City Life Spring 2015 by Good Life Publishing

C ITY L IFE SPRING 201 5

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485 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff CF5 5TG

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THE CITY OF CARDIFF’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

C ITY L IFE Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Editorial & Videography Thomas Goodyear editorial@goodlifepublishing.co.uk www.citylifecardiff.com 0845 180 2345 Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Cardiff CF63 2AW

WELCOME

Don’t panic City Life readers. For the Spring issue Jennifer, our Group Managing Editor, has entrusted me to look after City Life for which I am immensely proud. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS! Lewis Evans Client Relationship Manager lewis@goodlifepublishing.co.uk 07787 907 926

Passionate about Cardiff We are a small independent publisher. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and printed in Cardiff for the people of Cardiff. Our philosophy We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” Caveat emptor Advertisers supply their own copy or artwork, and therefore City Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in City Life or on www.citylifecardiff.com (or our social media streams) is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong. Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in City Life are strictly those of the authors. Intellectual property © Copyright City Life 2015. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine (including adverts) may be reproduced in any shape or form (in whole or part) without the express written permission of the publishers. We take breach of copyright and theft of intellectual property extremely seriously and will sue at the drop of a croissant. You have been warned (nicely); ignorance is no excuse. Subscriptions To guarantee your copy, please send a cheque for £20 (four issues) made payable to City Life. Visit www.citylifecardiff.com for special subscriber discounts and special offers. Missed the last issue? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please telephone us or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk. Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. Yes it’s free. Priceless actually! City Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Cardiff and beyond and is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed on, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did. Green is good The pulp used in the production of the paper City Life is printed on is sourced from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine-free bleaching process.

We’re very sociable! We’re on the web! www.citylifecardiff.com Like on Facebook! www.facebook.com/CityLifeCardiff Follow on Twitter! @CityLifeCardiff #CityLifeCardiff

As a Cardiff boy born and bred, I have grown up amongst you, shopped in the same shops, eaten at the same restaurants and spent my leisure time in the same parks - I am Cardiff through and through. Good Life Publishing, the publishers of City Life magazine and Vale Life magazines are local people too, as are our editorial team, designers and printers. Every bit of income spent with us gets spent back into the local community - as it should be. As I’ve been meeting new businesses and people while working my way around the City and its many villages, I’m happy to see real green shoots of economic growth. They say whenever you see scaffolding, money is starting to flow. Scaffolders, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, plasterers and labourers are being employed, building materials are being purchased and new developments are springing up. That’s good news for smaller businesses as money starts to filter through and this is definitely good news for Cardiff’s local economy.

“I’m happy to see real green shoots of economic growth.” Since I started working with City Life, I have met some lovely people in our independent businesses and I’m looking forward to building those relationships into long term friendships. If we haven’t met yet, I’ll do my best to ensure our paths cross soon. You could always pip me to the post and email me at lewis@ goodlifepublishing.co.uk or join our 4,000 plus friends on Facebook or join our 13,000 plus followers on Twitter. I hope you enjoy this Spring issue and I look forward to meeting you all over the Spring and Summer months. A big thanks to Rahim at www.facebook.com/ SugarBoxStudiosUK for my portfolio of shots. Not only is he an amazingly talented photographer but he’s a nice guy too! Lewis Evans Client Relationship Manager lewis@goodlifepublishing.co.uk 07787 907 926

CITY LIFE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS. OUR CONTRIBUTORS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR FRIENDS (INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM CITY LIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WE HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT WE’VE PRODUCED AND WE’LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. CITY LIFE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE ISSN 1757-1723. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYLIFECARDIFF.COM FRONT COVER: TED BAKER AVAILABLE FROM HOUSE OF FRASER CARDIFF

AROUND THE CITY BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

Giovanni’s Cookery School Pioneer of Mill Lane’s café quarter and leading entrepreneur, Giovanni Malacrino, has announced plans to re-open his cookery school following a major refurbishment. Giovanni Malacrino said: “The Cookery School is inspired by my passion for great food, and my desire to share a wealth of knowledge. The intention is to provide both the enthusiastic amateur and the already skilled chef with the

opportunity to broaden their abilities and embrace new challenges.” Situated at the heart of the city centre, above the bars and restaurants of Mill Lane, the state-of-the-art multi-purpose kitchen will be available to hire for team building days, upmarket party bookings and cooking enthusiasts. It is also set to attract production companies from across the UK looking to exclusively hire the facility for cookery TV shows. Giovanni and his team will be running Italian cooking sessions where people can learn to make the delicious pasta dishes

DISCOVER ANOTHER COUNTRY’S CUISINE

Mis The time has come to make some positive changes and get ﬂavoursome, healthy food at affordable prices. The Polish delicatessen MIS / Delikatesy Mis is the ﬁrst step along the way. Serving an assortment of diverse ingredients and meals that are bursting with delicious European aromas, as well as an amazing alcohol selection, all at prices that don’t break the bank. So step into our Clare Road premises, support your local shop and discover the wonders of another country’s cuisine. We are happy to guide you through the selection process for results that suit your personal tastes. 172 - 174 Clare Road CF11 6RX 029 2034 5720 Follow on Facebook CA R D E TA I L I N G A N D F I N I S H I N G

Wales Permagard ■ Professional valeting and detailing ■ High technology paint protection coating only top quality products used ■ Paintwork restoration and eliminates swirlmarks and oxidisation ■ Trained certiﬁed detailer and approved member ■ Marine boat and aviation paintwork detailing ■ Mobile service and workshop ■ Only 5 minutes from Cardiff city centre 07891 626247 info@walespermagard.co.uk info@cardetailingfinish.co.uk www.walespermagard.co.uk www.cardetailingfinish.co.uk 6

synonymous with his long standing restaurants. Cardiff’s top chefs can also hire the facility to run cookery schools or staff training days. www.giovannis.co.uk/cookery-school

EXPERIENCED AND RELIABLE

Lawnmaster Turf If you are looking for a friendly and reliable turf supply company then look no further than Lawnmaster Turf. All of our turf is grown locally by us so you can come and see ﬁrst hand how our grass is greener. We can also lay your purchased turf and with almost 20 years experience, you know that the process will be done professionally and quickly. As well as taking pride in our high quality turf we also supply seasoned logs that are all ready for burning. So put some logs on the ﬁre and enjoy your lovely new garden all from us. Newton Meadows Farm, Newton Road Rumney CF3 2EJ 07815 320258 www.lawnmasterturfing.co.uk

QUALIT Y BUILDERS IN SOUTH WALES

Cardiff Building Services Are you looking for a builder or decorator in Cardiff and the surrounding areas of South Wales? We are a Cardiff based company providing a wide range of services from minor building repairs and maintenance to house extensions and the ﬁtting of bathrooms and kitchens. We also specialise in a range of garden and landscaping services, so if you wish to tidy a wild garden or completely re-landscape it then we can provide paving, fencing, decking, turﬁng and much more. Call 029 2002 6329 or visit www.cardiffbuildingservices.co.uk Follow on Facebook

THE HANDMADE GIFT MARKET

Boutique Gift Market The Boutique Gift Market returns in Spring 2015 to the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay plus we have an exciting new venue for this year, St Fagans National History Museum.

Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th March Sunday 5th & Monday 6th April Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd & Monday 4th May. St Fagans National History Museum Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May.

Ten Local businesses selling an exciting range of hand-made products. Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4PA St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB Organiser: Marsh Marketing 07969 536321 www.marshmarketing.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter

COFFEE SHOP FOR EVERYONE

Nicky’s The local coffee shop that is quickly becoming everyone’s new favourite place to go. Now with a larger menu Nicky’s serves all day breakfasts, baguettes, home made cakes, a great selection of coffee and now has some delicious smoothies and a menu completely devoted to kids. In addition to all of this they also offer gluten free and vegetarian options too, making Nicky’s the place to go no matter what your preference or requirements. So visit, sit back with a vinyl on the record player and enjoy some great food. 123 Maes-Y-Coed Road, Cardiff CF14 4HE 029 2061 4237 Follow on Facebook and Twitter

“The local coffee shop that’s quickly becoming everyone’s new favourite place to go.” FEBRUARY 27TH – MARCH 1ST

Introbiz goes International!

there’s a language barrier, you don’t have enough knowledge of the country, or you quite simply don’t know where to start. That’s where we can help.

Introbiz is delighted to announce that we are now hosting international networking events. The ﬁrst of the year was held in Paris at the end of February where we joined forces with France’s biggest business network to connect while watching Wales take on France in the Six Nations tournament at the Stade de France.

The weekend was ﬁlled with networking and business card swapping around the various hotspots surrounding Paris. The guests were treated to a fabulous game of rugby, delicious food and plenty of time for shopping and sightseeing.

Many businesses explained to us that they wanted to network internationally but didn’t know how to. We know that when it comes to networking internationally, it can be difﬁcult to form a solid foundation of contacts outside your home country. Perhaps

LETTING AGENCY WITH A DIFFERENCE

Lettings Angels This new letting agency, based on Woodville Road, has stepped up their game by inviting university students to partake in marketing placements within the company. The agency, whose main aim is to provide outstanding customer service and place clients in beautifully modern houses, has recently taken on Jessica Braden, a second year business student from the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Jessica’s main aim is to increase awareness of the company, this will enable her to gain a wider knowledge of the industry and expand her network. 129 Woodville Road CF24 4DZ 029 2233 1425 www.lettingsangels.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter 8

The next international event will take place at the stunning Desert Springs, a 5 star golf resort in Spain. For more information, call the Introbiz office on 029 2029 1002 or visit www.introbiz.co.uk.

Wales’ biggest business Expo is back for its fourth consecutive year and it promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.

INTROBIZ EXPO

This year, the event will be a two day spectacular held at the Cardiff City House of Sport between Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th, 2015. We’re expecting to welcome over 5,000 visitors over the course of the two days and they’ll get the opportunity to listen and learn from ten entrepreneur keynote speakers, a wealth of free seminars hosted by some of the world’s most renowned brands and a record breaking networking breakfast. There’ll be 250 exhibitors across the 50,000sqft venue to see, you’ll need the two days to get around them all!

There’ll also be a speed networking session, free goodie bags with an Expo magazine included, and plenty of competitions for you to enter. There’s really no better opportunity to make hundreds of business connections, to meet the exhibitors present and to gain lots of business related advice and information. Tracey and Paul Smolinski, Introbiz’s founders and managing directors said, “We’re very proud to announce that the Expo is back for its fourth year running and that this year, the event will run over the course of two days.”

“There’ll be 250 exhibitors across the 50,000sqft venue to see, you’ll need the two days to get around them all!” 9

“Come along and you’ll make hundreds of business connections and you’ll gain so much business advice from some of the world’s top entrepreneurs. There’s also hundreds of exhibitors to see, so there really is something for everyone.” The event will also be ﬁlmed and broadcast on Sky TV, Made in Cardiff TV and other national media outlets. For more information about this event, head to the Introbiz website on www.introbiz.co.uk or call the ofﬁce on 02920 291002. Introbiz (UK) Ltd 07581 564371 / 02920 291002 www.introbiz.co.uk @introbiz @Paulintrobiz @WalesNo1BizShow @CardiffBizShow

Spring is in the air, summer is on the horizon. For those of you thinking about improving your home and letting the outside in, why not consider bi-fold doors as Catherine and Carl Singleton of Port Talbot did recently. We met up with them to ﬁnd out more about their new doors, courtesy of Alexander James.

A ROOM WITH

What work did Alexander James carry out for you? They supplied and ﬁtted four white aluminium bi-fold doors with tinted windows and integrated blinds in July 2014.

Why did you choose Alexander James to complete the work? We obtained two quotes and Alexander James were preferential on price, lead time and service. The sales men were very obliging. As we had never seen the bi-fold door concept previously, they were able to take us to their on-site workshop and show us a set of doors they were currently working on. Andy Farmer, the representative was able to answer any questions and queries that we had.

The time he spent with us to explain how the doors and blinds work gave us conﬁdence in the product and service that they supplied. Plus they were able to offer tinted glass and blinds that sit within the glass, which is something we required.

How did you hear about the company? I found them by searching the internet and I followed this up with a phone call to ask them about their service and expertise. Were you pleased with the work Alexander James carried out for you? We were very pleased. They were able to liaise directly with the builder who was building the extension to conﬁrm dimensions and delivery dates. 10

The estimated delivery date was six weeks, but they were able to supply and fit the doors within four weeks in line with building requirements. The fitters were friendly, polite and tidied up after themselves. The owner of the company, Alex Richards, came to the house to inspect the workmanship. There were a few minor issues, which we were unable to spot and he arranged for the fitters to come back and rectify the work. Where we live, we are exposed to the wind, the leading door sometimes catches the wind and it flies open hitting the brickwork. They were able to manufacture an ‘arm’ to stop the door flinging open which is of great benefit to us.

“ The ﬁtters were friendly, polite and tidied up after themselves. The owner of the company, Alex Richards, came to the house to inspect the workmanship.”

A VIEW How do you now use the space after the work has been carried out? The bi-fold doors were put onto a new single storey extension that has been built to extend the kitchen, diner and create a new living space. The doors brighten the room and allow us to have full beneﬁt of the wonderful view we have from the back of the house. What difference has the work made to your lifestyle? We love our new extension and spend the majority of the time when we are in the house looking out through our new doors. We cannot wait until the summer for when we can open the doors fully and bring outside living into the house.

Alexander James Unit 3A Ashmount Business Park, Upper Forest Way, Swansea, Wales SA6 8QR

Would you recommend Alexander James to others? Yes, deﬁnitely. They were great to deal with, were in constant communication, were able to provide what we required and gave us alternative options which we did not originally think of. They have a wide selection of door types, with numerous options regarding colours, tints and blind colours. We were very satisﬁed with the work that they carried out.

01792 794 549 www.alexanderjamesbifold.co.uk Alexander James is part of the AAI Group 11

Want to get away from it all but don’t want the hassle of airports, ﬂight disruption, jet lag, entertainment involving maracas, or dealing with a language barrier? Then a staycation in one of Wales’ most beautiful and idyllic coastal spots on the Heritage Coast might be the answer.

