Tag Archives: events

Business, Cardiff, Charity, Charity Events, Healthcare, South Wales, Wales

Leaders and legends lunch to connect charity with business community

City Hospice has announced that its inaugural Chair’s Lunch will take place on 18 October at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

Established in 1984, the charity is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

The exclusive ‘Leaders & Legends’ event, organised by the charity’s Chair Michael Baker and sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, will provide the south Wales business community with an opportunity to engage and celebrate with the charity in its 40th anniversary year and hear unique leadership insights from two of Wales’ most influential sporting figures.

Interviewed by Deborah Thomas, special guests Nigel Walker OBE and Sam Warburton OBE will share their experiences and thoughts on leadership on and off the rugby field.

The event will support City Hospice, the only provider of community specialist palliative care for patients in Cardiff with terminal or life limiting illnesses. The charity provides care and a range of services including welfare advice and complementary therapies for patients, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.

Michael Baker, Chair of City Hospice, said: “As the Chair of the board of trustees, I wanted to showcase and share the incredible work of City Hospice with the local business community in this special anniversary year.

“With my experience in consultancy focusing on management and leadership, the event just had to be with leaders and legends! It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the charity’s fantastic work. I am extremely grateful to Deborah, Nigel and Sam for being a part of our first Chair’s Lunch and hope guests gain inspiration from their leadership journeys.”

Deborah Thomas said: “Having been personally touched by City Hospice’s care and compassion, the Chair’s Lunch provides me with a chance to give back in a very special way. I am excited to interview Nigel and Sam and learn more about their perspectives on leadership.”

Nigel Walker OBE, WRU Executive Director of Rugby and City Hospice Ambassador, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this exclusive business event in the charity’s ruby anniversary year. As well as hearing from Sam and I on leadership, I hope that businesses grasp this opportunity to engage with and learn more about the brilliant care and services City Hospice provides.”

For further information including booking details, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/chairmans-lunch-leaders-legends/

Business, Cardiff, Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business, Driving, Events, Leeds

Travel to and from Slam Dunk Festival with Veezu

VEEZU, Leeds’ leading private hire operator, is the official ride partner for the Slam Dunk Festival North this bank holiday weekend.

Formerly known as Amber Cars, Veezu will provide festival goers with safe and reliable travel to and from the festival at Temple Newsam Park. Veezu driver-partners will be based at the dedicated Veezu area at Slam Dunk North which will have a booking hub for passengers to secure a ride instantly.

Jasmine Hussain at Slam Dunk Festival said: “We are delighted to be working with Veezu for the Slam Dunk Festival this weekend. For many festival goers, travel is the last thing on their mind and the question of how to get home can lead to dangerous decisions. With the dedicated booking office and pick up area, guests can rest assured that they can get home safely after what is set to be a weekend to remember.”

Donna Coombs, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We’re very excited to be working with Slam Dunk Festival this year as official ride partner. We will be on hand to help festival goers get home safely after a fun-filled day of music and hopefully sunshine this bank holiday.

“There will be a dedicated Veezu booking office on site for those who have not pre-booked their ride home, and those that have booked through our app can find their ride easily at our dedicated pick-up point. Our mission is to provide safe and convenient travel to as many passengers as possible, and with the excitement of a festival, transport can often go forgotten. With our dedicated booking office, we hope that festival goers can relax and enjoy their weekend, knowing that they can get home safely.”

The Slam Dunk Festival North is an annual rock music festival in Leeds and this year will be taking place on Sunday 26 May. This year’s lineup includes headliners I Prevail and You Me at Six, playing their final UK festival performance.

To pre book your ride with the Veezu app click here.

Business, Cardiff, Events, Law

His Honour Nicholas Cooke KC calls for criminal justice system ‘health check’ in Cardiff Business Club address

His Honour Nicholas Cooke KC, formerly Recorder of Cardiff and a Judge who sat in the Old Bailey and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) addressed Cardiff Business Club at a dinner event sponsored by Knight Frank, on 20 May at the Parkgate Hotel.

