Tag Archives: kinmel bay

News

Leisure company to unveil new attraction and extend offers following record-breaking summer

A LEADING tourism and leisure company is extending a series of offers for owners and the public after celebrating its busiest ever summer.

And SF Parks is also preparing for the construction of yet another adrenaline-fuelled attraction at its popular White House Leisure Park in Towyn.

The business – which owns the neighbouring Golden Gate resort, Riverside and Sun Valley in Rhuddlan, and Sirior Bach in Moelfre, Abergele – is to build a climbing wall alongside The Jump and high-ropes course which opened last year.

With new incentives, including 25% off getaway breaks in September, and an extension on food and drink offers – Feed the Family, Let’s Party Cocktail deals and more – the award-winning group has its sights set on further growth.

Director Jonathan Seldon said a period of redevelopment and investment over past months led to record numbers at the White House especially.

“All of our parks have had a good year and following an upgrade to facilities we have seen a knock-on effect for our food and drink outlets, with more and more members of the public now visiting, in addition to our loyal owners,” he said.

“By investing and revamping our sites we are becoming a destination for everyone, of all ages, which is why we want to give back to our community and attract more people outside of the regular season.

“Doing so has a knock-on effect, attracting day visitors and giving residents in Towyn and surrounding areas more things to do and eat at drink at affordable prices.”

Jonathan added: “Introducing these offers led to more people at the resorts in June and July than there have been for many years, and August has also been very busy, so we want to continue that into the autumn.

“With the climbing wall due to be constructed in the coming weeks ready for the new season, there will be even more for owners and holidaymakers to enjoy.”

With plans for an upgrade to Jakes family restaurant and pub – which feature an amusement arcade, a cinema room, spa and high-quality gym complex – to complement existing facilities including a crazy golf course and free soft play, there is a real buzz around the Gaingc Road resort.

Fellow Director Oliver Seldon revealed special offers for holidaymakers over the next eight weeks will extend the summer feeling at SF Parks.

“We have taken a long-term view on how best to improve our portfolio, and the results are there to see,” said Oliver.

“We are getting more visitors than ever but also providing the public with entertainment, activities and a top-quality leisure offering, seven days a week.

“There is more to come, so watch this space.”

Employing more than 120 full time and seasonal staff, SF Parks has pumped millions of pounds into the regional economy.

For more information and to contact SF Parks, email opteam@sfparks.co.uk or visit the website: SF Parks – North Wales’ Best Holiday Parks.

News

Visitors flocking to thrill-seeking attractions and revamped facilities at popular holiday park

VISITORS are flocking to experience a series of thrill-seeking attractions, revamped facilities and special offers at a popular holiday resort.

The White House Leisure Park in Towyn welcomes the public as well as owners and guests, who are all capitalising on a period of redevelopment over past months.

Hundreds of people from across North Wales and beyond have taken on the new high ropes course and ‘The Jump’, adrenaline-fuelled activities which have added to the SF Parks portfolio.

And with plans for an upgrade to Jakes family restaurant and pub – which feature an amusement arcade, a cinema room, spa and high-quality gym complex – to complement existing facilities including a crazy golf course, free soft play and a ‘fan zone’ for the UEFA European Football Championship, this could be the busiest summer yet for the Gaingc Road site.

Director Jonathan Seldon revealed there are also special offers for residents – including 50% off leisure activities on a Tuesday evening – and discounted ‘Feed the Family’ food and drink deals.

“I think many members of the public were unaware our amazing facilities are open to them as well as our loyal owners and holiday guests,” said Jonathan.

“While they are paramount in our decision-making and very much part of the family at SF Parks, it has been nice to see more people from the local area coming to the White House and taking advantage of what’s available, especially the discounted offers we have introduced for them in past weeks.”

He added: “The response we’ve had since opening The Jump and high-ropes course has been phenomenal, they have been really popular and brought something new to the resort, definitely a positive addition.