PITCH PERFECT The paddock has enjoyed an increase in wildlife visitors including owls and bats which both adults and children can enjoy. We also have a BBQ and picnic area overlooking a pretty brook.

City Life paid a visit to the Heritage Coast Campsite to chat with owners Glyn and Philippa George to ﬁnd out why, year on year, more and more holidaymakers choose their campsite.

What other facilities does the campsite enjoy? Our beautiful surroundings make us the perfect campsite location for walkers, cyclists, surfers and beach days, with the stunning Monknash beach accessible via a public footpath. We have new toilets, showers, and utility facilities, family wet room and disabled facilities onsite as well as hair dryers, freezers, Sidoli Welsh Ice Cream and hot and cold drinks. If you need a tent, bbq or an open ﬁre basket, they’re available for hire. Guests can also charge their mobiles overnight. We now have the Café serving breakfast etc daily.

What does the Heritage Coast Campsite offer visitors? Deﬁnitely the location. We have wonderful, uninterrupted views of the Heritage Coast we’re only a short walk from Monknash Beach. Our aim is to offer campers a rural retreat - a little bit of luxury - with a delicious breakfast and on site café. Our beautiful four acre Brook Paddock adjoins the campsite and is reserved for the exclusive use of visitors.

What attractions are nearby? New for 2015 – is our on-site Tourist Information Hub with an extensive range of maps and leaﬂets. We are on hand to provide information on a wide variety of local interests. We are very lucky to have an abundance of popular attractions nearby including Welsh Hawking Centre, Dyffryn Gardens, St Fagans National History Museum, Techniquest Science Centre, Llanerch Vineyard, Cardiff Bay,

Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, Ogmore Castle, Fonmon Castle, a surf school, a horse riding centre, karting centre, boating, Taskforce Paintball Course and trout ﬁshing. You shouldn’t be bored. Where can campers go to eat? We are delighted to announce the opening of our new Monks Rest Cafe where campers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, a range of teas (including Strawberry & Cream), milkshakes and smoothies, breakfasts, cream teas, a variety of paninis, supper dishes on Friday and Saturday and much more. We have also extended our shop area to offer bread, milk, butter, meats and general provisions. We are also lucky to have a couple of high quality local pubs only 300 yards away. The popular Plough & Harrow which serves real ale, great food and live music, and the equally popular Horseshoes in Marcross which also serves excellent food, real ales and take away ﬁsh and chips. It’s such a beautiful location, can you hire Heritage Coast Campsite for weddings or special occasions? Yes, we’ve had a number of weddings and events here over the years and each one has been very successful and thoroughly enjoyable.

“Heritage is a chilled out, family-friendly site, with views to savour.” W H A T G U E S T S S AY … “We turned up late on a Saturday after almost giving up ﬁnding a campsite in the area. Phillipa and Glyn were both very welcoming and extremely helpful and friendly - our late arrival was no problem to them and Phillipa walked us to our pitch whilst talking me through the running of the well kept site. For a small extra fee Glyn even set up a (much appreciated) ﬁrepit for us while chatting about the local walks and recommending the Plough and Harrow pub for dinner, which was as good as he said.

We enjoyed the breakfast which is also an added extra option on site. We would highly recommend Heritage Coast Campsite to anyone looking for a good, clean, well equipped family site. Thank you for your hospitality, we will deﬁnitely be back.” “We stayed at the site on probably the worst week of the otherwise beautiful summer, but we had a fabulous time. The owners and staff were so helpful from telephone booking to packing up in a gale, they couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly.”

“The facilities were clean and perfectly adequate. They obviously care deeply about the environment and the wildlife which is commendable but also balance that with an understanding of what makes camping pleasurable, we loved the fact that we could have a campﬁre. “The pitches are level and with plenty of room. A lovely walk to the beach & not too strenuous for my friend who had recently ﬁnished chemotherapy. I would thoroughly recommend this campsite.” Wick

Heritage Coast Campsite

Monknash

Marcross

Heritage Coast Campsite Monknash Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7QQ 01656 890399 or 07891 466638 info@heritagecoastcampsite.com www.heritagecoastcampsite.com Like on Facebook 13

A Cardiff based, family-owned independent retailer specialising in ﬁne footwear has been recognised by the British Footwear Association at its annual Footwear Industry Awards.

RISING STAR

Chris Macnamara

The Brogue Trader, owned and managed by father and son team, Chris and Keiron Macnamara, has been awarded New Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year for 2015.

We’re very proud of this recognition and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the other winners of their categories. It was a fabulous evening. The British Footwear Association put on a fantastic event.”

The Brogue Trader opened in Cardiff’s beautiful Morgan Arcade just over a year ago and has been widely recognised as offering superb levels of customer service. Owner Chris, delighted with the shop’s runaway success, said: “Ultimately, our customers are our biggest critics, but the Footwear Industry Awards are especially important because winners are voted for by members of the footwear trade. It is a completely independent endorsement, and recognition of the success of our business, by our peers.”

The Brogue Trader stocks some of the world’s finest footwear brands, and gentleman’s accessories, including Loake, Herring, Sebago, Joseph Cheaney and Oliver Sweeney. Chris also has plans to create a bespoke range of shoes under The Brogue Trader brand. Chris says: “Our first year has exceeded all our expectations, both financially and emotionally. I love shoes, I’m passionate about fine footwear and great service. I enjoyed a very successful sales career in the motor industry prior to opening The Brogue Trader which has been a dream come true. Winning New Independent Retailer of the Year 2015 has honestly been the icing on the cake, we’re so proud.”

As a keen motorcyclist, Chris was especially keen to attend the glittering gala dinner and awards ceremony as it was held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham. Chris added: “The awards provide essential publicity for small independent footwear retailers like ourselves.

Chris is also passionate about rugby and The Brogue Trader proudly sponsors the Cardiff Blues and is Ofﬁcial Footwear Supplier to the Welsh Rugby Union. 14

Chris and Keiron Macnamara

The Brogue Trader 27a Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF Tel/Fax 0843 9032 296 info@thebroguetrader.com www.thebroguetrader.com

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If you’re looking for a piece of jewellery and are tired of looking at row upon row of cloned platinum rings, bracelets and earrings, perhaps it’s time to consider a piece of vintage or pre-loved jewellery.

A GOOD VINTAGE

Cartier Santos Watch £2,650

18ct Gold Pocket Watch £5,500

Sometimes, when I’m looking at jewellery in most chain and high street jewellers, I must confess the displays, with their almost anaesthetic lighting leave me cold. These days, I’m finding myself drawn more and more to the vintage and retro pieces. They just seem to have so much more character. The second reason this attracts me is you simply get more for your money. I suppose it’s like a quality car - a top of the range Mercedes or BMW for example. When you buy a new car, it will depreciate dramatically in the first several years of ownership so, it makes sense to wait a while and buy one four, five or even ten years later. It’s just good economics and what the smart buyers do. David Edwards Jewellers nestles in the Royal Arcade and is family-owned and very well established. They have a superb and extensive collection of preowned jewellery, watches and gifts and, if you’ll excuse the pun, you can find some real gems here. From beautiful gold pocket watches to stunning large carat diamond rings, pendants, necklaces and brooches, David Edwards Jewellers has something for the more discerning buyer.

They also buy good quality jewellery and watches so, if you’re looking to trade up, this might be something to consider. Owner, Jack Cohen says, “We have lots of loyal customers who come to us year after year. It’s not uncommon for clients to bring in a diamond ring they purchased from us several years ago and leave with a larger carat ring or something entirely different.” David Edwards Jewellers also provide valuations for insurance purposes so if you have a ﬁne piece of jewellery that you don’t have insured, you really ought to get it valued - for peace of mind. Jack and his trusted team are extremely helpful and can give you all the advice you need. 16 14

Amethyst Pendant £850

Pearl Necklace £2,500

“Jack and his trusted team are extremely helpful and can give you all the advice you need.”

Turquoise Pendant £950

Silver Locket £250

18ct Gold Pearl Master Rolex £12,500

Diamond Cluster Ring £7,000

9ct Gold Bracelet £550

Ladies Bi-Colour Datejust Rolex £3,500

18ct Gold Pocket Watch £8,500

Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Earrings £2,300

Albert Fob Chain £1,200

Curb Bracelet £495

Gent’s Diamond Ring £2,500

Coral Pendant £1,350

Pearl, Sapphire & Diamond Brooch £850

David Edwards Jewellers 23-25 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE 029 2064 1939 www.davidedwardsjewellers.co.uk 17 15

OUT OF TOWN GEMS PENARTH

Ladies’ Night at the Queen B – March 31st Following the great success of the Gentlemen’s Evening hosted for a second consecutive year in association with The Brogue Trader, we felt it only fair to host an event for the lovely ladies, for one evening only, we’re hosting Ladies’ Night!

The evening is free to attend, but it’ll be an invitation only event. There’ll be food and drinks available so you can enjoy a truly girly evening! For more information, call the Introbiz office on 02920 291002 or email info@introbiz. co.uk. Alternatively, you can drop in to the Queen B boutique.

The event will take place at the truly beautiful Queen B boutique in Penarth on Tuesday, March 31st from 7-9pm. This will be a great opportunity to see the luxurious clothes on display and to purchase an outﬁt of your choice. The ladies at Queen B will be on hand to offer you style advice and to offer any assistance you may need.

natural ingredients to nourish healthier, happier pets. It is a fact that most mass produced mainstream pet foods are often packed with ﬁllers, such as cereals, grains and soya, which dogs are simply not designed to eat, and which can actually lead to long-term health problems such as yeast infections, itchy skin, ear and anal gland issues. Find out the truth about what is actually in your dog’s food. THE BES T FOR YOUR PET S... N A T U R A L LY

Sig and Viv’s Natural Pet Pantry Sig and Viv’s, Dinas Powys (next to dog friendly Cross Keys pub), has set about revolutionising how people feed their dogs and cats. They provide quality, natural pet food, made from the best

Contact us or call in and we will provide you with a breakdown of the nutritional value of the food you are feeding and introduce you to come excellent 5* natural foods we have to offer. After all “You are what you eat” they say and that applies to your pets as well. 4 Elm Grove Road, CF64 4AA 029 2051 5141 www.sigandvivs.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 18

PROVIDING PEACE OF MIND

Scott Wroe Hearing Centre The Hearing Centre is a purposely designed practice that offers state of the art testing, ﬁtting and aftercare services. The Centre includes a completely enclosed sound booth,

speech mapping facilities and a ﬁtting room to help demonstrate the latest hearing aid technology. We are an independent practice which enables us to recommend the best hearing aid for our clients particular needs. All of our customers receive a personal yet professional service that ensures everything from the ﬁrst test to the

INDEPENDENT ADVICE

Romilly Financial Based in Penarth, we serve clients on a national scale, however our hearts are based here in our home town. With the bulk of our clients within a 20 mile radius we have built up trust and reputation as a reliable business. As an independent fee based planning practice, we help people take care of their money, protect it, build it and preserve it. Whether you’re looking to retire, buy your first home or save for your future, we can guide you through the maze of options, benefits and products. If you want to know more call or visit us. It could be the best financial decision you have ever made. 26 Hickman Road, Penarth CF64 2AL 029 2041 5100 www.romillyifa.com Facebook.com/romillyifa @romillyifa 19

aftercare is handled in the highest of standards. So if you need a hearing test, or just advice on the best products for you then get in touch with us. 1 Station Approach Penarth CF64 3EE 029 2070 7760 www.scottwroe-hearingcentre.co.uk

Voted the Best Wedding Venue in Wales at the 2014 Welsh National Wedding Awards, the independently owned, Oldwalls Gower is a ﬁve star exclusive retreat, fusing modern design with rural charm. A unique destination in a unique part of Wales.

OLDWALLS GOWER

Hidden seductively within 50 acres of Welsh countryside at the heart of Britain’s ﬁrst designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Oldwalls Gower boasts everything you need for your big day, a special birthday, anniversary or corporate event.

The Oldwalls marquee is arguably one of the most advanced in Wales. Offering a sophisticated sound and lighting system, central heating, a dedicated dance ﬂoor area and breathtaking views of the grounds that can be enjoyed through the panoramic glass panelled windows.

Just an hour’s drive from Cardiff, Oldwalls Gower offers a purpose built Oakroom, perfect for a civil ceremony or drinks reception, a private bar, luxury accommodation and a magniﬁcent marquee.

Oldwalls attracts interest from all over the country thanks to its unique setup. It’s also something of a hidden gem, allowing you to invite your friends, family or clients to a venue that they’re not likely to have been to.

You and your party will be given exclusive use of the five star destination allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Oldwalls Gower experience. Luxury comes as standard, with the award winning cuisine to the team of expert wedding coordinators – several packages even include a magical fireworks display. If you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue discover a unique location in a unique part of Wales by attending one of their renowned wedding showcase events, held monthly. For all other events and overnight stay enquiries the sales office is open 7 days a week, and has a selection of seasonal accommodation offers, corporate and special events packages available. Oldwalls Gower Enquiries@oldwallsgower.com 01792 391468 www.oldwallsgower.com

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FREE PERSONAL PACKAGE WHEN YOU JOIN THIS MONTH* Call 02920 785847, pop in or visit MarriottLeisure.co.uk Cardiff Marriott Hotel Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales CF10 1EZ

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Children’s Play and Birthday Party Centre with something extra for you.

TINY TOWN In order to fulfil this concept the brilliant minds behind this small hamlet of entertainment have given parents the opportunity to place their kids in the care of professional hands and explore what treats the rest of this little village of enjoyment has to offer. Spread out over two floors Tiny Town has an array of recreational activities and supervised play areas for the little ones, as well as a selection of shops and services for the slightly more grown up ones. Tiny Town is split into two sections: First opening its doors in October of 2013, this fun filled destination answers the age old question that is asked by parents everywhere “Whilst the kids are playing, what do we do?” Tiny Town was born with the idea of providing parents with somewhere they could relax and enjoy themselves, safe in the knowledge their children are playing in a safe, entertaining and, most importantly, professionally supervised environment.

