CITY L IFE SUMMER 2011
P R O U D
TH E CI T Y
OF
T O
B E
PRICELESS
I N D E P E N D E N T
C A R D I F F ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
HOT IN THE CITY
MINI MAKEOVER, SPA SESSIONS AND THE COOLEST SHADES PLUS SIX PAGES OF SIZZLING SUMMER SOCIAL LIFE
RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING
THERE’S
MORE ONLINE
CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK
ART, MUSIC, STYLE, HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND MORE PLUS
WELCOME
Summertime and the living is easy! We might be in the height of summer but sometimes it feels like the depths, weather-wise. There’s still a good chance we’ll get an Indian summer – just in time for the children to go back to school!
In this issue we take a look at all things home related, from blinds, kitchens, new windows and gorgeous garden furniture. Need a break from the children? Then book a treat for yourself or a loved at the glamorous Celtic Manor Spa. Want a shopping fix but don’t want to drive into town, then take a look at what bustling Radyr has to offer.
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It’ll be our way of keeping in touch with readers and subscribers in between magazines. There’ll be lots of news and exclusive content so send us your email to subscribe – jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk www.citylifecardiff.co.uk
City Life magazine is home-grown. It is written, designed and produced in the capital for the people of Cardiff.
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This issue also sees our introduction to the movers and shakers of the city, and beyond, in our new ProFile section. Are you featured? If you’re not and you feel you should be, then get in touch and we can put that to rights.
The City Life blog is very popular. With updates, vouchers and news. Visit the City Life website and click on the Blogger logo. If you add yourself to the list, you’ll have regular City Life blogs sent to you as they happen – including vouchers, promotions and exclusive competitions. ❧ 3 ❧
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CONTENTS
14
This issue is packed with gorgeous features to help you celebrate Summer in our capital city.
10
26 11 21
12 CITY LIFE
IS WRITTEN,
DESIGNED AND PRODUCED IN
CARDIFF
AND
IS PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT
❧ 0845 180 2345
❧ COVER PHOTOGRAPH
AT
THE POLO ,
C ARDIFF C ASTLE
32
❧ S TEPHEN J R ICKARDS F IRST L IGHT P HOTOGRAPHY
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22
Turn to page 48 for six stunning pages of City Life’s Social Life. Who knows, you may be in the picture.
IN THIS ISSUE A ROUND T HE C ITY - N EWS JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES THE BARN
AT
FROM ACROSS
WEST FARM -
AND
CITY STYLE -
9
MATT POWELL
TICKLES OUR TASTEBUDS
12 14
BIKERS GET THEIR VERY OWN MAGAZINE !
18
WE TALK TO
PERFORM A
PRETTY GREEN
MADE IN THE SHADE - CITY LIFE
MINI
AND A TWIN - TURBO
VELLACINE’S MARK NAYLER
24
SHOWCASE THEIR GARDEN FURNITURE
TAKE GOOD OF YOURSELF WITH
A CUT ABOVE - RUSSELL SCOTT-LAWSON’S
CITY PROFILES -
WE MEET
TO BOLDLY GO -
COMES EARLY ,
CARDIF’S
TENBY
HELPS US RELAX EXPLAINED ...
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
TAKING THE RISK OUT OF STARTING A BUSINESS
CITY SOCIAL LIFE -
AN ENGAGEMENT , A GARDEN PARTY , A DINNER , A BALL , AND POLO
THE LAST WORD - JASON GREGORY
OF
TYPE
TAKES US SURFING ...
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.CO.UK
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28 30
PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
PATEK PHILLIPE, GOOGLE+
26 27
GARETH NOBLE
IT’S TIME TO SPA - THE CELTIC MANOR’S MARIEKE TEAGLE CITY BUSINESS - CHRISTMAS
20 22
WE DISCOVER THE PERFECT BOLTHOLE IN
HEALTH & WELLBEING -
MULSANNE
SOLAR
SHINES A LIGHT
ENJOY SUMMER IN STYLE - TIMBERTECH A QUICK GETAWAY -
10
MIRACLE
RENOVATIONS ,
LIGHT HOUSE -
6 8
IS DEFINITELY ON OUR RADAR
UP A GEAR - WELSH
18
S OUTH W ALES
THE PERFECT VENUE AWAITS !
MINI MAKEOVER - DAVIES MOTORS
48
AND
WE ’ RE LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE
CITY FOOD & DRINK - THE POTTED PIG RADYR -
C ARDIFF
32 34 36 42 48 50
AROUND THE CITY I F Y O U H A V E S O M E N E W S O R A S T O R Y W H I C H Y O U’D L I K E T O S H A R E , P L E A S E C O N T A C T C I T Y L I F E PA R K P L A Z A
Lottie Ball is a life-saver for Welsh children When Lottie and Karl Stokes welcomed their second child into the world in February 2009, they had no idea that in a few hours their joy would turn into terror. Louie was born with massive heart complications that were spotted when he was less than a day old and put his life in the balance. Since then, Louie has undergone a series of operations, culminating in life-saving open-heart surgery just before his first birthday. He is now a boisterous, loving little boy with a bright future. Having gone through every parent’s worst nightmare, Lottie and Karl are keen to help other families who find themselves in a similar situation. Lottie has organised a number of fundraising events for the Children’s Heart Unit for Wales.
Lottie said: “The care Louie receives at the Children’s Heart Unit has been second to none and we all feel in very safe hands there. Raising money to support the Unit has helped me turn our terrifying experience into something positive.” On Saturday 16th July, 100 people attended a Summer Ball at the Park Plaza, the second Lottie has organised to raise money for the Heart Unit. Thanks to generous donations from local and national businesses, a lively auction had guests bidding for amazing prizes, including a stunning top prize from Pravins Jewellers. The Ball raised over £5,000 for new life-saving equipment, as well as further research and education, at the Children’s Heart Unit for Wales. Turn to City Life’s Social Life section on page 46 to see more images of the Lottie Ball. For more information contact lottiestokes@hotmail.co.uk
P O R T H C AW L
Tee off with St John’s School, Porthcawl As part of St John’s School’s 90th birthday celebrations, they are organising a St. John’s golf tournament. The event will take place at The Grove Golf Club in Cornelly near Porthcawl on Friday 7th October 2011. Tee times will be available from 11am and 2pm. The event will be for teams of four at the cost of £100 per team which includes a running buffet when you finish your round of golf. If you would like to enter as an individual or pair, this will also be an available option. If you are unable to play golf and would still like to support the event, perhaps you could donate a raffle prize, sponsor a hole or make a contribution to the prizes. Presentation of prizes will take place at approximately 6.30pm and if family and friends would like to join us, bar meals are available at The Grove.
St. John’s School Church Street, Newton Porthcawl CF36 5NP 01656 783535 office@stjohnsschool-porthcawl.com www.stjohnsschool-porthcawl.com
Entry forms can be obtained by telephoning the school office on 01656 783404 or can be downloaded from www.stjohnsschool-porthcawl.com ❧ 6 ❧
S O U T H WA L E S
Marketing utopia with The Media Angel Working with a marketing agency has many benefits but you need to make sure you choose the right one that you’re comfortable working with. One that will fit in with your business, select your company the right media mix and help to stretch your marketing budget further whilst providing positive results. Life is made much easier using one professional, 100% impartial contact, rather than dealing with several different media contacts, hence saving you precious time enabling you to get on with your other job requirements.
organisations select the right media mix to use by filtering out the options that are not relevant, whilst getting them the best deals for their advertising budgets, but provided them with positive results. One satisfied customer is Vale Healthcare. Here’s what they have to say about working with Alison: “We have used The Media Angel to help with all of our marketing for two years pre and post the opening of Vale Hospital, and we continue to use them to enable us to deliver clear, consistent and targeted marketing messages to our client base.
The Media Angel brings us experience and expertise that give us a real overview of options that are available to us, whilst also providing specialist advice relating to our target market and the options that are most suitable. We have a small marketing team, so The Media Angel is a great addition and adds real value to our team.” The Media Angel 029 2070 7967 07793 355 305 info@themediaangel.co.uk www.themediaangel.co.uk
Based in The Vale of Glamorgan, Alison Debono’s marketing agency already has an impressive list of clients across both the public and private sectors (after just three years), including The National Trust, Cardiff Airport, including campaigns for Thomas Cook & KLM, Vale Hospital and Keep Wales Tidy to name but a few. Having worked across a variety of media, including TV, radio and publications, plus with over a decade of experience in the field, The Media Angel has not only helped many R OAT H
Cardiff Camera Club at The Gate, Roath Cardiff Camera Club returns to The Gate, Cardiff this year and opens for its second Annual Exhibition there on Wednesday evening 14th September. The exhibition runs until 9th October 2011. A wide range of photographic work will be on display. Last year’s exhibition was a resounding success enjoyed by many visitors to The Gate. Prints on display this year will include photographs taken locally, nationally and internationally by keen local amateur photographers.
The Gate is housed in a 100 year old Grade II listed building, formerly the Plasnewydd Presbyterian Church located in Keppoch Street in Roath. It is now a modern, multi-functional arts centre with its architectural integrity completely preserved. During the past year, the Club has further extended its work, photographing local community groups, and some of this work will be included in the display. The Club has a long tradition of nurturing photography in Cardiff, with its origins going back to 1896, but it has kept up to date and visitors can expect to see some contemporary as well as more traditional work. Some of the exhibits will be available for purchase.
Cardiff Camera Club President Imants Grindulis said, “We are delighted to be exhibiting at The Gate for the second year running and hope our exhibition will encourage more people into the photographic medium, especially with the recent phenomenal growth of digital photography. We welcome new members, both beginners and experienced photographers.” Cardiff Camera Club meets weekly at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Piercefield Place, off Newport Road, Cardiff. The Club’s events programme is detailed on the website at www.cardiffcameraclub.com
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JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES BUSINESSES
POSITION
Advertise with us!
Sales Executives
If you’re looking for a job or are in business and have a position to fill, you’ve come to the right place.
And if you’re not an advertiser, don’t worry, it’s still very cost-effective. Call us on 0845 180 2345 to discuss the options.
For the rest of 2011 it’ll be free to advertise a job on the City Life website if you are already an advertiser in City Life magazine.
For more information on how to promote your vacancy please email jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk
Why? Because times are tough at the moment and we want to make it as easy as possible for employers to find employees.
www.citylifecardiff.co.uk www.valelife.co.uk www.valleyslife.co.uk www.westlifewales.co.uk
P R O U D
TH E CI T Y
OF
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Hours Part time or full time. Salary Good basic plus healthy commission. Field sales executive required for our expanding range of high quality lifestyle magazine titles. You will be responsible for selling advertising space in several of our lifestyle titles; Vale Life, City Life, Valleys Life and our new title West Life.
CITY L IFE AU T U M N 2 0 1 0
Location South & West Wales.
PRICELESS
I N D E P E N D E N T
C A R D I F F ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
You will have a proven record in magazine or publishing sales. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to organise your own workload and manage pressure and priorities. You will need to be IT literate. Own car and clean driving licence essential. Please send cv and current salary to: Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts, Good life publishing Ltd Cardiff House, Cardiff Road Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW.
SUITED & BOOTED CARDIFF’S ARCADES, PONTCANNA & MERMAID QUAY COOL COUTURE, DELICIOUS DINING, INSPIRED INTERIORS RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING
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CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK
CITY L IFE SUMMER 2011
P R O U D
TH E CI T Y
OF
T O
B E
PRICELESS
I N D E P E N D E N T
C A R D I F F ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
HOT IN THE CITY
MINI MAKEOVER, SPA SESSIONS AND THE COOLEST SHADES PLUS SIX PAGES OF SIZZLING SUMMER SOCIAL LIFE
RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING
THERE’S
MORE ONLINE
CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK
We’re always looking for great people to join our team. Please get in touch today.