“We are a destination for everyone, the atmosphere and environment here and at our other parks is second to none, especially as we approach the summer, so we hope to see even more people paying us a visit soon.”

SF Parks also owns Golden Gate in Towyn, Riverside and Sun Valley in Rhuddlan, and Sirior Bach in Moelfre, Abergele.

Employing more than 120 full time and seasonal staff, the business has pumped millions of pounds into the regional economy.

Fellow director Oliver Seldon said one of their key aims is to attract more day-trippers and tourists to Towyn, while improving the food and drink and entertainment offering for those living nearby.

“We want this part of the coast to be busy all the time, not just the summer and weekends,” he said.

“That in turn will have a knock-on effect for others in Towyn and neighbouring resorts, so it’s a win-win scenario, and with the special offers we have in place following a period of significant investment, we are really giving back to the community.”

For more information and to contact SF Parks, email opteam@sfparks.co.uk or visit the website: SF Parks – North Wales’ Best Holiday Parks.

News

Hundreds take Pride in attending LGBTQ+ celebration at leading indepedent pet chain

HUNDREDS of people took great Pride in attending a bumper fun day at one of the country’s leading independent pet stores.

PetPlace Abergele welcomed more than 650 visitors to its free Pride in the Park event.

The programme included a host of activities and attractions for dogs, their owners, and revellers to enjoy in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, to raise awareness and promote diversity and inclusion.

The award-winning retailer – which also has sites in Llangefni, Ruthin, Mold and Gledrid, Oswestry, and a HQ in Kinmel Bay – organised competitions, face painting, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, entertainment, and outdoor games.

While pets played in the dog park – the first of its kind in the region – customers also enjoyed refreshments courtesy of the popular That Burger Guy and Mr Softee’s Ice Cream.

Managing Director Sion Pritchard thanked those who attended and the many thousands of people who use the facility, which also includes a coffee bar, café and dog cinema, each year.

“We celebrate Pride every day across the company, but it was special to bring everyone together for one day, to give back to our community,” he said.

“We are an open and diverse business and believe all organisations should have that ethos, to promote inclusion and unity, celebrate diversity and to ensure employees can be their true selves.

“I am incredibly proud of our team not only for putting on such an amazing event but for surpassing these high standards every day.”

Sion added: “To see our Abergele store decked-out in the Pride colours was fantastic, we had a brilliant response in person and on social media, so thank you again to everyone who came along to support us.”

Pride Month is a vibrant and inclusive celebration that honours the LGBTQ+ community, their history, achievements, and ongoing struggle for equality. The annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance, diversity, and love and is traditionally celebrated in June around the world.

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

News

Leading pet retailer and gym install life-saving heart devices across North Wales

PetPlace installs seven new defibrillators across its stores.

Save a Life Cymru (SaLC) is delighted to announce that Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) have been fitted to the outside of all seven PetPlace and LVL5 Gyms sites in North Wales, and these potentially life-saving devices have been made available 24/7 to the public in the event of an out of hospital cardiac arrest.

The PADs have been installed at PetPlace’s headquarters in Kinmel Bay, its stores at Abergele, Llangefni, Mold, Ruthin and Gledrid (Oswestry) as well as LVL5 Gyms in Llandudno.

 

Each one has been registered on The Circuit – The National Defibrillator Network. This will ensure that the 999-call taker will know if a defibrillator is close-by and available for a bystander to use in an emergency.

 

To support the PAD installation, SaLC North Wales Community Coordinator Tomos Hughes has provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator awareness training sessions to PetPlace managers and staff.

 

Between April 2020 and March 2021, the Welsh Ambulance Service responded to 6,585 Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests of which, 2,791 resulted in a resuscitation attempt.   A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone of any age and in any place. Early CPR and defibrillation within 3–5 min of collapse can double or even triple the chance of survival.