Downstairs is where the children can be set loose. P L AY C E N T R E The play centre houses a vast array of entertainment and activities for the amusement of the little ones. Aimed at young children ranging from preschool and toddler up to early years, the play centre contains an adventure frame, ball pit, toddler area, trampoline and a full dress up kit.

Whilst the kids are playing there is also a seating area for the parents that is in full view of the entire play area, so no matter where you sit you can see your child and they can see you. So you don’t have to worry about them ﬁnding any sneaky out of sight hideaways to crawl into. Tiny Town’s play centre can also host some fantastic Birthday parties. With packages starting from as little as £7.50 per child. There are hot and cold food packages available with two hours worth of play, as well as special appearances from both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. During half term holidays Tiny Town provides extra activities ranging from arts and crafts to cookery classes. There are regular themed parties for special occasions such as a Valentine’s Day disco, Halloween party, Frozen events featuring appearances from Anna, Elsa and Olaf and this Easter there will be an Easter Bonanza with an Easter egg hunt, bonnet making and lots of fun and games.

Upstairs is a place away from the mayhem, home to a range of shops and services for the grown ups to enjoy. TINY TOWN CAFE This newly refurbished Cafe serves a delicious selection of food, most of which is lovingly homemade by the skilled staff, in addition to a thirst quenching range of hot and cold drinks. The cafe is open to the public (no child required) and is also available for parties. AMOR VIDA A ladies fashion boutique that is perfect for a visit from the mums. This lovely shop is home to stands bursting with the latest High Street fashions and accessories. As well as cutting edge designs in coats, dresses and tops Amor Vida also offers jewellery, handbags, shoes and boots. Furthermore they offer a variety of children’s clothes including designer brands such as Ralph Lauren. LC WALPOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Photography studio based in Tiny Town, LC Walpole offers a variety of photographic services specialising in Weddings, Bump to Baby, Maternity and Newborn photography. With over ﬁve years of experience in the ﬁeld she also deals with toddlers to teens, families, cake smash, fairies and events and ensures natural “in the moment” images that perfectly capture the memories that you may forget. P E R F O R M I N G PA R T Y P R I N C E S S PA M P E R PA L AC E A pamper palace for the children who, after exhausting themselves with the activities of downstairs, can come up and be made into a prince or princess.

With extra special party packages for special occasions including activities such as hair and nail treatments, singing, dancing and a photoshoot with Disney characters such as Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Make sure you call ahead as, although it is open to the public, you need to book an appointment to secure a place for your little one and their friends.

Coming soon to Tiny Town are two fantastic new additions. Firstly there is Evolution Hair Salon, a place that deals with all aspects of hairdressing. Then there is the brilliant Revival, selling previously unwanted and unloved furniture that has been beautifully revived in order to create unique pieces. From contemporary and retro to shabby chic, Revival also undertakes commissions.

“The newly refurbished Cafe serves a delicious selection of food, most of which is homemade.”

TINY TOWN Unit 3, Pwllmawr Business Park (Bottom of Wentloog Road) Rumney CF3 1TH 029 2132 0075 www.tiny-town.com facebook.com/pages/Tiny-Town Twitter @tinytowncardiff instagram.com/tinytown_cardiff Amor Vida facebook.com/Vicky Louise Clark (Amor Vida Boutique) Twitter @AmorVida123x instagram.com/amorvida123x 23

LC Walpole Photography www.lcwalpolephotography.com facebook.com/lcwalpolephotography Twitter @LCWalpolePix instagram.com/lcwalpolepix Performing Party Princess Pamper Palace performingpartypri.wix.com facebook.com/performingmartyprincess Twitter @PPPrincessCA instagram.com/performingpartyprincess Leanne Loves Nails facebook.com/Leanne Loves Nails

CITY CENTRE GEMS H O M E LY I T A L I A N C A F E

CONTEMPORARY WELSH ART

Bramina

Fountain Fine Art

A charming, individual Italian cafe serving fresh, homemade food just like ‘Mamma used to make’. Unique for serving its comforting pasta dishes on the go, it also offers a classic cafe menu and irresistible home baked cakes.

Established in 1989 in Llandeilo and specialising in contemporary Welsh painting and sculpture. In 2012 they opened a second premises in Cardiff. Both have two ﬂoors of gallery space hosting a rolling programme of both solo and group exhibitions. 6 - 8 Morgan Arcade CF10 1AF 029 2034 2449 www.fountainfineart.com Follow on Facebook and Twitter

9 Barrack Lane CF10 2FR Facebook - Bramina Twitter - @braminacafe

N O T A N AV E R AG E B O T T L E S H O P

The Gravity Station Situated within the bustling new development on Barrack Lane and offering a veritable array of bottled beers from breweries throughout the UK and other far reaching global locations, The Gravity Station promises to always have something a little different to hand for the more discerning and inquisitive ale drinker. Available on tap are a varied selection of cask and keg ales with sample trays available for the folk discovering the delights of ale for the ﬁrst time or pints for the more experienced ale drinkers. There is also the option to take your favourite ale home with you. 6 Barrack Lane, Cardiff, CF10 2FR 029 2034 0252 www.thegravitystation.com Follow on Facebook and Twitter 24

If you’re a fab little café or boutique or a great gift shop, butcher, baker or candlestick maker, please get in touch – we’d love to meet you in our next issue. Similarly, if you’re a reader and know a business that you feel could have, or should have been featured, then please let me know. Email me at lewis@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

F I N D O U T M O R E O N PAG E 2 8

Bubblebase Bubblebase is the brainchild of 26 year old Cardiff entrepreneur Kishan Varsani and after two years of trade Bubblebase is still going strong. Bubblebase is the home of Bubble Tea, a drink that originated in Taiwan during the 80’s. Bubble Tea is a refreshing fruit or milk drink that can be served either hot or cold with traditional soft tapioca pearls at the bottom. In addition to the tea they also serve fat free frozen yogurt, made from Welsh milk and in a range of ﬂavours, as well as yogurt smoothies. To ﬁnd out more about Bubblebase please turn to page 28. Queens Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 2BY 029 2022 7491 www.bubblebase.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter CONTEMPORARY WELSH ART

Fountain Fine Art Fountain Fine Art was established in 1989 in Llandeilo and specialises in contemporary Welsh painting and sculpture. In 2012 they opened a second premises in Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. Both premises have two ﬂoors of gallery space hosting a rolling programme of both solo and group exhibitions. From 7th March - 18th April, the Cardiff gallery will be hosting an exhibition of original Henri Matisse lithographs from the 1950’s giving collectors the rare opportunity to purchase a piece of affordable work from one of the worlds most inﬂuential artists. 6 - 8 Morgan Arcade CF10 1AF 029 2034 2449 www.fountainfineart.com Follow on Facebook and Twitter 25

Growing up Jade Cross was surrounded with a passion for the pre-loved, from trips to car boot sales and antique markets with her Grandmother to her Dad’s market stall. Jade grew up engrossed with British markets, witnessing ﬁrst hand people’s love for vintage items. Now Jade owns ‘Annie & Co’, a shop that is so much more than your average Vintage Boutique.

ANNIE & CO Why did you start Annie & Co? Its creation was actually a very happy accident. Like a lot of people when I first moved out on my own I didn’t have enough money to buy new furniture for my home, so rather than living without I started picking up bits at various car boot sales and junk shops. Once getting them home I upcycled them to fit in with the aesthetic of my home, when my friends and family started to see how the finished products looked after I had given them a new lease of life they started to approach me with pieces of their own that they wanted me to improve. After that I started to up-cycle more and more items, selling the end results at various vintage outlets until I decided to open the shop in late 2014. I think the initial interest in pre-loved and vintage items came from a few instances in my childhood and early years. From an early age I loved to play shop with my Nan, Annie. She was always buying from car boots and selling to antique markets and I would replicate that, using a hostess trolley.

I would “sell” my Nan her bingo pens and even her false teeth back to her. Another instance was during the 1980’s when my Dad owned a market stall. I was often there and grew up surrounded by the buying and selling found at classic Great British markets. Both of my parents are avid car boot fans so I would always go along and pick up things that I liked, occasionally selling them while I was at university. In 2013 I left my job as a Visual Merchandiser to concentrate on my passion and within a year opened Annie & Co, named after my Nan who helped me discover my love of the pre-loved.

What items do you sell and what sets you apart from other stores? We sell a wide range of products that are all either handmade, vintage or up-cycled. We have 25 sellers in store that all sell an array of different items from up-cycled furniture, art, clothing, jewellery, a variety of taxidermy and much more. The items we sell are vintage yet they are not conﬁned to a certain period, they don’t match a speciﬁc decade because we believe that with items such as these they should be adapted into the home, so that what the customer buys can be made their own rather than a copy of a vintage idea. The shop simply wouldn’t work if I didn’t have my team of vintage experts around me. Personally I cannot know about every area of vintage which is why I am so grateful to be surrounded by friends and colleagues who specialise in kitchenalia, taxidermy and clothing. It means that the shop can have a much larger variety of items for people to come and browse through, there is something of interest for everyone.

What are your plans for the future? Annie & Coâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future is in Cardiff. We are in a great location, Cardiff is a beautiful city and the perfect place for the business to expand and evolve. We constantly have new people joining the team so there will always be new handmade treasures appearing in the store. We have some fantastic independent businesses popping up and we would love to see all the original arcades throughout the city once again being used for their great shopping experiences.

Jadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nan, Annie and her Grandad, Len

We are also always on the lookout for new crafts people, so if you make something new, unusual or vintage inspired then please get in contact.

Annie & Co 11 High Street CF10 1AW 07760 994929 vintageannie.cardiff@gmail.com Like on Facebook: Annie&Co 27

Bubblebase is the brainchild of 26 year old Cardiff entrepreneur Kishan Varsani, who ﬁrst tried bubble tea in America in 2008. After realising there was a gap in the market for the cult drink, he decided to set up his own business in Wales. After two years Bubblebase is still going strong.

BUBBLEBASE What’s the history behind Bubble Tea and what exactly is it? Bubble tea is a Taiwanese trend that began in the 80’s. There are now over 10,000 outlets in Taiwan alone. Since then it’s gone on to take North America and now London by storm. We’ve brought it to Wales for the first time in Queens Arcade, Cardiff, giving the nation its first taste of this amazing product. Bubble tea is a refreshing fruit or milk drink that can be served hot or cold. Its name comes from the frothy bubbles that form at the top of the tea after it’s been shaken over ice, and traditionally it has soft tapioca pearls at the bottom. Alternatives to the tapioca pearls are ‘popping bubbles’, which are soft agar capsules containing concentrated juice that burst in your mouth. There are also fruit flavoured coconut jellies, which are gelatin free (as are our popping bubbles) and have more of a bite to them.

Bubble tea is drunk through a thick straw that allows you to sip up the tapioca and the tea at the same time. You get all the health benefits of the antioxidants contained in the tea but in a colourful and fun drink. What sets you apart from other food and drink stalls? Aside from being one of the only places in Wales that serves Bubble Tea we also serve fat free frozen yoghurt made with Welsh milk. Available in a range of flavours; Natural, Strawberry, Vanilla and a ‘guest’ flavour that we change on a regular basis. We also serve Yoghurt Smoothies that are made with our frozen yoghurt. We’ve created a selection that is blended with fresh fruit, but customers can also ‘create your own’ smoothies taking inspiration from our toppings counter. We’ve recently launched our Premium Matcha Range. This is our high quality, healthy range that incorporates matcha (one of the purest forms of green tea) into three different drinks.

The range on offer includes a matcha bubble tea, a soy-matcha latte and a refreshing matcha ice tea infused with lemongrass. We continually expand our drinks range. When we were putting the menu together our main concern was that our offering would be the authentic Taiwanese bubble tea, not just a Western take on it. We’re really proud of that. We take pride in absolutely everything that we do. Our products are made in front of the customer, so there are no surprises! This, along with our passion for providing excellent service, is what sets us apart from other beverage stops. What inspired you to start a business in Cardiff and what are your future plans? I’ve had some experience of running businesses in the past, but in bringing Bubblebase to market it’s the first time I’ve started one from scratch on my own. Also, being brought up in Cardiff was one of the the main reasons I wanted to open our flagship store in the capital of Wales. It really was a leap of faith but I firmly believe in the products we sell.

Kishan Varsani

Bubble tea and frozen yoghurt is extremely popular in other countries and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure it will catch on in Wales too. Bubble Tea is a very funky and quirky drink and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate about making it a success here. We want to build our brand in Cardiff, and in the near future expand in South Wales. We have our eyes set on a few locations over the coming years. We also have recently launched an app that is available on the Apple App Store and also on Google Play which gives rewards to our regular customers and includes an exclusive offers page, gallery and feedback form for our customers to get in touch quickly and easily. Bubblebase Queens Arcade Shopping Centre Cardiff CF10 2BY 029 2022 7491 www.bubblebase.co.uk Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Google by using #BubblebaseUK 29

TONGWYNLAIS “We offer a free survey and quotations.”

SA L E S , S E RV I C E , I N S TA L L AT I O N

Deco Heat Deco Heat have been supplying and installing wood burners and fireplaces for 20 years now, and with the addition of our third showroom within The Pumping Station on Penarth Road, we are now able to offer an increased range of period fireplaces and surrounds to compliment our vast range. Each and every system that DecoHeat supply and install are of the very highest quality, with HETAS qualified staff ready to guide you through the whole process, from choosing what is right for you and your property, right through to the final installation. Within the group of companies we also supply and fit renewable heating systems, including, biomass, heat pumps and solar. Ask us about Green heat wales and the renewable heat inventive. We are MCS accredited to install all renewable technologies. 2 Merthyr Road CF15 7LF 029 2081 1478 www.decoheat.co.uk Follow on Facebook Also at The Pumping Station, Penarth Road Cardiff CF11 8TT 029 2023 0400

“Exclusive showroom offer until end of April, £200 off selected leading brand stoves.”