PLUS A RT , M USIC , S TYLE , HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND MORE
ART, MUSIC, STYLE, HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND MORE PLUS
City Life magazine. Committed to quality.
Passionate about Cardiff We are independent. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and produced 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.” Use it or lose it Business is the very lifeblood of any community. Without business, villages have no heart, towns have no centre and cities have no soul. Please support the businesses who advertise in City Life - without them there’d be no City Life magazine. ❧ 8 ❧
Small(ish) print © Copyright City Life 2011. 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. You have been warned (nicely); ignorance is no excuse. Green is good The pulp used in the production of the paper City Life is printed on is obtained from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine-free bleaching process. Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in City Life or on www.citylifecardiff.co.uk is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no
SOUTHERNDOWN
West Farm The perfect venue West Farm Barn in Southerndown is a vibrant community and business venue, with its facilities being used for important meetings by Wales Arts International, Creative Rural Communities, Zoom Film and Television, Skillset Film Academy Wales, Southerndown Community Group and the in house Film Club. West Farm is now opening its new function room and ‘LEGENDS’ bar capable of accommodating up to 80 people for business to business events, training courses and seminars.
The Barn at West Farm offers: ■ Cinema and film club for locals and tourists. ■ Peaceful surroundings. ■ Spectacular views over the Bristol Channel and beyond. ■ Disabled access. ■ Catering and kitchen facilities. ■ Spacious courtyard and extensive garden to accommodate marquees for larger events. ■ Provision for landing a helicopter. The new facility features: ■ High Definition, Blu Ray, video projection onto 150” screen. ■ 5.1 Surround Sound, wireless PA System. ■ Live HD Freeview TV. ■ Ability to connect PC/Laptop playout for PowerPoint presentations.
“West Farm Barn in Southerndown is a vibrant community and business venue.”
Café bar now open The barn at West Farm is an ideal location for weddings, and is approved for marriages and civil partnership ceremonies. The Barn at West Farm West Farm Southerndown CF32 OPY 01656 880465 admin@westfarm.com www.barnatwestfarm.com
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. Caveat emptor All advertisers have supplied their own copy (and in some cases artwork), and therefore City Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. Subscriptions To guarantee your copy of City Life magazine, please send a cheque for £20.00 (four issues) made payable to City Life. Visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk 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! City Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Cardiff and beyond. Cit Life magazine is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed around, 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. Recycling... because there is no Plan B!
City Life is home-grown. It is written, designed and produced in the capital for the people of Cardiff. ❧ 9 ❧
T H E C I T Y O F C A R D I F F ’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Editor JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Creative Director MARK ROBERTS mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Studio PA U L S E S S I O N S studio@goodlifepublishing.co.uk ❧ City Life Cardiff House Cardiff Road CF63 2AW ❧ City Life Website www.citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Telephone
0845 180 2345
CITY FOOD & DRINK EACH ISSUE WE BRING YOU THE VERY BEST IN AND AROUND SOUTH WALES
CIT Y CENTRE
Plotting in The Potted Pig The Potted Pig is one of those restaurants that is truly a rare find. The food’s great, the decor is stylish and considered without being ‘over designed’ and the staff are attentive and friendly. Michelin stars aside (everyone seems overly obsessed with them these days), The Potted Pig ticks all the boxes. Brought to you by the same team that runs the North Star, The Potted Pig is tucked away in a spacious basement beneath Zizzi on Cardiff’s bustling High Street - you’d probably walk past the discreet signage. On arrival, they offer a wide selection of gins (and other drinks) as an aperitif but I chose to finish my meal with a White Russian instead. The Potted Pig has a more than competent selection of wines and cocktails so you’re sure to find something you’ll like.
“From the moment we entered The Potted Pig, it had something special.”
Our starters were excellent - my wife enjoyed a very fine globe artichoke with garlic butter which was perfectly cooked and a ham hock with salad leaves set my taste buds up beautifully for what was to come. With starters from £5 and mains from £8.50, a meal for two isn’t going to break the bank and, although we dined in the evening, I can see The Potted Pig being popular with business people at lunchtimes. On to the main course. My wife loves fish and her mullet couldn’t have been cooked better - moist and rustic. My roast chicken with duck fat potatoes and spring greens was utterly divine. I pray at the altar of roast chicken regularly but if I’d stumbled on the best country kitchen in northern France, I suspect I wouldn’t have tasted better.
Our desserts rounded off an excellent evening. Eaton Mess for my good lady while I enjoyed a creamy and light panacotta complemented by the sharpness of fresh gooseberries. As I mentioned earlier, in the end I had to succumb to a White Russian which was equally creamy and morish. Of course it isn’t perfect, what restaurant is? Okay, I thought the gents’ toilet was a bit small, but a nagging voice in my head keeps saying. “Tell them how cool it is. Tell them how ‘French’ the food is. Tell them how much you enjoyed it. Tell them the staff are superb.” Truthfully, The Potted Pig is hard to fault overall. To sum up, I like The Potted Pig a lot. From the moment we entered it had something special. Business people will love it here. For a couple of hours we left the recession behind and it felt like anything was possible. The kind of space that inspires - the kind of place where the next big idea could be created, where dreams become reality, where revolutions begin. Believe me, we left feeling much better for the experience.
The Potted Pig 27 High Street (underneath Zizzi) Cardiff CF10 1PU 029 2022 4817 info@thepottedpig.com www.thepottedpig.com
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S O U T H WA L E S
Chef Matt Powell talks to City Life
Tasting menu for Summer and Autumn
My great grandmother Violet grew roses as I do in our garden now. My great grandfather would always have a rose waiting for my mother on our visits during the summer.
Matt will be running his increasingly popular dining events throughout the Summer and Autumn. Please visit www.chefmattpowell.co.uk for more information.
Rack of Welsh mountain lamb, yarrow, meadow sorrel and slow cooked rye berry and lamb reduction. Gigondas, Domaine Saint Gayan 2003.
My food reflects a sense of place, but also a sense of meaning and a definite sense of feeling and nostalgia. The following is a dessert that always reminds of her.
Prices start from £65 for food and £80 with a glass of wine for each course.
Aerated rose parfait, wild strawberry, rose jelly, sweet preserved roses and elderflower. Monbazillac, Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure.
I steep, clean, fresh roses in cream overnight to impart its perfume and I use preserved elderflowers in sugar syrup with the addition of wild strawberries. The rest is just a simple parfait recipe.
“Matt Powell will be running his increasingly popular dining events throughout the Summer and Autumn.”
Summer tasting menu Bone marrow and oyster leaf, rosehip vinegar reduction, wild garlic capers. Gros plant, Nantais, Sebastian Chereau 2009. Reindeer lichen dusted with porcini powder, beech nuts and Beech leaf emulsion. Alsace Riesling, Charles Schleret 2007.
Sweet woodruff set cream, birch bark meringue, birch bark sorbet and birch syrup. Muscat, Beaumes de venice. Menus may be subject to small changes. Photography by Mark Johnnson. Mojoffoto.com
Chanterelles baked with pine shoot and thyme, free range egg yolk cooked at 65oc in rapeseed oil, broad beans and chanterelle sauce. Jurançon sec, Pierre Blanche 2008. Scallops and sea shore edibles Caramelised Scottish diver picked scallops, sea purslane, sea arrow grass, crisp sea lettuce and scallop crème. Cassis, Clos st Magdeleine 2008.
Matt Powell Mobile 07515 380 169 matt@chefmattpowell.com www.chefmattpowell.com
RADYR If you’ve not ventured to Radyr and Morganstown, you’re missing a treat. This pretty village lies beneath the Garth Mountain along the edge of the River Taff, and runs down to Cardiff, via the Radyr Weir. It’s a vibrant community with three quality schools, churches, a superb golf course, tennis and cricket clubs, recreational fields and play areas. It’s an area that prides itself on its valued sense of community, with plenty of voluntary organisations and charity groups drama, music, scouts, cubs, guides, brownies, PTAs, all meeting in local village halls.
Vintage Gem When a premises became available in the thriving village of Radyr, mother and daughter Pat and Gemma decided it was the perfect place for them to realise their dream of opening a vintage shop. Vintage Gem truly is a treasure trove, full of delights of bygone eras. Here you can find a collection of curios of re-loved furniture, vintage jewellery, china and glass, cake stands, mirrors, blankets, jelly moulds, French soaps and so much more. Pat and Gemma are always sourcing bits and pieces from all over the country, so there will always be something new to see on your return visit. They also buy vintage items, so if you have anything that you wish to part with or are downsizing, then please contact them either by
phone, email or pop in to arrange a visit. If you’re looking for a special ‘one-off’ gift, then make Vintage Gem your first port of call. It truly is a little gem just waiting to be discovered. Vintage Gem 1B Station Road, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8AA 029 2084 2337 vintagegem@hotmail.co.uk
Evans & Jones Solicitors Evans & Jones Solicitors are a traditional high street practice based on Station Road in the heart of Radyr. The firm was set up in 2008 by partners Dalia ElhamiEvans and Rhian Jones to serve the local community and surrounding areas of Cardiff. Rhian and Dalia set up the firm in order to provide a cost-effective yet efficient and friendly service to clients throughout Cardiff.
Radyr Woods provides a nature reserve for wildlife, adjoining the historic railway sidings. If you look up above the shopfronts, you will see evidence of animals in the form of shop furniture. The village has a population of almost 6,500 and has new developments at Radyr Gardens, Parc Radur and Radyr Sidings. Each year there’s a two-week festival with over forty different events
The firm specialise in residential and commercial conveyancing, wills and probate, matrimonial work and also handle Lasting Powers of Attorney. The firm use the latest technology for those clients who wish to take advantage, which includes a live case login facility to allow clients to monitor the progress of their file online 24 hours a day. This helps to ensure that all clients receive a continuous high standard of care whilst at the same time having a personal service. The firm are also active supporters of local events and charities, having participated in Ty Hafan’s Write a Will Campaign for a number of years and sponsoring the annual Radyr Festival. For more information about the firm’s services or to receive a no-obligation quote please contact Rhian or Dalia today on 02920 020909 or email dalia.evans@evansandjones.co.uk
In this issue, we concentrate mostly on Station Road (ok and a fabulous hair salon in Park Road). With both established businesses and new and creative independents, there’s enough here for you to idle away a good morning or afternoon.
Evans and Jones Solicitors LLP 8b Station Road, Radyr Cardiff CF15 8AA 029 2002 0909 07846 992736 www.evansandjones.co.uk
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What really sets them apart is Ortho K, an exciting and reversible alternative to spectacles, conventional contact lenses or laser surgery, for patients with myopia (short sight). Particularly suitable for players of contact sports or watersports or patients who can’t get on with conventional contact lenses.
Salon Nia
Radyr Eye Care
Salon Nia was established in 2006 by sisters Louise Morgans and Celyn Hamlin. Initially only a hair salon, it has since evolved into a one-stop-shop for all glamour hair and beauty treatments.
Owners Sara Ward, principal optometrist and practice manager husband Robert, together with their able team, have been serving its local and nearby customers since 2006.
The latest celebrity beauty treatment has not passed them by and they are now offering HD Brows, the ultimate in well-groomed, high-definition eyebrows. This unique, seven-step eyebrow shaping treatment focuses on design and involves an innovative combination of techniques, including tinting, waxing and threading.
Offering the full range of optical services including full eye examinations (both private and paid for by the NHS where the patient is eligible), a wide range of frames, from value budget ranges to exclusive designer, a lens dispensing service and a full range of contact lenses, they also conduct appointments in patients’ own homes where patients are physically unable to attend the practice in person. They also offer emergency services for eye conditions, either GP referred or by the patients themselves.
