Tag Archives: Newport

Business Investment, Investment, Newport

KLA’s manufacturing and R&D centre in Newport receives £6.25m in Cardiff Capital Region investment

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, visited KLA Corporation’s newly opened manufacturing and R&D facility at Imperial Park, in Newport, part of the compound semiconductor cluster there, which is expected to boost skilled employment in the region.

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) supported US semiconductor equipment manufacturer KLA with a £6.25m grant to facilitate the expansion of the highly innovative new manufacturing and R&D facility in Imperial Park. An additional £750,000 was granted from Newport City Council for the same project, and the total sum of £7m will be committed over the next four years. The Secretary of State was accompanied by Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, the Leader of Newport City Council and senior managers from CCR.

The new 237,000 sq.ft facility includes manufacturing space, a fabrication plant, as well as office space for 750 employees, and is located within the compound semiconductor cluster in Newport, next to CCR’s CSC Foundry. The grant supports the expansion of the existing KLA business footprint in the region, bringing new manufacturing innovations and adding significant value to the Semiconductor and Compound Semiconductor Industries’ contribution to the Welsh economy.

 

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“I’m delighted to see this investment into the world-leading compound semiconductor cluster in Newport. KLA’s new facilities mean they can expand and employ more highly skilled people.

“The UK Government’s funding for Cardiff Capital Region and the local Investment Zone is helping drive economic growth in a sector where Wales leads the way, delivering the plan that we have set out in our Industrial Strategy.”

 

Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of Newport City Council, commented:

“This investment from CCR represents a stake in the new industries of the future, the new advanced manufacturing that is being built here in Newport on a massive scale. To drive a semiconductor plant such as KLA’s, we need people, and we need skills and other companies in the local supply chain to make it all happen. 80% of these needs are coming from within the region and this is a great opportunity for the economy of South East Wales.”

Commenting on the investment, Andrew Evans, Senior Director, Commercial Legal, at KLA said:

“The investments from both KLA and CCR into this new site reinforce the importance of Wales to KLA’s global operations. The technologies created and developed in Wales are critical not only to our customers in Europe but globally too. The technology and infrastructure, combined with the skilled talent pool here continue to make this operation in Newport very competitive on the global semiconductor landscape.”

Awards

Premier Forest Products Shortlisted for Four Prestigious Industry Awards

 

Leading UK timber supplier, Premier Forest Products, is celebrating after being shortlisted in four categories in the 2025 Timber Trades Journal (TTJ) Awards.

 

Premier Forest has been shortlisted in the Panels Trader of the Year, Softwood Trader of the Year, Hardwood Trader of the Year and Timber Garden Product Supplier of the Year categories at the annual TTJ Awards, which have been running since 1997.

 

There are voted for and judged categories, with the voted categories recognising service excellence and product quality across the timber industry. Voting is open to customers throughout the supply chain and they can vote for up to two companies per category. All four of Premier Forest’s nominations are in voted for categories.

 

The industry leading awards will be held at the Hilton London Bankside on Friday 19 September.

 

Terry Edgell, Co-founder & CEO of Premier Forest Products said, “We’re so proud to have been shortlisted for four major categories at this year’s TTJ Awards. These are the only industry awards voted for by customers, so to be nominated in four categories means a lot to us as a business. It shows that the emphasis we place on customer satisfaction is being recognised and the team’s hard work and dedication is paying off. We can’t wait to celebrate as a team at the event.”

 

 

Premier Forest Products is engaged in the importation, processing, merchanting and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from multiple sites across the UK.

Business, Business News, Newport, Wales

Premier Forest Products marks year of internal growth amongst tough timber times

Leading UK timber supplier, Premier Forest Products, is celebrating a strong financial year, despite challenging market factors.

Having experienced rapid growth in the immediate aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the timber sector has faced a tougher period recently, which has had an impact on profits industry-wide. To counteract this, Premier Forest has invested heavily in acquisitions and internal growth, increasing their team to over 400 across 19 sites UK-wide.

CEO and Co-Founder Terry Edgell, said: “The past two years have brought many challenges to our top line growth as we have seen continued depreciation of product value, but core volume has increased, thanks to aggressive and targeted growth in market share by our sales teams. In a tumultuous time for the timber industry, the value of group turnover has remained static, propped up by our acquisitive policies and underlying volume growth, which must be celebrated.

“Acquisitions have always been at the heart of our growth plan, whether in response to customer demand or to scale the business’s reach. This year we’ve successfully expanded our product range and geographical presence, with new sites in Essex and London serving a host of new customers.”