LLANDAFF NORTH

A BETTER AND MORE COMPLETE SERVICE THAN EVER BEFORE

“James & Jenkins and Charter Vehicle Hire have now joined forces in a single location, giving you all of your car needs under one roof.”

James & Jenkins / Charter Vehicle Hire James & Jenkins and Charter Vehicle Hire have now joined forces in a single location, giving you all of your car needs under one roof. Whether you are looking to buy New or Used cars, whether you need Vehicle Repairs, Servicing and MOT’s; or if you are looking for Car, Van, MPV and Minibus rental, simply pop down to the Tivoli Garage and one of our specialised staff will help you with all of your vehicle needs. Station Road, Llandaff North CF14 2FF 029 2030 4020 www.cvhl.co.uk www.jamesandjenkins.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter 31

Some cosmetic facial treatments are revolutionary ‘game changers’ for those who want naturallooking results according to Annie Cartwright, Director of Skin and Face Clinics, who opened a brand new clinic in Llandaff last year…

SKIN AND FACE CLINICS What are your plans for the future? New this year, I am offering red vein treatments and skin tag removal as minor medical procedures, along with a range of treatments and products for the correction and prevention of skin changes associated with ageing. For example, pigmentation and open pores, as well as other skin problems like acne. Also, look out for new skin rejuvenation regimes coming soon, using the EDS micro-needling system to enhance the absorption of intensive skin treatments, designed to provide maximum results with less down time. As facial aesthetics is such a new and emerging ﬁeld it is important to stay ahead of the latest developments and the science behind them. This is why I’m also really pleased to be attending the Anti-Ageing Medicine World Congress in Monaco this year. How is the business going after opening your new clinic? The clinic is tucked away behind Llandaff High Street and clients say they love the discrete, but accessible, location. This has really helped to attract more business.

As one of only seven nurses in the UK invited to join the Allergan Medical Institute Faculty (makers of Botox), I am providing training for other nurses, doctors and dentists, teaching the anatomy of the ageing face and various injection techniques.

Since we opened we have become one of the first clinics in the UK to be officially accredited as safe and qualified to carry out non-surgical cosmetic treatments by Save Face. Save Face is a new organisation that assesses clinics for professionalism, qualifications and safety, and provides a register of accredited practitioners.

The 8-point lift is one of a new generation of long-lasting, but nonpermanent, treatments designed to replace the volume that’s been lost and add support into the tissue structures that have been affected by ageing. The procedure is also gaining popularity among men who previously opted for wrinkle-relaxing injections more readily than dermal ﬁllers. With careful adaptation for the male face, the 8-point lift proves equally rejuvenating.

What new treatments and products are you recommending to clients? The number of patients opting for the 8-point lift has quadrupled over the past twelve months and this treatment is a ‘game changer’ in helping you to get far more natural-looking results.

If you have a skilled practitioner with a good eye for detail you can obtain very natural-looking results with this technique. 32

For more information, or to book a consultation with no obligation, contact: Annie Cartwright, MSc, RGN, IP Director, Skin and Face Clinics Limited Coach House Clinics Rear of 23 High Street, Llandaff CF5 2DY 029 2056 7096 acartwright@skinandfaceclinics.com www.skinandfaceclinics.com

FEEL THE DIFFERENCE Coach House Clinics one year on Did you know that for every dental hygienist, there are 6 dentists in Wales? Do you want to jump the queue? Visit Wales’ ﬁrst independent hygiene clinic, opened May 2014. Experience a no-rush, relaxed, caring atmosphere in modern, professional surroundings. With 22 years experience and top of the range equipment we allow 45 minutes (if needed) for every appointment still only £40. There is a free car park at the top of the high street and the surgery is situated on the ground ﬂoor, offering disabled access. No need for dentist referral. All Welcome.

“Experience a no-rush, relaxed, caring atmosphere in modern, professional surroundings.” Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene Coach House Clinic (Behind K2 Coffee house) 23 High Street, Llandaff, CF5 2DY 029 2056 7824 lucyreeddentalhygiene@gmail.com www.howcleanisyourmouth.co.uk Follow Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene on: Facebook - Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene Twitter - @LucyReedDental 33

Mudlarks Gifts and Home opened to the public in October of 2014. However the dream of having their own creative business had long been established in the minds of Sarah and Sam, the owners. Mudlarks may be a newbie on the streets of Cardiff, but it has already been taken into the hearts of local customers.

MUDLARKS What’s the history behind Mudlarks and what kind of things do you sell? Mudlarks is co-owned by both of us, we met whilst working in television and instantly became friends. We were both members of the art department and found that, creatively, we had a lot in common. This was around a decade ago and it was then that we started dreaming about a way to combine our artistic skills. We love beautiful things, especially those whose beauty is not seen by all. We wanted to blend a mix of the old and new, mainstream and off-beat, so we came up with our ‘New, Found & Made’ ethos. We stock new products from a range of brands; with an emphasis on local and British design and manufacture. We also source vintage and retro pieces, including furniture, in our ‘Found Collection’, some of which is left in its raw state (apart from a thorough clean!) and some which is upcycled by us. Finally, we are very proud to provide a platform for local designers - some very local, some from slightly further aﬁeld, but all British.

As well as getting busy with the paint and fabric for the pieces we upcycle ourselves, we also seek out products which will inspire the creative crafter in everyone, from sewing accessories to ‘make-your-own’ kits. We also have a range of gift-cards, many of which are made by local artists. And just because we’re a little obsessed with ribbons and bows ourselves, we also provide a personalised gift wrapping service. What sets you apart from other Arts and Craft stores? Our focus on handmade products gives Mudlarks a strong arts and crafts feel. We are passionate about making and crafting and we want Mudlarks to become an arts and crafts hub - a destination store where experienced crafters can ﬁnd supplies and also those new to making can ﬁnd inspiration. Our established range of crafting kits - including Vintage Model Co classic aero-planes, Guinness World Records rubber-band cars & catapults and our Make Your Own Christmas decoration kits - proved very popular over the Christmas period.

We will be expanding our range of crafting materials and equipment, but we want to go further than simply providing arts and crafts supplies. Since opening, we have upcycled a number of vintage and retro ‘Found’ items from cups and saucers to tables and chairs. These have not only been an enjoyable outlet for our own creativity, but also given our customers an opportunity to create an arts and crafts feel in their own home - no sanding or painting required! For those, like us, who can’t resist getting a bit messy, we also run The Sunday Projects. These relaxed Sunday get-togethers at the shop are themed around a different craft and are led by experienced artists and craftspeople. All materials needed for the craft are included in the price of the session and are designed so everyone takes away a ﬁnished, hand-crafted item. Coming up in the near future are needle-felting, cake decorating and jewellery making sessions. Crafting combined with chat and a nice cuppa (or a cheeky glass of wine) makes for a special Sunday!

Why did you select the brands available in your store? At Mudlarks, a number of up-andcoming brands rub shoulders with more established names. International, local, big, small, household-name or kitchen-table - all that matters to us is that something is beautifully designed and well-made, the brand doesn’t matter. Providing our community with a wide range of choices in gift and homewares is very important to us and these brands allow us to bring popular, on-trend options to our customers.

A real favourite brand of ours is Cable & Cotton, an example of a small British brand which is going from strength to strength not least in our shop - their wonderful choose-your-own-colours fairy lights have been extremely popular. We love this particular brand because their values are so close to our own, providing customers with opportunities to express their own creativity and add their own spin to a high-quality product. Promoting local, and particularly Welsh brands, is something we are passionate about and proud to do. Sugar Loaf Soaps, Yonjai Spa bodycare, Slightly Wobbly Designs, Dippy Egg and Chris House artworks and Claire Hill jewellery are just a few examples of the local brands we support. We have chosen to work with these very talented and creative individuals, not only because we believe their handmade wares are fabulous (which we do!), but because we believe in championing small Welsh, and British, brands. Our ‘Made’ brands offer customers a choice of gifts and homewares which they might never have considered before and place creativity ﬁrmly at the heart of Mudlarks. Any plans for the future? 2015 is going to be a busy year for us. We hope to build on the wonderful welcome we have had to the Cardiff 35

small business scene and aim to establish ourselves as a destination for wonderful gifts and homewares, as well as becoming a crafting hub. We’re in the process of establishing a range of materials and equipment to inspire and aid crafters in upcycling furniture and other pre-loved ﬁnds.We are also going to offer customers the chance to design their own upcycled pieces which we will then create for them. We are very excited about the Sunday Projects crafting sessions and hope to continue to expand these, bringing together talented craftspeople and those keen to learn. Mix in lots of new handmade loveliness from local artists and makers and it’s set to be a very exciting, very creative year for us!

Mudlarks 10 Waun Gron Road, Llandaff CF5 2JJ 029 2132 1099 www.mudlarks.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter

ROATH C R E AT I V E H A I R S T Y L I N G

Maine Hair Studio

Mathew has over 13 years’ worth of experience working in many hair salons in Cardiff and the Vale.

Maine Hair Studio is the culmination of expert stylist Mathew Farnham’s years of experience in the ﬁeld of hairdressing in addition to his long lasting aspiration towards a singular goal.

With a passion for colour and also for creative styling, he has excelled at all aspects of the industry as seen in a great many fashion shows and out

AWA R D W I N N I N G B R I DA L BOUTIQUE

Laura May Bridal Since opening its doors to future brides in 2011 they have provided every customer with a warm and friendly service in preparation for the big day. Specialising in wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and accessories. 112 Crwys Road CF24 4NQ 029 2034 4700 www.lauramaybridal.co.uk Follow on Facebook

of salon demonstrations. 126 Crwys Road, Cardiff CF24 4NR 029 2039 0999 www.mainehairstudio.co.uk Follow on Facebook

IRAQI CUISINE

Mashawe The only restaurant serving authentic Iraqi cuisine in the entire of Cardiff and the surrounding area. Using traditional Iraqi equipment that is especially made to prepare the dishes available guarantees that the food found within Mashawe is authentic. Spread out across Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner their menu reflects a complex array of dishes from simple grilled meats to elaborate fish dishes for special occasions. One of which being the Iraqi river fish, Massghoof. A special dish thats flavour is unlike any other fish you have tried before, previously only available in Iraq and Dubai... until now. 98 Crwys Road CF24 4NQ 029 2022 4171 www.mashawe.co.uk Follow on Facebook U N D E R G R O U N D A P PA R E L

Head Threads Tucked away in Albany Road, Head Threads stocks one of the widest and most exclusive ranges of baseball caps and hip hop ﬂavoured underground apparel in the city. As well as boasting some of the biggest brand names in the urban clothing scene, such as new Era, Crooks & Castles, Globe, Addict and King, this forward looking store also calls itself home to some of the newest and freshest upcoming labels, including Cayler & Sons, Bloc 28, Osiris and Jilted Royalty. All pieces are carefully hand picked and rare, one off items are in plentiful supply, adding to the boutique feel. Head Threads do not limit themselves to the hip-hop heads, however.

Skaters and superhero fans are sure to bag themselves that must-have gem too, with a wide range of Marvel themed threads and Globe skateboards, laces and Skull Candy headphones also on offer. For the ultra hip youngster, there is also an impressive choice of baby, child and youth caps on display. The vast cap wall display alone houses every style, pattern and colour combo imaginable. Here you’ll find the cream of the crop in 59fifty fitted, 9fifty snapback, 9forty adjustable and trucker style caps. So if you’re looking for a quality seller of hip hop, skater and casual clothing, or just want a break from the endless chain stores in favour of a more unique shopping experience, head down to 32 Albany Road. 32 Albany Road CF24 3RQ 029 2049 6583 www.headthreads.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter 37

Did Cardiff really need another Lettings Agency? The answer is, of course no, but did Cardiff need a Letting Agency who’s primary motivation was its customer service to Landlords and Tenants? Absolutely, yes it did.

LETTINGS ANGELS Established in 2014, Lettings Angels was founded in order to improve the housing industry as we currently know it. We did this by setting a new example to our peers and by offering our clients unrivalled levels of service, whilst being at the forefront of modern marketing campaigns. Are you a Landlord looking for a dynamic, professional and hard working Letting Agency that’s prepared to go the extra mile in obtaining quality tenants for your house? Whether you have one property or a whole portfolio we excel in not only ﬁnding quality tenants quickly but also maintaining a smooth tenancy ensuring your investment is treated as such. So if you are in the market for unrivalled levels of service simply pop in or give us a call.

We believe there is no customer service to rival ours in Cardiff and as part of our comprehensive service we offer: ■ 7 days a week opening, so you can always talk to us ■ Business hours and viewings available 8am - 8pm ■ Thorough references obtained for all tenants including credit checks ■ Deposits protected with DPS ■ Initial rent paid to you on the day the tenancy commences Should you opt in for our management service you will also enjoy: ■ Professional inventory and checkout with photographs detailing all contents ■ Quarterly property inspections ■ Rent paid to you within 48 hours of us receiving ■ Monthly and annual statements ■ One dedicated member of staff looking after your investment ■ 24 hour maintenance telephone number ■ Optional Rent Guarantee

Lettings Angels LTD 129 Woodville Road Cathays CF24 4DZ 029 2233 1425 info@lettingsangels.co.uk www.lettingsangels.co.uk Facebook.com/lettings.angels Twitter @LettingsAngels Instagram.com/lettingsangels

Due to the recent expansion to our team of Angels we are delighted to offer full management at the unbelievable price of only 6% per month.

50% of people, male and female, will experience thinning hair. It’s a common problem and a huge source of stress. When a number of clients at the popular Penarth hair salon Blu, raised the issue with the team, they quickly rose to the challenge of ﬁnding a product to combat this issue. Luckily the salon’s preferred brand Wella had the solution – Nioxin. Blu’s assistant stylist Alice Davies recently went on an in-depth course to ﬁnd out more.