 

PetPlace and LVL5 Gyms owner Sion Pritchard revealed they have invested in locked boxes for the public to access 24/7 when they are directed to them by the 999 call-taker.

 

“Given the locations of our stores across North Wales and our position as a responsible retailer, this was a natural step for us,” he added.

 

“Our place at the heart of communities across the region is important, and as we are visited by so many customers every day, we are pleased to be able to support them and be on hand should they need treatment, having participated in vital lifesaving and defibrillator awareness sessions. 

 

“Our staff are already trained in first aid but now could help save the life of someone suffering a cardiac arrest. We hope we never have to use these defibrillators but having them here will hopefully give people peace of mind.”

 

Save a Life Cymru, is the strategic lead in Wales dedicated to improving out of hospital cardiac arrest survival rates, advocating for CPR and defibrillation within communities and urging individuals to learn or refresh these lifesaving skills.

 

Len Nokes, Chairman of Save a Life Cymru, said: “I am delighted that Save a Life Cymru has helped PetPlace and LVL5 Gyms to install life-saving defibrillators on all their sites across North Wales.

 

“We want to make sure that every person has the best chance of surviving an out of hospital cardiac arrest – so educating people on spotting the signs, calling 999 and starting CPR and using a defibrillator is crucial to increasing survival.

 

“Tomos Hughes, our Community Coordinator in North Wales, has been instrumental in supporting them with a CPR and defibrillator awareness session and supporting the company to register the defibrillators on The Circuit.”

 

If a cardiac arrest happens, call 999. The call taker will tell you what to do, talk you through how to do CPR and direct someone else to the nearest registered defibrillator and they will also send an ambulance crew.

 

You can find out more about CPR and defibrillation training at https://executive.nhs.wales/SaLC  

 

You can also learn CPR with the BHF in 15 minutes for free here:

Learn CPR in 15 minutes | RevivR | BHF – BHF

 

News

New sales boss spearheads expansion plans at 150-strong care agency

ONE of the most respected names in the North Wales commercial and health sectors has joined the team at an acclaimed care organisation.

Leanne Andrews is the new Head of Sales at Enhanced Healthcare.

Following almost 20 years in media and advertising, the mum-of-two switched to medical recruitment during the pandemic and is now spearheading a campaign to attract more clients and carers following a successful first three years for the Colwyn Bay-based agency.

Originally from Rhyl, she has already secured customers from Anglesey to Chester and is pleased to join a business with a “clear and caring vision” for the future having been given a warm welcome by founder Chanel Williams and Director of Operations, Natalie O’Brien.

“As soon as I sat down with Chanel and Natalie, I knew this was the place for me,” said Leanne, who lives in Kinmel Bay with fiancé Dion and her children Ava and Brodie.

“Enhanced Healthcare is widely praised for putting people first, from patients and families to their own team of more than 150 nurses and health and social care workers.

“Their values and standards align with my own, so I am thrilled to be here and excited at the strides we have already taken together in growing the company in this region, into the North West and beyond.”

The firm – which delivers temporary staffing solutions to a range of health and social care services – has received plaudits for helping employees cope with the social, economic, and mental health challenges of the current cost-of-living crisis.

This included training and events with financial advisers, health and wellbeing experts and more, tackling issues such as debt, mortgages, rising childcare costs, energy bills and the compounded remnants of recent times, including Brexit and Covid-19.

Leanne says the knock-on effect is an even stronger and more positive collective determined to raise the bar for the healthcare arena.

“This in turn is very attractive to prospective employees, who are keen to join an agency which has their best interests at heart,” she said.

“That’s certainly the case here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Leanne added: “I had always loved sales but wanted to do something that made a difference, and this role has given me the chance to do that, providing solutions for a wide range of clients from housing associations, nursing homes and local authorities to supported living services and mental health settings.

“I joined the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I was in at the deep end, but the experience was pivotal in building my confidence and the confidence of customers.