Premier Forest acquired Bitus UK from Swedish company Bergs Timber in November, followed by Stairway Joinery Ltd, a specialist in the design and manufacture of bespoke staircases for residential and commercial buildings. They also secured a 51% stake in Fforest Timber Engineering.

In the last 12 months, Premier Forest has invested heavily in machinery capabilities, investing over £1million in equipment across the business, specifically at the Duchy Timber, Premier Forest Haverfordwest and Decorpanel Newport branches.

They have also focused on product launches, with the Premier Platinum range of fencing timber, specifically targeted at the agricultural sector, released in September, and a new range of acoustic fence panels launched in July.

Most recently, Premier Forest has introduced the world’s first fire-retardant and water-resistant plywood, DryGuard FR in February 2025. The one-of-a-kind product was exclusively created in response to customer demand.

Terry said: “Innovation is key to future-proofing the business. We’ve taken advantage of the tough market conditions of the last year and have invested in ourselves, enabling us to be well placed to deal with upturn in demand.

“We are anticipating a period of rapid turnover growth as a result of our recent acquisitions, alongside a period of product inflation in timber that will drive organic value; this will either arise on the back of demand generated by the anticipated house build policy, or from a further curtailment of production across the world as we have already seen in the last 12 months. Our investment over the last year will have placed us in a great position to deal with the upturn and ensure we retain our position as a market leader across the UK.”

Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, processing, machining, engineering and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its multiple sites in the UK.

Accountancy & Accounts, Appointments, Apprenticeships, Business, Education, Newport, Wales

Kilsby Williams invests in future talent

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams is investing in the next generation by providing an alternative route into the sector for young people.

The independent firm’s audit and accountancy apprenticeships have been designed with school leavers in mind, providing professional development and expert mentorship opportunities for learners who are not following college and university pathways.

The apprenticeships enable school leavers to study towards industry-recognised qualifications including AAT level 2 and level 3 and ACA qualification, while gaining practical experience and earning above the national minimum wage for apprentices.

Abi Cornford is one of the school leavers who has experienced the support of the firm and tailored career development since joining in 2019, progressing from an apprentice to audits and accounts manager. Abi now specialises in audit services for private businesses, SMEs and UK subsidiaries of overseas groups.

Abi said: “Starting at Kilsby Williams right after school was the best decision I could have made. The support I’ve received has been invaluable, and I’m proud to have achieved my professional chartered qualification while advancing along my managerial career path.

“The firm’s culture, which prioritises development and team building, has played a huge role in my growth. Kilsby Williams has provided me with a platform to thrive, and I look forward to continuing my journey here.”

Jonathan Harrhy, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We aim to empower everyone at all levels in the firm to maximise their potential with a no glass ceiling approach to career progression. And there’s no better place to start than by supporting the progression of young professionals in their first roles within the sector.

“We are proud to be investing in the next generation of audit and accountancy talent through our apprenticeships, providing access to top-tier training and trusting them to work alongside colleagues on client projects.

“In addition to developing skills, these opportunities shape the future of Kilsby Williams. It’s been fantastic to see Abi progress from apprentice to manager with our guidance, and it’s exciting to see the growth of Conor and Joshua who will be completing AAT level 3 this summer.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients locally in south Wales, extending across the UK and globally. Their clients range from sole traders to international quoted groups.

Business, Investment

Welsh Government and Cardiff Capital Region welcomes news of £250m investment into compound semiconductor industry

Vishay Intertechnology has announced a £250m investment in its semiconductor site in Newport to revolutionise the production of electric vehicles.

The investment, supported by the UK Government’s Automotive Transformation Fund, will amplify Vishay’s production of advanced silicon carbide semiconductors, a key tool in increasing the efficiency of electric vehicles.

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said:

“Compound semiconductors are small but vital bits of our everyday lives and Wales is leading the way in their production and manufacture.

“I welcome the additional investment from the UK Government, which builds on the Welsh Government’s work over the last decade in supporting the growth of the semiconductor cluster. We are now reaping the rewards of our commitment, which we will continue to drive forward.”

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader, Monmouthshire Council, and Chair, Cardiff Capital Region said:

“This significant investment into the South East Wales compound semiconductor sector displays great confidence and shows the value of investment in the region.

“We welcome the news of this investment to develop the cluster, which has been a priority of Cardiff Capital Region, Welsh and UK Governments for several years.

“It is tremendous to see the benefits this will bring to the region in creating highly skilled jobs, accelerating our progress in the UK Automotive industry, and positioning us as a competitor in not only UK investment, but also globally.”