Alice Davies

BLU HAIR DESIGN

What causes thinning hair Alice? The truth about thinning hair is that it cannot be reversed, but with early detection, professional consultation, and advanced products and technologies, you can make the most of the hair you have. Without going into too much scientiﬁc detail, the cause is often genetic, and can also be triggered by certain life stages. Hair cells reproduce at a faster rate than any other in our bodies, so they are also sensitive to changes in our health or environment. Addressing thinning begins with understanding what causes and contributes to it, and the early warning signs to look out for. What can Blu offer to help? Applied to the hair and scalp, Nioxin products reduce hair breakage, delivers denser looking hair, ampliﬁes hair texture, strengthens hair against cuticle damage, and cleanses excessive sebum from the scalp.

Does it work? Yes, clients have noticed denser, thicker looking hair in only four weeks.

“ Nioxin products reduce hair breakage, delivers denser looking hair, ampliﬁes hair texture, strengthens hair against cuticle damage.” Are you glad that you can pass this knowledge onto your clients? Deﬁnitely. We’re lucky at Blu in that our Directors, Alexis and Hayley invest in us in terms of training and often send us on courses to improve not only our cutting, colouring and styling skills but issues such as this which can be upsetting and embarrassing for our clients. I learnt so much about hair and the science behind the products that we use in the salon on a daily basis, which I’m glad I can pass on to our clients. 39

Blu Hair Design 1 Washington Chambers, Stanwell Road Penarth CF64 2AF 029 2070 4040 www.bluhairdesign.com @bluhairdesign

Cardiff ’s gorgeous Morgan Arcade has a new independent retailer. Nestled neatly between the excellent Crumbs café and Hawkes, the gentleman’s outfitters, you’ll find Watches Of Wales which specialises in the buying and selling of the World’s very finest watch brands. City Life took time out with owner Paul Hornblow.

A BOUT TIME

Watches Of Wales opened its doors in Cardiff three weeks before Christmas but this trusted business has been trading for many years online so I was curious why Paul had decided to open in Morgan Arcade. “The opportunity arose and it seemed like a good idea,” said Paul. “We have a very successful online business. It just felt the right thing to do. To have a place where we can showcase our watches and jewellery. Cardiff is deﬁnitely the right place to be and with Hawkes and The Brogue Trader yards away I think we’ve added something special to Morgan Arcade.” Paul is keen to stress that Watches Of Wales doesn’t just sell watches. “Watches Of Wales core business is buying and selling high quality watches but we also buy and sell pre-owned jewellery, gold and silver,” he says. “We even buy silver cutlery!” Paul adds enthusiastically. Watches Of Wales also offers insurance valuations of watches and jewellery. Watches Of Wales customers are varied. “Through our website, we buy and sell to customers all over the world,” says Paul. “Locally, our customers are business people and ladies and gents that appreciate the brands we sell. Rolex is probably our most popular watch brand, and my personal favourite, but this is closely followed by Panerai, Omega, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and TAG Heuer. We sell a lot to business people and also sportsmen and women. We sponsor the Cardiff Blues - many of the Blues players and Welsh rugby team are customers.” The shop feels very much like a gentleman’s club when you walk in. It feels quality with beautifully arranged rows of beautiful jewellery and desirable ladies and gents watches.

“We want our customers to feel welcome when they visit us - to feel special. They’re buying high quality products so our presentation and service reﬂects this. More than that though, we want customers to feel relaxed. There’s no pressure, it’s ok to browse, we welcome that.” I ask Paul is this the right time to buy a pre-owned watch or piece of jewellery? “Any time is a good time,” he says. “The good quality brands never lose money. They seem to keep rising all the time. Obviously any investment is a risk but watches and jewellery are one of the few solid investments you can actually wear and enjoy every day. Cars drop in value the minute you leave the showroom. A vintage Rolex can only go up in value.” One of the things Watches Of Wales has done to make purchasing one of these beautiful timepieces easier is to offer several ways to pay. 40

“We can accept payment by bacs or most of the major credit cards. We’ve also put a finance package in place (subject to status). Whether you buy here in the shop, or through our website, you will have the option of financing your purchase. The application usually takes under ten minutes and is completely safe and secure.” There’s no doubt about it, pre-owned jewellery and watches are becoming more popular with affluent and discerning customers not only because they look stylish but also because they are an excellent investment. Paul’s investment in Morgan Arcade seems to be paying off. “We’ve had a great start to 2015,” Paul says. “Customers’ love the shop and, most importantly, are buying from us and selling to us - I hope the shop will be as successful as our website. We have decades of experience, time will tell.”

“If anyone is looking to sell any watches or jewellery please get in touch. We are always looking to buy.”

Watches Of Wales 35 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2023 3691 www.watchesofwales.co.uk

As a former Welsh rugby player and now business entrepreneur, Alix Popham is used to making an impression with the way he dresses.

Owner of Hawkes, Russell Scott-Lawson

SUITED & BOOTED What do you enjoy about shopping at Hawkes? I like the fact that the clothes there are one-offs. You won’t see other guys around Cardiff in the same thing. Many of the boys shop there. Rugby players do tend to have larger than average thighs and Russell, being a trained tailor, can accommodate this very well and knows which styles will suit. I like the variety of clothing and accessories. I also like the dressing area downstairs – it’s a very special experience trying things on. The prices aren’t too expensive but at the end of the day, you get what you pay for which, in this case, is great quality and excellent customer service.

So where does style-conscious Alix like to shop? City Life caught up with Alix at his favourite gentlemen’s outfitters, Hawkes, in Cardiff ’s equally stylish Morgan Arcade. Tell us about your rugby career? I was a flanker and was captain for the 2009 season at Brive in the French Top 14, having signed from the Llanelli Scarlets in 2008. I also also played for Wales, earning 33 caps. Before moving up to the full Welsh squad, I captained the Wales Under-21 team and played for Wales ‘A’. I moved from Leeds Tykes to the Scarlets in the summer of 2005. During my time at Leeds I helped them win the 2004–05 Powergen Cup, the final of which I started. I made my international debut for Wales in June 2003 against Australia. I was also capped another three times before being included in Wales’ 2003 Rugby World Cup squad. I played two matches during the tournament. The following season I played in the 2004 Six Nations Championship, as well as being capped against South Africa in June, and against Japan in November. I played two internationals in 2005, and was capped five times in 2006, in the Six Nations, and against Romania in June.

What were you best known for on the field? Probably my block-busting tackles which included a tackle on Joe Maddock in a Powergen Cup semi-final against Bath in the 2005–06 season. The centre broke through the Llanelli line, and I knocked him side-on, knocking the ball out of Maddock’s hands in the process. In my next appearance, London Wasps flanker Johnny O’Connor was knocked out after he ran into my chest. What do you do now that you have retired from the game? I had to retire from the game through injury and now I am a business entrepreneur. How important is image to you? Having had a successful career in rugby, it is important that I look good and create a professional impression when out and about, especially at the various events that I attend. How long have you been shopping at Hawkes? Russell’s been looking after me for about eight years now. What do you buy there? Sometimes I go for a full, top-to-toe outfit for an event or sometimes I might just fancy a new shirt. 42

Hawkes 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF Scan the QR code for more 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com Find us on Facebook

Precision Hair Design is a fresh and stylish hair salon, recently opened on North Road, Cardiff. Its roots are grounded in an earlier salon, Glo, that led the way for Precision’s concept. City Life talks to the salon’s owner and Artistic Director, Lawrence Taylor to ﬁnd out what sets this salon apart.

PRECISION

HAIR DESIGN To understand precisely where Precision is going you have to understand where it’s come from. “Precision Hair Design was born out of demand for a high quality salon along with a desire to provide clients with the very best in hair care available,” says Lawrence. “In 2012 we opened our ﬁrst salon ‘Glo, Specialists in Hair’ on Whitchurch Road. After carefully developing this expanding business, we decided to progress further and it was then that Precision’s concept was born. We opened earlier this year and haven’t looked back.”

Precision is a showcase for Lawrence’s skills, which include precision cutting through to the highest quality hair extensions. “We have clients from as far away as Brighton!” Lawrence exclaims proudly. It’s clear from talking to him that he has a real passion for what he does and it’s Lawrence’s drive and professional approach that has clearly led him to create highly sought after salons. “I love what I do,” he says. “When I’m not working at precision, I’m travelling the country teaching and inspiring other stylists both in the classroom and on stage.” It is this determination and drive that sparked the idea of Precision Hair Design. Talking to Lawrence you begin to understand that a truly great salon can only be achieved through great staff and his are no exception. Salon Manager, Charlotte, joined Lawrence in 2013 and is an incredibly talented designer. Kelly is our Precision Salon Co-ordinator. She joined the company in 2015, and is a crucial part of our brand. Kelly works very closely with Charlotte to help ensure the smooth running of the salon. Kelsey, Designer, and Daniel, Technician, have both worked in high end salons and are clearly great assets to the team. “I can’t emphasise how important training and nurturing is to the success of our business,” says Lawrence. “We invest heavily in education. It’s incredibly important to give the team the right training to offer the high standards we, and our customers, demand.” So what sets Precision apart from other salons? “It is not enough to do your best; you have to truly understand what it is that you do.

Lawrence Taylor 44

“Here at Precision we are in the business of making people feel good.” Lawrence Taylor, Artistic Director

With my background in education, and Kelsey’s passion for teaching, we want to offer in-house NVQ training and inspirational courses for those who wish to become exceptional hair stylists and, of course, be taught by the very best in the business,” says Lawrence. With their enviable team of soughtafter hairdressing specialists and rapidly expanding list of satisfied clients, we have very little doubt that, for Precision, the future will be mapped out with perfect precision. Only then can you do your best,” says Lawrence. “Here at Precision, we are passionate about making people look and feel great. We have a first rate team of hand-picked hairdressing professionals, from precision cutters to Racoon International extension specialists. We are also honoured to be a dedicated Joico Concept Salon. This means that each of the brilliant products we use in the salon, from start to finish, is from the luxurious Joico colour and styling range. With the backing of this fabulous brand, and their slogan of ‘Turn Heads’,

partnered with our highly talented team of creative professionals, we do our utmost to ensure that each and every one of our clients leaves us delighted. We’re also proud to stock Cloud Nine products. This multi-award winning brand of heat styling solutions helps to create a multitude of looks. Curly, wavy, straight or voluminous. They’re amazing. We also stock the very popular Moroccan Oil.” I wonder what the future holds for Precision? “We intend to establish our own Precision Academy. 45

Precision Hair Design 298 North Road, Cardiff CF14 3BN 029 2132 1161 team@precisioncardiff.com www.facebook.com/PrecisionCardiff Twitter.com/PrecisionHDC Instagram - @PrecisionCardiff www.precisioncardiff.com Mention City Life magazine for £10 off your hair appointment

NORTH CARDIFF GEMS PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE

Health & Sports Physiotherapy A unique physiotherapy practice dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems. Working closely with national teams and sporting institutions, we have consulted with numerous sports clubs in Cardiff and South Wales. Our philosophy is that every client receives ‘hands on’ treatment, with rehabilitation programs to facilitate long-term recovery. 50 - 52 Station Road, Llanishen, CF14 5QP 029 2076 2000 www.healthandsports.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter AFFORDABLE AND ST YLISH

Calon Rhiwbeina Calon Rhiwbeina is an exclusive women’s boutique offering labels not found on the high street. Products have been carefully selected to meet the needs of today’s modern woman; affordable, stylish and comfortable clothing. The ranges comprise of colourful silk pashminas by Treaty, velvet and chiffon party wear by Saskia, tunics, skirts and dresses by Braintree and Mistral, cotton and cashmere knitwear by Ochre and pretty silver jewellery by Eliza Gracious. 9 - 11 Lon Fach CF14 6DY 029 2961 0722 www.calonrhiwbeina.com Follow on Twitter @calonrhiwbeina 46

Marine Spa at St David’s Hotel & Spa PACKAGES Spring Special Spring clean your mind, body and soul, making you feel radiant, refreshed and invigorated this spring. Enjoy a 55 minute treatment, choose from: • Thalgo Marine Facial • Body Polish with Back Massage • Polynesia Foot Soak with Leg, Foot and Scalp Massage

£62.00 per person Sun - Fri

The Marine Spa Loyalty Card Treat yourself to 9 one hour Facials or Full Body Massages and get the 10th FREE. T&Cs apply

DR. HAUSCHKA TREATMENTS Dr. Hauschka Classic Treatment

Dr. Hauschka Dr. Hauschka Revitalizing Treatment Relaxation Treatment

The Classic Treatment begins with a relaxing foot bath, arm and hand massages and fragrant compresses which let you breathe deeply and are the ideal way to prepare for the cleansing care that the Dr. Hauschka skin care products bring.

The Revitalising Treatment stimulates tired skin and is particularly recommended in transitional periods such as when the seasons change.

£140.00 120 minutes

Dr. Hauschka Treatment “One Hour for Myself” The specially customised facial treatment is perfect for when you have great needs but little time.

A facial treatment without deep cleansing, which lets you relax from head to toe.

£110 90 minutes

£110 90mins

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Treatment An intensive deep cleansing treatment with natural Dr. Hauschka cosmetics to cleanse and refine your skin for a radiant complexion.

£90 60 minutes

St David’s Spa Gift Experience Vouchers for a spa day are the perfect gift for any occasion www.thestdavidshotel.com

Cardiff’s 5 star St David’s Hotel & Spa is proud to announce a new spa partnership with internationally renowned skincare specialists, Dr. Hauschka. With a wealth of experience, both St. David’s Hotel and Dr. Hauschka are synonymous with health and beauty while promoting an overall holistic and ethical wellbeing.

The St. David’s Hotel & Spa, Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SD

Call 029 2045 4045 or visit www.thestdavidshotel.com

WHITCHURCH Lemon Tree Nails & Beauty is renowned for specialising in all aspects of nail enhancements, providing the ultimate experience in treatments whilst catering to all our clients’ needs. Our brand ‘DT Pro’ has been developed by Denise Taylor with 15 years’ experience and Franchise Owner of six successful Lemon Tree salons, designed with the client in mind, giving you conﬁdence that the product is kinder to the natural nail and longer lasting.