Your eyebrows are a vital part of your personality. Not only do they frame your face, over 70% of your facial expressions depend on them. And that’s why the right brow shape and colour can take years off you. As an official HD Brows salon, Salon Nia will study the shape of your face, recommend the perfect brow design and transform your eyebrows into the shape you have always dreamed of. Suitable for nearly all brow types, and for both men and women, the treatment is very affordable and highly successful. To book your consultation or to learn more, call Salon Nia on 029 2084 4716 and speak to Celyn. Salon Nia 5 Park Road, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8DF 07968 223572 salonnia@btconnect.com www.salonnia.co.uk Facebook/salonnia Twitter/@SalonNia
For readers of City Life, 25% off marked price on all frames on display (including sun specs) on production of this article. Radyr Eyecare 14 Station Road, Radyr Cardiff CF15 8AA 029 2084 2255 enquiries@radyr-eyecare.co.uk www.radyr-eyecare.co.uk
If you need vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies, waxing, manicures, pedicures and facials or a holistic treatment, then ener-chi should be on your speed-dial. Stocking iconic brands such as Dr. Hauschka, L’Occitane, Eminence Organics, award winning Lulu & Boo and many others. If for any reason you can’t get to the shop, then visit their new online shop and stock up on your daily essentials.
ener-chi ener-chi is certainly no ordinary shop. Beautifully designed, it’s a haven of peace and tranquility where the cares and stresses of modern life just melt away. From the minute you arrive, you’ll find Judy’s professional, caring and friendly staff are trained to offer advice on products or deliver the best in treatments to leave you feeling revitalised in both mind and body.
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ener-chi 57 heol isaf Station Road Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8AH 029 2021 4012 info@ener-chi.co.uk www.ener-chi.co.uk facebook/ener.chi1 twitter/enerchi_cardiff also at: 31 Hickman Road Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 2AL 029 2070 7356
When we’re looking a bit tired, we nip off to a beauty salon or spa for a few treatments so why shouldn’t we do it for our cars?
I bought my wife this beautiful blue Mini Cooper eight years ago for Christmas - bit extravagant I know but it was well deserved, trust me, and the only brand new car she’s ever owned.
MINI
Over the years I’ve asked if she’d like to change it but on the two occasions we seriously went looking for a replacement, we came right back to the Mini Cooper and, quite honestly, there didn’t seem much point selling a perfectly good, low mileage Mini only to replace it with another on finance. However, since 2003, the Mini had picked up several scrapes and little dings. Someone had reversed into the rear bumper at some point (and not owned up) and while not serious damage, it was noticeable. The paintwork was generally a little tired all over and the black parts on the car had faded to a rather dull grey. All in all, this once stunning little number was sadly past its best.
“To say this eight year old Mini looks as new would be an understatement. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the number plate, you couldn’t tell it from new. It’s gorgeous again and my wife is delighted.” ❧ 14 ❧
Chatting to a friend, he suggested getting a cost for sprucing it up at Davies Motor Company. They were Bentley and Aston Martin approved and said that this was the place companies take their second-hand vehicles to have them prepared for resale. Great idea, I thought, and immediately made an appointment (not telling my wife, thinking this was another opportunity to give her a nice suprise). I was given a quotation and agreed to drop the Mini off - the work would take a week. I fabricated a plausible story about the Mini needing some mechanical repairs.
MAKEOVER A week later, we picked up our ‘brand new’ Mini from Davies Motor Company. I say brand new because that’s what it is essentially. The car has been completely transformed. The rear bumper was repaired and resprayed and the rest of the car machine-polished and all the little dents, scratches and scrapes miraculously removed.
The alloy wheels which were covered in scratches and scrapes from too many brushes with kerbs are now like new. All the dull black mirror bases and wiper arms have been sprayed and are like new. Add in a new set of number plates, wiper blades and wheel centres and you’re looking at a car that looks as good as when it came off the production line. To say this eight-year-old Mini looks as new would be an understatement. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the number plate, you couldn’t tell it from new. It’s gorgeous again and my wife is delighted!
“Why not go for a makeover? In aesthetic terms, it’s superb and in financial terms it makes perfect sense.”
In aesthetic terms, the makeover is superb and in financial terms it makes perfect sense. These are austere times so if you have a car that you love that is essentially good for its age, but looks a little tired, why not go for a makeover rather than a full replacement. Our Mini has more or less stopped depreciating so we’re enjoying free motoring now bar ongoing wear and tear. The whole exercise cost less than £1,000 and has almost certainly added that in value and there’s no reason we couldn’t go back to Davies Motor Company in a few years for another quick makeover just to keep on top of things. It’s certainly in our diary. ❧ 15 ❧
Sean and Donna of Davies Motor Company
Davies Motor Company Hadfield Close, Cardiff CF11 8BD 029 2039 4407 info@daviesmotorcompany.co.uk www.daviesmotorcompany.com
This year the British Heart Foundation (BHF) celebrates its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion we are hosting a charity race day with the support of Chepstow racecourse. Come and celebrate with us for a very special introductory price.
THURsday 8th SEPTEMBER 2011 Hospitality package includes: CHEPSTOW Racecourse to the premier enclosure with superb view of racecourse •• Entry Welcome drink T MONMOU HSHIRE Dining – tables of 10 for a 3 course meal •• Fine Race-day programme for each guest Bar facility For further information or to book contact: •• Cash Tote Betting facility Lucy Saunders 0117 960 5372 saundersl@bhf.org.uk
Gates open 12.15pm, last race 5.35pm* Special price for 2011 only
Sharon Owen 02920 382408 owensh@bhf.org.uk
Table of 10: £850.00
* race times subject to change
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❧ 16 ❧
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British Heart Foundation 2011, registered charity number in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SCO39426)
Char ity Race Day
Our low cost carriers carriers fly to many d estinations all all o ver Europe. Europe. In In addition addition destinations over tto o the the above, above, Bristol Bristol Airport Airport also also offer offer an an extensive range range of of Charter Charter destinations. destinations. extensive Visit www.bristolairport.co.uk ffor or ffurther urther details. details.
From £20,720. Now you can afford to have a bit of fun. The new Golf Cabriolet. As if driving a Golf wasn’t fun enough, we bring you the Golf Cabriolet. Soft-top motoring on top of the high build quality you’d expect from a Golf. In just 9.5 seconds, the roof folds down to bring you sunshine and fresh air at the touch of a button. While the boot offers 250 litres of luggage space. Huge capacity for enjoyable driving. Solutions representative example based on 10,000 miles per annum for a new Golf Cabriolet S 1.2 TSI including free servicing for up to 3 years or 30,000 miles* and metallic paint. Duration
3 years
Optional final payment
Amount of credit
£15,132.72
35 monthly payments
£269.00
Option to purchase fee** £60.00
Total amount payable
£23,893.28
Deposit
£6,057.28
Excess mileage (per mile) 4.32p
Representative APR
7.9% APR
Acceptance fee†
£125.00
Retail cash price
Rate of interest
7.1% fixed
£8,361.00
£21,190.00
Sinclair Volkswagen NEWPORT
CARDIFF
BRIDGEND
PORT TALBOT
Corporation Road. Tel: 0845 122 2636.
Tyndall Street, Tel: 0845 122 2580.
Tremains Road, Tel: 0845 124 2453.
Dan-y-Bryn Road. Tel: 0845 124 2454.
SWANSEA
NEYLAND
Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer. Tel: 0845 124 2455.
Havenbridge Road, Honeyborough. Tel: 0845 124 2456. www.sinclair.volkswagen.co.uk Licenced credit brokers.
Model shown includes metalic paint: £21,190. *Up to 3 years free servicing or 30,000 miles (whichever comes soonest). Free servicing is available for customers who purchase their car with Solutions. †Payable within first payment.**Payable with optional final payment. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Retail sales only. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18's in the UK only for registrations before September 30th, 2011. Volkswagen Finance, Freepost VWFS. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at anytime. Official fuel consumption in mpg ( litres/100km) for
the Golf Cabriolet range: urban 34 ( 8.3 ) – 54.3 ( 5.2 ); extra urban 52.3 ( 5.4 ) – 68.9 ( 4.1 ); combined 44.1 ( 6.4 ) – 64.2 ( 4.4 ). CO2 emissions 150 – 117g/km.
THE ES SENTIA L READ
A dedicated group of local motorcycle enthusiasts have got together to produce a new magazine for South and West Wales aimed at Welsh bikers.
WE ’RE
Publisher Jonathan Sims said, “There are some great motorcycle magazines out there but we wanted to produce something that would really appeal to Welsh bikers. The magazine will be free and funded entirely by advertising.” GearUp already has a great team of contributers onboard. Shaun Pope, writer and test rider said, “This is great fun to be involved with. Riding bikes and writing about them is brilliant and a real privilege.”
OK .CO M/
GE AR UP
BY BIK ERS FOR B IKERS
UP A GEAR GearUp issue 1 was launched on August 1st and the GearUp website at www.gearupmag.co.uk is already attracting motorcyclists from across the world.
ON FA CE BO
FOR MO TORCYC LISTS IN SOUT H & WE ST WA LES
MA G & WW W. GE
AR UP MA
G.C O.U
A MUCK Y WEEK FOR A TE NERE END
WIN
!
RID£50 IN COMER P OUR P RO SEE ETIT FILE PAG ION E6 6
TEST
ED! BIKESWYE RIDE THE OU’LL B UY
BRUTE FORCE MV Agusta have chosen the perfect name for this bike. It really is, well... brutal.
Jonathan Sims added, “We’ve also built a forum into the website so Welsh bikers can connect with each other. We want to build a real community with motorcycles at its centre. That’s the GearUp philosophy.”
JULY 2011 BY BIKERS FOR BIKERS
52
TRACKDAY
LLANDOW CIRCUIT
Most riders’ misconception of trackdays is “you have to be fast to do a trackday!” With dedicated groups for beginners and free tuition available, being fast simply isn’t on the list of requirements! We tagged along to the latest Riders Motorcycles Trackday on 6th May. More pics and info on our Facebook page and www.gearupmag.co.uk
TRACK ATTACK
E-ZINE
WORDS SHAUN POPE PHOTOGRAPHY MARK JOHNSON
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ER 20 11
K
Mark Johnson, a successful commercial photographer, and biker said, “I’m proud to be a part of GearUp. It’s a great team and I get to photograph a subject that is very close to my heart.”
THE
SUMM
TW O WH EE LS
IN THIS ISSUE WE RID E THE DIA WITH VEL ABERDA R E PARK RACESROAD MV A BRUTGUSTA TRIEDATLE KILL TH O E POPE! HOOK E D CLASS ON ICS
“Cardiff bikers can visit GearUp magazine’s brand new website at www.gearupmag.co.uk Like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gearupmag
FREE
GOOD
6
ROADRACE
ABERDARE PARK
Aberdare Park Road Races is a truly unique motorcycling event. It is the only race circuit in the UK that is less than half a mile from a town centre.
Aberdare Park - one of the world’s best short circuits.
PARK AND RIDE!
As a race track, it has an enviable reputation as one of the world’s best short circuits. Set in fifty acres, the 0.9 mile park road winds itself through trees and around the perimeter of Aberdare’s picturesque town park.
For history buffs, the park opened on the 27th July 1869 and was landscaped and planted by William Barron who had designed many parks in England. The original park was created and instigated by R H Rhys and in 1956 the National Eisteddfod was held at the park. A Gorsedd stone circle was erected to commemorate the event - it still stands.
Less than thirty miles from the Welsh capital, Cardiff, Aberdare Park is now one of the ‘must-ride’ circuits on the planet and every year rumours abound as to which racing celebrity will turn up to race. This year, there was a buzz around the paddock that Guy Martin was going to race – alas it wasn’t to be but the Park has had its fair share of racing royalty over the years.
PHOTOGRAPHY MOJOFFOTO
All this from its humble beginnings back on the 30th September 1950, when the first meeting took place. Despite being run in very poor weather, it still managed to attract a crowd of over 15,000 spectators. Dave Bennett from Birmingham won the main race of the day and also the fastest lap of the day on his 500cc Norton at an average race speed of 49 mph. Doesn’t sound fast until you watch the riders up close. Trust me, that’s quick.
