Tag Archives: welsh business

News

Welsh Lender Event Celebrated as Major Success in Swansea

The Welsh Lender Event has been praised as a major success, uniting brokers, lenders, and key industry figures at the Swansea Building Society Arena on Wednesday, September 17. Attendees highlighted the event’s valuable networking opportunities and its role in strengthening collaboration across Wales’ financial services sector.

Held in Swansea for the first time – the event had previously only taken place in Cardiff – the Welsh Lender Event 2025 attracted mortgage professionals from across Wales and beyond. Attendees praised the calibre of speakers, the breadth of insights shared and the valuable opportunities to network with peers.

Hosted in partnership by Swansea Building Society, Monmouthshire Building Society, Principality Building Society and Hodge, the half-day conference featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and interactive sessions.

Paul Broadhead of the Building Societies Association (BSA) provided timely insights into the mortgage market, while Stephanie Charman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) explored the future of mortgage advice. Gethin Davies from Yellow Brick Mortgages inspired the audience with a fireside chat on a charity initiative. There was a lively BDM session with short presentations and an interactive quiz that kept delegates engaged. And rounding off the agenda an inspiring session from psychologist and author, Jon Dunckley, around the importance of purpose and connection in life.

Alongside the packed programme, attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes, and the chance to take a guided tour of the Swansea Building Society Arena.

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

“We are delighted with how successful this year’s Welsh Lender Event has been. Bringing the event to Swansea for the first time has allowed us to showcase our city as a centre of excellence for financial services, while offering brokers and industry leaders the opportunity to come together, learn, and make connections that will benefit the sector for years to come. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to have played our part in hosting such a dynamic and forward-looking event.”

The Welsh Lender Event has become an annual highlight in the industry calendar, and organisers have confirmed that plans are already underway for next year’s gathering.

Business, Sport, Swansea

Swansea Building Society renews partnership with Swansea City AFC for 2025/26 Season

Swansea Building Society has extended its partnership with Swansea City Football Club, continuing as the official back-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025/26 season. The Society’s iconic green logo will proudly feature on the home and away kits for the upcoming campaign.

This marks the latest chapter in a strong and growing relationship between the two Swansea institutions. As well as continuing its back-of-shirt presence on the home and away kits, Swansea Building Society will retain naming rights for the premium executive lounge at the Swansea.com Stadium – the Swansea Building Society Lounge – which is also set to undergo renovations ahead of the 2025/26 season to further enhance the matchday experience for fans and guests.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to the local community and a deep-rooted pride in the city. With both the Society and the Football Club boasting rich histories in Swansea dating back over a century, their collaboration celebrates and strengthens those local ties.

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

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Swansea City into the 2025/26 season. It’s a privilege to see our iconic green logo back on the home and away kits, and to continue supporting the Club both on and off the field. Our relationship goes beyond branding – it’s about championing the city, its people, and a shared ambition for excellence. We look forward to the season ahead and to welcoming fans back to an even better Swansea Building Society Lounge.”

Lee Merrells, Head of Partnerships at Swansea City AFC, added:

“Our partnership with Swansea Building Society continues to go from strength to strength. We’re thrilled to see them remain as back-of-shirt sponsor across the home and away kits for the new season and to continue working with them on delivering a first-class experience in the Swansea Building Society Lounge. Their commitment to the Club and the wider community is unwavering, and we’re proud to have them alongside us once again.”

Swansea Building Society has a long history of serving the South Wales area, offering a range of savings and mortgage products since its founding as a mutual in 1923. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

Business, Renewable Energy News

Thermal earth expands with new facilities and cutting-edge renewable energy project

Thermal Earth, a leading provider of renewable energy and heat pump technology, is expanding into new premises at Hendre Industrial Estate, Ammanford, creating jobs and strengthening its position in the UK’s growing renewable energy sector—thanks to groundbreaking technology that harnesses run-off water from old mines as a renewable heat source.

Previously, the premises was left vacant due to spiraling energy costs. Now Thermal Earth is transforming the space with a combination of solar thermal, solar PV, and battery storage systems, alongside innovative technology that harnesses run-off water from old mines as a heating source—likely to be the first of its kind in the UK.

This ongoing project involves capturing 14°C runoff water from an abandoned mine, managed by the Coal Authority, to serve as a sustainable heat source. The new heating system will not only reduce energy costs but also demonstrate how sustainable solutions can breathe new life into existing buildings.

With a strong track record in heat pumps and wider renewable solutions, Thermal Earth is transforming energy challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. The new site will support increasing demand for heat pump installations and serve as a training hub, equipping the next generation with specialist skills in renewable heating, partnering with local construction companies and apprenticeship providers like Cyfle Building Skills.

Fern Church, Marketing Manager at Thermal Earth, said:

“We’re proud to bring this building back into use with cutting-edge renewable technology. By applying our expertise to our own operations, we’re demonstrating how businesses can reduce energy costs and move towards a more sustainable future.

“This expansion is also an indication of the growing success and ambition of our company. It allows us to create jobs, develop new skills, and continue driving innovation in the sector. We’re excited to serve our clients and the local community with a larger premises and workforce—this is an exciting time for Thermal Earth.”

Thermal Earth has built a strong reputation for its expertise in renewable energy solutions. Its commitment goes beyond innovation, offering a diverse range of air source and ground source heat pumps, along with solar thermal, solar PV, and battery storage systems to help businesses and homeowners reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Awards, Business

Carmarthenshire Business Awards Welcomes Swansea Building Society as Sponsor

The inaugural Carmarthenshire Business Awards will feature Swansea Building Society as the sponsor for the Financial and Professional Service Business of the Year award. This much-anticipated event will be held on July 12, 2024, at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, uniting the county’s thriving business community to honour outstanding entrepreneurial and innovative achievements.

The Carmarthenshire Business Awards will commence at 6:30 pm with a drinks reception, followed by a dinner and the awards ceremony. This black-tie event aims to celebrate the vibrant business community in Carmarthenshire, recognising significant contributions to the local economy.

The Financial and Professional Service Business of the Year award, sponsored by Swansea Building Society, is open to any business operating within the financial and professional services sector in Carmarthenshire. The award celebrates excellence within the sector, recognising companies that demonstrate remarkable growth, strong financial performance, innovation, and exceptional customer experience. Judges are looking for companies that have achieved growth and strong financial performance through innovation and exceptional customer experience, with a clear focus on future business success.

Sioned Jones, Area Manager for West Wales, Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are thrilled to support the Carmarthenshire Business Awards and to celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses in the county. At Swansea Building Society, we are committed to fostering innovation and excellence within the financial and professional services sector. These awards highlight the outstanding contributions of businesses that drive economic growth and provide exceptional service to their clients. We look forward to recognising and honouring their success.”

In addition to the Carmarthenshire Business Awards, Swansea Building Society will also sponsor the Financial and Professional Service Business of the Year award at the Torfaen & Monmouthshire Business Awards on September 19, 2024, at The Parkway Hotel, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan Business Awards on October 4, 2024, at The Vale Resort. These events continue to celebrate the vibrant business community across South Wales.