The topic of his lecture was how the current criminal justice system needs a comprehensive health check. He opened with stating how this field of law has changed since he began studying in 1973, becoming more micromanaged and less subjectively determined by judges.

His Honour discussed miscarriages of justice and how they have always happened, the emperor’s clothes mentality surrounding them and how legislation has responded effectively to them, albeit following some pushing. He referenced the post office scandal in depth, describing it as the worst miscarriage of justice in Europe, and read an excerpt from his letter in The Guardian on the topic.

He also used the post office scandal to talk about trends and how they affect, or rather don’t affect, Crown Court judges. It has been said that Crown Court judges act independently and don’t need to take note of trend, but he disagreed and stated that if a judge becomes aware of a trend, he or she should note and respond to it. If the judges involved in the post office scandal had acted in response to trends, perhaps the miscarriage of justice wouldn’t have been so large.

His Honour then discussed a need for a more locally focussed criminal justice system and how one has the potential to reduce crime in specific areas, such as gang violence in London. With a local criminal justice system that reflects local needs, the whole system should work better. He questioned whether the British criminal justice system is the fairest in the world as many still believe but retains the hope we can make it so.

Delving into many of his past cases, cases that haunt him, His Honour then discussed how the current criminal justice system fails to deal with fatal violence against women. He called upon a need to change the starting points for setting minimum terms in murder, by referencing the weapon used, before speaking of Kirsty Treloar and Rebecca Sessacar’s cases, showing photos of the two women to emphasise how they were real people to be remembered. The cases involved “a catalogue of appalling failures” with previous warning signs ignored and other shocking errors.

His Honour used these strong stories to emphasise the need for a review of the entire criminal justice system, before delving into some questions posed by the room.

The next Cardiff Business Club lunch event will see speaker Anne Jessopp CBE, CEO of the Royal Mint, address the club on 27 June at the Hilton Hotel.

Business News, Events, West Wales

Howden returns as key supporter of popular west Wales beer festival

 HOWDEN, the global insurance intermediary group, is raising a glass as a key supporter of one of west Wales’ most popular events.

The international firm is a deluxe sponsor of The Big Beer Festival, the annual festival of food, beverages and live music organised by Milford Haven Round Table.

The festival, said to be Pembrokeshire’s premier beer festival, will take place on Saturday May 25 at Milford Waterfront. The event will feature a selection of beverages, street food, and live entertainment with headline act 4th Street, as well as raise money for local charities.

Milford Haven Round Table is the UK’s largest Round Table, with 30 active members who come together to give back to their local community. All money raised by the Round Table is used to support local charities, groups and individuals, including some of Pembrokeshire’s most popular free entry events, such as the town’s annual carnival, fireworks display and Santa’s tour.

As a deluxe sponsor, Howden will be donating £500 towards the event. The insurance giant has been expanding its presence in South Wales with the launch of a Cardiff and Swansea office at the beginning of this year, led by Regional Managing Director Gary Stevens.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Gary said: “We are delighted to be returning to The Big Beer Festival, and to be supporting the Milford Haven Round Table once again. This event is always one to remember and is a fantastic day out for the bank holiday weekend.

“After two successful office openings this year, I hope to further cement our position as a leader in the south and west Wales commercial broking sector, and in doing so, support our local community and groups wherever we can.”

Business, Events

Cardiff Capital Region at UKREiiF 2024

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is attending UKREiiF in Leeds from 21 to 23 May to showcase £15 billion of investment opportunities and spotlight the Region as one of 12 Investment Zones selected by UK and Welsh Government last year.

UKREiiF, the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, is a three-day conference that aims to connect people, places and businesses including the key players and decision makers within the public sector, built environment, investment and real estate markets to drive significant sustainable investment.

This year Cardiff Capital Region will be attending as one of the two sponsors of exhibitor Western Gateway, the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and Western England. The other sponsor attending is Bristol and Bath. CCR will use Western Gateway’s pavilion as a base for meetings and networking.

