Tag Archives: st asaph

News

Energy firm continues diversification journey with new solar cleaning business

INNOVATION and diversification continue at a renewable energy firm which has added a sparkling new service to its award-winning portfolio.

Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph and Mochdre – is one of the few companies in the sector to offer solar panel cleaning in addition to installation and maintenance.

The development comes after the business welcomed more than 100 guests and exhibitors to its inaugural two-day Solar and Battery Expo at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.

While some window cleaners will give solar panels a squeegee and scrape as part of their offering, Carbon Zero’s Managing Director Gareth Jones says customers who have invested in PV technology should stick to specialists to ensure systems continue to operate efficiently.

“We are the only company in the region and one of the few renewable energy businesses in the UK to offer a dedicated specialist cleaning service,” said Gareth, a Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council’s Net Zero North Wales network, and Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders in Wales.

“We have the expertise to do it, are fully insured and have a dedicated vehicle to clean solar panels, unlike window cleaners who will do it in addition to other areas of a property.

“As the weather improves, we will see demand increase. Solar systems are sold as a ‘fit and forget’ and some people think the glass is self-cleaning, but this is far from the truth.

“Dirty solar panels can limit system operation by 30% and be catastrophic for older systems, with old technology. Just like rain doesn’t wash your windows clean, rain also doesn’t fully clean solar panels.

“This is a specialist’s job and maintenance should be completed by experts who know how to treat and handle them. Plus, businesses will need a maintenance contract to satisfy insurance requirements.”

He added: “For us the priority is providing an end-to-end experience for our customers, from the moment we discuss their renewable energy needs through to advice, installation, and maintenance, that relationship continues for many years to come.

“Our recent Expo was an example of that, with collaborators and partners joining us to celebrate the industry and be on hand to help those needing our guidance on a range of issues.

“This surge in interest, led to us taking on new staff in the past weeks having announced our highest ever accounts, so we thank everyone for their support and encourage anyone who has any solar panel or renewable energy system needs to give us a call or keep up to date with the latest news on the sector via our popular new YouTube podcast, Eco Talk Rewired.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

To watch the podcast, visit YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EcoTalkPodcast.

News

Expanding law practice issues warning as almost half of UK adults yet to write a Will

ALMOST half of adults in the UK have not written a will.  

A report by the National Will Register also revealed 42% have not spoken to anyone about what should happen to their estate upon their death.

This is a growing issue nationwide, which is why Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester – has added prominent Wills and Probate lawyer Matthew Skeels to its award-winning team.

Originally from Pembrokeshire and now living in Wirral – an area where the company has experienced growth in past months – the University of Chester graduate urged people to consider making a will and securing a Power of Attorney document for peace of mind.

“The most important aspect of doing so is the security of knowing your family and loved ones will receive your property or possessions and be cared for financially,” said Matthew, who has worked in the sector for more than a decade.

“But also, to help you avoid probate or any conflict and to make plans for the future. That applies to Power of Attorney as well, so that if you were to become ill or unable to work, or unable to make medical or ‘life’ decisions for yourself, someone else you trust and arrange for can make them for you.

“To see such a large percentage of the population do not have these safeguards in place is quite alarming given how family dynamics and demographics have changes over the generations, so we encourage people to get in touch, even just for advice and guidance so we can point you in the right direction.”

He added: “Being part of the growing team at Mackenzie Jones is fantastic, and with my contacts and presence in the North West that’s an area we will be focusing on over the coming years, in all areas of the business.”

The National Will Register report – published in 2023 – also found just 25% of adults have made a “life folder” with will details enclosed and told someone about it; 49% of respondents said their parents had never discussed instructions or details of a will either.

For those who have not made a will, two in five said that they had not got around to making one yet, while almost a third felt they did not have enough to warrant making a will.

Among over 55s, three in 10 have not spoken to anyone on the subject and half of those are unlikely to in the future – a figure that increases to 58% across all age groups.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

City centre move leads to expansion and new commercial clients for law firm

A CITY centre move led to expansion and clients across new commercial sectors for an acclaimed law practice.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and a recently opened base in Grosvenor Street, Chester – is attracting business in a wide range of industries.

The firm is representing opticians, care homes, holiday parks and more from its North West office and now planning to take on a paralegal to meet demand, having recruited a Wills and Probate lawyer in past weeks.

