in business North Wales - March/April 2020

inbusiness N O R T H WA L E S

M a r ch / A p r i l 2 02 0

INTRODUCING YOURSELF WITH IMPACT

Equal footing

Discussing the role of women in business

Legislation landscape Are you ready for the changes?

Sion Pritchard Moving with the times

NEWS | LEGAL | DATES FOR YOUR DIARY | GROWTH DEAL | AWARDS | COURSES

PA R C E L S > PA L L E T S > S T O R A G E > H A U L A G E > S A M E D AY > I N T E R N AT I O N A L > H A Z C H E M

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Delivery Solutions (Delsol) Ltd provides customers with an integrated logistics solution allowing you to safely deliver your goods throughout the UK and worldwide.

CHESTER BRANCH Glendale Park, Glendale Avenue, Sandycroft CH5 2QP Telephone: 01244 525090 Email: info@deliverysolutions.co.uk CAERNARFON BRANCH Bryn Warehouse, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1TU Telephone: 01248 679933 Email: info@deliverysolutions.co.uk

www.deliverysolutions.uk.com

INTRODUCTION

Welcome

If you take the average amount of hours worked per week, which is around 39, then by all accounts you will work a whopping 91,650 hours during the course of your working life.

So, it goes without saying that enjoying the work that you do is absolutely vital. We are very lucky here in North Wales in that we don’t really have to wrestle with much of a commute or have to battle huge traffic jams on a daily basis – but we still need to get the most out of each working day.

The nature of our region and lack of traditional corporate opportunities also means that we have an awful lot of entrepreneurs and small business owners based here. This is great – working for yourself gives you a massive sense of purpose, flexibility and the possibility of financial freedom.

However, being your own boss also comes with many pressures. Paying the wages, VAT and corporation tax is stressful enough. Then make sure that you’re up to date with every single legislation change. Ensure that your workplace ticks all of the health and safety boxes, and file all relevant HMRC returns on time. Oh, and don’t forget to make a profit while you’re at it!

With all of these pressures mounting up on business owners and managers, it is vital that you take time to take care of yourself. Our contributor Mark Bryant has some great tips on how to maintain a healthy business both metaphorically and literally – so turn to page 46 to make sure that you, and your team, are as healthy as can be.

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

PS. Oh, and just so you know, the 91,650 hours that you are likely to clock up during your adult life is just paid work by the way – the washing up doesn’t count…

In this issue:

17 Interview

27 Events

46 Health inbusiness | 2020 | 3

YDYCH CHI' N CYCHWYN BUSNE S NE WYDD NEU' N EHANGU A T HYF U EICH B USNES YNG NGHONWY?

ARE YOU ST ART ING A NEW B USI NE SS OR E XPANDI NG AND GROWI NG YOUR BUSI NE SS I N CONWY?

Gallwn helpu gyda chyngor busnes diduedd am ddim a chyfeirio at y gefnogaeth a'r wybodaeth gywir i helpu'ch busnes i ffynnu

We can help with free impartial business advice and signposting to the right support and information to help your business thrive

busnes@conwy.gov.uk

business@conwy.gov.uk

www.canolfanfusnesconwy.com

www.conwybusinesscentre.com

Canolfan Busnes Conwy, Cyffordd Llandudno. LL31 9XX

Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction. LL31 9XX

01492 574 574

Sir Conwy, y lle iawn ar gyfer llwyddiant busnes Conwy County, the right environment for business success

WHAT’S INSIDE

CONTENTS 07 NEWS The latest from the world of North Wales business 13 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Discussing equality in North Wales

Editor Kate Hamilton Publisher Grant Hamilton Sales Manager Scott Lawson

17 INTERVIEW WITH… Sion Pritchard, MD of PetPlace

Art Director Simon Marriott

21 LEGAL The pros and cons of electronic signatures

Office Manager Sian Roberts

22 LEGISLATION COMPLIANCE Are your ready for the new changes?

Distribution Manager Nigel Smith Contact Us

25 BUSINESS CENTRES Improving their offering

editorial@ksgpublishing.co.uk

28 BUSINESS IN FOCUS How Active CCTV can help you

01492 472052

31 AWARDS Do you run a winning company?

34 BUSINESS PROFILE Meet distribution firm Delsol 37 CREDIT UNIONS How they can help small businesses 39 FIRST IMPRESSIONS Introducing yourself with impact 42 HEALTH IN BUSINESS Health is wealth at the end of the day 45 NORTH WALES GROWTH DEAL Meet the head of this new initiative

sales@ksgpublishing.co.uk

2nd Floor, 23A Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7RS North Wales In Business is an independent, regional magazine produced by KSG Publishing. It is available via subscription and from a range of networking events taking place throughout North Wales.

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of North Wales In Business magazine. The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales In Business magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured. All words and images remain the property of their respective owners and all copyrights are observed. North Wales In Businesss magazine is not associated with any newspaper group.

Privacy Notice. You can read North Wales In Business magazine’s Privacy Notice in full at www.ksgpublishing.co.uk

46 ON THE ROAD The best car for your company

PUBLISHING

inbusiness | 2020 | 5

North Wales Business Energy offers a free comparison of your energy bills – meaning that we can save your business money Try us, we guarantee to beat your renewal quote.