“The numbers on both sides are growing all the time – staff and clients – and we look forward to more joining us in the months ahead.”

Chanel is thrilled to have Leanne in their ranks and said: “Her reputation and ethos runs parallel with ours. She is driven and determined to make a difference, for the customers and in matching the right candidate with the right setting.

“That is vital for what we do, and why we are expanding both here in North Wales and across Cheshire, the Wirral, and neighbouring areas.

“Leanne will be key to that growth, she is well known, well respected and a great addition to our talented team.”

For more news and information and job opportunities with Enhanced Healthcare, visit the website www.enhancedhealthcare.co.uk and follow them on social media @enhancedagency.

Alternatively, call 01492 459896 or email info@enhancedhealthcare.co.uk.

News

Top tourist attraction and restaurant goes solar to combat rising energy bills

A BELOVED tourist attraction switched to solar power in a bid to combat spiralling energy costs.

Afonwen Craft Centre – home to the popular Edenshine Restaurant – made the move after anticipating its electricity bills would more than double in the near future.

Owners Adrian Dallolio and Janet Monshin Dallolio, who have run the centre for more than 32 years, contacted Kinmel Bay-based JM Renewable Solutions for support.

The award-winning firm, which employs up to 30 people, installed 64 solar panels on the Flintshire venue, which will generate an estimated 23.9KW peak, the equivalent of planting 183 trees.

“We had been thinking about moving over to renewable energy for some time, and the crunch was the huge rise in electricity costs,” said Janet.

“The financial aspect is important, but we are also looking long-term and wanted to future-proof the centre, as well as becoming more sustainable and having a positive impact on the environment.

“It is a significant investment but vital for our future and the world around us; JM Renewable Solutions has been fantastic from start to finish, nothing has been too much trouble and the whole process was seamless, so we are very thankful to them.”

The Welsh Government has set a target for all electricity demand in Wales to be met from renewable energy sources by 2035.

Afonwen Craft Centre should see a return on investment after less than four years, and JM Renewable Solutions director Ben Musgrave encouraged other organisations with a larger carbon footprint to join them in working towards a greener future.

“Their electricity bill was going to at least double – which is the case for thousands of people UK-wide – so from that perspective it’s the smartest and most sustainable decision,” said Ben.

“They will see a return on investment within just a few years, and there are the obvious eco benefits given both the Welsh and UK governments are pushing for businesses to become net zero.”

He added: “We have been in the sector now for more than a decade, with customers the length and breadth of the country.

“It’s always a pleasure to help companies in North Wales, especially such a well-known and much-loved attraction, and we are pleased Janet and Adrian are already seeing the benefits.

“We encourage other people to get in touch to find out more, as once the panels are installed the system will carry on working forever, saving money and helping them to become more sustainable – it’s a no-brainer.”

For more on JM Renewable Energy Solutions, visit the website www.jmrenewables.co.uk and follow them on social media at @jmrenewables. Alternatively, call 01244 555141.

Visit www.afonwen.co.uk for the latest news and information from Afonwen Craft Centre.

News

Leisure company submits multi-million pound plans for new holiday park development

MULTI-MILLION pound plans have been submitted for the development of a spectacular state-of-the-art leisure complex at a popular holiday park.

SF Parks submitted proposals for a six-lane bowling alley, rooftop bar, extended amusement arcade and relocated reception and offices at its Golden Gate Holiday Centre in Towyn.

The revamped facilities will complement a new swimming pool and recently renovated clubhouse on-site and come as the business seeks to increase the current 7 ½ month season to 10 ½ months in a bid to further boost the local economy and create more full-time jobs.

Doing so would also mean these high-quality attractions could be used by caravan owners and the public throughout the year.

It is another significant investment by directors Oliver and Jonathan Seldon, who want to build the seaside town’s reputation as a popular tourist destination.

“Bringing people to the area throughout the year, not just in the summer, is vital for Towyn and surrounding areas,” said Jonathan.