Director Andrew Foley Jones said relocation and growth in the team will help service territories which have increased “significantly” in the last 12 months.

“Opening in Chester and then moving to larger, more central premises across the city was a result of the huge amount of interest and feedback we’ve received in multiple industries, particularly those purchasing or selling businesses,” said Andrew.

“We’ve represented some major organisations but also independent retailers and hospitality firms looking to expand, and our own growth has aligned with that.

“As a result, we have taken on new staff and will require more, particularly on the administrative side.”

Among those to call upon the support of Mackenzie Jones in recent times were the Jaunty Goat coffee empire; the Livingston family when brokering the multi-million pound sale of Morfa Lodge Holiday Park in Dinas Dinlle, near Caernarfon, and a number of traders moving from Chester Market to the neighbouring £72m Northgate Project development.

Now employing more than 30 people, fellow director Sara Parry believes the company will continue to rise in 2024.

“We have seen more and more walk-ins since the move and being more prominent in this busy location has put us front and centre in people’s minds, given the thousands of cars and pedestrians that pass by every day,” she said.

“And that hasn’t just been in Chester and North Wales, we have more and more calls coming in from across the UK, which is heartening.

“Commercial activity has increased significantly but we’ve also seen that in other areas of the company, including wills and probate and conveyancing, so it’s an incredibly busy time for us.”

The firm, listed in the prestigious Legal 500 rankings, is also exploring plans to open another office in north west Wales.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Law firm opens new city centre office to meet demand in the North West

A PROMINENT legal practice expanded its North West operation to meet demand.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors has increased its Chester-based team to eight staff and opened a new two-storey office on Grosvenor Street in the heart of the city.

Director Andrew Foley-Jones said growth across the company’s portfolio – including its sites in St Asaph and Menai Bridge – led to the business relocating to bigger premises.

And with Mackenzie Jones now employing up to 30 people that trend looks set to continue into 2024.

“We have seen a rise in clients across all areas, and with us taking on more staff there was a need for a larger office here in Chester,” said Andrew.

“The change has also allowed us to forge new partnerships and relationships in Cheshire and across the wider region, given our rising profile in the North West, built on the foundations we’ve laid in Wales over the last two decades.”

He added: “On the commercial and commercial property sides, the sale and purchase of businesses, as well as conveyancing, clinical negligence, divorce and wills and probate, we have seen an increase in demand and more walk-ins given the busy location.

“Since opening in Chester we have had a warm welcome and strategically it’s been a very positive decision, so thanks to everyone who has shown us so much support.”

Fellow director and solicitor Sara Parry says the larger site will allow them to better serve clients nationwide.

“We are seeing an increase in enquiries from all over the country, notably on the commercial side,” she said.

“It’s been an incredibly busy year and this switch across the city to a fantastic building in a prime location will help us to capitalise on that.”

The firm, again listed in the prestigious Legal 500 rankings, is also exploring plans to open another office in north west Wales.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Plumbing business opens new 20,000sqm HQ as part of multi-million pound expansion

A BOOMING bathroom business is preparing to open new headquarters and create more jobs as part of a multi-million-pound expansion.

Plumbworkz is putting the finishing touches to its 20,000 sqm warehouse and offices in Kinmel Bay, following refurbishment of its Rhuddlan showroom.

Director Gary Hughes thanked FFP Solutions in St Asaph for helping to secure a financial package that enables the company to grow even further in the years ahead.

Gary, from Abergele, launched the business in 2009, as a bathroom and kitchen fitter, before taking on his first premises in Rhuddlan.

Having relocated to Saltney and then Llay he is delighted to return to the area and looks forward to a bright future on Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate.

“The warehouse and offices should be ready to open soon, and we also have permission to build another 20,000 sqm facility next door, so there are big plans in the pipeline,” said Gary.

“Plumbworkz has gone from myself to 20 staff, we have grown organically over the last 15 years and faced challenges along the way, but they’ve all been overcome.

“We embraced ecommerce early on and that was a prime reason for an increase in sales, which really spiked in the pandemic when more and more people were investing in their properties because they were unable to travel or take a holiday.

“The world is constantly changing, and we’ve managed to move with the times, we’ve kept evolving and sell products to people all over the UK.

“The new site allows us to bring everything under one roof, every piece of furniture, every fixture and fitting will have a home. At present we have things in different places, different locations and in containers, so this will streamline everything from that perspective.”