If you don't want the cheapest, and want to stay with your current supplier, you can - we get preferential rates. By combining North Wales businesses, we can negotiate better gas and electricity prices. We even go above and beyond and help customers with problems with their suppliers. North Wales Business energy uses its superior buying power to negotiate with all major suppliers. If you are a local business and wish to tap in and add to our buying power, please contact Marie for a no obligation, free quotation.

We are a local company that likes to meet in person in order to better understand your energy requirements

For every qualifying business that saves money, we will make a donation to Hope House Ty Gobaith on your behalf.

For further information, please contact us on: 1 Mostyn Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 8PB Tel 01492535490 / Mobile: 07535000745 / Marie@northwalesbusinessenergy.co.uk Proud sponsor of the Ty Gobaith Hope House Llandudno Lantern Walk 2018 and 2019

Use North Wales Business Energy and make your business more profitable

BUSINESS

NEWS MINISTER VISITS LOCAL CHARITY

AWARDS SUCCESS FOR ANWYL

WeMindTheGap welcomed the Minister for Employment, Mims Davies to the heart of the charity, with a visit to the Moneypenny HQ in Wrexham. Rachel Clacher, founder of WeMindTheGap and co-founder of Moneypenny, alongside Joanna Swash, CEO of Moneypenny were pleased to give Mims Davies an insight to how the charity and the largest local employer are working together to act upon the lack of provision for vulnerable young people in the community and beyond. WeMindTheGap gives new opportunities in life and work to underserved young people in our local communities through running totally holistic 12-month employment programmes, delivered with unashamed love and care, for ten young people at a time. Participants are unemployed, young people aged 18-25, often referred by agencies such as Leaving Care, Youth Justice, homeless hostels and refuges. The programme comprises sixmonths of paid employment, five varied work placements, one-to-one life coaching sessions, new experiences and essential skills. Followed by six-months of continued support, focusing on wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem to help each young person develop and achieve their goals. The charity which started in Wrexham now also runs programmes in Flintshire and Manchester too. www.wemindthegap.org.uk

FLOOD RELIEF FUND LAUNCHES The Welsh Government has formally launched a £2.5 million flood relief fund which is available to Welsh businesses to help them recover from damage and disruption caused by recent storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge. Businesses recovering from the devastating effects of the floods, are able to apply for a grant of £2,500 to help get them fully functional as quickly as possible. The grant can be claimed by businesses that meet the following criteria: • The business must be an SME based in Wales • The business needs to demonstrate that they have suffered severe disruption as a result of storm Ciara and/or storm Dennis and/or Jorge: • Directly impacted by the weather event, i.e. flood damage to the property, equipment and / or stock; • Indirectly impacted by the weather

event, i.e. the business has had no/highly restricted access to premises, equipment and/or stock as a result of flooding; restricted access for customers, suppliers and/or staff; suffered loss of trade and have issues with regards to wages for employees.

• Funding can only be used to cover costs that cannot be recovered from insurance • One application per businesses • Businesses will need to provide: – details of estimated affected costs to their business – evidence of business address (within the last 3 months) – photographic evidence of damage The Business Flood Relief Fund is open to applications until 20th August 2020, funds permitting. businesswales.gov.wales/floodrelief-fund

Anwyl Homes was crowned ‘Housebuilder of the Year’ at the North West Business Insider Residential Property Awards 2020. The North Wales housebuilder fought off tough competition from other high profile names within the industry to be presented with the prestigious award in front of a gathering of more than 800 people at a black tie event at Manchester Central Convention Centre.

In presenting the award, comedian and compere Jon Culshaw praised Anwyl for its strong and sustainable growth strategy. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to its people and the growth of its team, for acquiring sites and consistently delivering a quality product. Housing managing director Mathew Anwyl was joined at the awards by Phil Dolan, managing director of Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, John Grime, managing director of Anwyl Homes Lancashire, Tom Anwyl, managing director of Anwyl Partnerships, Lucy Wasdell, financial director and other members of the sales and marketing teams. “We are thrilled to be recognised as Housebuilder of the Year and this award is testament to the hard work and continued commitment of each and every one of our team who consistently go over and above to deliver an exceptional product and outstanding service for our customers,” said Matthew. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to further growth and have exciting plans in place that will see us expand further across the North West region and at an even faster pace.” www.anwylgroup.co.uk

inbusiness | 2020 | 7

NEWS

RECRUITER ON HAND TO SUPPORT WORKERS Supertemps is confident they’ll be able to help employees from Marco Cable Management (MCM) in Llangefni find new jobs when the factory closes for the final time in the coming weeks. The company announced in October it would shut down the Anglesey site, leaving 40 people to either relocate to West Bromwich or find work elsewhere. Supertemps, which has offices in Bangor, Colwyn Bay and at M-Sparc in Gaerwen, had an existing relationship with MCM and has placed several employees there. “It is always devastating when any job is lost, let alone so many at one of the island’s biggest firms,” said business manager Vicki ArmstrongSmith, who is based at the new Bangor office. “The majority

were not in a position to uproot their lives and move to the Midlands, so we are on hand to help these candidates into new jobs, on a temporary or permanent basis. There are opportunities out there on Anglesey and across Gwynedd into Conwy so we will be here if they need us and wish them the best of luck for the future.” www.supertempsltd.co.uk

INAUGRAL BUSINESS FOUR EVENT PROVES SUCCESSFUL The first of a series of free business events was held by four of the top companies in North Wales. Williams Denton Accountants, Edward Hughes Solicitors, Bowden Financial Planning and Knox Commercial & Insolvency Solicitors hosted the inaugural Business Four North Wales Event at Porth Eirias restaurant in Colwyn Bay. Those in attendance were given four presentations on the theme of exit planning, from ‘business divorce’ to wills and probate advice, guidance and the pitfalls of failing to address your financial affairs ahead of retirement or a possible commercial split. With 81.6% of the UK workforce employed by SMEs, John Bowden, Director of Bowden Financial Planning in Colwyn Bay, said it is vital business owners look after themselves, not just commercially but mentally and physically.

