, education and training and demonstrations.

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “The Expo is aimed at anyone wanting a fresh start, or looking to take the next step in their education or working life.

“This event will bring some of the region’s top organisations and businesses under one roof – as well as representatives from the public sector – and provide them with a platform to attract their employees of the future.

“It’s also a chance for networking, to conduct initial interviews, and to demonstrate what apprenticeships, work placement and voluntary roles are out there on the market.”

Among the employers taking space at the last exhibition in 2023 were Adra, the WRU, Supertemps, Conwy Mind, Becoming the Great, Parkdean Resorts, Akari Care, ALG Security, Michelle Salon, The Army, Airbus, Zip World, North Wales Police, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

More than 80% of those surveyed lauded the programme of activities and organisation on the day, describing it as “excellent”, “a great opportunity to speak to young people”, “really useful” and “one of the best career events we have attended in a long while”.

For businesses/organisations interested in exhibiting, register at employers@conwy.gov.uk or contact Alice on 07548 845679 or Clare on 07892 709837. The deadline for applications is February 12.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

News

Dyslexic mum-of-four in line for top award after creating life-changing jobs project

THE inspiration behind a life-changing project helping socially isolated people into work has been nominated for a top award.

Mel Davis, an Employability Mentor with Conwy Employment Hub, is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year Management category of Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s 2024 Apprenticeship Awards.

With no previous academic qualifications to her name, the Old Colwyn mum-of-four joined the Hub six years ago and was encouraged to return to learning for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and to help lay the foundations for her future career.

Mel went on to achieve a string of qualifications, including Diplomas Levels 3, 5 and 7 in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring.

She also secured a Level 4 Diploma in Project Management and did so having only recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, working her day job and creating the hugely successful Confidently You pre-employability scheme, which more than doubled its initial commitment to help 30 people across the county.

She is “delighted” to be nominated for the title but insists the acclaim will be shared with her colleagues and those who took part in the project.

“It was a shock and surprise to hear that I had been chosen, so I’m of course delighted given I never had any traditional qualifications before joining Conwy Employment Hub,” she said.

“That helped build my own confidence and led to us launching Confidently You, which has supported so many people into the position of applying for and securing jobs.

“For those who were socially isolated, especially after the pandemic, it was a chance for them to meet new people, learn and develop social skills and see what opportunities were out there for them.

“We are so pleased with the results as having targeted 30 people there were in fact more than 60 who engaged with the project, many of whom are now in work and loving life, so it’s been incredibly heart-warming to be a part of that.”

Backed by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund, Confidently You brought people together for more than 113 indoor and outdoor group activity sessions, ranging from bushcraft to paddle boarding, e-biking, caving, arts and crafts, and much more.

The results to this point saw 25 of them gain a qualification and 13 find employment while having a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of all participants.

“For so many of them to now be in jobs, and jobs they love, is amazing, and a big part of the success,” said Mel.

“But for some just getting out of the house having been so socially and economically inactive for so long was a fantastic outcome and so courageous – hopefully the first step on their way to finding work.

“For all this to be recognised with a nomination from Grwp Llandrillo Menai is really heartening, and I thank them for the support they’ve shown me throughout my learning journey.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, added: “We are so proud of Mel, she is a truly inspirational mentor and fully deserving of this nomination.

“She is dedicated to helping others and creative in developing training programmes such as this, which have had a major impact across Conwy county – we wish her luck at the awards.”

To vote for Mel, visit www.awards.gllm.ac.uk/2024/management.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub and information on the training academies.

Alternatively, call 01492 575578, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or you can self-refer via the website at https://bit.ly/Conwy-form.

News

£300k secured to deliver vital jobs and training academies in North Wales

CONWY Employment Hub secured up to £300,000 to deliver vital jobs and education training academies across the county for the next 12 months.

The Pathways to Employment project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered and managed on a regional basis.

Together they will be targeting industries with a labour shortage locally, including Energy and Environment, Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, Creative and Digital, Tourism and Hospitality, Health, and Food and Farming.