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GearUp magazine 08451 80 81 82 info@gearupmag.co.uk www.gearupmag.co.uk Like GearUp magazine at www.facebook.com/gearupmag
CITY STYLE
Property makeovers, rockstar fashion and automotive cool VA L E W I D E
Bailey Design Consultancy Paula Bailey has been renovating property for over ten years and, having seen the business flourish in the last year, decided to take on projects not only for herself but for other clients too.
Paula offers a complete service from design, planning and building to electrics, plumbing, green energy, and interior design all of which are fully project managed to the very highest specification.A recent project Paula was involved in was the renovation of a traditional Pembrokeshire house in the National Parks. The first phase concentrated on modernising all of the electrics, plumbing and adding internet availability into most of the rooms. The company’s interior designer then designed each room sympathetically to the style of the house, renewing the old cast iron corner bath for a copper free standing bath. The front was exposed as natural stone and re-pointed, using the traditional lime mortar. Phase two of the project was slightly more elaborate with the design of a large two storey extension. The aim of this was for it to become an open-plan kitchen and diner incorporating under-floor heating that was to run under the limestone
flooring. Large French doors were to be installed leading out to the garden which overlooked the sea. An ash staircase lead from the kitchen to a large vaulted bedroom and en-suite. Paula says, “The client was looking for a relaxed family home that would incorporate the old original house and the new extension without looking out of place and the one was to seamlessly flow into the other giving the new extension a contemporary open feel.” A very happy client, Sarah Linard said: “It has been a pleasure working with Paula and we simply could not have embarked on the project without her.” Bailey Design Consultancy 07794 431890 or 07821 026646 info@bailey-design.co.uk www.bailey-design.co.uk
CIT Y CENTRE
Pretty Green comes to Morgan Arcade Pretty Green is a fashion label founded and designed by Liam Gallagher and established in 2009. The Green and Black labels are two distinct collections. The Green Label is a focused, casual range dedicated to providing quality, everyday signature pieces. The Black Label is classic British tailoring, using fine fabric with an innovative attention to detail. All of the pieces in each collection are strictly limited edition and are designed by Liam. Pretty Green opened its first Welsh store in Cardiff in June. Located at 22-24 Morgan Arcade (the former site of the famous menswear store Woodies Emporium) the store will comprise over 1,200 sq ft of retail space.
“The Green and Black labels are two distinct collections. All of the pieces are strictly limited edition and are designed by Liam.”
The new store will house both the Black and Green Label collections and feature iconic imagery from Liam’s latest shoot for the Pretty Green SS11 collection. As with each of the Pretty Green stores, the Cardiff store will focus on providing monthly live music from a host of established and unsigned bands. ❧ 20 ❧
Pretty Green 22-24 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF www.prettygreen.com General Hours Mon - Sat, 10am - 6pm Sun, 10am - 4pm
BENTLEY MULSANNE It’s not everyday you’re handed the keys to a Bentley Mulsanne, but if you can resist the urge to jump straight in it’s worth contemplating, for a few moments at least, some of the statistics that go with Bentley’s newest super-saloon.
At nearly 5’ tall, 6’4” wide and over 18’ long, the Mulsanne is one mighty motor-car. 21” wheels fill the arches, the sidelights are the size of a hatch-back’s headlamps and the headlamps bigger still. Under the bonnet lies a hand-built 6.75 litre twin turbo V8 that develops 505 bhp and 752lbft of torque. Coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox 0-60mph takes just 5.1 seconds, and flat-out is 184mph. In today’s world of featherweight super-cars you may think that’s pretty un-remarkable. But consider this; The Mulsanne weighs 2.6 tonnes. The exterior styling mixes old school Bentley traditionalism and cutting edge modernity in equal measure. A process called super-forming helps create the bodywork’s intricate details whilst good old-fashioned craftsmanship helps create the rest. It’s a similar story inside too.
Twenty-one hand stitched hides cover everything from the seats to the headlining - it smells magnificent. Add handpolished, veneered oak marquetry, stainless steel ventilation controls and piano black switches, plus a 20 speaker 2200 watt hi-fi, individual massaging seats and carpet so deep you can’t see the soles of your shoes, and it’s easy to see where your £220,000 goes. Press the starter and you’re rewarded with a melifluous muted burble. Despite its girth, on the move, the Mulsanne never feels as large as it looks. There’s a precise lightness to the steering, the gear-changes are imperceptible and even at speeds I shouldn’t mention Bentley’s flagship feels completely stable. Progress is effortless. The Mulsanne represents the epitome of automotive luxury: It is a car without equal. Liam Bird
Bentley Mulsanne Engine Twin-turbocharged 6750cc V8 Power 505 BHP @ 4200rpm Torque 752lbft @ 1750rpm Transmission ZF 8 speed automatic Performance 0-62mph 5.1 sec Max Speed 184mph MPG 16.7 Combined CO2 393g/km Price From £220,000 Car shown £262,350 Bentley Cardiff 293 Penarth Road Cardiff CF11 8TT 029 2034 7950 www.cardiff.bentleymotors.com Many thanks to Bentley Motors Crewe, for the loan of their Mulsanne.
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Bridgend-based Solar Sunshades is determined to see its future as a bright one. We donned sunglasses for a tour of the factory.
MADE IN THE SHADE
“The company’s success is down to keen pricing, an excellent workforce and a passion for getting it right,” says Solar’s Managing Director, Huw Davies. “Solar has been around for over thirty years because we offer customers excellent products and, I believe, unrivalled service.”
“We’re a real manufacturer,” says Huw proudly. “We’re not agents just sending orders off to big factories outside Wales. We employ over thirty people in Bridgend and that’s so important to the local economy. If you buy from Solar you know your money is being spent locally.”
Does that longevity matter I ask? “Well yes it does. If you buy off a company that’s gone out of business in six months’ time and there’s a problem, you’ll be left holding a pretty useless cord,” says Huw. “As Wales’ premier blind company we pride ourselves on offering a quality range of products at a fair price.”
Solar make an amazing range of products: from roller blinds right through to conservatory blinds and, with their Perfect Fit system, no drilling or screwing is required to fix the blinds to windows. “Our plantation shutters and motorised blinds are also becoming extremely popular with customers wanting a dramatic change of style and ease of use,” says Huw.
Solar might not be the cheapest blinds on the market, but it’s clear that they take quality, customer service and safety very seriously and it’s probably why customers seem to recommend them so highly.
Back in March, Solar launched its new ‘Inspirations’ range which, the company claims, contains their best collection of fabrics ever - with brand new designs, textures and a colour palette that couldn’t be more on trend ❧ 22 ❧
if it tried - simply stunning. “We’re not expensive,” says Huw. “Solar is affordable and, more importantly, if there ever is a problem, we’ll always be here to sort it out.” Commercial customers aren’t left out either. With Solar’s superb range of awnings and blinds, there’s no excuse for any business to be put in the shade by the competition. “Commercial customers are our most demanding,” says Huw. “If our quality is good enough for them, that speaks volumes.”
Solar Sunshades Bridgend Industrial Estate Bridgend CF31 3TP 01656 663800 www.solarsunshades.co.uk
“Our plantation shutters and motorised blinds are extremely popular with customers wanting a dramatic change of style and ease of use.”
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Vellacine is one of South Wales’ manufacturers that’s still enjoying growth despite foreign competition and a sluggish market. City Life spoke to Managing Director Mark Nayler to find out more.
LIGHT
HOUSE When you walk through Vellacine’s offices, one of the first things that strikes you is a real sense of professionalism. Perhaps not what you’d expect from a ‘double glazing’ industry that is awash with one-man bands, but the sense of ‘expertise’ here is palpable.
The recent work for developer Charles Church in Llanelli is an example of Vellacine at its absolute best: working with the client to ensure all aspects of the project were delivered on time and all their requirements met. “Developers and construction companies know they can rely on us,” Mark says proudly.
Mark shows us through the offices to a gallery window overlooking Vellacine’s workshops. Down below, the Vellacine team are busying themselves on several of the company’s recent contract wins. Mark is clearly proud of what Vellacine stands for. “We manufacture all our products right here in Hadfield Road. Besides our many private customers, we work with numerous demanding clients in the commercial sector, from schools and local councils to architects and developers.”
Mark is keen to stress Vellacine’s abilities: “We manufacture a wide range of products: windows, doors, conservatories, bi-fold doors in different materials - aluminium, uPVC - and in a wide range of colours. You name it, we can manufacture it.” The tour fills us with confidence. We are shown to a second large workroom where a large set of bi-fold doors is being manufactured.
“Customers can be sure that when they order from us, they’ll get the very best standards.” “These are becoming increasingly popular,” says Mark. “We’ve completed three sets this week! Patio and French doors are still popular but these are the in-thing.” There’s a real sense with Vellacine that they’re doing well, and doing so because, first and foremost, they’re very good at what they do and, second, they haven’t forgotten the customer is king. “We’re only as good as our last job,” Mark says with a confident but serious smile. “Customers can be sure that when they order from us, they’ll get the very best standards of manufacture and uncompromising customer service. Lots of companies talk the talk but we really do deliver.” Perhaps it’s that complete understanding of what their customers want that sets Vellacine apart. It certainly isn’t luck. You don’t build a business like this just on luck. It takes determination, but, more than that, it takes clarity of vision. Vellacine Limited The Window and Conservatory Centre Hadfield Road Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AQ 029 2022 8578 enquiries@vellacine.com www.vellacine.com
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“Composite aluminium/timber hybrid system. Vellacine at its absolute best.�
ENJOY SUMMER IN STYLE As the evenings get shorter, we all want to get the most out of summer before autumn arrives. TimberTech, a Penarth-based company, is helping homes across the UK to do just that, transforming the country’s gardens into stylish havens. TimberTech’s on-line retail brand, greensquares, provides a range of unique outdoor products that you definitely won’t find in your local DIY superstore.
To add ambience to outdoor dining, greensquares’ lights and torches will give your garden a cosy glow to take you through the twilight hours and beyond. The lighting range encompasses everything from retro-style basket weave lamps to ultra-modern contemporary stainless steel wall lights.
Its philosophy is to provide products that are led by design, built to last and made by people who care about their craft – and that’s exactly what you’ll find on its website. From obelisks and oil torches to benches and beanbags, the team at greensquares have sourced products from all over Europe. Greensquares is the only UK stockist of the cult Dutch brand apple bee, whose range of hand-woven lounge furniture is full of laid-back Netherlands chic, with stylish chairs, sofas and coffee tables that wouldn’t look out of place inside your home.
The Infinity collection is especially eye-catching – each cube-shaped light is handcrafted from a combination of laminated glass, brushed stainless steel and oiled hardwood.
It is also a local stockist of the Alexander Rose outdoor dining furniture range, hand picked by greensquares as a brand that shares its attention to quality and design. Products range from bistro sets that are the perfect size for two, to tables that will seat the whole family.
For those who prefer the kind of cosy glow you only get from real flames, greensquares has got the latest trend in illuminating your garden. Its oil torches are based on traditional oil lamps but brought up-to-date with modern designs crafted from brushed stainless steel or copper. Greensquares grew from Timbertech’s success selling an innovative type of decking that looks just like wood, but is extremely low in maintenance. As the company sold its composite decking to homes everywhere from Sully to Surrey, it noticed a gap in the market for high-end design-led garden products.
Director Jason Cole explains: “Our customers tend to be people searching for good quality design-led outdoor living products. They have invested in TimberTech decking, but it was hard to find garden furniture and accessories that were in the same league – which is where the idea for greensquares came from.” Although greensquares is an online retailer, local customers can visit the company’s showroom in Penarth town centre. Products on display include the Alexander Rose and apple bee furniture, as well as items from the lighting range, plus you can see the innovative TimberTech decking for yourself. As a special introductory offer for City Life readers, greensquares is offering 10% off all its products. To take advantage of the offer, place your order online at www.greensquares.co.uk or call 029 2070 5113, quoting reference GSL1.