“Perhaps it’s human nature, but it’s incredible how many people will insure equipment or machinery but not themselves,” said John. “We often overlook our health, and nobody wants to consider their own mortality, but in doing so we can be better prepared and avoid the financial risks if something were to happen. You can rebuild a building or buy a new van if something happens to it, but with people it’s not that simple.” Meanwhile Andrea Knox, director of Knox Commercial & Insolvency Solicitors, based in Anglesey and Colwyn Bay, spoke about ‘business divorce’ and how partners can plan for an eventual parting of the ways without conflict. “It is poor preparation to go into a commercial partnership and not have a ‘business pre-nuptial agreement’, or at least have discussed your values and viewpoints so you know you can work together,” she explained. The next Business Four North Wales event will be held at M-SParc in Gaerwen, Anglesey, on Tuesday 12th May from 9am. https://tinyurl.com/businessfour

8 | inbusiness | 2020

BRENIG CONSTRUCTION PROVIDES LIFELINE A former homeless person is off the streets and forging a new career in the building industry after being given a chance by a fast-growing North Wales construction company. Jordan Thomas fell on hard times and ended up on the streets two years ago when his father died – his mum had passed away when he was just 12 – and he was left with nowhere to live.

But now the 29-year-old from Old Colwyn is a trainee bricklayer with rising building company Brenig Construction. “I had some setbacks and it affected me mentally a lot so from where I’ve come from to where I am has been a massive leap,” said Jordan. “It wasn’t good. I stayed with my sister but she has three kids so I was under her feet and I wasn’t in a very good position. I ended up on the streets and my head wasn’t in the right place. I didn’t really have a home and I was on the streets which wasn’t very nice.” Then he was handed an opportunity to get into building work after attending the Construction Industry Training Board Passport to Construction course run by Mochdrebased Creating Enterprise, a division of social housing provider Cartrefi Conwy. Brenig Construction then offered him employment and he is currently working at its site at Glanrafon, in Llanrwst, where Brenig is carrying out a project to refurbish 30 apartments. “I started in December with Brenig and I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it,” said Jordan who did a six-week Passport to Construction course with Creating Enterprise to gain his CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme - card which allows him to work on building sites. brenigconstruction.co.uk

CO-FOUNDER OF MONEYPENNY COLLECTS CBE Rachel Clacher, the co-founder of Moneypenny, was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) from HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace last month. Rachel has been honoured with the prestigious award in recognition of her dedication to bettering the lives of under-served young people and services to business. 20 years ago, Rachel co-founded Moneypenny with her brother Ed Reeves. Today Moneypenny has grown to be the world’s lead provider in telephone answering, outsourced switchboard and live chat technology, with a dedicated team of over 750 employees across the UK and US. Encompassing the same values as Moneypenny, Rachel established social mobility charity WeMindTheGap in 2014. “I am truly honoured to be receiving this CBE, and see it very much as recognition of the hard work, commitment and ambition of our amazing people at Moneypenny and WeMindTheGap,” commented Rachel. “We all share a belief in treating other people as we would want to be treated ourselves, and that has resulted in us, as important and caring teams, making a huge impact in our clients’ and employees’ lives as well as the lives of under-served young people in our communities.” www.moneypenny.com

LAW FIRM PARTNERS WITH HOSPICE The partnership between a law firm and a beloved North Wales hospice has been further strengthened following a £2.5 million building redevelopment. St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph opened the doors to its new-look facility after months of improvement works by Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction. Among the guests at the unveiling was Shian Hughes from Edward Hughes Solicitors, based in Colwyn Bay and Rhyl, who has been helping patients and families with advice and guidance on Wills and Probate matters.

With new facilities including a landscaped open space, café, conference room, relaxation and education areas and an increased bed provision from eight to 12, Shian believes they will be in an even better position to offer support to those who need it most. “The new buildings are incredible and will enable St Kentigern Hospice to care for even more people in the future,” she said. “As well as being a warm and welcoming space where we can discuss anything of concern to patients and their families around Wills and Probate issues, it’s a community hub where the public can come and offer their support by visiting the new café or using the meeting areas. We are proud to be in partnership with the hospice and wish them well in their new home – the transformation is amazing.” www.stkentigernhospice.org.uk

NEW RECRUIT FOR LANYON BOWDLER A law firm has expanded its residential property team in North Wales ahead of a special event to help people take their first step on the property ladder. Residential conveyancer, Vicky Clishem, has joined Lanyon Bowdler’s Conwy office following time at a renowned firm in Chester and a high street firm in rural North Wales. Born and raised in Porthmadog and a fluent Welsh speaker, Vicky is looking forward to assisting people with a range of property related legal services. “I have specialised in property law, and particularly residential conveyancing, since completing my academic studies in 2013,” she said. “It’s an area of law I really enjoy because you are helping people with one of the most important transactions they will ever undertake – buying or selling their home. It can be a stressful time, but the right legal advice can certainly help take some of that stress away.” The firm is holding a special event for first-time buyers at Conwy Culture Centre on April 28th when people will be able to talk to Vicky and other property experts about the legal process of buying their first home. www.lblaw.co.uk

inbusiness | 2020 | 9

NEWS

CYBER ATTACKS ON THE RISE Credent Commercial Insurance has warned businesses to be extra vigilant after a huge rise in the number of cyber-attacks. New figures from internet service provider Beaming revealed UK companies were forced to repel a staggering 66 attacks per hour on average in 2019.

