Tag Archives: denbigh

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

Law firm sees surge in drug driving and criminal cases during pandemic

A LAW firm experienced a surge in the number of drug driving and criminal cases during the pandemic.

David Jones, senior partner at Edward Hughes Solicitors, admitted he and criminal law colleagues at the Colwyn Bay and Rhyl-based practice have never seen anything like it in their combined 60 years’ working in the legal sector.

He believes drug driving is now “on a par and possibly more of a problem” than drink driving, a statement reinforced by recent figures from the Ministry of Justice, which revealed North Wales Police had the highest number of drug driving violations per capita across Wales and England in 2020.

In the same year, the Force recorded 1,307 drug driving arrests, and a reported one in 20 fatalities on UK roads can now be attributed to the offence.

“We have seen a massive rise in the number of drug driving cases in the past few years,” said David.

“It is now on a par and possibly more of a problem than drink driving in terms of the cases we have been involved in since the onset of the pandemic, which is unbelievable when you consider how rare it was just five or six years ago.

“In terms of set guidelines, it is still a relatively ‘new’ crime and from the statistics it continues to rise which is a concern.

“We have also attended more criminal cases which is very sad to see, but perhaps a reflection on the pressures and stresses on people now given financial constraints and other challenges.”

David explained many people are still unaware they are entitled to free legal advice at the police station before being questioned, if arrested for any offence, or that they can be advised in advance of an interview.

“That right extends across England and Wales and can be over the phone or in person,” he added.

“In some situations, such as speeding or other motoring offences, there can be mitigating circumstances or special reasons, such as exceptional hardship, so it is worth getting in touch to ensure you have support in place.

“We offer a fixed fee (subject to agreement) when an individual has to appear before a court, and most importantly our expert lawyers will guide you through the process as it can be very stressful, to secure the best possible outcome.”

For more information and to contact Edward Hughes Solicitors, call 01745 343661 or visit the website: www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes.

You can follow them on Twitter at @QSEH_Solicitors and via Facebook and LinkedIn.

News

Free events to support North Wales landlords ahead of landmark rental law changes

AN AWARD-WINNING estate agent will hold free events to support landlords and tenants ahead of a landmark transformation in Welsh rental laws.

Williams Estates is to host drop-in sessions and advice clinics at its offices in Ruthin, Rhyl, Denbigh, Mold, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan in the run up to July 15, when The Renting Homes Act 2016 is set to be introduced across the country.

The Act has been branded the “biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades” and includes updates to current laws; among them is an increase in the notice landlords must give when issuing ‘no-fault’ evictions and protection for tenants from ‘no-fault’ evictions for a minimum of 12 months after signing a contract.

Managing Director Jason Williams and the team – named Best Lettings Agency in Denbighshire at The British Property Awards for 2021/22 – are on hand to help all parties as the changes will mark a “watershed moment” for the sector.

“The Act has been in the pipeline for some time so the announcement it will finally take place this summer will have a huge impact on landlords and tenants,” said Jason.

“It will in many ways make the process a lot simpler but in the short term there will be a lot of questions around liability, insurance, legalities and other issues so we are going to hold free advice and information sessions across all our North Wales offices to try and help people as much as we can.

“Whether you are a customer of Williams Estates or not, our award-winning, experienced staff will be on hand to share their expertise at what is a watershed moment for the housing industry.”

From July 15, all landlords will be required to provide a written copy of the occupation contract to the tenant, setting out the rights and responsibilities of both parties; there will be a strengthened duty on landlords to ensure the property is fit for human habitation, including the installation of smoke alarms and regular electrical safety testing, and the introduction of a consistent approach to eviction where antisocial behaviour and domestic violence occurs.

Welsh Government Climate Change Minister Julie James admitted the Act has “taken longer than expected” to implement but says it will have a positive effect for years to come.

She added: “This Act represents the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades and will make it simpler and easier to rent a home, replacing various, complex pieces of existing legislation and case law with one clear legal framework.

“When in place, contract-holders in Wales will have greater security of tenure than in any other part of the UK.”

For more information on the free information clinics, visit the Williams Estates website www.williamsestates.com and follow Williams Estates on social media @williamsestates.

Education, Engagement, Property Buyer News, Property News

Grand designs by talented art students light up new year property campaign

GRAND designs by talented art students hold the keys to a long-standing partnership with one of the country’s top property agents.

Learners on the Foundation Studies in Art and Design course at Grwp Llandrillo Menai have been working alongside Williams Estates to develop a series of images for their Home is Where the Heart Is campaign.