The Cardiff salon, run by Nicole Gooding, opened in November 2011 and goes from strength to strength; it offers nail and beauty treatments of the highest standards, provides unique and creative designs and has a warm, friendly professional environment which has seen clients returning time and time again. 112 The Philog, Whitchurch CF14 1ED 029 2062 4321 www.lemontreenails.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter Call now for a complimentary beauty treatment.

Having only opened in November of last year Bro Dans Hair and Beauty Lounge has certainly had, what can only be described as, a meteoric rise to fame. Their reputation for having superb skills in all things hair and beauty has made them the go to salon in Cardiff and the surrounding area.

BRO DANS HAIR & BEAUTY LOUNGE

What is it that you think attracts your clients to you? After Bro Dans Hair and Beauty opened in November 2014 we received an inﬂux of loyal clientele for one simple reason - we listen to the wants and needs of our clients. Every person that walks through our door at Bro Dans can receive a consultation with one of our highly qualiﬁed members of staff.

Their stylist will then listen to everything the customer desires and do their best to achieve the perfect style, exactly how the client has described it. All of our customers are a part of the Bro Dans family and we strive to keep them happy and excited about their new style. We have a fantastic team that consult with one another to get the best results for our customers.

“All of our customers are a part of the Bro Dans family and we strive to keep them happy and excited about their new style.”

Our director, Louise, placed within the top 10 ﬁnalists in the 2013 Goldwell Colour Zoom competition, and was the highest placed contestant from Wales.

What products do you sell? We use and sell professional products from KMS California and Goldwell for the sole reason that they do exactly what they advertise on the bottle. As stylists we are obsessed with creating the best possible style and these products help us do that. One of our staff members is also an ambassador for KMS California which means that she has received the precise training needed from the KMS Academy in order to get the most from the products.

What services do you offer? We have a plethora of services available within the salon including; nail extensions & manicures, OPI Nail Polishes, facials, waxing, tanning, back and shoulder or full body massage, hair cuts, hair colouring & highlights, children’s cuts and occasional hair. We also have a semi permanent make up artist who does eyebrows for £150 with a free top up and lip liner for £99.

Any plans for the future? We are planning on expanding our team, to grow the Bro Dans Family. We will continue to train our staff to the highest level with in salon training and by going to our Goldwell and KMS Academies in London so that we keep up with the latest in cutting and colour techniques.

Bro Dans Hair and Beauty Lounge 53 The Philog Cardiff CF14 1DZ 029 2069 4303 Follow on Facebook and Twitter 49

Holistic House is Cardiff’s newest and trendiest natural health centre providing a complete range of natural health all under one roof. Recognising that wellness and vitality through natural health is often over-looked due to our fast paced way of life, the team at Holistic House are here to share their specialist knowledge in order to help you understand the importance of making positive changes that can beneﬁt your health and wellbeing.

HOLISTIC HOUSE

What sets you apart from other Health Centres? We take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We understand that every person who walks through our doors is unique and we offer bespoke services tailor made to suit individual needs. We are committed to not only offering excellent services but to empowering our customers with self awareness, knowledge and tailored home care advice to allow them to optimize their health through simple self care techniques.

We believe that knowledge is power. We are focused on inspiring healthy living and are committed to raising awareness of natural health in its many forms so that one day it’s not seen as a luxury or a last resort, but part of everyday life. Why do you think your clients have chosen to come to you? Our home from home feel makes our customers feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they walk through our doors. Our commitment to customer care and professionalism makes us Cardiff’s newest centre of excellence and ensures that people feel listened to, cared for and given invaluable tools to help them optimise their health and wellbeing. What services do you provide? We have a number of highly accredited, experienced and friendly self-employed practitioners all specialising in their 50

own area of expertise. Our services are tailored to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals. We offer holistic therapies in its many forms including massage and reﬂexology, talk therapies such as NLP, hypnotherapy and integrated yoga therapy as well as talks, workshops and training courses. We are proud to stock a wide range of natural, organic, locally produced products. We believe it’s important to support local business and are happy to promote such high quality items. What are your plans for the future? Our aim is to inspire healthy living and create a positive local impact through promoting natural health not only on a one to one basis but through our open days, awareness talks, workshops and courses. We hope to make natural therapies accessible, affordable and part of everyday life to have positive impact on individuals health and wellbeing.

“Natural health under one roof.”

Meet the Holistic House Family/Team How can massage or reflexology help to achieve optimum health? Massage and reflexology are no longer available only through luxury spas or upscale health clubs. Today, many complementary therapies are offered in clinics, hospitals, hospices, offices and even airports. Potential benefits of massage and reflexology are far beyond the feeling of pamper and relaxation and they are increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Complementary therapies, when delivered by a highly qualified and experienced practitioner can be both safe and effective. As a general rule, however, complementary therapy is not to replace conventional medicine but the two practices should complement each other. Aneta Kiersnowska (Bsc) Hons, MAR, MIFPA Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Clinical Aromatherapy www.theholistichouse.co.uk/aneta-kiersnowska

What is Integrated Yoga and how can yoga improve health? Integrated yoga therapy (IYT) works independently and also alongside western medicine. It draws upon a wealth of techniques and tools to offer each client the opportunity to work as deeply/profoundly as they wish with their presenting issue, and empower them to understand the issue in a more holistic way. These techniques originate from the 3 pillars of IYT, namely; Yoga, Mindfulness and Ayurveda. Whatever the illness, physical complaint, or condition, IYT aims at bringing harmony and balance back to your system to carry you with ease through your day to day living. Laura Mitchell

What stops people from living their lives to the fullest? Often, the answer is fear. Fear of judgement; of failure or success, of the past or future. Fear holds us back from really living life. As a Personal Effectiveness Coach & NLP Master Practitioner, I help people to see fear differently. We work together, to create Focus, Empathy, Authenticity and Resilience, to help you live the life you choose. All I ask is that you are ready to take action! Sue Revell Personal Effectiveness Coach NLP Master Practitioner www.theholistichouse.co.uk/sue-revell

Yoga, mindfulness, meditation instructor, massage and reiki practitioner www.theholistichouse.co.uk/laura-mitchell

For further information on our many practitioners and services please visit www.theholistichouse.co.uk or contact us on 029 2025 9497 holistichousecardiff@gmail.com Twitter @HolisticHouse1 Facebook Holistic House 51

CANTON T R U S T E D E L E C T R I CA L R E TA I L E R

Radiocraft Family owned independent electrical retailer trading in Cardiff and serving customers in South Wales for over 60 years. Specialising in all the latest technology, Radiocraft stock all the best brands in Audio Visual and Home Appliances. Free, fast delivery across Cardiff and the Vale and unrivaled free installation on freestanding Washing Machines, Dishwashing and Refrigeration carried out by expert installation engineers. Radiocraft offer 12 months interest free on anything purchased online or in-store. 251 - 253 Cowbridge Road CF11 9TQ 029 2023 1166 www.radiocraft.uk.com Follow on Facebook FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

Jam Kitchens Jam Kitchens sits nicely in the hub of Canton, providing a well designed showroom offering a wide range of styles & designs to suit all budgets. Whether you are in the market for a full kitchen installation, or replacement doors, Jam is here to help. Our beautifully designed, affordable kitchens will last for many years and wow your friends and family. We take pride in giving our customers the highest level of service possible, and when coupled with our free kitchen design service and superb product range, Jam Kitchens will make your dreams come true. 397 Cowbridge Road East CF5 1JG 029 2151 0021 www.jamkitchens.co.uk Follow on Facebook 52

T H E T E C H N O LO GY S P E C I A L I S T S

Tourotech Tourotech is one of Cardiff’s most trusted computer stores. As well as stocking new and refurbished items we also specialise in PC, Laptop, iPad and iPhone repairs. 6 Wyndham Crescent CF11 9EH 029 2021 2279 www.tourotech.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter: /tourotech @tourotech

HIGH QUALIT Y + FAIR TRADE

Fair Do’s / Siopa Teg We are an established business in Canton and the perfect ethical destination. We specialise in beautiful crafts and gifts including handmade items, organic cotton baby clothes and colourful wooden toys. We also stock a wide range of delicious speciality foods and coffees. When you shop at Fair Do’s, you can be sure of a high quality, fair trade buy. 10 Llandaff Road Canton CF11 9NJ 029 2022 2066 www.fairdos.com Follow on Facebook and Twitter

LUXURY INDEPENDENT B O U T I Q U E & H E A LT H P R A C T I C E

The Apothecary A new unique shop bringing you an eclectic range of black, green and herbal teas, luxury organic skincare and cosmetics, gifts and home ware, as well as delicious treats that will make your mouth water! The shop also offers an exciting range of complimentary therapies, including Facial Reﬂexology, Reiki, Aromatherapy and is home to our Herbal Medicine consultation and making facilities. We also provide a range of locally sourced products from Oh! Organics skincare range. We are the perfect excuse for you to treat yourself. 18 Llandaff Road CF11 9NJ 029 2132 0020 www.theapothecarycardiff.com Follow on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest 53

If you’re looking for real, authentic Italian cuisine then Calabrisella in Canton should be on your speed-dial. Ok, so it might look like a typical café from the outside, but step through the doors of this bar/pizzeria and you’ll discover traditional, home cooked Italian food ‘Just like mamma used to make’.

C ALABRISELLA A TRUE TASTE OF ITALY Calabrisella opened its doors in November 2014 and since then the word has spread. We asked one of the owners, Salvatore Vara (Salvo to his friends), why they called it Calabrisella? We are three partners, myself, Angelo and Domenico. Our story began back in Italy where we met at high school and become good friends ever since. We are all from the same region of Italy - Calabria - and the word Calabrisella originates from original folklore relating to the womens costume. We came to Cardiff to learn English and, ten years later, Calabrisella came to life. Why did the partners choose Canton to open their restaurant? “Canton was our ﬁrst home when we ﬁrst arrived in Cardiff ten years ago. We found it very friendly, close to town, with a diversity of shops and restaurants and therefore we thought it was an ideal place to set up Calabrisella,” says Salvo.

Not many restaurants can claim that all of their staff are authentic Italian but it’s plain to see, and hear, as soon as you walk through the door as staff chatter away in their native tongue. “All of our staff are from Italy, with great experience within the catering Industry,” Salvo adds. Real Italian pizza

The reputation of all good eateries depends on their staff. “At Calabrisella, our chef is second to none. The Pizzaiolo comes from Italy creating truly authentic Italian Pizzas and are gaining a following of their own.” Head Chef Domenico is fully qualiﬁed and very knowledgeable having gained years of experience working all over Italy. “His passion is food and one of things that makes him proud is to be able to offer customers the opportunity to taste his specialities and diversity from all over Italy.” So who goes to Calabrisella? Their clientele is very diverse. As they open from 8am to 10pm, customers range from ofﬁce workers and shop owners (Canton has a thriving independent business community) but they’re also seeing lots of young children with their families and more mature customers too, all looking for something a bit different. The décor is simple and rustic, with authentic artefacts from the Calabrian region which adds authenticity.

English breakfast the Italian Way

Italian breakfast

What can you expect from their diverse menu? You can enjoy a creamy Italian espresso with one of their lovely ﬁlled croissants, to an English Italian style breakfast (highly recommended), a quick take-away panini or a real Italian pizza to one of Domenico’s specialities, such as Arancini and Cannoli from Sicily, which is very popular with many customers. We at City Life can say how much we enjoyed our meal at Calabrisella but we’re not alone. Here’s a review from a recent customer (February 2015).

Spectacular... Superb... Real food at last! “At first glance it doesn’t look anything special, and definitely not the typical Italian restaurant you are used to. Because it’s not. The place is small, familiar and cosy, so it’s exactly the type of restaurant you would find in any Italian town. The staff is super friendly and helpful, they will recommend you and explain anything you need, they offer gluten free and vegan options, and you can even customise the menu. Don’t forget to ask for the house day specials! I didn’t have pizza but people say they are the best in Cardiff, and the price is totally reasonable if not cheap! Desserts will be the best desserts you have tried in ages, if not in your life! Our dinner carried on for hours, the place is comfortable and the food is superb. Don’t be eager if the food is not ready in 20 minutes, they make all the food on site and it needs to be cooked, it takes time! Albert R 55

There’s a private room upstairs which can be pre-booked at no charge and seats 16 people or 30 for a buffet with food from the restaurant’s menu.

Calabrisella 154 Cowbridge Road East Canton, Cardiff CF11 9ND 029 2022 5839 Like on Facebook www.calabrisellacardiff.com Follow on Facebook, Twitter and TripAdvisor Open every day from 8am - 10pm

PONTCANNA T H E AWA R D W I N N I N G I TA L I A N

Stefano’s Benvenuti! Our family run Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria has been serving the people of Cardiff, and beyond, the very best Italian cuisine for more than twelve years. Our chefs are passionate about great food, using only the best and freshest produce so that we can bring you an authentic taste of Italy. Throughout the year Stefano’s also hosts many special events such as wine tasting, music events, match day specials and much more. Mention ‘City Life’ and get 20% off your food bill (Mon - Fri excluding event dates and music evenings). 14 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna CF11 9NR 029 2037 2768 www.stefanos.co.uk Follow on Facebook and Twitter B R E AT H TA K I N G E V E N T

The Color Festival If you’d like to go to ‘The Happiest Festival In The World’ make sure you get tickets to The Color Festival taking place on 6th June 2015 at the Splott Warehouse, Cardiff. The event will run from 2pm until 10pm and takes its inspiration from the Indian tradition, Holi, which is a celebration of people coming together and throwing various coloured powders and spices in the air to celebrate spring. Expect to see lots of people from all walks of life coming together, dressed in white and hourly ‘big throws’ throughout the day to great sounds by dj’s. 2A Ground Floor Office 183A Kings Road, Pontcanna CF11 9DF hello@littlebigfootpromotions.co.uk www.littlebigfootpromotions.co.uk Like and follow on Facebook 56

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In 2008 Dr. Essam El Fayoumy established The Weight Care Centre. A place whose aim was to help their clients achieve their ideal body weight and shape whilst prioritising their holistic health and wellbeing.