He added: “The expansion is self-funded and that has been supported by FFP Solutions, who helped us to secure further finance. Without them we might not have got to this point, they helped me bring the vision to reality and were a pleasure to deal with.

“As a result, we will be able to meet demand, continue to increase turnover and continue supporting the local economy – thanks to our customers for their support, and to everyone who’s been with us on the journey to this point.”

FFP Solutions Director Richard Pape congratulated Gary on these developments and said: “We are pleased to have been able to secure financing so Plumbworkz could take this step and realise their exciting expansion plans.

“This is another example of an ambitious local business which has used our services to accomplish their goals and keep moving forward, successfully – anyone else in that position should definitely get in touch to find out how we can help.”

Visit the website www.ffp-solutions.co.uk or email admin@ffp-solutions.co.uk for more information on FFP Solutions.

For more on Plumbworkz, visit the website: www.plumbworkz.co.uk.

News

North Wales and Chester law firm strengthens position in illustrious Legal 500 rankings

MACKENZIE Jones Solicitors has strengthened its position in the illustrious Legal 500 rankings.

The law firm, based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester, held its Personal Injury (PI) listing and had Clinical Negligence included for the first time.

Directors Anna Mills-Morgan and Richard Jones were lauded for their commitment to clients and customer service.

The Legal 500 is an independently researched survey broken down by location and practice area. For almost 35 years it has been analysing the capabilities of legal practices globally, assessing strengths based on a series of criteria.

There were less than 15 Welsh firms in each of the two categories, an astonishing achievement.

“We are really pleased to have retained and improved upon our Legal 500 position,” said Anna.

“It’s down to the hard work of the team, who are always striving to provide clients with the best possible support and advice.

“For that to now be recognised in two areas is a privilege, we will keep working hard to build on that in the future.”

Richard added: “The positive responses we’ve received were heartening, and testament to the standards we have set in dealing with PI and Clinical Negligence cases.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey for their feedback.”

In the Clinical Negligence section, the listing read: “The firm has a unique position to support their clients in this area, and especially to support Welsh speaking clients.”

“Anna Mills Morgan has a very good working relationship with her clients and maintains frequent contact. Her knowledge was second-to-none and she knew who to use as her support to bring the case to a favourable conclusion.”

The Personal Injury listing was equally commendable, stating: “Mackenzie Jones Solicitors have a unique position to support their clients in the area, especially for their Welsh speaking clients. I know that their clients do search for this.”

“Anna Mills Morgan went up and above any customer expectations I have experienced in any customer service industry. She kept us up to date during every stage of the claim which at times was very frustrating in the six years it took to conclusion.”

For more information on the Legal 500 rankings, visit www.legal500.com.

For more on Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Energy boss reinforces call for safe solar on all new-builds and housing developments

AN ENERGY boss has reinforced calls to install solar panels on all new-builds and housing developments in Wales.

And Gareth Jones, Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders for Wales, insists safety must be top priority following a series of incidents in past months, notably a solar panel battery fire on Anglesey.

Gareth, Managing Director of award-winning Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph, Mochdre, Llandudno and Deeside – backed the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales’s (NICW) plea for a review of national building regulations.

They say there must be change if 100% of electricity is to be supplied by renewable energy by 2035.

“It makes total sense for new buildings – especially larger structures that use a lot of energy – to be fitted with solar panels, it is the most cost-effective approach and of course vital for the future of our planet,” said Gareth.

“But it must be done with health and safety in mind given the high number of installers joining the sector that do not have the proper experience and accreditation.

“Installing them in a loft space for example, where temperatures soar in the summer, or the examples we’ve seen of people haphazardly placing panels on roofs without using scaffolding or safety harnesses.

“This problem needs to be fixed, especially as the industry is moving more and more towards renewables – standards need to be kept high to meet that demand.”

New data from the MCS revealed in the first six months of 2023, more than 120,000 certified solar panels, heat pumps and other renewable technologies were installed in UK homes, the highest number ever.

And with the NICW urging Welsh Government to present a plan for energy leading up to 2050, Gareth said much needs to be done immediately to combat issues swirling around the energy arena.

“I have lived and breathed this industry for the last 15 years, so from a health and safety perspective, and a financial and environmental perspective, it is crucial both governments get it right,” he said.