The cohort from the college’s Rhos-on-Sea site created bespoke posters for an innovative light-up window display that will capture the attention of customers and passers-by at their offices in Holywell, Denbigh, Mold, Rhyl, Ruthin, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.

It comes as Director Jason Williams and the team again were named Best Lettings Agency in Denbighshire at The British Property Awards for 2021/22, adding to the impressive array of industry customer service awards they won this year.

Jason said: “We’ve had an amazing year and it’s been topped off by the brilliant work of the students at Llandrillo.

“We are always keen to try and support the college and the next generation of artists and designers with real-life, real-time projects that will enhance our marketing and profile while giving them vital experience.

“The end result is a fabulous and eye-catching digital poster using different concepts which will definitely turn heads – we love it and thank them for their amazing efforts.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that Williams Estates has given the Art and Design department a creative brief.

“And every year the absolutely blow us away with what they come up with,” said Jason.

“This Christmas is no different, they’ve outdone themselves once again.”

Lecturer Dewi Owen Hughes added: “I fully support such links with industry as I believe realistic creative work projects greatly enhance the experience and future employability of our Art and Design students.

“Our learners gain so much added-value by working on this brief and they can’t wait to see their creative work being printed and used by Williams Estates in a state-of-the-art LED light-pocket window display.”

Reflecting on their latest awards victory, which came just weeks after they won six titles at the ESTAS – including their ninth Gold for Best Sales Agent in Wales – Jason said: “That is testament to our staff, who – despite the challenges of the pandemic – have gone above and beyond to support our customers and provide outstanding service.

“For that to be recognised with success in two such high-profile industry award ceremonies is a major honour for us.”

“Visit www.williamsestates.com and follow @williamsestates for more news and information from Williams Estates.

For more information on Creative Arts courses at Coleg Llandrillo, call 01492 542 338 or visit www.gllm.ac.uk.

 

 

For more property news, visit propertynewsdesk.co.uk

News

Estate agent lays foundation for further growth after expansion and record awards win

AN ESTATE agent laid foundations for further growth in the new year after sweeping the board at national awards ceremonies.

Williams Estates was a big winner at both the ESTAS and British Property Awards following a successful 12 months.

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the North Wales company – which has sites in Holywell, Denbigh, Mold, Rhyl, Ruthin, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan – recruited six new bilingual staff in past months.

And the 25-strong team had even more to shout about having secured top industry accolades; they won six titles at the recent ESTAS, including their ninth Gold for Best Sales Agent in Wales, and another for Best Estate Agency Group in Wales.

And last week, Williams Estates received Silver for Wales at the British Property Awards, having earlier been unveiled as Gold winner for Denbighshire (Sales) and Flintshire (Lettings).

Director Jason Williams praised his team for their diligence and dedication to customers, a focus which played a major role in them emerging victorious at both ceremonies.

“The customer is at the heart of everything we do, so to have been recognised and rewarded for that is a huge honour,” he said.

“These titles are judged on service, efficiency and there is a mystery shopping element to them over several months, so we have to be at the top of our game to compete with the hundreds of other agencies out there.

“Given the consistently high standards of our staff we have again featured highly and won the Wales-wide ESTAS Gold for the ninth time – and eighth in a row – so that is testament to their hard work and positive attitudes.”

Despite the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, Jason said their early investment in technology and adaptability in the face of national uncertainty enabled employees at all seven sites to continue setting new standards.

“We have expanded to meet demand, and when Covid-19 took hold in the UK were early adopters of innovative methods including virtual video tours,” said Jason, a former President of the North Wales, South Cheshire, and Merseyside branch of the National Association of Estate Agents.

“To this point we have produced more than 800 videos and they have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times so that is something we will look to continue with, though more in-person sales are now taking place.

“The market is in a strong position, with house prices increasing and so much interest, but for us the main target is further improvement in all aspects of the business – that’s our top priority as we approach 2022.”

This year’s ESTAS were held in London, with results calculated from over 200,000 customer review ratings.

TV presenter and host Phil Spencer praised Williams Estates and all of the winners: “You’ve had to work incredibly hard, adapt your businesses and absorb considerable costs to follow the protocols and enable things to happen safely.

“Quite simply, delivering great service has never been more challenging, so the ESTAS Awards for 2021 are the most well deserved ever in their entire 18-year history.”

For more information, visit the website www.williamsestates.com and follow Williams Estates on social media @williamsestates.

News

Estate agent celebrates 21st anniversary and targets record national award win

A PROMINENT estate agent celebrating a landmark anniversary is heading for record-breaking awards success.