Timbertech Products Limited Unit 5, Stangate House Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AA 029 2070 5113 info@timbertechuk.co.uk www.timbertechuk.co.uk
❧ 26 ❧
I never get tired of Tenby. If we’re looking for a quick weekend away or week break, West Wales is always high on the list of destinations. Why? Quite simply because it’s so close. An hour and a half and you’re in a completely different world.
A QUICK GETAWAY
Always looking for a new place to try, we discovered Northbeach online. Situated within the walls of historic Tenby, Northbeach is two beach-front apartments (Lux and Loft) in a beautiful converted Regency townhouse. It enjoys sensational views over the beautiful North beach and harbour.
Both apartments enjoy luxurious contemporary styling. We stayed in the Lux on the second floor; the Loft is on the third but both are decorated and furnished to the very highest standard. The Lux sleeps four and has: Large living space and kitchen Double bedroom with ensuite shower Twin room Bathroom with shower Log-burning stove Large flat screen TV and DVD player Dishwasher Washing machine
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Northbeach also has its own off-street parking at the rear of the property and, for the adventurous, a kayak for hire (subject to availability). This is a superb base to explore West Wales and there are plenty of restaurants and places to visit in and around Tenby if you fancy a walk. Further afield, Pembrokeshire has masses to offer the keen explorer so you won’t be spoilt for choice. ❧ 27 ❧
Dixe Wills of the Guardian says of Northbeach, “Sleek minimalism is the order of the day here. And woodburning stoves. And massive clocks. There are cracking views of Carmarthen Bay and a kayak thrown in too. Is it Tenby or not Tenby? That is the question.”
Northbeach Tenby, Pembrokeshire www.northbeachtenby.com A week at Northbeach starts at £850 although shorter stays are available.
HEALTH & WELLBEING Take good care of yourself with City Life magazine’s guide to healthcare S O U T H WA L E S
Cardiff Legal Services Commision The Cardiff office held a Personal Safety event for staff on Monday 12th November 2007. The day consisted of two separate 60-minute sessions, which were intended to improve knowledge in a fun and light-hearted manner. A self-defence demonstration and discussion followed with Gareth Noble, a British Combat Association Instructor.
The Noble art of training Noble Training’s qualified, experienced instructors provide a friendly, professional service, and are able to discuss your specific training issues and offer tailormade solutions to suit your individual needs.
Those who thought they were attending a quiet discussion were in for a surprise (and they didn’t get to sit down that much either!) Each demonstration was followed by a ‘practice’ session. The group had a lot of fun practising their new found moves on each other, especially with the wooden ‘knives’ that were provided for good effect.
Professional quality and excellent value for money, Noble Training is committed to providing training courses in the following: ■ Social care ■ Health and safety ■ Manual handling ■ Fire awareness ■ First aid Noble Training’s customers include blue chip corporations along with local government, civil service and businesses across the UK. The following are testimonials from two organisations Gareth has helped. Mums Matters Cardiff We asked Gareth to do a session on self defence for us at Mums Matters. We are a group of Mums who meet once a week to do a variety of activities to enhance our health and well being. We didn’t know what to expect from the session, but we wanted to learn some basic self defence moves. The session was brilliant; Gareth was very professional and showed us lots of moves. It was quite physical and we didn’t sit down once! Gareth made the session fun but also showed us some good ways of how to defend your self from lots of different types of attack. It was very useful to everyone involved and gave the women the confidence to defend themselves if they had to.
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr I first heard about Noble Training Solutions through my husband, who speaks with great enthusiasm about Gareth Noble the instructor of a military martial arts course he attended, I was intrigued to learn more about the philosophy behind Gareth and his businessess work. His work revolves about raising people's self esteem and ensuring personal safety through his many courses from Health and Safety, First Aid at Work, Positive Behaviour Management, amongst others. During our Personal and Social Education day recently, he gave our sixth formers food for thought regarding their body language and how to avoid being a victim of crime.
The whole group enjoyed the session and the feedback was very positive, they all want Gareth back to learn some more! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gareth.
Increasingly, it is important for the pupils in our schools to be more vigilant about their safety and project confidence in social situations. The sixth formers were very enthusiastic about learning these essential skills. As a school, our intention is to ask Noble Training Solutions to run courses and develop a PSE programme that focuses on dealing with threatening behaviour - physical or emotional. This is an integral part of our school anti bullying policy.
Lynne
“Gareth made the session fun but also showed us some good ways of how to defend yourself.”
Siriol Burford
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Several members of staff were brave enough to help Gareth with his demonstrations – quite a challenge when faced with an experienced exsoldier who also dabbles in martial arts! Mark found out to his peril that he was sat too close to the front as he was nominated to ‘help’ quite a lot more than others. He did a sterling job and was quite an expert himself by the end of the session. Both sessions were extremely enjoyable and staff are more aware of how to keep themselves safe... especially if threatened with a wooden knife!! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gareth for an extremely enjoyable morning. Everyone who attended the session was on a real high at the end and thoroughly enjoyed his style of teaching. Staff felt comfortable to join in the activities and all said that they gained confidence by attending and actually taking part. We would also like to wish you well, and would recommend your class to anyone, young or old. In an everchanging society such as ours your type of class would be of benefit to many people. Caroline
Noble Training 08081 081683 Mobile 07929 139055 noble.training@ntlworld.com www.nobletrainingsolutions.com
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A CUT ABOVE
I
f you love your carbs but don’t love your spare tyre, then take a leaf out of Russell Scott-Lawson’s book and train with a boxer. City Life spoke to Russell about how he met Jamie Arthur, his trainer, who not only changed his body but his mindset and attitude to diet, health and training.
What is involved in the training? The sessions started with a small group of four people, twice a week for one hour, but everyone’s enthusiastic nature has meant the group has grown to as many as twelve. The workouts are never the same so it’s difficult to describe, but to sum it up, written on the wall is our mantra, “Winners never quit. Quitters never win.”
Do you follow a particular diet? I was a carboholic and loved my sugar. Now I think about how much and how often I eat. Before I started I was 13st 2lb (and growing), eating pretty much everything I wanted. This, combined with regular boozing, made me feel like middle age spread was kicking in. With a few helpful tips, those pounds flew off and I’m now 11st 8lb.
How did you meet Jamie? He came into my shop, Hawkes Essentials, for a suit for a Sky television interview and I asked him how much weight he needed to lose before the fight. He told me a stone and a half in fourteen days, so I asked him if he could take that off me (without liposuction) in two months. He then talked about the white collar training sessions that he ran in Llantrisant and after hearing about the results that he believed we could achieve together, I was sold on the idea.
In the past I never put my body through such enjoyable agony - I never used to push myself through any pain barriers. Now I do it at least five times a session! As for what’s involved, don’t be put off by the fact that it’s boxing; there is no fitness like it. If you’re interested, come and watch a session before you start and have a chat with Jamie about what you want to achieve. If you stick to his rules, you will lose weight and get fit incredibly quickly. One of the guys lost 19lb in two weeks and another lost three stone!
How has your body changed? Well I’ve dropped two sizes. My waist was 35” - it’s now 30”! My belly is nearly gone, my chest is the same without the man boobs. I feel stronger, fitter and healthier than I’ve felt in my whole life and, combined with the confidence the boxing style training gives you, I feel great.
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The downside is I’ve had to give away most of my clothes, the upside is I got to buy loads of new stuff but it’s a price I’m more than happy to pay!
City Life talks to Russell’s trainer, Jamie Arthur, about his career. How long have you been boxing? I started boxing at the age of nine as a way to defend myself against local bullies.
Has it changed the way you live? Absolutely. I have more energy and far fewer hangovers (sorry Mocka boys!). I’ve made some good friends and I’m learning a fantastic sport. Some people probably think boxing is barbaric but I beg to differ. These guys are great sportsmen and they are immensely fit. They also know a whole lot about losing weight. I would use this analogy - if your car breaks down you phone the AA or RAC, if your plumbing goes wrong call a plumber. If you’re serious about wanting to lose weight call a boxer. Hawkes Essentials 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com
Tell us about your boxing achievements I’ve been fortunate that through hard work and dedication, I’ve been given some great opportunities over the years. As an amateur, I won nine Welsh amateur boxing titles from schoolboy right up to senior level. In 2002, I represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where I won Wales’ first Commonwealth boxing gold since Howard Winston back in 1958. When did the boxing cross over into personal training? After winning gold at the Games, I enrolled on a sports studies degree at university, with the aim of going down the teaching route, but professional boxing seemed to be taking up more and more of my time, so I decided that I would enrol on a sports coaching and personal training course instead. Soon after, I opened my gym in Cwmbran, where I coached two novice boxers to Welsh titles. Who do you train? My training programmes are suitable for everybody. I provide white collar boxing sessions aimed at a professional clientele who are looking for boxing training experience and who may go on to a white collar boxing contest later. ❧ 31 ❧
I provide team-based sessions to improve upper body strength and conditioning to rugby and football teams that are looking for something a little different from their workouts. Personal training sessions cover every aspect of healthy living, where I design eating plans to help clients lose weight, tone up or maybe just improve their lifestyles. The personal sessions are one-to-one or small group based and are tailored to every individual client’s needs, where I work with them every step of the way to ensure they achieve their goals. Can women join in the training programme too? Women’s box fit sessions are a fun, energetic programme aimed at giving ladies a different approach to training, through conditioning-based sessions that improve hand-eye coordination. I also teach aspects of self-defence in a fun, non-contact-based way. Where do you train your clients? I run a number of my sessions at the Fight Academy Wales in Llantrisant, but also use a number of different gyms throughout Cardiff and also provide home or office classes for clients who are on a tight schedule. JKA Fitness GTI Suite, Navigation Park Abercynon CF45 4SN 01443 408208 jamie@jamiearthur.com www.jkafitness.com
The Celtic Manor’s Forum Spa and Ocius Treatment Rooms certainly contribute to the hotel’s worldwide reputation for high quality. City Life talks to Spa Manager Marieke Teagle to find out what makes their offering so special.
IT’S TIME TO SPA What’s your role at the Celtic Manor, Marieke? I am the Spa Manager and manage both the Forum Spa at the main resort and Ocius Treatment Rooms at The Lodge. How long have you been working there? I joined the resort in 2008 and I absolutely love every minute of my extremely varied role! What branded products are used at the spa? Prior to joining Celtic Manor Resort, I worked for Harvey Nichols for five years as International Sales Manager for beauty. I have always had a great love and passion for the industry and worked very closely with some fantastic luxury leading brands. My decisions on what brands to bring into both spas therefore was quite easy. I made the decision almost a year ago after reviewing several spa and beauty brands to become a sole brand Elemis Spa, something which has meant that we are busier than we have ever been! My relationship with Elemis began some time ago when they launched their first retail site within Harvey Nichols, Manchester and I have worked with them ever since. They are fantastic and the leading luxury British spa and skincare brand favoured by as many as 5.7 million spa-goers per year.