And the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey last year showed just 11% of firms have purchased specific cyber insurance policies, while 15% had considered cyber insurance, but not invested in it. Niel Jones (pictured), managing director of Colwyn Bay-based Credent – the largest commercial insurance firm from North Wales – said preventative measures should be taken. “The rise has been quite alarming, with cyber criminals using an incredible number of different ways to try and penetrate IT systems,” he said. “The costs of trying to piece a business together after an attack are far greater than initially seeking out any issues and putting systems right, especially loss of revenue from disturbed trading and the possibility of claims by a third party affected by a security breach. Cyber insurance has a value beyond repairing the damage done to infected systems, or financing website rebuilds.

It can help deliver access to specialist expertise, ensure key elements of protection exist and better manage a business’s overall cyber risk. After a broker’s assessment, key strategies can be employed, to avoid a business becoming yet another cyber statistic.” www.credentinsurance.co.uk

ADRA COMPLETES REFINANCING PROCESS Housing provider Adra has announced that it has successfully completed a major refinancing process worth £155m with new lenders. As a leading supplier of social and affordable homes in North Wales it will now, through this new funding deal, be able to build even homes affordable homes, which and have a positive impact on local communities we work in. Director of Finance, Rhys Parry, said: “Securing this new refinance deal gives us much more flexibility to grow as a company and enabled us to reduce our overall interest rate payable by half. It was time to remove the restrictive covenants and business plan controls that we faced on the legacy debt as a result of being a stock transfer association, so that we could fulfil our potential to deliver new homes and drive even more investment in our current stock, delivering much needed new housing across north and mid Wales.” www.adra.co.uk

VILLAGE LEADING A GREEN REVOLUTION A historic North Wales village is on course to be the greenest in Wales after ditching fossil fuels for renewable energy at the local community centre, a former water mill. Abergwyngregyn was the home of the last Welsh Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, who led a revolt against the English but over 700 years later it’s at the forefront of a green revolution. The village’s old three-storey water mill is powered by an air source heating system which keeps the ground floor café warm as toast and also heats the second floor, home to a number of village organisations, and the upper level where the snooker club have two tables. It has been installed by Denbigh-based Hafod Renewables whose managing director David Jones said: “It’s a big area to heat but air-source works perfectly here because the system provides a constant comfortable heat for the building all year round.

Its reliability and the hassle-free controls are an added help for the users of the building too.

The air source heating made the gas system redundant which means the building produces no emissions so it’s safer, cleaner and easier to manage as they only have one utility to look after.” www.hafodrenewables.co.uk

10 | inbusiness | 2020

FINANCE FIRM DONATES TO HOMELESS

TRADE EXPO SUCCESS Record breaking deals of almost £500,000 were secured at a high-profile two-day trade expo led by a growing food distribution firm.

The Harlech Foodservice Food and Drink Expo 2020, now in its 42nd year, welcomed almost 2,000 visitors to the event in Venue Cymru, Llandudno which saw around 165 UK-wide suppliers showcase their produce.

Sales generated by the event were up by more than 30 per cent from close to £350,000 in 2019 to almost £460,000 in 2020. There were an additional 30 new businesses showcasing their produce this year. The expo aims to allow Harlech Foodservice suppliers to talk directly to the customer, giving them a chance to tell the story behind their product and offer free taster to representatives from the leisure, education and health industries across Britain.

Andrew Foskett is joint managing director of Harlech Foodservice which has its headquarters in in Llanystumdwy, near Criccieth, Gwynedd. “Visitors were just so keen to get in because there is a lot to see and some great deals to be had,” said Andrew. “There are many benefits to both our customers and our suppliers. The customers are able to come and see, taste and feel the products for themselves and there’s no substitute for that.

They have a chance to talk to the supplier and find out more about the story behind the particular product, which can be very important, and find out how best it can be used. It helps them to find out the latest food trends and to stay on top of the changing patterns in the industry.” www.harlech.co.uk

A kind-hearted truck driver who helps feed the homeless every week without fail has thanked a Wrexham finance firm for collecting food, bedding and warm clothing to give to rough sleepers. Matt Pyne has been taking supplies to the homeless community in Wrexham for the past four years and after hearing about his selfless work from a client, Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management were keen to support his efforts.

Emily Mooney, who works as a PA for the company which is based in the former Wrexham Lager brewery building on Central Road, has been coordinating a staff collection which includes vital equipment such as sleeping bags and insulated roll mats as well as scores of food snacks. “We take out 30 hot meals and 30 snack bags every week,” said Matt. “I have various cooks around Flintshire who help make the meals and put the bags together. Then we use three cars to take it all down to Queen’s Square. Any left-over food is given away to the local night shelter so it doesn’t go to waste.