Williams Estates has handed over the keys to thousands of doors across North Wales over the last 21 years.

Director Jason Williams launched the company at the turn of the century and has grown it strategically from one employee and one office to 25 staff across seven sites in Denbigh, Mold, Rhyl, Ruthin, Holywell, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.

Having taken on six new Welsh-speaking employees in past months the 51 year-old is laying the foundations for a bright future.

“We have grown through the pandemic and expanded our workforce, which is an achievement given the challenges all sectors have faced since the onset of Covid-19,” said Jason, who is married to Emma and has three children, Harry, Rory, and Nathan.

“But we have done so sustainably, as before, and are now focused on making ourselves even better, rather than bigger.

“That means improving by 10-20%, which will make us even more efficient and meet the huge demand we have for our services at present. We have set the benchmark high, but you can always aim higher.”

He added: “Like many firms we had to quickly pivot in the pandemic but long-term the changes we made, including video tours, online forms for tenants and vendors to complete remotely and virtual conferencing, will only make us more efficient and accessible.”

Williams Estates is hoping to win Gold for Wales Estate Agent of the Year for the ninth time in succession at the prestigious ESTAS Awards ceremony in London this Friday (Oct 22).

And having developed the lettings side of the group to management of more than 400 properties, Jason – a former President of the North Wales, South Cheshire, and Merseyside branch of the National Association of Estate Agents – says life has never been busier.

“When I opened our first office in Denbigh it was just me and a commitment to being a family-orientated business offering that personal touch and never forgetting that the customer is always number one,” he added.

“I’ve never strayed from that ethos and am now joined by a fantastic team who share that belief.

“We’ve grown together – as people and as a company – and I am so proud of what Williams Estates has become, and our place in the sector.

“To win awards is a huge honour, and we are delighted to again be a finalist at the ESTAS, but for me seeing the joy on the faces of a family when they get the keys to their new home is unsurpassable.

“That’s what has kept us at the forefront of this industry and why we are determined to stay there for another 21 years and beyond.”

For more information, visit the website www.williamsestates.com and follow Williams Estates on social media @williamsestates.

News

Leading solicitor celebrates 30 years with North Wales law firm

ONE of the most prominent solicitors in North Wales is celebrating 30 years with a long-standing law firm.

David Jones has spent three decades with Rhyl and Colwyn Bay-based Edward Hughes Solicitors, which also marked a major anniversary recently – its 70th year in business.

David, from Denbigh, has seen many changes – including major technological advances since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic – and has represented thousands of people across the region in employment, personal injury, criminal and civil cases.

As he prepares to welcome daughter Ela to the practice as a paralegal, joining brother Ben, now a fully qualified solicitor, the 52 year-old reflected on his own time with the organisation.

“I wanted to be a lawyer from a very early age, it was the opportunity to help people and make a difference that really appealed to me,” said David.

“I did some work experience in Denbigh and just loved it, the people side of the job and the characters you would meet.

“I never would have imagined all these years later how different the role would be, it’s altered beyond recognition, but I am as determined and passionate as ever about the law.”

A former pupil at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, David went on to study at Liverpool University and Chester Law School before joining Edward Hughes Solicitors as a trainee in the early nineties.

“I knew I wasn’t interested in the corporate side of the law, despite it being more lucrative; I wanted to work in litigation and civil and personal injury claims, so I could try and make a difference to people’s lives,” he said.

“I did that, and business steadily grew until before I knew it, by the turn of the century I was asked to become a partner.

“It remains a huge honour and as an organisation we have always tried to do things the right way. Sadly, many legal practices in this area are not around anymore but we’ve managed to stay the course and remain at the forefront.”

He added: “Along the way there have been huge changes, from word processors and typewriters to the present day, when many solicitors are cocooned in their offices, and a lot of cases are held online.

“That has been a necessity because of the pandemic but it is one thing I miss, the interaction with colleagues and clients, the personal touch is vital for me because it is a big responsibility to represent someone – in defence or prosecution – because often a big part of their future is in your hands.

“Technology has brought things on a lot, but that’s not entirely a good thing. There have been a lot of cutbacks that have had a negative effect, especially on more vulnerable people, which is sad to see, and you get to spend less time with clients, but that’s where we are now and has to be accepted – the world has moved on.”

David now looks forward to another 10 years in the legal arena but admits it may then be time for a change.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where life takes me. Who knows what’s next? I have a lot of ideas, there are many things I would like to do and a lot I want to give back, so watch this space,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to work on some huge trials, represent hundreds and hundreds of people and work alongside many great staff here at Edward Hughes, it has been an honour.