Attending the event for CCR is Anthony Hunt, Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council and Chair of CCR’s Committee and he said: “UKREiiF is an excellent opportunity for us to sell our Region’s competitive strengths, ambitious investment and development opportunities to key decision makers, future investors and partners. This annual event is now firmly on the calendar for investment opportunities within the UK and complements our international activities at expos such as MIPIM.”

CCR Chief Executive Kellie Beirne is speaking at several events during UKREiiF and is very positive about CCR’s participation: “Our proposition is strong and compelling with unique offers such as Aberthaw Power Station attracting more interest, I’m confident that our economic potential will continue to grow.”

Find out more about UKREiiF: https://www.ukreiif.com/

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

Art, Education, Events, Retail

The Red Dragon Centre celebrates Eid with vibrant community project

The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay’s bustling entertainment venue, is celebrating Eid with an art project in collaboration with Nathan Wyburn and Mount Stuart Primary School.

Pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School were welcomed to create a drawing of what Eid means to them, the drawings were then put into a breathtaking mural by Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn and has been displayed in the heart of The Red Dragon Centre for visitors to enjoy.

Nathan specialises in creating pieces out of non-traditional mediums and was a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, creating a portrait of judge Michael McIntyre out of Marmite on toast.

Accompanying the banner will be a balloon display to frame the mural and create a perfect picture opportunity.

Venues located in The Red Dragon Centre are also joining in with the celebrations. The ODEON, Wales’ only IMAX cinema, is showing specialised screenings on 9 and 10 April, and halal restaurants Spice Route and Zaika, and the café EasyThali, will be joining in with delicious Eid buffets available.

Emma Constantinou, Marketing Manager at The Red Dragon Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating such a wonderful time of year here at The Red Dragon Centre. It has been a joy to see local primary school pupils get involved, and the mural really shows how special this holiday is.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the pupils at Mount Stuart Primary and Nathan Wyburn and for all their support in bringing this holiday to life.”

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

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

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

Creative & Marketing, Creative News, News

Fluid Ideas creates drive-in Derby studio to rival Manchester and London facilities

Creative agency Fluid Ideas has unveiled the latest phase of its expansion – a drive-in studio for filming, photography, recording and events.

The studio, called Flux, features an infinity cove, a fully-functional kitchen set and an audio booth for recording voiceovers and podcasts.

Fluid has invested a six-figure sum to transform a 1,300sq ft building next to its headquarters in a former cotton mill at Darley Abbey Mills, a World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Derby.

Jamie Hovell, an associate partner at Fluid, said the new multipurpose facility – in the old Engine House – gives the Midlands a genuine alternative to Manchester and London for filming, photoshoots and recordings.

“The combination of the drive-in feature, the infinity cove with overhead lighting rig and the kitchen set means we have a distinctive and really versatile space which our team will utilise for client projects,” he said.

“In just 10 weeks, we’ve transformed a vacant and unloved industrial building to create a real point of difference for Fluid and the region, and one which we are confident will appeal to our clients and the wider creative community.

“It’s a spacious open studio with plenty of space for lighting and cameras. The infinity cove is brightly lit and curves into the floor, so there are no corners or shadows. It can easily be repainted according to the colour needs of each client.

“We’d been scoping out places to create a facility of this kind for some time, and visited a number of potential sites before the Engine House became available. It’s the perfect location, and seeing the new space we had envisioned for so long transformed from a blank canvas and spring into life over the weeks has been a real joy.”

Jamie added: “We see Flux becoming a hub in the Midlands. Until now, people have had to travel to Manchester or London for such a facility.

“Now there is somewhere closer to home which businesses, art directors, marketing teams and other agencies can hire for their own projects. It can also be used for off-site meetings, product launches, get-togethers and workshops.”

Joint managing director Phil Harvey and Jamie led the renovation project for Fluid. Associate partner Carrie Gregory led on the branding and interior design. The trio were supported by a wider team including Dan Chadwick, Bec Utley and Liv Beighton to bring the proposition to life.

