Tag Archives: kinmel bay

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.

News

Holiday park to unveil high ropes course as bosses await green light for new ‘Jump’ attraction

A NEW adventure attraction for thrill-seekers and families will be unveiled this weekend.

Following significant investment, SF Parks is to launch the much-anticipated high ropes course at its White House Leisure Park in Towyn on Saturday (May 27).

This latest addition to the park will be followed by an upgrade to Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play, complementing existing facilities including a crazy golf course and food and drinks outlets.

And it comes as the family-owned business awaits planning permission for another adrenaline-fuelled activity – The Jump – where customers can leap from a three or six-foot platform onto a giant airbag.

SF Parks, which also owns Golden Gate in Towyn, Riverside and Sun Valley in Rhuddlan, and Sirior Bach in Moelfre, Abergele, has big plans for the future.

Director Jonathan Seldon says these exciting developments are just the start.

“The response to the high ropes course and all of our plans has been really positive, so we thank everyone for their support,” he added.

“Our loyal customers are always top priority and enhancing their experience is paramount, which is why we will continue to make improvements and introduce more exhilarating and engaging attractions across the SF Parks portfolio.”

Fellow director Oliver Seldon reinforced those comments and revealed their overall vision will lead to more developments in the months ahead.

“This new attraction and The Jump – should we receive the green light next month – show how committed we are to our customers and also the local economy, supporting small businesses and creating full-time and seasonal jobs,” he said.

“We will continue to improve standards, embrace innovation and keep investing in all of our parks as that will have a lasting impact not just on SF Parks but the region’s tourism sector.”

The high ropes course will be open to the public and visitors can book in person or by visiting the company’s website. SF Parks caravan owners will pay a discounted rate.

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

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

News

Pet retailer unveils 25,000 sq ft Anglesey store as rebrand rollout continues

HUNDREDS of customers and special guests attended the grand opening of a much-anticipated pet store.

PetPlace unveiled its revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni site at the weekend.

There was plenty for curious canines and their two-legged friends to enjoy including an obstacle course, face painting, free ice cream, special offers, micro-chipping clinics, brand discounts and a host of games and activities.

World-renowned animal psychologist Roger Mugford – who trained the late Queen’s corgis – held free behaviour sessions, and the RSPCA and independent businesses and suppliers were on hand to share information and showcase unique products, centred on health, wellbeing, and safety.

PetPlace owners Sion Pritchard and Paul Penketh thanked everyone who came along for being part of the special day, and for supporting a raffle in aid of the company’s chosen charity, Hope House Hospice.

“We were overwhelmed by the response, from the minute the doors opened we were busy all day, it was incredible,” said Paul.

“For us it was about giving the pets and their owners a unique experience, and not just for one day, this was a flavour of the innovative and exciting developments we have in the pipeline for Llangefni and our other stores in the years ahead.”

Sion added: “In addition to the retail side of things we will be launching a new play park and coffee bar for dogs at Llangefni in the summer.

“This is another step forward for PetPlace as we align our sites under the new brand, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to our open day and all of our loyal customers for your continued support.”

As well as Llangefni, the company has stores in Abergele, Ruthin, Mold, Gledrid (Oswestry) and a headquarters in Kinmel Bay.

Among the representatives from independent firms celebrating the opening on Saturday were Gill Thomas-Jones from sustainable health and beauty range Mountain Garden Botanics, based in New Brighton, Wrexham, and Jo Parr, owner of Merseyside-based The Dog Bowl Deli.

“We are a fun way of getting healthy treats into dogs, with a human twist as the treats are modelled on cakes, cookies, donuts and more while being completely natural, full of vegetables and fresh ingredients,” said Jo.

“We are already in the Abergele play park and look forward to being part of the new park here at Llangefni as we love working in partnership with PetPlace and congratulate them on today’s event.”

Gill added: “We have a long-standing relationship with PetPlace and are honoured to be here today at the revamped store.

“The team have always supported us as a local business and to be able to display our selection of handmade shampoos, soaps, deodorant bars, candles and other items – all palm oil, cruelty and plastic free – is huge for us. Well done to everyone here on a brilliant day and good luck for the future.”

Those words were reinforced by Roger, who says the PetPlace model should be followed by other retailers in the sector.

“The staff are friendly and approachable, the variety of stock is mind-boggling and all of it focused on the health and wellbeing of pets,” he said.

“I’ve said before that PetPlace is leading the world in supporting pets and their owners and this store has taken it to a whole new level.”

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

Gym bosses await green light on 6,000 sq metre seaside health complex

A NEW health, exercise and wellbeing complex will breathe life into a seaside town centre and give the economy a welcome lift.

Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake, directors of LVL5 Gyms Ltd, are awaiting a decision on 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, spin zones and more.

The 6,000 square metre two-floor facility will employ up to 10 people and both Sion and Rich – who hail from Conwy county – 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.

“It’s a fantastic location and as we are both from the area it means a lot for us to be able to open a business in such a vibrant space, in a place we know so well.”

Rich, a personal trainer and Workplace Resilience and Wellbeing Master Practitioner (WRAW MP), added: “What we are proposing is something unique, with a focus on the wellbeing of our customers and gym users.

“We have invested in the very latest technology and machinery, but mindfulness and making exercise more accessible in a warm, welcoming environment is one of our top priorities, especially post-pandemic.”

The gym will feature innovative equipment including the region’s first Fit3D Proscanner, and its foundations are built on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Self-Actualization, Esteem, Love/Belonging, Safety and Physiological.

“The entire space will be centred around the mind and body, having a healthy routine and positive focus,” said Sion, who is also managing director of award-winning retail chain PetPlace.

“This will be a place people can come to train and lift weights but also to be part of a community, socialise and experience something new, something different from the norm – we are excited to see how things develop.”

Rich added: “This is the perfect location, and our aim is to create a setting unlike any other in this region.

“There is demand out there for a gym like this, with state-of-the-art facilities and a mission to support the mental and physical health of customers and the community.

“We will be so proud to be able to do that on our doorstep right here in Llandudno and thank everyone for their support so far.”

Edward Hiller, Managing Director of Mostyn Estates, congratulated LVL5 Gyms and said their arrival will bring something new to the town.

“We are delighted to be welcoming them to Llandudno and have recognised for some time that there is a gap in the market for a premium offering like this,” he said.

“LVL5 has a really clear ambition to provide a facility the town can be proud to host, so we wish them the very best for the future.”

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

News

Green light for holiday park development as leisure firm goes from strength to strength

A LEADING leisure company creating jobs and supporting the coastal economy is making a significant investment in two of its key holiday parks.

SF Parks has received planning permission to build a new high ropes course, spa, sauna, and gym complex and wine bar at White House Leisure Park in Towyn.

The development will also feature an upgrade to the popular Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play, complementing existing facilities including a crazy golf course and food and drinks outlets.

The good news comes as directors Jonathan and Oliver Seldon put forward proposals to construct a rooftop bar, bowling alley, reception area and extend the arcade at the neighbouring Golden Gate Holiday Centre.

The business – which has five parks in North Wales, employing up to 120 full time and seasonal staff – is also looking to increase the current 7 ½ month season to 10 ½ months at Golden Gate in a bid to employ more full-time workers and increase spend in the local area all-year round.

“We are pleased to receive the green light and thankful to Conwy’s planning team and councillors for their support,” said Jonathan.

“Our vision is to keep enhancing the customer experience, keep investing in our parks and most importantly, contribute to the local economy through jobs and tourism.

“As well as the improvements we are making to our facilities, we are pushing to increase the season from 7 ½ months to 10 ½ months because that will enable us to recruit more people full time, rather than seasonal workers, which in turn will have a positive effect on employment in this area and allow owners to enjoy the park facilities for a longer period.

“Our aim is for Towyn to be busy all the time, not just for part of the year, so we hope to receive positive news on that front soon.”

He added: “The investment we are making at White House and Golden Gate is significant and to be followed by upgrades to our other parks.

“We are always looking at the bigger picture and want to expand in the future, while at the same time building on the overall customer experience and developing our identity as one of the region’s top hospitality and tourism operators.”

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.

Oliver believes their commitment to the North Wales coast and becoming an even more sustainable organisation will stand them in good stead post-pandemic.

He said: “We are bringing all five of our parks in line with the wider brand so across the board we can continue to enhance and improve our offering for our caravan owners and guests.

“As White House and Golden Gate are so close it makes sense for them to become more integrated, so owners can enjoy these improved facilities long-term.

“We will soon be in consultation on the Golden Gate plans and will be keen to receive feedback and suggestions; we always want to hear from our customers, as well as the local community, because they are a big part of this.”

Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism, congratulated SF Parks on its commitment to improving the Conwy coastline, supporting local jobs and tourism.

“The revitalisation of our seaside towns through investment is essential in helping to boost the local economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and our community alike,” he said.

“I am pleased to see the plans from Jonathan and Oliver Seldon and think they will bring much-needed entertainment and job opportunities to the area. Let’s hope all the proposals receive approval and contribute to the rejuvenation of these wonderful coastal areas.”

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

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