“This can be an intense and intimidating job, but you have to get on with it. That’s ultimately why we are there and after 30 years my ethos is still the same, to try and help those who need it most.”

For more information and to contact Edward Hughes Solicitors, call 01745 343661 or visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes. You can follow them on social media at @QSEH_Solicitors.

Networks, North Wales

Historic Welsh market to be revamped as part of new creative community launch

INDEPENDENT artisans, traders and creative businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products virtually thanks to the vision of a leading community organisation.

With markets, small firms and shops across North Wales forced to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) is about to launch a new venture – Change Makers Markets.

With the aim of creating innovative ways of supporting the local economy – made possible by the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund – Change Makers blends the virtual and digital worlds, incorporating a dedicated commercial training academy, one-to-one mentoring, funding advice and business planning guidance.

This will be coupled with a digital and broadcast shop front and the Change Makers Club, giving artisans, market traders and newly-emerging organisations a voice and promotional platform.

Alison Carter, Enterprise and Investment Manager for DVSC, says people can sign up for free training and future events via the Change Makers website and social media platforms.

“We are encouraging start-up businesses, makers and anyone who would normally sell from a market stall or pop-up venues to sign up as soon as possible,” she said.

“We are also in the process of refurbishing the Grade 2 listed Market Hall in Ruthin, which will launch as a safe, multi purpose space for trading and events later in the year.

“This will provide a significant town centre resource, to support economic regeneration and reinvigorate the independent business sector devastated by Covid-19.”

She added: “Change Makers is a really interesting, experimental concept, and DVSC is thrilled to also be partnering with Hwb Menter to assist with business advice, guidance and training.”

Change Makers are looking for local food and drink producers, designers, artisans, crafts companies, health and beauty, and sustainable/vintage fashion retailers to get involved.

Sara Lois Roberts, Enterprise Hub Co-ordinator for Hwb Menter, stressed the importance of the training and guidance element of the project.

“Collectively, we have a lot of expertise at our disposal and will be holding regular webinars and advice sessions,” she said.

“Members of the Change Makers community can contact us anytime, we will always be here with help and guidance, particularly during this challenging time for all industries.”

DVSC sees Change Makers as a catalyst for ideas and a new breed of social enterprise, embracing the promotion of contemporary artisan markets, traders, makers and crafters, whilst providing emerging entrepreneurs and ‘startisans’ with training and support to turn a hobby or passion into a new career in 2021.

“This is an opportunity to be entrepreneurial and innovative at a time when businesses really need some uplift, so we are hoping for a positive response,” added Alison.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.changemakersenterprises.com

Alternatively, join the Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/changemakersmarket

Economy & Jobs News, Law, Legal News

Spike in family members challenging Wills since onset of Covid pandemic

THE number of people making a will has increased dramatically since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.

That in turn led to a rise in family members contesting ‘lockdown wills’ as thousands of people of all ages across the country – notably the clinically vulnerable – rushed to get their affairs in order.

These factors, coupled with the added strain on mental health, having more time to reflect in self-isolation and health fears alleviated by Covid-19, all contributed to a surge in numbers.

Edward Hughes Solicitors, based in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay, has experienced this trend in past months.

There have been challenges from those who were left out of a will, or with questions over whether it was properly signed and witnessed, how much they were left and the deceased’s mental capacity at the time of writing the document.

“There are several contributing factors,” said senior partner David Jones.

“Many people are suffering financial hardship and there is widespread concern and even panic in some instances – which is understandable given the unprecedented situation we are in – among more elderly members of the community and retirees who want to secure the futures of their loved ones.

“To see a subsequent increase in people contesting wills is down to the challenges many are facing and, given widely reported issues around mental health and dementia, what the deceased frame of mind was when the will was signed.

“This is all unfortunate, but it is happening – as well as forgery and fraud of wills – so we try to be there to support clients who have any questions and avoid these disputes during what is already a torrid and emotional time.”

Last March, solicitors nationwide reported an immediate rise of more than 75% in will enquiries due to the uncertainty around the virus.

With lockdown rules in effect, they were forced to find alternative socially distanced ways to ensure correct procedure was observed, and PPE (personal protective equipment) and video conferencing became the norm.

But that in turn could lead to future probate battles in court, added David.

“Even where the intention and requests of the deceased seem clear, an estate could still be contested under law,” he said.

“This can be a complicated process so we urge anyone in this position to get in touch and, where possible, together we can work towards an amicable outcome for all concerned.”

For more information, visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes and follow them on social media @QSEH_Solicitors.