THE WEIGHT CARE CENTRE Although established back in 2008 Dr. Essam did not open the Centre’s doors straight away, instead he spent over two years meticulously working in order to renovate the building into a place that would be most beneficial to his clients. Finally, in 2010, The Weight Care Centre’s nutritional section opened, however Dr. Essam did not stop there. After another two years he added Noninvasive liposuction, Fitness & Personal Training and Nutrition & Diet Plans to the available services within the Centre. Yet he was still not completely satisfied and so in the dawn of 2015 Dr. Essam added a fourth dimension to the already vast Weight Care Centre, Massage Therapy. We spoke to Dr. Essam El Fayoumy to find out more about The Weight Care Centre and how his four dimensional approach can help those in need.

The mission of The Weight Care Centre is simple, to help our clients to achieve their weight loss and body shape goals, all by using our unique four tier approach. Consequently we are also interested in managing the current problem of people being overweight and obese. Obesity is an increasing problem in the UK, it is estimated that by 2020 that 7 out of 10 British individuals will be overweight or obese. In Wales alone over half of the population is overweight with 1 in 4 being clinically obese. Obesity is a risk factor that could lead to several chronic diseases such as: Type 2 Diabetes, High blood pressure, heart diseases and even some cancers. Our four dimensional approach is designed to help prevent this and give our clients a better way of life. The approach includes:

“The mission of The Weight Care Centre is simple, to help our clients to achieve their weight loss and body shape goals.”

Non-Invasive Liposuction Ultrasound waves resonate at a certain frequency and cause the fat cells in a target area to break down, this released fat can then be used by the body for energy, however in order to receive the full effect this needs to be in conjunction with a calorie deficit status (also known as a diet plan) as well as a set of fat burning exercises. The process also helps tighten the skin by improving its elasticity, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. All this whilst being safe and pain free. Individualised Training This is a combination of resistance and cardio vascular exercises that are engineered to help maximise fat burning. In addition the exercises improve the cardiovascular system, increase the metabolism, improve blood circulation, joint function, bone density and improve the musculoskeletal system. Diet and Nutrition A tailored diet plan is essential when it comes to losing those extra few pounds, ours contains all of the macronutrients and micronutrients that the body needs in order to stay healthy and strong. Massage Therapy Massage therapy is effective for the treatment of chronic back pain, with benefits lasting at least six months. Massage therapy also has additional benefits such as improvement of depression and anxiety, it can promote relaxation and sleep, and it can relieve muscular aches and pain. Massage can also have a positive impact on the immune system and improve the circulation.

“We offer a coordinated multifaceted service that helps maximise the achievement of goals for our clients under the supervision of our highly trained professional staff.” Our work within The Weight Care Centre would mean nothing if it wasn’t backed up by the correct people, that’s why we are so very lucky to have such a fantastic team of experienced and well qualiﬁed staff working tirelessly in order to help our clients achieve their goals. The team is made up of: ■ Myself - Dr. Essam El Fayoumy, MBBCh Msc Clinical Pathology, Msc Medical Science, Mphil Medicine. I am an expert in the area of obesity and have spent a large period of my life researching various parts in the area of obesity and being overweight. I have also been working in the ﬁeld of nutrition for more than 10 years and have gained a vast amount of experience from my time doing so.

■ The Centre’s assistant manager - Monica Torland, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, ASCC Strength and Conditioning Coach, Level 3 Personal Trainer. Monica is an experienced trainer and therapist, having worked with several sports teams and athletes in the past such as Bristol Rovers Football Club. She is extremely passionate about helping anyone achieve their goal regardless of their ambitions. ■ Amy Jenkins, BSc(Hons) Sports Therapy, PGCE. Amy is our personal trainer and sports therapist and has been working in the sporting environment for the past 9 years. ■ Claire Philips. Our second Personal Trainer, Claire has excelled in the ﬁeld, gaining a great amount of experience over the last few years. At The Weight Care Centre we like to think that we are different to other businesses claiming to be health centres. Rather than treating our clients as simple numbered customers we prefer to give an individual service to each and every person that walks through our door.

Dr. Essam El Fayoumy

We offer a personalised service in a private environment to help make all of our clients feel at ease. We spend time making sure that they are happy and that they are progressing towards their desired targets. 59

Under the single roof we offer a coordinated multifaceted service that helps maximise the achievement of goals for our clients under the supervision of our highly trained professional staff. We believe our clients choose us because we make them feel valued and we will stop at nothing to help achieve their goals. We plan on continuing to expand our business and, as soon as the original location is full to the brim with helpful therapies and qualiﬁed staff, we will spread The Weight Care Centre to multiple locations so that more people can reap the beneﬁts of a healthy existence.

The Weight Care Centre 189 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF11 9PN 029 2025 5258 www.weightcarecentre.com Facebook: Weight Care Centre

Founded back in June of 2011 Diagram Creative LTD is a Cardiff based creative agency that works with and promotes Welsh businesses, all the while continuing to build a strong client base throughout Wales and the UK. Jon Llewelyn discusses why working closely with his clients gives them an edge over their competitors.

DIAGRAM CREATIVE Can you tell me a little history behind the business and the services you provide? Having worked for various agencies in London and Bristol for 21 years, I wanted to build a creative agency with a varied client base offering strong creative ideas to briefs while working as closely in partnership with our clients as possible. Initially we started with a handful of clients but have consistently expanded and now have a great mix of clients based all over the UK. We work in varying sectors from the retail clothing industry, PR agencies, hotel chains, law ﬁrms, furniture designers, IT businesses and the pharmaceutical and ﬁnancial industries to name a few. Our services include logos and brand marks, brand identity, guidelines and consultancy, corporate literature, packaging, design for retail and exhibitions, point of sale, infographics, retouching, website design and online promotion.

What sets you apart from other creative companies? Past history has taught us that clients often like us to help identify what they wish to achieve from a brief, so we initially work closely with them to define and agree their goals. We can then execute and deliver the best possible creative solutions while applying a flexible and fluid approach to our work as a project progresses. We are easy to work with, meticulous, creative, proactive and value our client relationships most of all. A large number of our clients have been with us for some time and some of our work has come through referral. We also encourage a positive working environment for individuals as, in our experience, too may agencies tend to label individuals with specific skills or dictate design. We don’t work that way. We also build new relationships through networking groups such as Introbiz who we are members of.

That way we get to work with clients either directly or through referral and our brand gets noticed. We also have strong partnerships with freelance staff that we’ve worked with for many years. This allows us to entrust key individuals to work on projects that require specialist design skills and beneﬁts our clients in keeping our overheads down and their costs focused. We very much live by the mantra that you’re only as good as your last project so our best creative results, peoples perception and our reputation are of paramount importance to us. It’s about supply and demand at the end of the day. We get to work on all kinds of projects ranging from short half hour turnarounds to full graphic and interior ofﬁce rebrands that can take a number of stages to complete. Whatever the project it gets our full, consistent attention from senior creatives and we ensure we keep in close contact with our clients at all times, breaking projects into stages with deliverables outlined at every stage so our clients know what to expect and when.

If you’d like to discuss how we could help you promote and grow your brand through good, creative, coherent design get in touch. Not every agency works that way. We also keep a single point of contact throughout to ensure all feedback is never second hand or misinterpreted. What are your plans for the future? Our aim is to expand and we have forged strong referral partnerships with other creative businesses to allow mutually beneﬁcial client referral should a client get in touch with a brief that is outside our skill set. We are hoping to work with some larger organisations across the UK and hopefully become known for our creative talents. We are also in the process of setting up an online art store to buy limited edition typographic prints and illustration.

We would also like to help strengthen the creative sector in Wales and try to help develop young talent from colleges and universities starting out on the creative journey as we understand the challenges they face. We work alongside Ongl Design & Make (Interior architectural design and carpentry) and HomebyKirsty (Lighting and homeware) with whom we are discussing future collaborations, so watch this space… 61

Diagram Creative Ltd The balcony, 16 Castle Arcade Cardiff CF10 1BU email: hello@diagramcreative.com web: www.diagramcreative.com www.facebook.com/DiagramCreative Twitter/Instagram: @diagramcreative Referral Partners: Ongl Design & Make www.ongl.co.uk HomebyKirsty www.homebykirsty.com

The success of any good business comes down to a number of elements but one thing’s for sure, having the right staff helps. Felicity Rees of Rees Element Executive Search shares some of her latest thoughts on the world of recruitment and why the best companies are always recruiting.

LOOKING TO RECRUIT? HOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Employees are tired of working harder and receiving unsatisfactory pay increases, especially when the visibility of improved corporate success is plain to see. Employees have been happy to support their employer companies during the recession but now that the recovery is here, discontentment is setting in and the best people are on the move. A company’s reputation for high staff turnover also affects its ability to recruit new talent thanks to the social media drums. Given the huge impact of losing high performing staff, companies need to ‘engage’ with their existing staff and focus on being the employer of choice in their industry, or be ready for premature departures.

Felicity Rees and Greg Element

Competition for the best people is ﬁerce in the fast-growing economy of 2015 and a challenge that recruiters haven’t faced in many years. THE CANDIDATE POWER-SHIFT - ARE YOU SELLING YOUR EMPLOYMENT PROPOSITION? With recruitment now at pre-meltdown levels of 2007, over 80% of recruiters are reporting that the power has shifted away from the employer, where it has been for years, toward the candidate.

Once candidates realise that the power has shifted to them, many develop a “Why should I work for you?” attitude so the historic practices are simply not working. Top candidates are in the driver’s seat, and the best have multiple options, so the recruiting approach must change. Employers must truly know what their business needs are, then dramatically increase hiring speed, offer a great candidate experience, and shift the emphasis away from ‘assessing the candidate’ toward ‘selling the employer’. THE EMPLOYEE SHIFT INCREASINGLY DISENGAGED AND UNDER-MOTIVATED… The Mercer Report predicted that 60% of the workforce is disengaged and have simply been waiting for a more buoyant economy before considering a move. That has certainly arrived, and employees at all levels, functions and sectors are voting with their feet. Basic motivation issues are also dramatically impacting the workplace causing employee turnover rates to spiral upward (they increased by 44 percent last year). 62

PERSONAL SERVICE - THE POWER OF MATCHING REQUIREMENTS AND NEEDS… So how do we combat these new trends? In-demand candidates are beginning to expect a unique and personalised recruiting approach (much like what occurs in executive recruiting). And don’t be surprised when top candidates even expect that a job will be customised for them. Providing choices that include who they work with and where and when they work are becoming more prevalent. LEARNING TO HIRE WHENEVER SCARCE TALENT BECOMES AVAILABLE… When you want the best, you can rarely find it. Today, when top talent is extremely scarce, the best targets enter and exit the job market over a matter of days. That means that recruiting must shift from the traditional model - where you hire only when a position becomes open - to a completely different approach, where you continuously promote your ‘Employer Brand’ and hire whenever top talent is identified. The best companies are hiring talent before they need them, but the result is far less expensive than being unable to fill job positions because no qualified talent is available when these positions do open up. The cost of an ‘empty chair’ far outweighs the investment in early recruitment.

FINAL THOUGHTS… Many industries are experiencing expansion and as a result, they are clamouring for the people they need in order to maintain and drive this growth. And as the world moves faster and faster, meeting these needs requires employers to be able to speed up the standard processes - multiple interviews, personality proﬁling, competency questionnaires - because this is the way to lose some of the best candidates.

Recruitment needs to be intuitive. Commercial experience and expert organisational know-how is necessary to make fast decisions. Sensing and responding to both the employer’s requirements and also to the candidate’s needs is becoming the only way to recruit in today’s ﬁercely competitive world. Rees Element is a fast growing executive search ﬁrm which is based in Cardiff’s city centre. They have a very refreshing approach to the challenges facing today’s recruitment issues.

REES ELEMENT We are addressing today’s recruitment issues by offering clients and candidates a unique and truly bespoke personal service.

At our city centre location we take pride in the commercial knowledge and the HR expertise of our team, to ﬁnd you the best talent available. Sector specialisms ■ Accountancy, Finance and Banking ■ Construction, Property and Estate Agency ■ Human Resources and Recruitment ■ Sales, Marketing and PR ■ Insurance and Financial Services ■ Media, Digital and Creative ■ Engineering and Manufacturing ■ Health and Medicine ■ Legal and Actuarial ■ Multilingual ■ Retail Sales and Buying ■ IT, Telecoms and Scientiﬁc ■ Fire, Security and Safety ■ Strategy and Consultancy ■ Transport and Logistics ■ Secretarial and PA 63

Contact Felicity Rees for an initial consultation We focus on building long term relationships with our clients and sourcing the best candidates. Our approach is to ﬁnd candidates with superior skills, cultural ﬁt and the personal abilities to grow with your company.

Rees Element Executive Search 1B The Old Brewery Quarter St. Mary Street CF10 1AD 029 20232 438 felicity@reeselement.co.uk www.reeselement.co.uk

In the past Keith and Mark were work rivals, constantly battling against one another in the hopes of winning the client. Soon they realised this was not working and did not beneﬁt the clients. So in a moment of genius they decided to join forces in order to become the ultimate building and carpentry service, offering their combined skill to the people of Cardiff and the Vale.

MGKB CARPENTRY AND BUILDING How did MGKB Carpentry and Building come into existence? Before the company existed we were both individual tradesman offering similar services. We found on many occasions throughout the years that we were both being asked to give quotes on the same job, being asked to see who could be the most competitive whilst offering our high level of work. After a while we both realised how silly it was for us to be constantly competing against one another and decided to band together and form the business as it is today. That way we could avoid having to constantly compete with one another and instead spend more time focusing on the needs of the client, bringing both of our specialities to the job at hand, ultimately making it better for the customer.

“We have always received sterling reviews and, thanks to word of mouth, a growing client base.” Why do you think customers choose you over other building companies? Since we joined forces we are able to offer a multitude of services all under the single company name. Mark is the specialist in all things carpentry in addition to Keith’s skills as a builder. We think what makes us stand out more from the other companies that are around at the moment is that we focus heavily on customer service.