“Which is why the application to extend the season at Golden Gate to 10 ½ months goes hand-in-hand with our plans to transform the leisure facilities and continue improving the experience for our loyal customers.”

Oliver added: “Our plans for Golden Gate and White House will be followed by improvements at our other parks, as across the portfolio we want to continue creating high-quality facilities for families to enjoy.

“We have had tremendous feedback from owners, from the community and businesses who all want to see more things to do, more jobs and a thriving Towyn all-year round – our commitment to further investment reflects that.”

In addition to White House and Golden Gate – which host more than 830 caravans – SF Parks owns Riverside and Sun Valley in Rhuddlan, and Sirior Bach in Moelfre, Abergele.

Plans for Golden Gate come just months after a successful application to build a new high ropes course, spa, sauna, and gym complex and wine bar at neighbouring White House Leisure Park.

That will be followed by an upgrade to Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play, accompanying existing facilities including a crazy golf course and food and drinks outlets, plus ‘The Jump’, an adrenaline-fuelled activity where customers can leap from a three or six-foot platform onto a giant airbag.

For more information and to contact SF Parks, email opteam@sfparks.co.uk.

Alternatively, visit www.whitehouseleisurepark.com or www.seldonsgoldengate.co.uk.

News

Businesses benefit from expansion and redevelopment of leading pet retailer

BUSINESSES are benefiting from the expansion of an acclaimed independent pet retailer.

PetPlace has enjoyed a significant period of growth, revamping its Abergele store to include a cinema and play park, opening a new headquarters in Kinmel Bay and recently unveiling a revamped building in Llangefni.

The 25,000 sq ft site also includes a play park, dog wash and coffee bar and was redeveloped by Old Colwyn-based Parra’s Construction.

Managing Director Simon Pritchard, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, said it was a pleasure to work with PetPlace, adding: “We were extremely excited to be a part of this project to transform the existing facility into a new retail and dog play area which would act as a blueprint for their other stores in North Wales.

“The existing structure was tired and in desperate need of modernisation, so it was a huge transformation with a relatively small team and a lot of hard work.

“I think the finished product speaks for itself, and a lot of that is testament to the staff who continued to operate while works were undertaken. It is also a credit to the management’s forward thinking and vision – we were delighted to play a part in bringing that to life.”

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire-based Knowledge Ltd was tasked with installing digital software and technology across the state-of-the-art store.

Technical Director Nick Hill said: “We were excited by their vision and after travelling up to North Wales to see the layout for ourselves identified three key areas where digital signage could be used to enhance the customer journey, from enticing passing trade through to highlighting key product information and promotions.

“The final installation comprised of three high-brightness window displays, a freestanding 55” ‘Totem’ and eight smaller wall-mounted displays, all paired with a cloud-based content management system which allows full HTML-5, video and still image content to be deployed to all displays remotely and in real-time.

“All of which provides an immersive experience that guides customers on their journey through the store.”

The final touches were placed by Sure Retail, whose Crewe team – led by Business Development Director Giles Martin – are specialists in equipment and display solutions.

He said: “I often see correlation in working with companies that share our values, and us delivering stores I’m particularly proud of.

“PetPlace Llangefni is a prime example of this, as like us they are passionate about offering the best to their customers. Utilising innovation and creativity, whilst prioritising quality, ethics, and sustainability, throughout.”

Giles added: “The result is a true ‘destination store’, a purpose-built, engaging environment focused on customer experience and servicing the community, as well as individuals.

“It’s our privilege to assist in the realisation of PetPlace’s commendable vision, and we hope customers and staff will continue to enjoy this store for many years to come.”

PetPlace’s Managing Director Sion Pritchard thanked them for bringing the dream to fruition and said the firm is committed to supporting SMEs and small businesses and boosting the economy, both locally and across the UK.

“The result is a flagship store we are all very proud of,” he said.

