Tag Archives: south wales

Appointments, Business, Cardiff, Insurance, Swansea

Howden Insurance announces Dafydd James as latest recruit

Howden Insurance, the global insurance group, has announced Dafydd James, former Wales Rugby Union and British & Irish Lions player, as latest recruit to its South Wales team.

 

Dafydd joins as Business Executive, leaving his previous role at Lockton, and will be covering Howden’s South Wales, South West and global offices.

 

Dafydd will bring his drive and team-first mentality to bolster Howden’s risk strategy services from cyber liability to marine engineering, aviation, and renewable industries.

 

Speaking on his appointment, Dafydd said: “I am thrilled to be joining Howden’s team in South Wales. With its local presence and global footprint, I was drawn to its community- driven approach and the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

“I am a results-driven professional focused on building long-lasting, meaningful business relationships, which makes Howden the perfect fit for me. My goal is to deliver bespoke insurance solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, creating value far beyond the initial transaction. I see my role as a trusted advisor, committed to providing insight, guidance and continuity that fosters long-term client retention.”

 

Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to have Dafydd with us at our South Wales office. His drive and determination from his career as an athlete, coupled with his professionalism, makes him the perfect fit for us as a Business Executive. He has already proved to be a great asset to the team, throwing himself into our community events from day one, and I am confident that he will help us to continue providing outstanding service to clients.”

Business Expansion, Finance News, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society expands team to support continued record growth

Following its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking results, Swansea Building Society is strengthening its frontline team across its branch network and head office. The latest team expansion is part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and supporting future growth across Wales.

The Society has welcomed nine new team members across a variety of roles in recent months, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional personal service while continuing to grow and invest in its future.

Among the recent appointments are Callum Curtis, who joins as Financial Risk Manager; Conor Harrison and Daniel Clifford, both taking on Mortgage Administrator roles at the Society’s head office; and Jaimee Walters, who has joined as a Manager’s Assistant, also based at head office.

Supporting the Society’s high street presence, Paula Johnson has joined the Portland Street branch as a Manager’s Assistant, while Christopher Rice takes up the position of Branch Manager in Cowbridge. Additionally, Kathryn Chadwick has joined the Mumbles branch as a part-time Cashier, with Sally Fuller and Hayley Barnes also appointed as part-time Cashiers at the Portland Street and Carmarthen branches respectively.

The appointments come at a time of sustained success for the Society, which recently reported its strongest-ever financial results at its Annual General Meeting. This growth has been driven by a continued focus on customer service, local decision-making, and a branch-based model that puts community first.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Following another record year, we are delighted to have welcomed several new colleagues to the Society. These appointments reflect not only our ongoing growth, but our long-standing commitment to investing in our people and maintaining the personal, face-to-face service that sets us apart.

“Our branch network and head office teams are central to the Society’s success, and we are proud to continue strengthening those teams to support both existing and new members across South Wales.”

The Society, which has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored financial services and reinvesting into local communities, remains one of the few financial institutions still opening — not closing — branches. It continues to combine traditional service values with modern convenience through recent digital enhancements, including a new app and online savings platform.

Connectivity, Transport, Travel

Final call to shape the future of transport in South East Wales – consultation closes May 19

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is issuing a final call for residents, businesses and stakeholders to help shape the future of transport in South East Wales, as the public consultation on its draft Regional Transport Plan (RTP) enters its final weeks. The consultation will close on May 19, 2025.

Since launching in March, the consultation has invited people across the Region – from Monmouthshire to Bridgend, the Valleys to the coast – to share their views on the draft Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive transport network.

The draft RTP sets out Cardiff Capital Region’s goal to build a Competitive, Connected, and Resilient Region, underpinned by an affordable, low-carbon transport system that improves quality of life, reduces emissions and supports economic opportunity.

The Plan includes objectives for better access to jobs and services, cleaner air, improved safety, stronger links between communities, and better transport connections between South East Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond.

Residents, community groups, businesses and organisations are encouraged to review the draft Plan and have their say by visiting: https://regionaltransportplanccr.wales/.  Responses from the public will help shape the future of transport in the Region.

Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Chair of CCR’s Regional Transport Sub-Committee, and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:

“We’ve made strong progress through Metro investment and low-emission initiatives, but now we need people across South East Wales to tell us what matters most to them – and time is running out. This is your chance to influence what comes next.”