Apprenticeships, Hospitality, Newport

CCR helps to fund the next generation of hospitality professionals in Newport

Tŷ Hotel Newport, which opened in 2024, is using part of its £9.7m funding from Cardiff Capital Region’s Strategic Premises Fund to finance on site practical training for hospitality students as it prepares the next generation for careers in the sector.

The Celtic Collection, which manages the hotel, collaborated with the University of South Wales to create a paid nine-month placement programme which provides hands on experience for students as they complete the practical training components of their hospitality and business management courses.

The two successful applicants, Deepu Chandran and Dilakshan Classen, began their placement at Coldra Court Hotel before moving over to Tŷ Hotel Newport for the hotel’s launch and the busy period following the opening.

The 146-bed hotel opened on 2 June, following a £9.7m investment from Cardiff Capital Region’s Strategic Premises Fund to finance the completion.

The investment was particularly focused on improving the environmental outputs in the hotel, with all gas-powered functions having been replaced with an all-electric system that uses heat pumps and photovoltaic panels on the roof.

The hotel is well placed to support the increasing level of activity at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICCW) and its opening coincided with the Royal College of Nursing’s conference.

Deepu and Dilakshan’s experience has provided the pair with opportunities to work in conferences and events, food and beverage and front office, to engage with the senior team in the Newport region of the Celtic Collection and pursue employment at the hotel following the completion of the placement.

Tracy Israel, Director of Talent and Development at the Celtic Collection, said: “We were delighted to partner with the University of South Wales to create these two placement opportunities at our Newport cluster hotels. It was a fantastic chance for the students to be

 

part of an exciting launch at Tŷ Hotel Newport and to get hands-on experience at a brand new venue which sets new sustainability standards as the largest all-electric hotel in Wales.

“Both Dilakshan and Deepu have immersed themselves in a wide variety of hotel and hospitality roles with enthusiasm and shown great aptitude for the work. We hope that they will be able to continue their careers with the Celtic Collection when they complete their placements and their MBA studies.”

Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of Newport Council and member of Cardiff Capital Region, said: “In keeping with CCR’s aim of making South East Wales a desirable place to live, work and invest, Tŷ Hotel Newport provides the perfect accompaniment to the various corporate and leisure events hosted at the ICCW and brings a significant positive economic impact to the local area by drawing guests to the region.

“The hotel highlights what Cardiff Capital Region can do with the Strategic Premises Fund and the success it can bring to local projects. I am delighted to see the hotel bring further benefits to the community through this collaboration with the University of South Wales to train the next generation of hospitality talent.”

Dr Andrew Thompson, Head of Subject for Global Business at University of South Wales, said: “We have been delighted to partner our MBA Global students at the University of South Wales, Deepu Chandran and Dilakshan Classen, with the Celtic Collection leading into the launch of Tŷ Hotel Newport. The Celtic Manor has a reputation far beyond Wales, and for students seeking to pursue careers in hospitality management we could not have wished for a more exciting collaboration.

“Deepu and Dilakshan have both gained experience which will stand them in good stead for their future careers, hopefully remaining here for a while longer in Wales. I would like to extend my thanks to Tracy Israel, Director of Talent and Development at the Celtic Collection, for championing our students’ interests.”

Accountancy & Accounts, Appointments

New year, new partner as Kilsby Williams announces significant appointment

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has begun the new year with a senior appointment.

Anne Smith, former tax partner at Watts Gregory LLP, has joined the Newport-based independent firm as a partner.

Anne began her career with KPMG, qualifying as a chartered accountant and later as a chartered tax adviser.

A committee member of the local south Wales branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Anne has become well known in the market for her expertise and experience in tax planning specialisms such as corporate sale, purchase and reorganisation transactions, fiscal share valuations, international business restructuring, expatriate tax planning and executive remuneration.

In the last two decades, Anne has been particularly involved with succession and estate planning and other advisory work for SME businesses, their owner managers and other individuals.

Anne Smith, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “It’s an honour to join one of the largest specialist tax teams in south Wales as I become part of the leadership team at Kilsby Williams. Throughout my career, I have applied my specialist and varied knowledge of tax planning to provide holistic advice to businesses and individuals. I look forward to sharing this with the firm’s growing number of clients.”

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “Our services are partner-led and based on a high level of technical skills and expertise in the fields of taxation and accountancy, so we are thrilled to welcome Anne to the firm. A partner of her calibre and experience will enhance our team and existing client services as we begin the new year and look ahead to the tax changes of the next financial year.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients locally in south Wales, extending across the UK and globally. Their clients range from sole traders to international quoted groups.