The drive-in capability of the new studio is aimed at Fluid’s roster of automotive clients, while the high-end kitchen is envisaged for a variety of uses, including food styling and household product photos and videos, recipe guides, and for meetings and events.

Fluid is an award-winning, full-service agency which celebrated its 20th anniversary in November 2023. It has a team of nearly 60 creatives, strategists, developers, designers, artworkers, CGI artists, photographers, copywriters, social media specialists, motion-designers and digital marketeers.

It serves a global client base across sectors including automotive, manufacturing and distribution, education and training, property and developments, health and wellbeing, retirement living, leisure and hospitality, food and drink.

Dan, a partner and art director at Fluid, said: “I think I can comfortably speak for all of us in saying how immensely excited we are about the new opportunities this studio will bring.

“Having a facility of this kind in-house has been a longstanding ambition for Fluid. It looks fantastic and, as well as serving as a catalyst for our own creative aspirations, we envision this space as a dynamic hub for our clients and the wider creative community.

“It’s not just about elevating our offering; it’s about providing a versatile canvas for clients – new and existing – to bring their visions to life, fostering connections and nurturing talent. The prospects and potential are huge.”

Events, Investment, South Wales

£15 billion of investment opportunities in Cardiff Capital Region showcased at largest property exhibition in the world

INVESTMENT opportunities in Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) worth £15 billion are being showcased at MIPIM – the largest property exhibition in the world.

 

A team from CCR and its ten councils are promoting South East Wales and its investment opportunities at the event in Cannes, France from March 12 to 14.

 

Considered one of the leading global real estate events, ‘Marche International des Professionals d’Immobilier’ (MIPIM) attracts more than 26,000 participants each year, including 5,000 investors, 4,800 developers, and 500 journalists.

 

It has become a prominent event in the property and asset investment world, with representatives coming together for networking, learning, and showcasing the skills and potential of their regions.

 

A number of UK regions and major cities also attend the event at MIPIM, so competition for attracting and securing investment is high.

 

The CCR team is holding a series of events across the week, highlighting its investment opportunities, commitment to sustainable development, and its communities.

 

The £15bn worth of investment opportunities include:

  • Aberthaw Power Station eco-park
  • Bridgend town centre
  • The Northern Gateway initiative
  • Blaenau Gwent Tech Valleys project
  • Cardiff Parkway
  • Caerphilly Hotel and Leisure Park
  • St Modwen Park, Newport

 

 

Further details of the opportunities can be found here:

https://www.ccrmipim.wales/investment-opportunities/

 

Among the team attending MIPIM this week and welcoming guests to the CCR exhibition stand is CCR Ambassador Dan Biggar, former Wales and British Lions rugby player, and now playing for Toulon in the south of France.

 

Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive Officer of CCR, said: “We need to sell our region’s competitive strengths on a global stage, and seek out the investors, backers and markets that like our offer.

 

“With its strategic location, thriving economy, and ambitious development projects, CCR offers investors a compelling opportunity to be part of its growth story.”

 

Kellie said Cardiff Capital Region had demonstrated economic resilience in recent times, with sustained growth across key sectors such as finance, technology and life sciences.

 

Attendees at MIPIM from CCR include local authority leaders Councillor Anthony Hunt (Torfaen County Borough Council), Cllr Geraint Thomas (Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council), and Cllr John Morgan, (Cabinet Member for places and regeneration, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council).

 

Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of CCR Cabinet which comprises the leaders of the 10 local authority partners of CCR, said: “This week presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Cardiff Capital Region to a global audience at a renowned industry event.

 

“We look forward to being ambassadors for the Region and we will be working hard to ensure that our attendance will bring tangible benefits for all.

 

“With our universities, research institutions, and tech start-ups, CCR is proving a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

“Our developing technology sector, in particular, is attracting attention from investors seeking opportunities in areas such as digital innovation, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.”