At the moment we’re in desperate need of warm clothes, sleeping bags and roll mats which provide insulation. I’m really grateful to Hadlow Edwards for helping us out with this. They’ve heard about what we do and know I’ve been doing it for a long time so it will get to the people who need it. I’m not a charity so I won’t take money, I give out a shopping list instead!” To donate look up Matt Pyne on Facebook

CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM PALLETT DONATION An Children at a Gresford nursery will be making the most of unwanted wooden pallets and old truck tyres donated by a North Wales distribution firm. McCarthy Distribution, based on Wrexham Industrial Estate, delivered the items to Homestead Nursery where they will be used outside to construct treehouses, adventure trails and other structures for the children to play on or turned into work stations inside for them to sit at and paint or play. The new partnership between the two businesses was created after co-owner of Homestead Nursery Kim Sankey-Jones met Mike McCarthy, McCarthy Distribution managing director and his wife Louise, marketing manager, through a mutual friend.

She told them about her Reggio-inspired nursery which focuses heavily on outdoor learning and using natural materials and reused items during playtime to encourage children’s innate curiosity and imagination.

Kim said she hoped the link up with McCarthy Distribution would be the first of many with local businesses who might have other items they no longer need and welcomed Louise McCarthy (pictured) to Homestead to see for herself how the firm’s donations would fit in.

If you are interested in donating unwanted items or stock to Homestead Nursery, please call 01978 853946 or email enquiries@ homesteadgreford.com

inbusiness | 2020 | 11

We create Incredible

So you get results

01745 823 400 info@worldspancreative.co.uk www.worldspancreative.com 12 | inbusiness | 2020

FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

Encouraging entrepreneurship Ken Skates AM looks at the role of women in the North Wales economy, and asks what the Welsh Government can do to encourage even more female entrepreneurs…

generation, entrepreneurship is widely regarded as a strong basis for women’s economic independence.

By encouraging, supporting and increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship, we can have a positive impact on the economy of Wales. Doing this can promote opportunity, tackle inequality and deliver individual and national prosperity.

We want to see more women start-up businesses and I want to ensure we help them overcome any barriers in achieving this. To help deliver this we have established an Expert Panel, chaired by Caroline Thompson of Alacrity supported by Alys Carlton, Capital Law as vice chair, together with individuals from the business support community. The panel has reviewed how Wales can better support women entrepreneurs and has proposed an approach, which is underpinned by a Good Practice Guide.

The guide provides practical advice on how to deliver a more gender focussed approach to providing business advice, With the recent celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March it is fitting to look at the contribution of women to the economy and what more we can do to encourage women entrepreneurs in Wales.

In the Welsh Government we want to see a Wales that promotes inclusive growth, creates opportunity and tackles inequality, as well as creating the right environment to enable entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and prosper.

We know that across the UK the under-representation of women in business is well documented. This means women are not achieving their full economic potential and the Welsh economy is missing out on the even greater contribution they could make in terms of job creation and innovation.

“Town Square Spaces is committed to encouraging diversity and eliminating discrimination in both its role as an employer and service provider, documents like the Good Practice Guide support our continual improvement process and allows us to enhance our programmes with solid research.

A success for us has been growing our women audience significantly by being more mindful of our tone in social media posts, a small point from the guide, but has ensured our messages are accessible to all.”

Carl Turner, Wrexham Enterprise Hub

As well as being important for growth and employment

inbusiness | 2020 | 13

FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

“On a daily basis I meet women with amazing business ideas facing obstacles when trying to get ahead – from limits on time due to caring for children or elderly parents, to a general lack of self-belief because of age-old stereo types. I’m happy to help in any way I can to knock down these barriers and help shape and support inspiring role models for the future.”

Diane Howard, engagement partner, Chwarae Teg and member of North Wales Sub group

BY ENCOURAGING, SUPPORTING AND INCREASING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP, WE CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY OF WALES accessing finance, mentoring, networking and more. There is also a supplementary guide in production focussing on best practice in operating enterprise hubs.

I call on business support organisations, financial institutions and stakeholders in Wales to adopt a more gender-focused approach and to show their support by following the Good Practice Guide.

For example, I know that Town Square Spaces at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub has been using this guide.

It helped them identify key areas where they could further their support. This led to the creation of courses such as Women in Business, a female led eight-week workshop, with all workshops delivered by women entrepreneurs. There have also been sessions on Starting a Social Enterprise, and Meet the Mentor.

They have worked closely with key partners such as NatWest and the Lloyds Banking Group to deliver a series of Women in Business one day events.

Events have included a seminar with Business Wales for ambitious women which was held at the Hub. It featured talks from experts on a diverse range of subjects, whilst stalls hosted by digital and business support mentors provided access to helpful resource and information.

14 | inbusiness | 2020

There’s a lot of great work going on in North Wales. A sub group has been established to take this work forward in the region, chaired by Ruth Lloyd-Williams of Network She. It is working closely with Business Wales looking at innovative ways to encourage women entrepreneurs and breakdown the barriers they experience.

The sub group includes passionate representatives from a variety of sectors including finance and academia as well as entrepreneurial women themselves. The group are actively applying the Good Practice Guide to bring about positive change in their own organisations, recruiting female role models and acting as advocates to spread the word.

It’s important for organisations to showcase what they do, and what they can do to improve support for women entrepreneurs, spreading the word and encouraging others to take part By encouraging, supporting and increasing the number of women entrepreneurs we will help create a Wales that is prosperous and economically secure, and make Wales a country that leads the way for women entrepreneurs to start, grow and develop their business.