“The response since opening has been incredible and Llangefni will now be held up as a benchmark for quality, innovation and customer service for pets and their owners – that was the vision we had all along, and they helped us to realise it.”

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

News

Animal behaviour specialist and leading pet retailer join forces for UK-first dog play expo

PETPLACE joined forces with a leading animal play company to host a UK-first event for dogs and their owners.

The North Wales retailer’s revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni store held exercise and games sessions in partnership with Kong Company Ltd.

Kong ambassador and esteemed dog behaviour specialist Diane Kasperowicz shared an insight into how dogs play, with a focus on health and wellbeing and the best ways to enhance recall, improve nose work, and sharpen cognitive abilities.

Paul Ratcliffe from Kong thanked PetPlace for showcasing the “power of play” and added: “We chose to partner with them because their enthusiasm and attitude towards the welfare of dogs matches our own.

“This was the first event of its type ever held in the UK, so for it to take place over two days at PetPlace’s Llangefni store and dog park was fantastic.

“We rely on the knowledge of educated retail staff to ensure Kong products meet the needs of dogs, and after all, dogs need to play, so it’s an important connection.

“We often come across owners who show little or no interest in play, or don’t know how best to form a bond with their pet, so these sessions gave them lots of tips and advice they can take away for the future.”

Diane met with owners without their dogs, then held activities and exercises with them and their pets to see what toys their canine companions preferred, encouraging interaction to ensure more fun when out on walks or in the home.

PetPlace’s Business Development Manager Matt Davies thanked everyone who came along to the sessions.

“We have had a long and successful relationship with Kong, but this is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” he said.

“The feedback from our members was really positive so it’s something we will definitely look to do again in the future.”

Matt added: “PetPlace and Kong are known nationwide for pushing the envelope and being at the forefront of advances in the industry, and this was another example of that.”

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

If you were unable to attend the event, and for more information, visit the ‘Classroom’ page on the Kong website: www.kongcompany.com.

News

New health complex lifts spirits of young footballers with sponsorship deal

THE team behind a much-anticipated new health, exercise and wellbeing complex have shown their support for a community football club.

LVL5 Gyms Ltd is the new sponsor of Llysfaen Knights junior soccer squad.

Led by manager Colin Archer, the under-14s play in the Colwyn and Aberconwy Junior League and thanked owners Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake – who hails from the village – for providing them with full kits, training wear and rain jackets.

Colin, a UEFA and FA Youth Awards-qualified coach with more than 25 years’ experience, including time spent in America with MLS side Chicago Fire’s Academy, said the company’s backing has already made a huge difference.

“The team is getting better, numbers are growing, and we are very ambitious, but with no sponsor or kits for the players we were at a bit of a loss, we didn’t know what to do,” he said.

“I can’t thank Sion and Rich enough, they have invested in this young squad and that has given them so much confidence, which we will hopefully turn into positive results out on the pitch.

“We are so very grateful – thank you LVL5 Gyms!”

Rich was proud to be able to support his local community at grassroots level and wished Llysfaen Knights the best of luck for the rest of the season.

“I grew up in Llysfaen so it’s a real honour for me personally to be sponsoring the boys,” he said.

“To be able to give something back and to hear what a difference it has already made is heartening.”

LVL5 Gyms is moving ahead with plans to transform empty units at the former Tudno Castle hotel site in Llandudno into a high-quality gym, coffee, and smoothie bar, changing rooms, sauna and more.

The 6,000 square metre two-floor facility will employ up to 10 people and both Sion and Rich are hopeful their proposals for the coastal resort will be supported by the local community.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback and are confident LVL5 Gyms can bring something fresh to Llandudno,” said Sion.

For more information, visit www.lvl5gyms.com or follow @lvl5gyms on social media. Alternatively, email info@lvl5gyms.co.uk. 

To join Llysfaen Knights, and for more information email carcher57@hotmail.com or call 07748353466.