Reflecting on recent incidents, Gareth added: “Solar and battery systems are not fit and forget systems, despite some companies selling them like that.

“They need inspecting regularly by a competent person. If you have a system in a loft right now, get a hard-wired smoke alarm fitted immediately and ensure you have a reputable organisation scheduled for regular maintenance and inspection.

“As a sector we must safeguard the future of our customers, both now and long-term by adopting safely installed renewable energy across the country.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

 

News

Leading names in sales, marketing and comms unite to launch experts platform for business

PROMINENT names in sales, marketing and communications have joined forces to launch a new online membership that offers small businesses access to expert training and advice.

My Expert Team (MET) launches today (Weds), a virtual platform focused on supporting SMEs and small businesses in North Wales and the North West.

Founded by Dawn Roberts, Managing Director of Outperform Training and Coaching, the ‘Netflix-style’ monthly subscription gives users unlimited access to hours of content on a wide range of topics.

Members can access masterclasses delivered by small business experts, attend live networking events, interactive panel discussions and Q&A sessions, and capitalise on services tailored to their requirements and priorities.

There is also a pay-as-you-go option and a monthly package to choose from.

Joining her are Caroline Sanger-Davies, Director and Principal Consultant at Experience Marketing in Hawarden, and Martin Williams, Director of Radar PR, which has offices in St Asaph and Rhyl.

Having led sales teams and delivered training to thousands of people in the private and public sectors across the UK for more than 20 years, Dawn says MET will give members the opportunity to grow their reputations and customer bases while meeting new people and having key information and advice at their fingertips.

“For many organisations, hiring someone to come to their workplace and carry out this kind of training would prove expensive, and, given the economic challenges we are all facing, difficult to justify – My Expert Team is a solution to that problem,” said Dawn, from Prestatyn.

“The driving force behind this is giving people access to advice they might not otherwise be able to afford, smaller companies, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and sole traders who are often unsure what steps to take to achieve success.

“By that we don’t just mean financially, but in terms of growing, providing better customer service, sharing their story, communicating with each other, and building networks.

“We will be adding further topics – finance, HR, accounting, recruitment, AI, web design, photography and videography, event management and everything in between – and want to make this a valuable, end-to-end experience for everyone.”

She added: “Having Caroline and Martin as part of the team is fantastic as they have so much experience in the worlds of marketing, public relations, journalism, social media, and communications.

“Every business is unique, so the support they need must be unique too, without unrealistic targets and complicated processes.

“The feedback we’ve had has been so positive, more than 50 members have already signed up and we expect that to rise in the days and weeks ahead, with more experts joining as well.”

At just £29 a month, the MET subscription costs less than £1 a day over the course of the year.

Martin believes the membership will grow to become a crucial source of information and inspiration for companies across the region and said: “We have all spent hours in a room with no windows receiving training that could have been delivered in minutes, a waste of time and resources for the employee and employer, and that’s before travel and subsequent costs.

“This is the perfect way for businesses to access resources that will allow people to learn from the workplace or even at home when it suits them.

“And as a member there are many other facets to this, including events and live sessions which will feature members and experts from across different sectors – I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Caroline added: “MET is such a simple concept, it does not come with a huge price tag and as every business is unique, the range of experts and content is varied so there will be something for everyone.

“As well as online masterclasses and videos we will be hosting live events in person as well on a regular basis, which will bring people together to share their stories, learn from each other and let us know what training they want, and need.

“We are excited to see how this develops, it could be a game-changer for how we access experts in this part of the world and beyond.”

To join My Expert Team (MET) and for more information, visit www.myexpertteam.co.uk and follow them on social media @myexpertteam.

News

Devastated parents of baby who died in hospital care fearful other families affected by ‘systemic failings’ of NHS Trust

THE devastated parents of a baby who died following a traumatic birth in hospital care are fearful other families may have lost children due to the “systemic failings” of an NHS Trust.

Sarah Robinson and Ryan Lock, from Morecambe, were left heartbroken following the death of seven-day old Ida at Royal Preston Hospital in November 2019.

Ida was born a week earlier at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and despite mistakes made during and after her birth – including failures during resuscitation – University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust carried out an internal investigation and deemed there were no care delivery issues.

The Trust did not involve the family in the investigation and failed to notify the Coroners’ Court despite being advised to do so by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) in April 2020.