I am determined that we explore all avenues so that everyone in Wales is able to reach their full potential, and the work to encourage women entrepreneurs is an integral part of that ambition. There’s a wealth of information and assistance out there and I would encourage anyone who’s thought about starting their own business to reach out and take that first step.

You will find plenty of support on your journey. n

Ken Skates AM is the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales. He is responsible for entrepreneurship, enterprise and business information throughout the region, as well as supporting the establishment, growth and development of businesses in North Wales.

A NEW AND EXCITING NETWORKING INITIATIVE FOR NORTH WALES

House

CONTACT | COMMUNICATE CONNECT | COLLABORATE

CONTACT • COMMUNICATE • CONNECT • COLLABORATE The Power House gives you the ideal opportunity to make new contacts from across the region so that you can connect with the business men and women who will help you grow your business, grow your tribe and grow your confidence.

Meeting once a quarter at a different venue across the region, The Power House will open up new doors, new opportunities and bring you into contact with new and interesting people who are interested in who you are and what you do.

Offering four tailor made membership packages to represent the diverse business community of North Wales.

UPCOMING EVENTS 02 April

13 May

26 June

Dylan’s, East Parade, Llandudno

Celtic Arms, Northop Country Park Golf Club, Mold

The Power House Business Expo Glyndwr University, Wrexham

Visit our website to book and see future events!

Meet The Power House Executive Team

UNDEB EWROPEAIDD EUROPEAN UNION

Cronfa Datblygu Rhanbarthol Ewrop European Regional Development Fund

Brought to you in association with Co & Associates

t. 07876 262 126 e. info@the-powerhouse.co.uk w. the-powerhouse.co.uk

INSIDE BUSINESS | 2020 | 15

GATHER YOUR TEAM: IT’S TIME FOR AN ADVENTURE. OUR MAGNIFICENT, AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURE PARC OFFERS A WHOLE BUCKETLOAD OF INDOOR, OUTDOOR, ANY-WEATHER CHALLENGES. Ideal for team away days, show-stopper events, meetings and conferences. Our outstanding natural environment in North Wales will thrill your clients and re-energise your colleagues.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia is just 60 minutes from Chester and 90 minutes from Liverpool & Manchester. Eat at our surf side bar & kitchen, and stay in our comfortable woodland glamping pods. A 106-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn coming in 2020.

For more information contact Tansy Rogerson on t.rogerson@adventureparcsnowdonia.com or call 01492 35 123

ADVENTUREPARCSNOWDONIA.COM

SURF & RELAX

SURF EXPERIENCES FOR ALL ABILITIES QUALITY HOSPITALITY CORPORATE EVENT SPACES GLAMPING ON SITE

ADRENALINE INDOORS CLIMBING WALLS ARTIFICIAL CAVING EXTREME SLIDES AERIAL ASSAULT

EXPLORE OUTDOORS GORGE WALKING COASTEERING MOUNTAIN BIKES ABSEILING

PROFILE

The right place An unusual meeting led to Sion Pritchard becoming managing director of Petplace.

He tells Kate Hamilton his unusual recruitment story…

e

If you are working in security and you happen to catch somebody who has forgotten to pay for an item, then you are unlikely to think that the following awkward conversation is going to result in a life changing opportunity. Yet that is exactly what happened to Sion Pritchard, Managing Director of Petplace.

“20 years ago, I had a job in Spar as a manager,” explains Sion. “I’d left school with no qualifications, but I had a knack of spotting shoplifters! I was working late one night when I spotted a gentleman who had forgotten to pay for an item – but when I let him go, I got offered a job by a customer!”

The customer in question was Gwyn Lewis, the founder of Farm and Pet Place – the go-to shop in North Wales for all agricultural supplies.

This was in 2000, and it wasn’t long before Sion moved up the ranks in his new firm – firstly to Store Manager and then to Area Manager. Ten years later and the company asked Sion to become a director and sit on the board.

“It was very flattering but I felt as though I wasn’t qualified enough,” he explains. “So, I agreed to the position on the basis that I could study for a degree in business management. They agreed and I became Sales Director. It took me four years to get the degree, going to college one evening a week, working fulltime and completing all of the necessary coursework. But I did it, and was proud to have completed the course while still being so hands on in the business.”

And it paid dividends, because Sion shortly became Operations Director in order to allow Gwyn to take semi retirement. At this point the company was still focussing on its agricultural customers, and Sion saw an opportunity to focus more on the pet side of the business.

“I presented the idea to the board that we should move more into pet supplies. It was a huge gamble as the majority of our business came from our farming customers but, luckily, it is a gamble that has paid off.”

How much of a gamble it really was is debatable of course, for Sion isn’t the sort of chap to jump in without thinking.

inbusiness | 2020 | 17

PROFILE

“All of my research showed that people’s spending has increased as they have become ‘pet parents’ – in fact, they are spending more than they ever have before on their pets.”

And it was this philosophy that led to the company rebranding to simply Petplace – and creating a flagship store in Abergele to match their new customer base.

“We started off doing the self-service dog wash,” explains Sion, who is now Managing Director – a role he took up when Gwyn fully retired in 2015. “Then it was the self serve rug wash for horse blankets. Our products moved away from agricultural feed and into pet food, toys and accessories. And then, of course, we launched the dog park.”

Inspired by how the American’s socialise their dogs across the pond, Sion was keen to create a place where North Wales dog owners could socialise their dogs in a safe environment.