Nailcare To complement our brand portfolio, I also wanted to bring another British brand to the mix and, again, as I had worked for many years with Leighton Denny, this was my number one nailcare choice. Leighton Denny is the award-winning and creative dynamo behind the highly successful Leighton Denny Expert Nails range which brings the variety and choice of products our spa-goers are looking for. Makeup As Leighton Denny works so closely with this next brand, it was the perfect choice of makeup brand - Daniel Sandler, one of the most successful makeup artists in the UK, launched a fabulous range that simplifies stunning red carpet makeup into looks for everyday wear, perfect as a finishing touch after a rejuvenating spa day! And finally, St Tropez which ensures our spa guests get a natural-looking self tan, not a fake tan! Who are your clients and where do your clients come from? Our spa guests come to us from far and wide looking for that something extra special. Whether it be a couple on a romantic getaway, a group of ladies on a hen weekend, a mother and daughter spending some quality time together or golfers relaxing with a massage after a long day on the golf courses, we have packages and treatments that cater for every individual. ❧ 32 ❧
Why do you think that clients come to Celtic Manor Spa? The Forum Spa has a worldwide reputation and has recently been nominated for Conde Nast's Top 10 Worldwide Spas. We received great praise and acclaim from our Ryder Cup Ladies Spa day and have since been requested on many occasions. What’s the most popular treatment? Our most popular treatments are undoubtedly the Elemis Herbal Steam Temple, our Forum Signature Massage and the Elemis Face and Body Sensation. Can you cater for groups? We cater for all groups and sizes from corporate groups, ladies days, hen parties and private bookings. Our facilities are so extensive that we can squeeze any size of party in!
CITY LIFE READER OFFER 20% discount off any Elemis Specific Treatment, Monday - Thursday until 31.08.2011. Quote City Life on booking
The Celtic Manor Resort Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley Newport NP18 1HQ 01633 410262 www.celtic-manor.com
“The Forum Spa has a world-wide reputation and has recently been nominated for Conde Nast’s Top 10 Worldwide Spas.” ❧ 33 ❧
CITY BUSINESS A round up of news in and around Cardiff
PENARTH
Santa Claus is coming to town He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice. Yes that's right, Father Christmas visited Hamptons recently to officially open the diary to take bookings for his special breakfasts, brunches and teas throughout December. The store’s special guest was joined by Mrs Claus. To avoid any disappointment booking in person is recommended during Father Christmas’ visit. Bookings by telephone can be made after this very special visit from Father and Mrs Christmas. Father Christmas will be at Hamptons for breakfast, brunch and tea each Sunday during December and for breakfast on Christmas Eve. Once the Christmas feast is served, the sound of sleigh bells will herald the arrival of this special guest. CARDIFF
Patek Philippe at Watches of Switzerland
Father Christmas will collect each child’s Christmas letter and ask about their Christmas wishes. Also, there will be plenty of time for photographs to capture those special moments. Before Father Christmas heads back to the North Pole he will leave each child with a small Christmas gift. Breakfast with Father Christmas Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th December from 10am to 11am. Tickets for adults and children are £11.00 Brunch with Father Christmas Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th December from 12 noon to 1pm. Tickets for adults and children are £11. Tea with Father Christmas Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th December from 3pm to 4pm. Tickets for adults and children are £11. Christmas Eve Breakfast With Father Christmas is from 9am to 10am and tickets are £15. Gents Calatrava Ref. 5119J in 18K yellow gold, featuring black alligator strap
Tickets can be booked in person at Hamptons during Father Christmas’ visit on Saturday 13th September between 11am and noon and after this time they can be booked in person at Hamptons, or by telephoning Santa’s little helpers at Hamptons on 029 2070 5391. Hamptons 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth CF64 1EA 029 2070 5391 www.hamptons-design.co.uk
Ladies Mechanical Nautilus Ref. 7008/1A in stainless steel, featuring 50 flawless diamonds
To enter the world of Patek Philippe is to discover a universe where the exceptional is the rule. From 1839 onwards, fuelled by the volume of know-how passed down from generation to generation and the ceaseless drive to innovate, Patek Philippe has maintained its place at the forefront of fine watchmaking. With such dedication to quality and service, there is no doubt that the newly expanded Watches of Switzerland, in Cardiff, is the perfect location to experience Patek Philippe.
Ladies Calatrava Ref. 4897R in 18K rose gold, with diamond set case and cream satin strap
“Watches of Switzerland, Cardiff, is the perfect location to experience Patek Philippe.”
No other watch lends better expression to the true Patek Philippe style than the Calatrava. Created in 1932, this signature model showcases sleek lines and subtle elegance, creating a watch that is classic yet contemporary. Alternately with a very different aesthetic style, the casual elegance of the Nautilus range has inspired a cult following, with this collection still as popular today, as when the first Nautilus was launched in 1976.
Gents Nautilus Chronograph Ref. 5980R in 18K rose gold featuring brown alligator strap
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Watches of Switzerland 23 St David’s Way, Cardiff 029 2034 0300 www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk
S O U T H WA L E S
Allan Blair Beaton talks about Google+ Here we go again! Another social media tool that is supposed to be the next ‘big thing’. Google+ is the latest social media innovation for staying more connected and having more control of your information. It makes your life easier by adding some new ways of filtering the information you receive as well as the information you share. Do you use Google, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Earth etc? Well, maybe you might want to have a look. This is what I have found so far. What is Google+? Google+ is actually a series of tools to help you stay connected with the people you care about and it includes a suite of comprehensive social tools to make your life easier and they’re called Circles, Hangouts, Huddle, and Sparks. Google+ Circles One of the really powerful things about the Google plus project is its ability to manage your social circle. One of the challenges with Facebook is that anyone of your friends with can see anything you put on your wall. So it’s almost an all or nothing kind of thing. The problem with this, is that in reality you share different kinds of information with the many different social circles in which you travel. It’s all about the way we relate to people. In the real world you relate different kinds of information to your family that you do not with your friends or co-workers. The bottom line is you want to share the right information with the right people, and make it very easy to do so. Google’s website says “Circles make it easy to put your friends from Saturday night in one circle, your parents in another, and your boss in a circle by himself – just like real life”. While Facebook does offer lists – my personal experience so far is that Google Circles simply make it easier to control your sharing. Easy is still a good thing right? Google+ Hangouts One of the biggest things on the horizon for many social media companies is the ability to connect with people via video. Hangouts is where that happens on Google+. This one feature alone will blow most people away, as you will now be able to hang out with up to 10 of your friends in a video chat room… Where they have added more value is that they made it extremely easy to do this, so you don’t have to be a ‘geek’.
So, gone are the days of endlessly texting back and forth. Now you can let your buddies know you’re hanging out and they can drop by and chat with you face-to-face up to 10 at a time. Google+ Sparks Every one of us today is suffering from information overload. Many of us receive 100 or more e-mails every single day. It all gets kind of overloading. Google+ Sparks is sort of like your personal assistant who sits through all of your incoming articles and video feeds online so you really only get the information you wanted to watch read or share. Google+ Huddle Texting has always been an amazing way to interact with busy people, but there’s a problem when you’re trying to communicate with multiple people at the same time. It gets very hectic texting back and forth several people at a time trying to make sure everybody stays up to date. Huddle is the Google+ answer to keeping everyone in the loop via text. If you’re trying to get six friends to decide on which movie to watch, huddle groups all those conversations into one chat on one page and you can do it directly from your Android or iPhone. Google+ Instant Upload We all love to take pictures on our phone. It’s an amazing convenience when you consider that you rarely have your camera with you at the right moment, but you almost always have your phone to take a quick picture. ❧ 35 ❧
Where many of us are challenged is when it comes to being able to take those photos off of our phone and share them with other people. For many it’s a technical nightmare or at the least it isn’t any fun. When was the last time that you got ‘stuck’ trying to upload photos due to some ridiculous technical glitch? Instant upload gives you an incredibly easy way to share your photos and videos to your own private Google+ album. Then you just decide which circles to share with. Final Thoughts Google+ represents some of the latest ways that Google is going social. But it’s not just about adding another “Me Too” kind of social network. They are truly innovating the way it all works and making our lives easier. To me it represents many of the reasons Google owns the internet world. They deliver what people want and they make it easy to do. If everyone is trying to rank as high on page one of Google as possible, would it not be a good idea to engage here too? More in the next issue as we see how City Life gets on with Google+. In the meantime if you’d like to like City Life on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/citylifecardiff Allan Blair Beaton All social media sites are @AllanBBeaton www.social-b2b.com To ask Allan a question, please tweet using hash tag #askallan or ‘like’ his Facebook page
CITY L IFE
PROFILE
Are you motivated by money? I’m not motivated by money as it’s manmade. I’m motivated by real things and feelings, something money can’t buy. Money didn’t exist 10,000 years ago and it won’t in 10,000 years’ time!
MATT SHAW
Describe what you do in ten words or less Train and mentor all clients through fixed odds/forex trading.
What are the most important lessons to pass on to your children? To adapt to change, whilst still being true to yourself and to work on your best assets so they become flawless. My children will also learn Mandarin and have a few months military training (in their teens) as these will be essential skills needed for the future.
How long have you been in business? I have been self-employed for over eight years and set up Fixed Odds Success Ltd over three years ago. Who or what inspires you? People who have not shared my beliefs and always questioned my potential. My main inspiration though happens to be the ‘average person’. I will let you figure out why they inspire me!
Where do you see yourself or your business in five years? On a boat somewhere in the Med. My company will be a fully recognised, global organisation with over a 100,000 strong and responsive database. It will be a training network that will have trained thousands more clients with the ability to be able to trade for themselves, from home and have helped them supplement their measly pension – if they have one!
What is your greatest achievement? Creating a global database of 4,000 clients, as of June 2011. I built up from my first client (who was a retired sergeant) back in March 2005. Personally, my greatest achievement was being selected out of 10,000 individuals for a spot on the Gladiators TV show. However, due to breaking a rib in training I had to withdraw. Another has to be teaching my daughter the alphabet backwards at four years of age.
What do you do to relax? I do a lot of boxing training and yoga. The combination of both these activities stimulate me perfectly in potentially stressful situations. It has helped me to avoid becoming uptight and helps me to think concisely when I have more than two or three tasks at hand - which happens daily. How do you balance work with your family life? I integrate them - my sister works with me! My brother is also learning the ropes right now; he has a marvellous brain for maths, but is a technophobe, so it will take me some time to get him up to speed, but having my family help me build my business is the ideal scenario.
Photograph by Stephen J Rickards - www.firstlightphotography.co.uk
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? The main hurdle when starting out at 19 was the ability to be taken seriously by new clients. I used to research geopolitical topics and take professional views from articles and recite them as my own. Also, I study topics about different cultures which would enable me to hold conversations with not only experienced investors, but very professional business people.
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What have you learned? Never let a great idea or plan out of your mind until it has been followed through and worked over as much as can be. If it works, then you are following your natural path and making the most of your entrepreneurial mindset. If it doesn’t work – next! If you had three wishes, what would they be? For all my close friends and family to get the best out of life and maintain good health, which will not only make me happy but actually be of great benefit to my life as they play such a big part in it. Secondly, to do myself justice throughout the course of my career - to use my skills, passion and talent to the best of its natural ability. And third, I’d like three more wishes! Fixed Odds Success ltd Regus House, Falcon Drive Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 4RU 07896 363 272 fixedoddssuccess@gmail.com www.fixedoddssuccess.com
CITY L IFE
PROFILE JA H A N A B E D I
Describe what you do in ten words or less Live life to the full and change Cardiff’s dynamics. How long have you been in business? 25 years. Who or what inspires you? People who change the environment around them for the better and who have high moral values like my father, an exceptional man who was a professor and head of a university faculty. What is your greatest achievement? I helped to set up Fareshare Cymru as a registered charity with the aim to eliminate food poverty in Wales and reduce landfill.
How do you balance work with your family life? I have learned to spend time with my family and I try to prioritise time accordingly. All part of having a demanding fiancé (he laughs happily). To what extent are you motivated by money? There is a fine line between greed and ambition and I hope I never cross that line. I am ambitious enough to try and have a big impact on Cardiff and Wales. I hope that there will always be money there to help realise this and to keep giving back to the Wales-based charities and causes. What are the most important lessons you will pass on to your children? ■ To achieve their full potential ■ To try and lead a good moral life ■ To make a difference: there is nothing worse than wasted talent and dreams not realised and I hope my children achieve their full potential.