Conwy Employment Hub’s grant was for £292,510 and in past weeks training has begun, led by key organisations in each sector.

Among those to enrol on a course was Haydn Foulkes, who attended sessions with Go North Wales in Colwyn Bay, at the Quay Hotel in Deganwy and the Hilton Hotel, Dolgarrog, led by North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones.

Haydn has since gone on to secure a role in the hospitality arena.

“We learned a lot about tourism and hospitality in North Wales through this friendly programme, which also provided us with a training pack and exercises to hone our thoughts, ideas, and goals about this as a future career,” he said.

“I found it very useful, not only did I learn a great deal about tourism and hospitality but also about my approach to work.

“Since then, I have obtained new employment, and whilst it’s not as a tour guide – which I had set my sights upon during the course – it is still in the hospitality field, in catering.

“I thoroughly enjoy it and had I not been on the course I might not have considered going into this as a job.”

Jim added: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Conwy Employment Hub at the Go North Wales Tourism and Hospitality Academy.

“Partnering with them has proven to be invaluable as they refer us clients who have been thoroughly vetted and possess a genuine enthusiasm for getting involved in our industry.

“This has benefited us greatly, as we can now seamlessly guide these individuals through training towards job opportunities that align with their aspirations.

“Together, we are fostering a strong connection between potential employees and employers, making the process of finding suitable positions more efficient and rewarding.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said the funding will enable them to support even more people into work and education over the coming year.

“In addition to providing job specific training, all courses will focus on increasing confidence, resilience, wellbeing, team building and employability skills,” said Libby.

“They will also include the completion of CVs/application forms, interview skills, sector specific accredited qualifications and basic IT skills, with an introduction to each sector by an employer or industry expert.

“Attendees will generally be people that are work-ready or close to being work-ready, including those in seasonal roles or on zero-hour contracts who will benefit from more secure employment, and efforts are being made to include people from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds.

“We want to open-up these unique opportunities to as many people as possible, and that includes employers in Conwy so desperate for committed, skilled workers.

“In turn that will have a knock-on effect for communities and the local economy, which is our top priority.”

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub and information on the training academies.

Alternatively, call 01492 575578, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or you can self-refer via the website at https://bit.ly/Conwy-form.

News

Construction boss builds new career in poetry after landing major clients nationwide

A CONSTRUCTION boss turned storyteller is building a career in ‘lyrical marketing’ after turning to poetry in lockdown.

Originally from Crewe, Gareth Williams launched Rhymeology in the pandemic and has already written for a host of private and public sector clients, including the NHS, the BBC, Avanti West Coast, Cheshire East Council and even the Jamaican Tourist Board.

Now based in Conwy, Gareth’s unique and emotive narrative has also won heart and minds via his work with dementia and ADHD charities, live events, and memory capture workshops, attracting the readers and listeners far and wide.

His individual, creative approach is fast becoming the must-have communication tool for multiple sectors in North Wales, the North West and beyond.

The dad-of-two says the last year has been a whirlwind, and as his popularity rises the opportunity to use impactful rhythmic ‘street’ poetry as a force for positivity will continue to grow.

“The response I’ve had since the start has been heartening, it’s been some journey already,” said Gareth, who lives in the walled town with wife Rachel, and their children Harry and Jacob.

“I have always loved words but didn’t grow up writing poetry, it was in lockdown I produced my first – An Opportunity for Community – and from there I really had the bug.

“I began writing more and produced a book of street poetry – Stories from Crewe and Nantwich – and began using it to promote and celebrate work in my community, which is where the interest grew.”

He added: “To this point I’m creating what I term ‘lyrical marketing’ and working with many different organisations to get their message across in a contemporary yet traditional way.

“We do it in collaboration or I do it alone, inspired by their brand and brief, and the results have been so positive, I get a real buzz from seeing the reaction on people’s faces.”

To have already secured commissions from HS2, Crewe Railway Station and for the NHS’s 75th anniversary – which became powerful audio and video campaigns – was a huge step for Gareth and led to other work focused on localism and reality, real people, and their lives.