News

Solitaire.io Brings Punk Rock to Life with New Augmented Reality Playing Cards

Wales-based digital card game platform Solitaire.io is breaking into the world of physical collectables with the launch of its first-ever printed deck: the Mosh Idols Punk Rock Playing Cards.

Combining classic card game appeal with futuristic technology, the Mosh Idols deck features 52 standard cards (plus Jokers), all designed with a rebellious punk rock twist. Launching on Kickstarter this Tuesday, May 6, the limited-edition deck includes exclusive eXtended Reality (XR) elements that set it apart from anything else on the market.

When viewed through a smartphone camera, each card springs to life through Augmented Reality, allowing the punk rock characters to perform original music right in front of your eyes.

Created with collectors and punk enthusiasts in mind, this unique offering isn’t just a game—it’s a potential future collectible, designed to appeal to fans of both music and immersive tech.

The deck is the brainchild of Solitaire.io founder Gaz Thomas, a creative entrepreneur best known for developing innovative digital card games. With a strong user base from his popular solitaire titles, Thomas is now merging the physical and virtual gaming worlds through a new line of collectible card decks.

Mosh Idols marks the debut of this series, delivering bold punk rock illustrations and interactive XR features for a fully engaging experience.

“We’re excited to offer card collectors a unique experience by combining our passion for gaming with the innovative potential of XR technology,” said Gaz Thomas, Founder of Solitaire.io.

“The Mosh Idols Punk Rock Playing Cards are just the beginning of a new series of collectible decks that bring classic playing cards into the future. Each deck is designed to be a valuable addition to any collection, with original artwork and immersive XR features that allow you to interact with them in new ways.

“Our Kickstarter campaign gives backers the chance to bring these cards to life, and we look forward to seeing how this product is embraced by players and collectors.”

Visual artist Chaz Carter, known for his gritty punk aesthetic, created the deck’s artwork, bringing the anarchic energy of the genre to life on each card.

“Creating the artwork for these cards was a true love letter to the music I grew up on and the culture it kickstarted,” said Chaz Carter.

“I wanted to capture the spirit of the music with equal doses of reverence and playful irreverence. The XR technology adds a whole new layer of interactivity, making the characters feel alive beneath the surface; like they’re waiting to burst out and shred!”

Gaz Thomas is also the founder of Freegames.org, a high-traffic gaming site attracting over five million views each month.

“Our focus with Freegames.org is to offer accessible, free entertainment. Card games have always been a popular staple there and we are having fun jumping deeper in to them with Solitaire.io both in the digital and physical world,” Thomas added.

“Solitaire.io Playing Cards represents an interesting new step for us in to the realm of physical games and collectables.”

The Kickstarter campaign launching May 6 will offer supporters a range of rewards, including two versions of the deck. Backers will also gain early access to future developments and join a growing community of collectors and players shaping the evolution of the brand.

To learn more about the campaign, visit: https://go.solitaire.io/mosh-idols
Try Solitaire.io’s digital card games at: https://solitaire.io/
Explore more free games on: https://freegames.org/

Charity Events, Charity News, Swansea, Wales

Howden aims high in charity challenge

Howden, the global insurance group, is raising vital funds and awareness for Maggie’s Cancer Care charity in a skyrocketing challenge.

 

30 members of staff from Howden’s Corporate & Commercial offices across the UK have committed to embark on Maggie’s Wing Walk, a challenge that will see them strapped to the top wing of a vintage biplane, soaring through the sky at 150 mph above a historic WW1 airfield.

 

Deborah Barber is representing Howden’s south Wales offices with her participation in the challenge.

 

Howden has extended its fundraising goal to a collective target of £40,000, with some members like Deborah setting their own personal goals to exceed expectations for the charity.

 

Maggie’s is a national charity, with centres across the UK offering support and care for those with cancer and their loved ones. Their Cardiff and Swansea centres host a range of services including support groups and stress management workshops, fostering a safe space for those affected by cancer.

 

The team can be supported by donating to Deborah’s personal fundraising page or Howden’s central Wingwalking fundraising page.

 

Deborah Barber, Development Executive at Howden, said: “I am incredibly excited and nervous to be taking part in this challenge. Not only will we be flying high in the sky, but we’ll also be performing high-energy manoeuvres such as high-speed dips, dives, steep climbs, and 90-degree banked turns. But it’s all worth it to raise funds for Maggie’s.