Where do you see yourself or your business in five years? ■ I hope that I have children and a happy family life ■ I know that my businesses will remain to be high quality and a vibrant part of Cardiff. What have you learned? To try and be accommodating and fair. If you had three wishes, what would they be? ■ Spend more time with my father ■ To finalise the next few projects that will make a massive impact on the dynamics of Cardiff ■ To have healthy, ethical and loving children Imperial Services post@imperialservices.co.uk www.imperialservices.co.uk Chameleon Group info@chameleongroup.com www.chameleongroupcardiff.com A dynamic group of hospitality and leisure businesses, restaurants, bars and clubs. 164a Richmond Road, Cardiff CF24 3BX www.faresharecymru.org.uk
“I have started several businesses and built them into some of the most successful in Wales.”
Photograph by Stephen J Rickards - www.firstlightphotography.co.uk
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? I have started several businesses from scratch with no outside help and limited finances and built them into some of the most successful companies and venues in Wales. I’ve achieved this through hard work and determination and consistent good work ethics and always aiming to do the right thing.
What do you do to relax? I love relaxing with my beautiful fiancé and my family, going to the cinema, fine dining and short holiday breaks.
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CITY L IFE
PROFILE
To what extent are you motivated by money? Money for material items does not motivate me but enough money to give you the freedom to enjoy what you want and when you want does. It just makes things less stressful.
TIM CORRIGAN
Describe what you do in ten words or less Simply trying to make the Chameleon group a success.
What are the most important lessons you will pass on to your children? Be humble, polite, respectful, grateful, well-mannered, have integrity, never be afraid of what might happen and finally, don’t smoke!
How long have you been in business? I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 23 years. Who or what inspires you? I’m inspired by people who aren’t afraid to try or do something they have always wanted to do. I’m also inspired by simply trying to see if anything I want to do is actually possible and then to know that at least I’ve tried.
Where do you see yourself or your business In five years? Still being as creative and as innovative as I can be whilst still enjoying it in a business that doesn’t fear the unknown. What have you learned? Listen more, try to realise the potential in anything and everything, do not suffer fools and most importantly, do not waste time.
What is your greatest achievement? Owning and creating the Sodabar brand at 32, but I’m really enjoying what we’re doing now with the Chameleon Group and the varied style of venues we’ve opened so far, as well as the exciting ones we will be opening soon. I still have a lot I want to do. What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? Being naive when I first got into business and losing business to unscrupulous, greedy people with no vision. You have to move on and create an even better opportunity and business than the one you had before. I taught myself that I just have to try and be more innovative and creative with even higher standards to ensure the businesses that I am involved in are as successful as they can be and use what went wrong as a lesson.
How do you balance work with your family life? I have children but, sadly, they live all the way over in Australia. I’m single and luckily enjoy what I do, so my personal life is very much entwined with my professional life but it’s always important to take time out to get away from your daily routine.
“I’m really enjoying what we’re doing now with the Chameleon Group and the varied style of venues we’ve opened.”
Photograph by Stephen J Rickards - www.firstlightphotography.co.uk
What do you do to relax? I love swimming, cycling, wandering around with my iPod, coffee, people watching and creative daydreaming.
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If you had three wishes, what would they be? First one is easy - win some money to make things easier for people close to me so they can concentrate on more important things and enjoy life. Secondly, I’d remove all forms of pointless media to stop driving the world and it inhabitants into a state of paranoia over their weight, how people should look,what they should do or how they should behave. We are who we are, so don’t waste time or money trying to be someone else. Thirdly,I wish i had studied more. Occasionally you question how far you could have really pushed yourself if you really put your mind to it. Chameleon Group 164a Richmond Road Cardiff CF24 3BX 029 2030 3040 info@chameleongroupcardiff.com www.chameleongroupcardiff.com
CITY L IFE
PROFILE MATT ZAIN
Describe what you do in ten words or less Creating and delivering one of Cardiff’s premier social playgrounds.
Who or what inspires you? Not many people actually inspire me. The customers inspire me more than anyone else. They drive me to create a strong and successful reputation. What is your greatest achievement? Turning an under performing and illreputed venue in the heart of the city centre into a very much sought after and market leading establishment. As the co-owner and concept creator of Mocka, I am proud to have built Mocka to where it is now - ‘The smallest bar with the biggest personality!’ What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? I’ve faced many challenges. Rather than look at the negatives I always choose to look at the positives - identifying new angles to find achievable solutions. I turned around an underperforming venue which was previously of poor repute in Mill Lane. I am proud of both myself and the team for achieving what we have for the venue, reputation and brand. We made what we were told would be impossible possible. What do you do to relax? I visit other cities, enjoy fine dining, movies, and reading. Some of my favourites include A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation. I also enjoy interior design, networking, going to see live acts such as Keith Lemon, Russell Brand, Richard Blackwood and Michael McIntyre.
Photograph by Stephen J Rickards - www.firstlightphotography.co.uk
How long have you been in business? 15 years in hospitality and the leisure industry.
“As co-owner and creative inspiration behind Mocka I am proud to be associated with its success.” Are you motivated by money? I’m not going to lie to you. Money is a motivator, whichever way you dress it up. Setting targets and hitting them is crucial and for this we reap financial rewards. Like it or not, money is a measure of success. If you want things in life you have to earn them. I believe what you put in you get out.
If you had three wishes, what would they be? ■ To be 100% healthy and immortal ■ To be happier and to grow even further financially not for greed, but to distribute to the people around me to make everyone’s lives easier and happier ■ Enjoy life always.
What are the most important lessons you will pass on to your children? ■ Manners maketh the man ■ Be respectful, loving and caring ■ Teach them the value of money early ■ Family should always be a priority.
What makes you really angry? ■ Failure to prepare as it prepares us to fail ■ Unprofessionalism ■ Bad service ■ Unfriendliness.
How do you balance work with your family life? It is virtually impossible, especially when we’re open from 9am to 2am.
Where do you see yourself or your business in five years? ■ To repeat this successful business venture at least three times ■ Settling down and having children ■ I’d love to have a bar/restaurant and men’s fashion outlet.
I work 24/7 and I see a week in three days, often it feels like I blink and another week has gone by! However, my family is incredibly important to me so, with good organisation and putting trust in the right team, I am gaining a healthier balance. I have learned that you need a strong reliable team around you, that you trust so you can spend time with family and loved ones.
What have you learned? ■ To respect others and treat people how you would like to be treated ■ Surround yourself with the right people personally and professionally ■ You are only as good as your crew ■ Life is NOT easy ■ Challenges that knock you down make the joy of getting back up very satisfying. ❧ 39 ❧
What has made you the person you are today? “Be brave, take risks nothing can substitute experience.” – Paulo Coelho ■ Worked in 46 different venues in hospitality and the leisure industry. ■ I’ve done a lot for my age and I’ve worked in diverse environments which has made me adaptable. ■ I’ve gained greater knowledge and achievement which has made me more confident in my own abilities. Mocka Lounge 1 Mill Lane, Cardiff CF10 1FL 07989 354 323 mattzain7@hotmail.com www.mockalounge.com
CITY L IFE
PROFILE JAMIE ARTHUR
Describe what you do in ten words or less Change people’s lives through fun fitness programmes. How long have you been in business? Two years. Who or what inspires you? Family. What is your greatest achievement? Commonwealth games gold medallist, Welsh super featherweight professional champion, Commonwealth professional champion, Welsh international footballer. What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? Living as a professional boxer for the past nine years, juggling financial, sporting and family life whilst trying to fulfil my professional obligations to the different charities and organisations that I support, sometimes I wish there were an extra twelve hours in the day. One thing that I have learnt over the years is to have a thick skin and try to time manage myself in a way that helps to prioritise my commitments. What do you do to relax? Spend time with my wife and two boys. We have four dogs, a horse and a hawk, so, as you can imagine, when I am not in the gym or drafting, then my family commitments pretty much take up a lot of my time, but to be honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. How do you balance work with your family life? Working from home most of the time enables me to grab an extra hour here and there to relax with the kids so I am very fortunate that I don’t have the normal 9-5 rota.
What are the most important lessons you will pass on to your children? Manners get you everywhere, an important lesson my dad always said was be careful who you step on on the way up as you never know when you will meet them on the way back down.
So far we have totalled well over 50 stone total weight loss off our members in just over three months, so in five years we think that the total stones lost will be well over half of south Wales. It is our goal to help as many people as we possibly can and make Wales a healthier, fitter nation.
Where do you see yourself and your business in five years? In five years I will have my gym well established and offering a vide variety of different classes to suit all members of the community.
What have you learned? People want results, so give them what they want.
It’s a great balance as my wife runs Zumba classes also. With her high energy and bubbly personality, she has built up a reputation as one of the highest calorie burning classes in the UK, on average burning 1,000 calories per class.
To what extent are you motivated by money? As long as I can pay my bills and support my family then I am happy. With more money comes more commitment, so if I can keep a good balance between family and finances then I am happy.
“People want results, so give them what they want.” ❧ 40 ❧
What would your three wishes be? To have my parents and my sister’s family live closer. Also, for our kids to have a worry-free life and lastly, success and happiness for all our hard work. JKA Fitness GTI Suite, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN 01443 408208 jamie@jamiearthur.com www.jkafitness.com
CITY L IFE
PROFILE RUSSELL SCOTT-LAWSON
Describe what you do in ten words or less We set the standard of clothing in Cardiff at Hawkes Essentials. How long have you been in business? Since 1994. Who or what inspires you? Jonnie (sp) Bennett (he buys and sells businesses), Chris Raybald, friend, mentor and entrepreneur. These people inspire me to move forward and get me to where I want to be in business.
Where do you see yourself or your business in five years? Hopefully working a lot less hours and spending a lot more time with my family and friends, and, with the recent start of our internet business and events company, I can really see this becoming a reality. What have you learned? I’m much better at spotting timewasters these days. If you had three wishes, what would they be? To die before I need care. To keep enjoying coming to work every day as I do now. Is it ok to have another three wishes please?
What is your greatest achievement? Dressing the London Wasps and The Commonwealth Games and staying in business for the last three years. What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? Working a seven day week for a year to keep staff costs down and battening down the hatches and living lean but thankfully things are improving now. What do you do to relax? I hit the s**t out of things three times a week with a Commonwealth Gold Medallist. I also enjoy fishing. How do you balance work with your family life? I’m very lucky in that I live fifteen minutes from home so I get to see the kids a lot. After ten years this will be the first year that I’ve taken a holiday, much to my wife’s amazement! To what extent are you motivated by money? There’s a saying which says ‘do what you love and the money will come’. There’s a lot of truth in that. What are the most important lessons you will pass on to your children? My parents told me that the definition of a gent or lady is a person who makes everybody around them comfortable. If my kids have manners, then my job is done.
“There’s a saying which says ‘do what you love and the money will come.’ There’s a lot of truth in that.” ❧ 41 ❧
Hawkes Essentials 37-39 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com Read more about Russell on page 30.
There are plenty of people who dream about running their own business but when it comes to start-up, how can you ensure you reduce the risk of failure for your new enterprise?
TO BOLDLY GO... The Business Centre, situated on the outskirts of Barry provides flexible serviced office space, virtual office services and conference and meeting room hire. It is owned and operated by the owners of long established moving and storage company Masons Moving Group Ltd. Masons have over 105 years of business experience so they really understand what businesses need to function professionally. James Mason, The Business Centre’s Manager says, “The Business Centre is the only fully serviced office accommodation in the Vale of Glamorgan and since opening in January 2007 we have revitalised the modern, competitive office accommodation industry within the area. The Business Centre is independent and has a reputation for providing a personal service of the highest standard in a professional but convivial environment. We are committed to delivering a five star service for our clients.” I asked James how the company was trading given the challenging conditions?