His award-winning business Construction Linx has been running for almost two decades, but Gareth is focused on touching lives and generating attention for customers with what is so much more than a hobby, it’s his passion.

With his orange shoes – he really does have poetry in his sole – and infectious personality, the 42 year-old has already worked on a series of dream projects, and there are more in the pipeline.

“It was especially humbling as a local lad to be asked to help celebrate 185 years of Crewe Railway Station, as someone born and bred in the town that was an honour, and I hope to be able to work on similar campaigns in Wales and further afield,” said Gareth.

“The poems have managed to capture people’s attention and emotions, with a cool twist, and they do so in a matter of minutes, or seconds, which is why more people are turning to it as a way of getting their message across.

“From international conferences to sitting in a room with a handful of people battling dementia and seeing the joy in their eyes when we produce poems together over a brew and biscuits, it’s all been an absolute joy and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.”

With thousands of people watching his videos on YouTube, the answer is up and up.

He is using myriad mediums to connect with readers and listeners and reaping the rewards.

“It’s quite incredible and unreal, I sometimes pinch myself to be doing what I’m doing after such a short space of time,” said Gareth.

He added: “Poetry has been around since the beginning of time, but how often do we read them? Most people only come across poems at weddings and funerals these days.

“Rhymeology is bringing it back to the masses, using words in an inspiring and engaging way to tell a story, celebrate a landmark, sell a product and far more. It is effective and I hope more people and businesses get in touch to find out how it can help them.”

For more information, visit the website www.rhymeology.co.uk and follow The Rhymeologist on social media. Alternatively, gareth@rhymeology.co.uk

News

Award-winning butcher turns to solar following huge spike in energy prices

ONE of the country’s leading meat producers is using solar power to produce its award-winning sausages.

And the move to renewable energy is helping to bring down spiralling electricity prices at Edwards, the Welsh Butcher, which hit the news last autumn when its bills soared from £2,500 to £15,000 a week.

The company took the decision to contact Carbon Zero Renewables, which has been installing solar energy systems across the country for more than 15 years.

They installed 238 state-of-the-art solar panels on the roof of Edwards’ 23,000 sq ft Conwy headquarters, and the 120kW system is already paying dividends.

Early results show it will ensure a saving of more than £30,000 and 20,200 kg of CO2 a year – the equivalent to planting almost 950 trees.

Employing more than 80 staff in the town, founder Ieuan Edwards sees a light at the end of the tunnel and says this is the next step on their sustainability journey.

“The move to renewable energy aligns with our values and of course given spiralling energy costs we needed and wanted to do something,” he said.

“It’s a challenging time for everyone but this is also a long-term investment that will have a positive and sustainable impact on both our carbon footprint and overall costs for years to come.”

Ieuan added: “We thank Carbon Zero Renewables for their support and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again or recommend their services.”

Ieuan first opened his butcher’s shop in Conwy 40 years ago. Following years of success the company expanded into a nearby production facility, where it makes its award-winning products for leading UK supermarkets, foodservice and meal-kit sectors, and international retailers.

Their growing and ever-popular range includes sausages, beef, pork and chicken burgers, gammon, bacon, and seasonal products.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables and Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales and Mersey Dee Business Council said it was a privilege to collaborate with one of Wales’s best-loved businesses and help them make a difference to the environment.

He added: “Why more businesses aren’t looking at solar energy is quite mind boggling when you consider the effect it has on not only profits but also the world around us.

“The technology installed at their factory is the safest on the market, can be monitored 24/7 and allows for independent analysis of every solar panel on the roof, not just the overall system like others that are out there at the moment.

“Companies are realising that it’s not just about wanting to do something, it’s about having to do something for continuity and to future-proof, because this problem is not going to go away anytime soon.

“Edwards, the Welsh Butcher has recognised that as part of its overall green strategy and I’m sure they will continue to reap the rewards.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

For more on Edwards, the Welsh Butcher go to www.weareedwards.co.uk.