Many clients comment on how relaxed we are as a business, how we are not abrasive or inconsiderate. We get on with our customers. We spend as much time with them as possible prior to the job, so we can build a picture of what they are looking for and then tailor our work to their exact speciﬁcation.

“We think what makes us stand out more from the other companies that are around at the moment is that we focus heavily on customer service.”

Aside from our customer service we have found that our more commercialised work has help spread our name. We work a lot with small businesses. For example, in the past we have worked with Coco Blush, a boutique chain that has shops throughout the valleys and Swansea, and more recently we have been working with local businesses on Crwys Road in Cardiff. From our work with this, and the many other businesses we have had the pleasure of working for, we have always received sterling reviews and, thanks to word of mouth, a growing client base. So thanks to the trust from businesses we have also gained a lot of trust from the more domestic carpentry and building needs. What are your aims for the future? For the future we would like to build on the trust that we have already gained from our happy customers.

“We are a part of the Federation of Master Builders, and so all of our clients can relax, safe in the knowledge that their building and carpentry needs are going to be looked after by professionals in the ﬁeld.” We have a lot more commercial work lined up and, as always, will be helping out with clients who need more domestic help. We are a part of the Federation of Master Builders, and so all of our clients can relax, safe in the knowledge that their building and carpentry needs are going to be looked after by professionals in the ﬁeld. 65

MGKB Carpentry and Building 50 Chapel Wood Llanedeyrn, Cardiff CF23 9EF 07929 655983 / 07450 425344 Follow on Facebook

You know the problem, you have the perfect space for a new set of furniture. Should it be a dining set or lounge set? You don’t have the space, or budget, for two sets. With Kettler’s Casual Dining range from Pugh’s Garden Centre you don’t have to choose.

CASUAL DINING

Whether it’s patio or conservatory, Kettler’s new casual dining range will ensure you can enjoy dining and relaxing on one beautiful set of furniture. Eat, drink, entertain, relax - Pugh’s new Kettler range will mean this spring, summer and autumn’s dining will be all the more enjoyable - with friends, with family, casual or formal. All in all it’s the most practical, beautiful and versatile set of furniture you may ever buy. Available in a choice of white wash or rattan colour wicker, this beautifully stylish furniture comes with taupe cushions to complete the vision. Pugh’s are also delighted to be able to not only offer this new Casual Dining concept but a beautifully designed collection of low maintenance steel mesh and cast aluminium garden furniture, also by Kettler. Pugh’s Garden Village nestles in Radyr, overlooked by the beautiful Castell Coch and a conveniently situated ﬁve minutes off junction 32 of the M4.

Pugh’s has an enviable following of loyal customers and promises a great shopping experience for all the family. Nicola Pugh says, “You can enjoy locally sourced fresh produce from our Ty Nant Farm shop and indulge in a delicious selection of light bites and treats at the Watering Can coffee shop. And, with ﬁfteen additional retail concessions on site you’ll enjoy a relaxed and individual experience and be safe in the knowledge that you will ﬁnd just about everything you need for your home, garden and outdoor living in one convenient location.” Owner Graham Pugh adds, “With the arrival of spring, Pugh’s Garden Centre is at its seasonal peak. We’re proud to offer an array of quality furniture for 2015 - from our brand new Besp-oak Kitchen and Granite Islands, to our new luxury range of Kettler Casual Dining garden furniture - customers will be spoiled for choice.” Spring has sprung - the days are getting longer and the smell of freshly cut grass is just around the corner. 66

There’s that extra room that you haven’t sat in for the past six months - the garden, and the idea of relaxing, socialising under the spring and summer rays means we can, for another year, leave the chill of winter behind. Like the bees, we’re already buzzing with excitement.

Pugh’s Garden Village Tynant Nurseries, Morganstown, Radyr Cardiff CF15 8LB 029 2084 2017 Also at Pughs Garden Village/Style Gardens Port Road Wenvoe CF5 6AD 029 2059 8118 info@stylegardens.co.uk www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk

JACK & ROSE

est 1934

BESPOKE SOFAS & CHAIRS We offer bespoke sofas and chairs in any size and design with fabrics to suit you and your lifestyle.

RE-UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS Breathe life back into a treasured piece of furniture so that you can love it all over again.

Banthorpe House, Crosby Yard, Bridgend CF31 1JZ Open Monday to Saturday 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm

LOVINGLY CREATED BESPOKE SOFAS & CHAIRS

MADE-TO-MEASURE CURTAINS & PELMETS Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elegant, dramatic or fun, we have hundreds of quality curtain and upholstery fabrics.

BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE BEDS Let Jack & Rose design and create the stunning bespoke bed of your dreams.

01656 768844 info@jackandrose.co.uk www.jackandrose.co.uk

Great British Sofas - made in Wales

Great British Sofas Couch Showroom Viaduct Works Crumlin Road Crumlin NP11 3PL Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 5pm Telephone 01495 717170 www.couch.co.uk

Spring in the garden is all about new beginnings, it’s a joy to see the garden wake up at the end of a long Winter and it’s the time when we prepare for the start of the main season.

SPRING THE SAVIOUR OF NATURE

Spring is the busiest time of year and the more you can do now before the weeds start growing the easier the garden becomes for the Summer. The list of jobs for the garden in Spring is endless so you need to plan your time and prioritise what things for you are the most important. Your border tidying should be nearly complete and now is the time to mulch with compost or well rotted manure around your shrubs and perennials, the more ground that is covered up by a mulch the less room there is to germinate. If you planted your garden with Spring in mind back in the Autumn then your bulbs will be giving you a display that makes us all feel that we haven’t been neglected and Spring is the saviour of nature. From the early ﬂowerers like Snowdrops and Crocus’s through the hundreds of varieties of Daffodils and then onto the April ﬂowering Tulips, if you have planned it right then the display should be spectacular.

It’s now the time to lift and divide perennials, so that they can continue as healthy plants, your lawns will be ready for their ﬁrst serious cut and you can start thinking about applying a weed and feed application when the grass is actively growing. Roses have their main pruning and feeding at this time of year but don’t forget your specimen trees and shrubs will need a feed too, it’s easy to forget them but prize specimens will only look good if you look after them. If the weather perks up and we are spoilt by warm Spring sunshine don’t get carried away by buying and planting your annuals. You may be eager to get your garden started and they may be available in the shops and Garden Centres but resist the temptation until the fear of frosts have gone. If you are lucky enough to have a glasshouse you can give those early plants some protection and you can also get a head start in growing your own plants from seed for your borders, baskets and vegetable gardens. 71 95

Remember to use this time before the Summer season starts wisely, if there is anything structural to do now is the time to do it, this includes repairing paths, erecting sheds and glasshouses, repairing wind damage to fences and generally getting your garden easier to work in, because when the Summer comes the battle with weeds and pests begins in earnest.

Rob Hodge Horticulture 01633 744075 www.RobHodgeHorticulture.co.uk Find us on Facebook

This March, get together with friends and family in your school to hold a tea party for Welsh Hearts. Cake sale, tea and cake party or even a community coffee morning. Whatever party you decide to throw, every single penny raised in Wales stays in Wales to help support our TVSNIGXW MRGPYHMRK JYRHMRK TYFPMG EGGIWW HI½FVMPPEXSVW '46 ERH HI½FVMPPEXSV XVEMRMRK ERH LIEVX WGVIRRMRK WIWWMSRW :-7-8 396 ;)&7-8) *36 =396 *6)) 4%68= 4%'/

welshhear ts.org/teapar ty 029 2078 6521

fundraising@welshhearts.org

R A I S E M O N E Y F O R YO U R LO C A L H E A RT C H A R IT Y Welsh Hearts is a registered charity in Wales with charity number 1154109 Registered address at Welsh Hearts, Temple Court, 13a Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA © Welsh Hearts 2015

Candid Creative Studio

BUILT FOR STYLE & COMFORT When designing its deep-seated Kipling sofa, British manufacturer Couch had one thing in mind – comfort. That’s why they use a duvet of duck feathers around their seat cushions, thus making them so squidgy they’re guaranteed to turn anyone into an instant lounge lizard. Perfect for stretching out on, the Kipling range is available in 28 different fabric and colour combinations, such as velvet, linen and wool. Tom Ridgwell, Director of Couch, says: “Neutral sofas tend to be the most popular. To refresh for a new season why not accessorise with scatter cushions? Try a combination of greens and blues for a spring/ summer feel.” The Kipling is just one of the great sofas that make up Couch’s exclusive range. All their sofas are hand-made in South Wales and, because Couch cut out the middleman and only sell their sofas direct, you can save up to 50% off retail prices. Delivery is absolutely free throughout Wales and England, and all purchases come with a no-quibble money-back guarantee and 5 year frame warranty.

For more information www.couch.co.uk 01495 717 170

www.sian-owen.co.uk

Welcome to City Life Magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who in and around the capital.

SOCIAL L IFE NORTH ROAD

Grand opening of Precision Hair Design An incredible night was had recently at the grand opening of Precision Hair Design, the brand new hair salon created by the talented people behind the very popular “Glo - Specialists in Hair”. Precision was created due to the high demand of loyal clientele that Glo had received over the last few years and so the team wanted to show their appreciation. With the drinks ﬂowing, the nibbles aplenty and a special appearance by the fabulous Mary Golds, who performed an remarkable 45 minute set, clients and stylists alike celebrated the night and toasted to an even more successful future for Precision Hair Design. 298 North Road, Cardiff CF14 3BN www.precisioncardiff.com

ALEXANDER JAMES Beautiful Bespoke Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors

01792 794 549

www.alexanderjamesbifold.co.uk Unit 3A Ashmount Business Park, Upper Forest Way, Swansea, Wales SA6 8QR

Part of the AAI Group

The Art of Body Sculpturing and Holistic Health • Non-Invasive Liposuction • Personal Training • Diet & Nutrition • Massage Therapy

NonInvasive Liposucion

Fitness Training

A NEW YOU

Diet & Nutrition

Massage Therapy

Spring Offer

Before

After

Before

After

F Co RE

6 week programme Original price £738 reduced to £442 (including the following)

E ation

nsult

6 Lipo treatments ● 12 personal training sessions ● 6 massage sessions ● 6 week diet plan ●

Consultation with a qualified doctor: Dr Essam El Fayoumy, Medical Director MBBCh MSc Clinical Pathology / MSc Medical Science / MPhil Medicine

029 2025 5258

Tel: info@weightcarecentre.com | www.weightcarecentre.com 189 Cathedral Road | Cardiff | CF11 9PN

THANK YOU Thanks for taking the time to read the Spring edition of City Life magazine. City Life is the City Of Cardiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier lifestyle magazine. We print 10,000 copies of each edition and cut no corners on design, production and the quality of our print. Talking about printing, we source pretty much everything locally, and over 95% of City Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turnover is reinvested back into the community of South Wales. If you have a business and are interested in promoting your goods or services to an aspirational audience in Cardiff then City Life is almost certainly right for you. Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

“Follow your heart, not your head.” Kevin Green, Wealth Coach www.kevingreen.com

P ROMOTING YOUR B USINESS We value our advertisers. We appreciate the trust they place in us by promoting their businesses in our magazines. With our local partners, we currently publish a range of high quality quarterly titles across Wales. You can advertise your business from as little as £35 per season in this magazine. Pick-up-ability! Our magazines aren’t like other magazines. They have real pick-up appeal - in fact, they really do go like hot cakes. Quality comes ﬁrst... along with the environment. We’re passionate about quality. The magazines are beautifully written and designed, and printed locally in South Wales on high quality paper (and no nasty varnishes or lamination - we’re as green as green can be). Quality distribution to an afﬂuent, aspirational audience... We distribute our magazines to over 1,000 carefully selected outlets across South Wales. We’d love to have your business on board. If you’d like to promote your business or service in our magazines, please get in touch, we’d love the opportunity to work with you.

O UR T ITLES We proudly publish four Life-style magazines and one business to business title. Vale Life (our first magazine). This covers the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan - the most southerly county in Wales and deemed to be the most affluent. Vale Life was the first magazine we published. City Life The premier lifestyle magazine for Cardiff, Wales’ capital city. The magazine is delivered to all areas of Cardiff. Valleys Life At the heart of the South Wales Valleys. From the Neath Valley in the West to Blaenau Gwent and Pontypool in the East. West Life Covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and coastal Ceredigion, West Life is in touch with the relaxed lifestyle of this very special part of Wales. In Business Wales’ premier magazine for people in business. This is the kind of publication people in business want to read; interesting, inspirational and aspirational.

W HAT A DVERTISERS S AY “The best advertising we’ve ever done!” Andy Bradshaw, Partner, Hamptons, Penarth. “Honestly, the best response I’ve ever had.” Matt Mullooly, Owner, Northern Star, Penarth. “At last, advertising that really delivers.” Ann Bryl, Owner, Bryl’s Boutique, Barry. “A truly astonishing response.” Russell Scott-Lawson, Owner, Hawkes, Cardiff. “The experience I have had with this magazine has restored my faith in advertising. Gauci Organic Candles is a small business with an equally small advertising budget. We have to make every pound count and that’s what we get with Vale Life, City Life and Valleys Life. It’s refreshing to ﬁnd a magazine that really understands my business. They are never short of ideas. I recommend them whenever I can.” Spiro Gauci, Owner, Gauci Organic Candles, Cardiff www.gaucicandles.co.uk “These are beautiful publications. We love working with people who are passionate about what they do.” Spiro Borg, Spiros Caterers, www.spiros.co.uk We’d love the opportunity to show you what a truly effective campaign in our publications can achieve.

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St P Peters eters H Hall, all, St Peters Peters Street, Street, Cardiff Cardifff CF24 3BA Tel: T el: 029 2049 4425 • www.spiros.co.uk www w..spiros.co.uk • info@spiros.co.uk inffo@spir o@sp o os.co.uk Find us o on nF Facebook acebook @SPIROSCATERERS @SP IROSCA ATERERS TE T