“It’s really taken off. We don’t charge for the facility which gives something back, but we do host timed openings for breed specific events, as well as experiences for different life stages including senior dogs and puppies. There is a café next to the park where owners can relax too, as we want this experience to be as much for them as it is for their dogs. We believe that socialising your dog and keeping them healthy is crucial to pet parenting.”

And it is a philosophy that has worked. Sion and his team are currently going through the planning process in a bid to rebrand the Llangefni branch to Petplace and update the store to match Abergele.

“We will roll the other three stores out over the next couple of years,” says Sion. “And, in the meantime, we will also continue to grow our website. Many items purchased online leave North

18 | inbusiness | 2020

There are now 80 members of staff across PetPlace’s five branches and head office – and their wellbeing is Sion’s top priority

Wales which has been a great way to grow the business. We are looking to improve our eco, natural, healthy and recycled ranges both in store and online, and we will continue to grow our own brand – Dr Green.”

And it is growing the business that is Sion’s priority.

“We reinvest all profits into growing the company,” he explains.

“And once we have converted all of our North Wales branches in line with our new brand, then we will look at possible expansions. Meanwhile, in Abergele, we have lots of plans for the dog park – there are lots of new experiences to come, including education sessions. We opened the park to give something back to local pet owners.”

Petplace has been true to its word too, as the company hasn’t raised its prices at all in order to pay for these huge refurbishments.

“We have had to put prices up a little in order to reflect our supplier’s cost increases, but we haven’t added any mark up to pay for the renovations. What we have seen is a change in our clientele – now the pet parents come in and the families come in, and they both love it.”

Sion is also keen to support charity work and Petplace are

loyal supporters of the Ty Gobaith and Hope House children’s hospices along with Paws Off Duty, a charity providing funds for retired police dogs of North Wales.

“Charity is so important to us at Petplace,” explains Sion. “We get involved in as many things as we can every year to raise vital funds. There are so many deserving charities, but we have chosen two as our main charities to support. This year, we are the headline sponsors for the Snowdon Sunrise Trek taking place in July with a team of our own getting involved on the day.”

Sion goes on to explain, “We are all about the community and giving back to others. We open up the dog park for fundraising days in support of the charities and the team are always keen to get involved in any way they can.”

So what has been Sion’s secret to success during his 20 years with the company?

“It has to be my team,” he says. “I believe in the person, not their qualifications. It’s about the individual. It’s about their work ethic and their ability – we don’t recruit on qualifications, we recruit on what they can bring to the Petplace family.”

There are now 80 members of staff across Petplace’s five

branches and Head Office – and their wellbeing is Sion’s top priority.

“I have rolled out lots of new policies and procedures that ensure staff wellbeing. We have plenty of social events, free fruit and give staff their birthday off.”

It is perhaps no surprise then that Petplace has been recognised with a Silver award by Investors in People, and that many of their staff are long serving members of the team.

“Without my team I couldn’t grow the business how I want,” explains Sion, who has a complete open door policy. “We also encourage staff retention by increasing holiday allowance after the first two years, by an extra day for every year that a team member has been with us.”

So, an exciting 20 years indeed. But what does the next 20 hold in store for Petplace?

“We will still cover small holdings, but our focus will be on investing in pets and their health,” concludes Sion. “When somebody needs something for their pet, both in North Wales and beyond, then we want to be the first place that springs to mind.” n

inbusiness | 2020 | 19

Ein Pobl, Eich Tîm Our People, Your Team

CYFREITHWYR•SOLICITORS

Swyddfa yng Nghonwy Office in Conwy

Cyngor a chefnogaeth ymarferol am bris tryloyw gan arbenigwyr cyfreithiol yng Ngogledd Cymru, Swydd Amwythig a Swydd Henffordd Transparently priced, practical advice and support delivered by legal specialists based in North Wales, Shropshire and Herefordshire Mae ein cyfreithwyr corfforaethol, eiddo masnachol, datrys anghydfodau a chyflogaeth arbenigol yn darparu cefnogaeth i’ch helpu chi i dyfu a diogelu eich busnes, gan roi sylfaen gadarn i chi adeiladu arno

Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute resolution and employment lawyers provide support to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a solid foundation to build upon

Rydym ni’n cynnig ystod eang o wasanaethau cyfreithiol, sy’n cynnwys:

Offering a wide range of legal services including:

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Eiddo Masnachol a Phreswyl Amaethyddiaeth Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant Cyfraith Teulu Cyflogaeth Corfforaethol a Masnachol Anghydfodau Troseddau Moduro Niwed Personol ac Esgeulustod Meddygol

Commercial & Residential Property Agriculture Wills, Trusts & Probate Family Law Employment Corporate & Commercial Disputes Motoring Offences Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Cysylltwch â ni i gael gwybod rhagor am y gwasanaethau rydyn ni’n eu cynnig Contact us to find out more about the services we offer Swyddfa Conwy Office 1 & 2 Connaught House, Riverside Business Park, Benarth Road, Conwy LL32 8UB

01492 557070 info@lblaw.co.uk www.lblaw.co.uk Yr Amwythig • Bromyard • Conwy • Henffordd • Llwydlo • Croesoswallt • Telford

20 | inbusiness | 2019

Shrewsbury • Bromyard • Conwy • Hereford • Ludlow • Oswestry • Telford

LEGAL

Electronic signatures – a sign of the times?