 

“The work and care that Maggie’s provides to people across the UK is truly inspirational and that’s why I have chosen to set my own personal fundraising goal of £1,000 to maximise the amount of support we can give them. I look forward to taking on this challenge and to collaborate with our UK offices, and hope to inspire others to give what they can to this incredible cause.”

 

Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director at Howden, said: “I’m extremely proud of Deborah for representing our south Wales team and taking on such a challenge for Maggie’s. The charity holds a special place in our hearts for a lot of us at our south Wales offices, and the work they do across Cardiff and Swansea especially is life-changing, so I’m delighted that we’re able to give back and amplify such an important cause.

 

“Good luck to all those who will be taking part in the challenge, and please give what you can to support Maggie’s work.”

 

For more information on Maggie’s, visit: https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-cardiff/

Business, Energy, Swansea, Wales

Consumer Energy Solutions cracks on with Easter donation

SWANSEA based energy-efficiency firm, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES), has donated 200 chocolate eggs to local charity Faith in Families this Easter.

 

For every insulation project completed by the team in March, CES has donated and delivered an Easter egg to Faith in Families’ Community Cwtches Easter events. The firm donated 200 Easter eggs to correspond to 200 projects.

 

Established in 1999, Faith in Families has grown to encompass three community cwtches in the Swansea area. Each setting is based in deprived areas of Swansea, aiming to provide help and support to families within the community while also running Wales’ first multibank.

 

The charity transforms lives across Swansea Bay through its Community Cwtches & Multibank. It provides vital support to children and families facing challenges such as poverty, crisis, and trauma. The wide range of services include parent and toddler groups, 1-2-1 child therapy, parental & child support, outreach work & home support.

 

For its Easter events, Faith in Families will host three Easter egg hunts for children to enjoy, with food and resources available for both the children and their families.

 

CES is an ongoing supporter of Faith in Families’ work and has stepped in to support vulnerable families through multiple campaigns. These include the Back to School with a Cwtch campaign, donating to the distribution of hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies, and making a £2500 donation to their Cwtch Up Appeal which provided new winter coats.

 

Cherrie Bija, CEO at Faith in Families, said: “We are incredibly grateful once again to CES for their generosity. Donations like this really make a huge difference to what we do, and it’s a great way of tracking their success with the number of eggs donated. Our Easter egg distribution was a great event, and with CES’ ongoing support we have been able to provide for low-income families in our area.”

 

Stephen Williams, Sales Director at CES, said: “We were delighted to get involved with another incredible campaign by Faith in Families. The work they do for vulnerable families in Swansea is incredible, and it’s an honour to have contributed to their long-lasting impact. Looking after our local community is one of our core values at CES, and so we are delighted to be working with such a meaningful charity.”

 

CES has permanent bases across Wales and the south west and a workforce of more than 800 people. The firm supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills. CES is an approved installer of the Government-backed scheme ECO4.

 

For more information about CES and their community initiatives, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.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, Business Investment, Construction, Sustainability, Wales

Cardiff Capital Region Loans £15m to new Office Space in John Street, Cardiff

CCR assists funding of new build in central Cardiff with Lloyds Banking Group as pre-let tenant for over 3,000 employees in 2025.

 

Cardiff Capital Region’s (CCR) Strategic Premises Fund has loaned £15m into a new 114,000 sq.ft office block in Callaghan Square in the centre of Cardiff financed by CCR via a debt-loan to developers JR Smart. Lloyds Banking Group is set to take a 10-year lease on the entire building, with 3,000 employees due to move into this new office accommodation.

John Street is a prime office building, designed to the highest standards and targeting a BREEAM sustainable building certification rating of ‘Excellent’ that commits to minimising its environmental impact and incorporating innovative solutions to ensure long-term sustainability. The 10-storey building will benefit from all electric services, an EPC ‘A’ rating, WELL ‘Silver’ accreditation and will incorporate a rooftop terrace with views across the city and Cardiff Bay. The Landlord’s works are on schedule for completion in December this year with Lloyds occupying the premises from summer 2026.

For both tenant and employees, the location will take full advantage of future infrastructure projects being delivered in the region, including the new Crossrail development that will feed into Callaghan Square itself, as well as the proposed Cardiff Central enhancement in which CCR is one the main backers and financiers. Further afield, the just-approved Cardiff Parkway transport hub will complement both transport links and assist business growth in the region.