After failing to secure answers, Sarah and Ryan – with the support of Anna Mills-Morgan, a clinical negligence specialist and director at Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, based in North Wales and Chester – were forced to contact Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley themselves, who has now ordered a full inquest to be held next February as the Trust finally accepted care delivery issues.

Mr Lock said: “Anna and the team at Mackenzie Jones have been unbelievable from the day we approached them with our issues.

“This has been a very difficult journey to deal with, though with Anna’s compassion and diligence we now have the support we need to find the answers we deserve.

“Any other parents who are sadly suffering following maternity care issues like us should get in touch with them.”

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust were heavily criticised in 2015 in a report prepared by Dr Bill Kirkup, who stated there was ‘major failure at every level’ in maternity and neonatal services’ between 2004 and 2013, following the deaths of 11 babies and one mother.

He made more than 40 recommendations but after further scandals in Shrewsbury, East Kent and Nottingham, Dr Kirkup admitted earlier this year they had failed to ‘stop the recurring cycle of catastrophes’ in NHS maternity units.

At a pre-inquest held in Preston, Dr Adeley revealed that he could not recall any perinatal deaths having been reported to him and ordered a full and detailed and transparent investigation fully involving the family.

He added: “It appears to be an ongoing continuum from matters identified in Kirkup that are again replayed in this case, with distinct similarities. The information I am going to want from the Trust is going to be very extensive.”

Mrs Mills-Morgan, representing Miss Robinson and Mr Lock, said more babies and families could have been impacted over the years due to “systemic failings” at the Trust.

“The Trust knew there had been failings as early as April 2020 when the HSIB produced their report, and that it was very clear that they should have reported Ida’s case to the coroner, but they didn’t,” she said.

“That is a worry because how many other cases are there out there where the coroner hasn’t been notified?

“The hospital’s own internal investigation said there had been no problems. We also reported the case to the Care Quality Commission, but they did nothing.

“Instead, it was left to Sarah and Ryan to fight to make the Trust accountable for Ida’s death – that is totally wrong. Their case is evidence that little has changed since the Kirkup Report in 2015. What is the point of all these regulatory bodies and reports if they don’t make a difference?”

She added: “There are massive gaps in accountability in the NHS. Parents and families shouldn’t be the ones forcing action, hospital managers must be held accountable.

“If anyone reading this has any questions or concerns about their own situation, please get in touch, because there are undoubtedly going to be other parents and families affected by these findings.”

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466. Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Summer of growth as leading law firm continues North West expansion

SUMMER is a time for growth and development at a leading law firm.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors is recruiting staff after a busy start to the year, with vacancies for a litigation secretary, private client solicitor and secretary, having recently welcomed a new conveyancer, legal assistant, and graduate paralegal.

Several members of the team are also progressing with legal qualifications and working towards promotion at the firm – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester – which again secured the Law Society’s Lexcel Accreditation for Excellence in Legal Practice Management and Client Care.

Among them is Wendy Tinkler, from Rhyl, currently studying for a Level 4 Diploma to qualify as a Conveyancing Technician.

Wendy joined the company in 2016 after many years in the hospitality industry and thanked Mackenzie Jones for inspiring her to reach the next level.

“I saw a role for a legal secretary and decided a change of career would be good for me, and from there my interest in the sector has grown and grown,” said Wendy, supported by partner Gareth, from Mold.

“Over the last seven years I’ve worked in conveyancing and more recently on the commercial side, but I see my future as a conveyancing technician.

“I’m studying online for a Level 4, then hope to move on to a Level 6 and go on to achieve that dream. I love the role I’m in but was keen to push myself and ultimately it will be beneficial for the business as well.”

She added: “The company has really backed me to do this, as they do with all the staff here; they want us to develop and progress, there is a culture of advocacy and encouragement and I’m so grateful for that.

“I’m looking forward to spending my time between St Asaph and Chester and helping the company as it continues to expand into the North West and North Wales.”

With a workforce approaching 30 people, and several of the team in the process of completing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programmes, Director Anna Mills Morgan said they will continue to back employees keen to embrace personal and professional growth.

“Wendy and colleagues are working really hard to develop their skills and progress with us, which in turn makes Mackenzie Jones a stronger organisation,” she added.

“As demand for our services continues to rise, notably in conveyancing and the commercial arena, we hope to see even more of our team follow their lead and look to take the next step in their careers – we will certainly support them.”

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466. Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.