Accountancy & Accounts, Business, Charity Events, Newport, Tax

Kilsby Williams announces charity of the year

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has announced that it will be supporting Calon Hearts as its charity of the year.

Calon Hearts is a Cardiff-based charity which promotes heart health in Wales and across the UK.

Less than one in ten people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest but survival rates can be increased significantly if a defibrillator is used and CPR is performed. The charity’s mission includes teaching valuable CPR and first aid skills, and ensuring communities have access to defibrillators and are trained in how to use them.

Calon Hearts also provides free heart screenings for people aged between 16 and 25 to detect life-threatening heart conditions that often go undetected.

To kickstart their fundraising efforts, a team of around 20 from the firm has signed up to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on 6 October.

Dafydd Ford, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We are pleased to share that we will be supporting Calon Hearts over the next year, raising awareness of heart health and funds to support their vital work. This is a cause we are passionate about as we sadly lost our colleague Rob Harding earlier this year and we want to make a difference in his memory.

“We’ll be beginning our fundraising challenges with the Cardiff Half Marathon. A half marathon is no mean feat; the team is training hard to pound the streets of Cardiff and do Rob and his family proud.”

Sharon Owen, founder of Calon Hearts, said: “We are delighted that Newport-based accountants, Kilsby Williams, has chosen Calon Hearts as its charity of the year and are greatly appreciative of this support.

“Calon Hearts has worked tirelessly since the charity was founded over 11 years ago to raise awareness of the vital importance of heart health and, to date, has installed over 30,400 defibrillators, provided CPR training to over 99,900 people and screened over 17,000 hearts for potentially life-threatening conditions.

“Calon Hearts would like to wish the Kilsby Williams team the best of luck in the Cardiff Half Marathon, which will launch their fundraising challenges in memory of their colleague.”

Accountancy & Accounts, Appointments, Business

New appointments strengthen audit and accountancy team at independent firm

Kilsby Williams, one of the largest independent tax and accountancy firms in south-east Wales, has made four new appointments to its audit and accountancy team.

Channa Wijesekera joins Kilsby Williams from one of the ‘Big Four’ global accounting firms and will use his external audit, internal audit and special assignments experience to support the firm’s audit specialists as a senior.

Channa said: “I am very grateful to all the Partners of Kilsby Williams for the opportunity given to me. It is a great experience working with diverse people, clients and cultures.”

Joining Channa in the department will be manager Stephanie Pingue, an ACCA qualified business services manager with years of experience working in practice, and seniors Ryan Jeffs and Alex Manton. The trio will be responsible for providing accounts preparation services, including financial statements, year-end accounts, management accounts and VAT returns for a range of clients.

Ryan said: “The future at Kilsby Williams looks really promising; their plans for expansion and growth really give me hope for what’s to come. There are big things to look forward to from the company and I am glad I managed to join at the right time so I can continue my career and grow as they do.”

Simon Tee, managing partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Channa, Stephanie, Ryan and Alex to our audit and accountancy team. Their skills and knowledge strengthens our existing team and will provide a multitude of benefits for our clients. We look forward to seeing them progress in their roles and will do all we can to empower them to maximise their potential.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients locally in south Wales, extending across the UK and globally. Their clients range from sole traders to international quoted groups.

Appointments, Business, Investment, Newport, South Wales

Kilsby Williams continues to grow with new appointments

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has strengthened its business services and tax teams as the Newport-based firm continues to grow.

Ken Vargis has been appointed as a manager in Kilsby Williams’ business services team. An assurance professional, Ken will be applying his significant auditing expertise to support the firm’s varied client portfolio.

Ken said: “I am elated to be joining Kilsby Williams at such a pivotal point in its growth. I am looking forward to working with new clients, and adding value to their business by providing robust services.”

Joining Ken in the business services team is Hannah Griffiths, a Swansea University accounting and finance graduate.

In her role as business services assistant, Hannah will be involved in the preparation of accounts for a number of clients and assisting with audits, while working towards the ACA qualification to become a chartered accountant and progress further in the firm.

In the tax team, Cardiff University graduate Luis McCarthy has been appointed as a trainee. He will support the team with the preparation of corporation and personal tax returns and will study towards the ATT and CTA exams to become a chartered tax advisor.

Ataf Salim, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We are focused on attracting the best accountancy and tax talent at every stage of their careers and are pleased to share the news of our latest appointments ranging from trainee to managerial level.

“As the largest independent firm in the region, it is exciting to grow even further and we know that Ken, Hannah and Luis’ work will strengthen our services.”

Established in 1991, Kilsby Williams works with clients from across south Wales, the Midlands and London, ranging from sole traders to companies in international quoted groups.