All investments from CCR’s Strategic Premises Fund, which is managed by CBRE Lending, are taken through a rigorous two-stage approval process. Previous commercial endeavours supported by CCR’s Fund include Pulse Plastics in Ebbw Vale, Great Point Seren Studios in Cardiff and Tŷ Hotels in Newport. The loan, upon repayment, will be reinvested back into the region.

 

 

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “This investment in new office space at John Street in Cardiff will support key priorities such as business growth and regeneration for the regional economy.

“We continue to actively explore opportunities to work collaboratively with CCR in order to deliver significant economic benefits.”

Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: “I am very pleased to see the UK Government’s investment in the Cardiff Capital Region. This will help to deliver on our economic growth mission, a vital part of our Plan for Change.

“This development, along with improved transport links, will provide fantastic facilities to encourage businesses to base themselves in Cardiff and to expand, helping to create new jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.”

Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and CCR’s Portfolio Lead for the Strategic Premises Fund, said:

“This CCR investment plays its part in further developing exciting and environmentally sustainable office space that national brands wish to take up, adding to the long-term inclusive growth in our region. CCR’s vision to connect communities, services and businesses continues to develop and our interventions in office space and transport links have a key transformative role.”

George Richards, Senior Director, CBRE Lending, who manage the Strategic Premises Fund on behalf of CCR said:

“This is a pivotal investment in the region, which aligns with the fund’s core objectives of job creation, private sector leverage and the delivery of new employment space. The outstanding ESG credentials of the building meet CCR’s sustainability objectives, and their continued journey towards Net Zero.”

Business, Business News, Cleaning & Facilities Management, Environment

Safety of microbial cleaning products highlighted in European webinar

Global biotechnology company Genesis Biosciences featured the safety, efficacy and regulatory landscape of microbial-based cleaning products in a new webinar aimed at instilling confidence in the home care, industrial and institutional cleaning sectors in Europe.

Microbial-based cleaning products contain live microorganisms, such as Bacillus bacteria, which actively break down dirt and organic matter. When added to surfaces, the microbes germinate and secrete enzymes to break down complex organic matter into simpler molecules they can digest, continuing to work even after cleaning.

Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager of Genesis Biosciences, delivered the webinar to industry professionals across the UK and Europe on 19 March in the event facilitated by Marina Pellegrino, International Product Manager for IMCD Group.

Dr Emma Saunders said: “Microbial-based cleaning products are emerging as an effective alternative to traditional chemical cleaners, representing a new era of sustainable, science-backed hygiene. These products leverage naturally occurring Bacillus strains to provide long-lasting cleaning and odour control, and aid in the prevention of biofilms, black mould, FOG (fats, oils and grease) and nuisance microbes.

“We are at the beginning of an exciting shift in cleaning technology. At Genesis Biosciences, while we’re continuing to drive innovation and researching new Bacillus strains for enhanced cleaning, we’re also actively engaging with regulatory bodies to ensure a balanced framework that fosters both innovation and safety.”

During the webinar, Emma highlighted that any microbial strain used in cleaning products must be non-pathogenic and not associated with disease in healthy humans, animals or plants as per regulations such as the EU Directive 2000/54/EC, NIH Guidelines in the US and the WHO Risk Group 1 classification.

In the European Union in particular, microbial-based cleaning products are subject to multiple regulatory controls to ensure safety and sustainability including the EU Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, the EU Directive on occupational health risks of biological agents and the EU Detergents Regulation.

The European Union is currently revising the Detergents Regulation to explicitly address microbial-based cleaning products, recognising them as distinct from traditional chemical detergents and marking the shift in regulatory focus on eco-friendly and biobased cleaning solutions.

Emma continued: “While the changes to the Detergents Regulation aim to ensure consumer safety, industry stakeholders, including us, are actively advocating for a more flexible and scientifically sound regulation which fosters both consumer safety and market innovation.

“These products represent an exciting step forward in sustainable cleaning technology, offering key environmental benefits and extended cleaning effects for various applications. As we move forward, these products will play a critical role in reshaping the sector with safer, more sustainable and highly effective solutions and it’s important that professionals involved in the manufacture, testing and distribution of these solutions are confident and compliant.”

A recording of the ‘Confidence in Microbial Cleaning: Safety & Regulatory Compliance’ webinar is available to view on demand by visiting https://www.bigmarker.com/imcd/Confidence-in-Microbial-Cleaning-Safety-Regulatory-Compliance?bmid=d064da897644&bmid_type=member&bmid=d064da897644.