“We currently operate businesses in the hardest economic downturn of modern times and, along with all businesses, we look to make savings wherever possible. It’s not always easy when the service we provide has to be of the highest standard but the more efficient we are, means less unwelcome increases in overheads for clients. At The Business Centre we provide modern serviced office suites with a set monthly office rental which includes business rates and utility bills right through to cleaning services and professional receptionists answering calls in their business name.”
The Business Centre provides: ■ Flexible serviced office suites for one to twelve people ■ One monthly transparent invoice (no hidden charges) ■ No long term leases (3 month minimum agreement) ■ One month notice period to cancel* ■ Top of the range IT and telecoms ■ FREE parking ■ FREE on-site gym ■ In-house café - The Coffee Zone. Serviced office fee includes: ■ Monthly office rental including office
furniture ■ General and environmental rates ■ Building insurance and maintenance
costs With trading conditions being extremely challenging at present, The Business Centre is offering new clients up to 50% off their first month’s fee which, they believe, will encourage new and established businesses to locate their businesses to the centre. James is realistic about what makes The Business Centre an attractive prospect, “With our licence agreements ranging between three, six and twelve months and a mere one month notice period, businesses can operate with no long term leases and, reassuringly, reduce the uncertainty of the what if it doesn’t work out.”
■ Heating, lighting and power charges ■ Full telephony and IT infrastructure ■ 24 hour automated access with CCTV
cameras and monitoring. Virtual Office fee includes: ■ Calls answered in your business name ■ Professional and friendly receptionists ■ Message forwarding via email or
seamless transfer ■ Use of company address ■ Postal and parcel services ■ Use of The Coffee Zone and break-out
areas. Conference and meeting rooms: ■ Rooms to accommodate 2 to 60 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
people Designated conference co-ordinator Beverages available In house catering facilities Overhead projectors and screens IT training suite available.
“The Business Centre provides modern serviced office suites with a set monthly office rental which includes business rates, utility bills and many other services.” ❧ 42 ❧
Shared office space at The Business Centre The Business Centre are proud to offer the exciting new concept of shared office space in the Vale of Glamorgan. Clients can now operate their businesses from a shared office environment at a reduced monthly rental but with all the benefits of flexible serviced office facilities. The Business Centre provides individual workstations in a shared office environment whether clients are looking to setup a new business or for more established companies that are looking for dedicated space within a certain area. The shared office environment includes four workstations with state-of-the-art IT and telecoms infrastructure, fully furnished office space, and sectioned workspace for privacy. The Business Centre can have your business up and running within 24 hours with minimal disruption to your working hours – they take care of you while you take care of your business.
With customer service of the highest level, professional on-site conference and meeting room hire and competitive prices, that first impression will be a lasting one for all clients, visitors and associates. The benefits of operating from shared office space at The Business Centre: ■ No long-term commitments or liabilities – one monthly rolling agreement ■ Immediate setup – high-speed internet connection and telecoms infrastructure ■ Fully furnished ■ One monthly transparent invoice – no hidden charges ■ Benefits of serviced office space – Use of the onsite café (The Coffee Zone), break-out areas and business support services ■ FREE parking ■ FREE gymnasium ■ 24 hour access – 7 days a week. For more information on the shared office environment, please contact The Business Centre’s sales team for an informal chat today on 0800 6349920 or e-mail enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk
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For more information, please contact James Mason or Nathan Paget The Business Centre Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW 0800 6349920 enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk www.thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk
Welcome to City Life magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who in and around Cardiff.
CITY
NEWPORT
Sian Gunney and Ben Hassani engagement City Life celebrates with Sian and Ben on their recent engagement. Friends and family joined the happy couple for the celebrations at their Newport home. Dionne, Anna, Shireen, Tamsin, Leeanne, Rebecca, Sian, Sofie, Louise, Amy, Sarah
Benjamin and Sian
A fantastic day was had by all
Tamsin James and Sian Gunney
Anna Brzezinska Zak Sarhan, Mike Sarhan, Danny Dakhoul, Dalia Hassani, Dionne Dakhoul
Emma Trotman Dickenson and Sofie Farrell
Sofie Farrell, Babak Arabestani, Leeanne Mole
Paul Harris and Dalia Hassani
The party in full swing!
Rachel Heritage Atak , Leeanne Mole, Paul Jenkins , Marquita Stokes Ellacott , Jason Mark Coombes , Sofie Farrell
Matt Zain, Mike Sarhan, Jahan Abedi
Shireen Emami
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SOCIAL LIFE CASTLE - UPON ALUN
English-Speaking Union Garden Party
Guests mingling on top lawn
Members of the South Wales Branch of the English-Speaking Union once again enjoyed the hospitality of Sir Geoffrey and Lady Inkin at their Summer Garden Party at Castle - upon Alun.
Derek Morgan, Bepe Villa, Roger Thomas, Alan Meredith
Photos by Keith Morgan
Musical entertainment was provided by the Bridgend Youth Band and Soroptimists International Bridgend Club very quickly sold out on their Tombola stall. For more information about The English-Speaking Union visit: www.esu.org
Patricia Sadka and Lady Inkin
Guests gather under the marquee
Robert Smith, Carole Kenefick, Julia Thomas, Gerry Price-Stephens
Bridgend Soroptimists and the bar proving to be very popular
Joan Rees, Mary Wheeler, Dr Gwenda Crosby
Cherry Wright, Valerie Rees, Liz Morgan, Graeme Morgan, Carol Marchant :
Bryn Davies, Kathy Davies, Anne Morgan, Derek Morgan, Jill Jacobs
Derek Morgan, Ellen Dally, Jeffrey Morgan, Shirley Allen, Canon Graham Holcombe
Roger Thomas, Hywel Jones, Sir Geoffrey Inkin
Jill Jacobs; Sue Cassidy; Anne Morgan; Patricia Sadka
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Social Life covers launches, parties, exhibitions, charity events, fashion shows, engagements and weddings.
CITY
PA R K P L A Z A
Lottie Ball raises glasses and funds On Saturday 16th July, over 100 people attended a Summer Ball at the Park Plaza, the second Lottie has organised to raise money for the Heart Unit. Thanks to generous donations from local and national businesses, a lively auction had guests bidding for amazing prizes, including a stunning top prize from Pravins Jewellers. The Ball raised £5058 for new life-saving equipment, as well as further research and education, at the Children’s Heart Unit for Wales.
Pete Tune and Debbi Reid
For more information contact: lottiestokes@hotmail.co.uk Pete Tune, Chloe Wyn Williams, Lottie Stokes and Becky Tune
Lottie Stokes, event organiser introducing the evening
Gemma and Damon Chapple
Lottie Stokes and Becky Tune
Kate Erickson, Lottie Stokes, Krista Foote and Jane Nicholls
Mary Gavin and Lesley Spencer
Pete Price, who helped draw the raffle with Lottie Stokes. Both parents of children with serious heart defects
Elliott and Kaylie Stokes
Lottie Stokes and Sian Price. Mums to two beautiful boys with serious heart defects
Chloe Wyn Williams and Kaylie Stokes
Lottie Stokes and Samantha Carrier
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SOCIAL LIFE CARDIFF CASTLE
Fareshare Cymru charity dinner The £10,000 raised by the generous guests of Jahan Abedi at a fabulous dinner in Cardiff Castle by The Chameleon Group will help FareShare Cymru fuel vans and pay electricity for freezers so they can fight hunger and tackle food waste.
Xavier Rush, Amanda Protheroe-Thomas, Jahan Abedi
FareShare Cymru redistributes excess food to frontline charities feeding people in need in Cardiff. Fareshare Cymru 196 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3NB 029 2051 9000 info@faresharecymru.org.uk www.faresharecymru.org.uk Jahan Abedi
Annelies Kruidenier, Matthew Shaw, Reuben Henry, Jody Tozer
Musical Entertainment Band Members Harry(Guitarist) and Beth Zienna Williams (singer)
Annelies Kruidenier, Sian Gunney
Charlotte Thompson, Anna Lucas, Lorna Bolton
Ali Tabai, Philipa Summers, Ali Souini, Dr Vida Kolahi
Babak Arabestani and Sarah Arabestani
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Zanab Latif, Mahtāb Aalai, Kourosh Aalai
All photographs © First Light Photography. Stephen J Rickards.
Jahan Abedi and John Antoniazzi
Amanda Protheroe-Thomas
Social Life covers launches, parties, exhibitions, charity events, fashion shows, engagements and weddings. CARDIFF CASTLE
Mocka Lounge Polo at Cardiff Castle Mocka Lounge showcased polo in Cardiff Castle on Sunday 26th June where the sound of horse’s hooves and chukkas once more reverberated around the historic walls of beautiful Cardiff Castle. Four teams competed for the Polo in the Castle Trophy in a high tempo tournament based on the ‘Arena Polo’ format. High profile celebrities and VIPs enjoyed an unforgettable day finishing off watching the sun go down at the vibrant after party at The Mocka Lounge Mill lane. Mocka Lounge www.mockalounge.com
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CITY
All photographs © First Light Photography. Stephen J Rickards
SOCIAL LIFE
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THE LAST WORD One of the best ways to get more business online is to utilise social media: blogging, Facebook and Twitter. But where do you start? Jason Gregory of Type gives City Life the heads up.
Tell us about your business I set up Type recently after moving back to Wales after many years living and working in London and it’s good to be home. Our core business is website design and development. Because the internet is constantly changing we help our clients to make sense of the web, finding new and affordable methods of attracting online traffic and sales. Our additional services include social media training and strategy, search engine optimisation and email marketing. What difference can you make to a business? We take the time to understand the business and people that we work with and their online goals. A personal approach means that our clients are looked after from start to finish which includes comprehensive training. Our clients do not need in-depth knowledge of the web to use the services we provide. We work with market leading software to build our websites, all of which are open source. This is great for any business as it means you don’t need to pay for the software, and you won’t be dependent on any one web developer and you are the one who retains ownership of the copyright. Good design is really important and our style is clean, fresh and simple. It’s our mission to make your website look fantastic and perform even better.
Having worked in website design for many years Type are qualified to offer professional and up-to-date advice to our clients. I love what we do and our clients benefit from a pro-active and enthusiastic approach. What type of clients do you have? Recently Type has attracted photographers, teachers, and fashion retailers - many with high-street stores who want to expand and sell online. We are finding that small to medium sized businesses are interested in what we do as they need affordable, scalable solutions that are easy to update and manage.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Well, I certainly see myself still here in Wales. I would like to gradually expand my team, and spend a little more money on geeky stuff for the business. The great thing about working online is that you are never entirely sure what opportunities will arise. It also means things don’t get predictable - I kind of like that thought! Sum yourself up in three words Today, active, maker.
Who would you like to work for? To be honest I enjoy working with any business that is serious and passionate about what they do. I am lucky to be working with business owners who now depend on the web to develop and expand their services. Also, some of our clients who had previously overlooked the benefits that the web can bring are now enjoying the results of effective social media strategy and blogging. What do you do in your downtime? Ah, well that’s easy, I go surfing, and when there is no surf I go running. If it’s raining I usually sit in front of the TV until I am asked to do something more useful by my wife! ❧ 50 ❧
Jason Gregory Type 01656 782044 jason@type-business.co.uk www.type-business.co.uk If you’d like to be featured or would like to promote your business in Last Word, please call Jennifer on 0845 180 2345 or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
EAT DRINK RELAX Mocka Lounge 1-2 Mill Lane, Cardiff CF10 1FL 029 2022 1292 www.mockalounge.com
Crystal 41 St Marys Street, Cardiff CF10 1AD 029 2034 5477 www.crystalcardiff.com
The Vulcan Lounge 2 Wyverne Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4BH 029 2023 1669 www.vulcanlounge.com
The Potted Pig 27 High Street (below Zizzi) Cardiff CF10 1PU 029 2022 4817 www.thepottedpig.com
The North Star 131 North Road, Maindy, Cardiff CF14 3AE 029 2062 1736 www.thenorthstarcardiff.com
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