When was the last time you signed a document with an actual pen – in ink?

Abi Croft discusses the pros and cons of electronically signed contracts.

e

If you can’t remember when you last signed a paper document you’re certainly not alone.

An increasing number of contracts are now signed electronically using a variety of online methods, prompting questions as to the legality of these agreements which have not been confirmed with a “real” signature.

Electronic signatures can be carried out remotely, dispensing with the need for face-to-face meetings meaning a saving of time, travel, potential manpower and administrative costs. Plus, there could also be benefits to the environment with less use of paper and therefore less waste.

But there are a number of issues to consider before a business should decide whether electronically signed contracts are best suited to them. The world of corporate and commercial law is held in place by certainty; and this certainty is paramount to business transactions.

With the Law Commission having confirmed that electronic signatures can be used to sign formal legal contracts, electronic signatures are now, with much more certainty, seen as a safe and legal way for individuals and businesses to sign contracts.

This allows for remote transactions, which can hold the same degree of validity as ‘wet’ signatures. With electronic signatures being accepted in statute, the certainty and level of trust in transactions is maintained, while simplifying the transactional process.

However, using electronic software to close contracts can be an expensive option. The software will also need constant updates as developments are made by the software developers. Larger businesses may more easily afford this and cover the costs with the savings they make in other areas, but smaller businesses may want to consider this carefully.

One further disadvantage is that parties to a transaction may well never meet. This can be seen to be problematic as agreements may be better drafted, or drafted to a more suitable level, if face-to-face meetings occur.

contain the signature itself, as well as traceable information, such as who signed it, when it was signed and where they signed it.

Other advantages are that it isn’t so easy to destroy or lose electronic documents and they can be found more easily online than looking through paper files. Parties can also opt to receive only electronic copies of such agreements, saving paper, and contributing towards a greener footprint. There are large cost savings owing to this as well because the printing, scanning and sending of documents can be completely eliminated.

Although a ‘wet’ signature is the best first choice, electronic signatures are binding and will be accepted commercially and legally. Overall, electronic signatures can be seen to be highly beneficial within the business world. The advantages do, on the whole, tend to outweigh the disadvantages, so they are certainly here to stay. n

Abi Croft is a legal assistant on Lanyon Bowdler’s corporate and commercial team

On the plus side, a higher level of security can be guaranteed by using electronic signatures. This is because electronic signatures

inbusiness | 2020 | 21

FEATURE

Understanding legislation e

Employers and contractors will be showered with legislative demands this April. Are you prepared?

As well as increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, the muchanticipated extension of the off-payroll rules – IR35 – will hit the private sector this April.

“A lot of businesses are frustrated by so many changes to legislation in such a short space of time, so we are working with them to ensure everything is in place, especially with regards the increase in wages,” said Sarah.

Add to that new holiday pay entitlement for variable employment, parental bereavement leave, and even rights ‘to a statement of particulars’ for staff on their first day, then April 6 will mark a watershed moment for business and industry.

“Our recent Employment Law Update seminars have been fully subscribed – proof that employers large and small across the region are keen to have the facts within their grasp ahead of April 6.

Sarah Ellwood, managing director of North Wales-based Supertemps and its executive, IT and engineering arm S2 Recruitment, said the set of new and updated rules will, once again, change the UK employment landscape.

“For companies some are viewing the changes as detrimental but for employees there are added benefits including a higher minimum wage and bereavement benefits, so there are, as always, positives and negatives.”

The Wage changes are: National Living Wage: J For ages 25 and above – up 6.2% to £8.72 National Minimum Wage: J For 21 to 24-year-olds – up 6.5% to £8.20 J For 18 to 20 year olds – up to £6.45 J For Under 18s – up to £4.55 J Apprentices – up to £4.15 IR35 – was introduced in 2000 and broadly means that when

22 | inbusiness | 2020

Sarah Ellwood is the managing director of North Wales-based Supertemps and its executive, IT and engineering arm S2 Recruitment.

a worker is engaged through an intermediary under terms which indicate employment, PAYE and National Insurance contributions will apply. From April 2020, in the private sector, (the legislation has been operating in the public sector since 2017), the responsibility for deciding whether IR35 applies shifts from the Worker’s business to the end user company and responsibility for accounting for tax and national insurance also shifts to the “fee payer”. In practice this means that if the correct procedures are not followed the liability for unpaid tax and national insurance can transfer up the supply chain, potentially leaving companies who engage limited company contractors directly, to foot the bill for unpaid contributions. This is a complex area of legislation which straddles both tax and employment law (with different rules for each). It is important that medium and large businesses who use limited company contractors and freelancers understand the rules and have examined how they are engaging workers.

New employees’ rights on their first day – In short, businesses will need to be better prepared when welcoming new recruits.

Currently the law requires a written statement of particulars to be given to a new employee within two months of the start of employment and only if the contract is to last for one month or more. From 6th April this Statement must be given on or before day one of employment. The ‘statement of particulars’ must be a single document and should include hours of work, any paid leave, employee benefits, details of their probationary period and training entitlement, among other information. Failure to provide such a statement could result

A LOT OF BUSINESSES ARE FRUSTRATED BY SO MANY CHANGES TO LEGISLATION IN SUCH A SHORT SPACE OF TIME, SO WE ARE WORKING WITH THEM TO ENSURE EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE, ESPECIALLY WITH REGARDS THE INCREASE IN WAGES

in employees appealing to a tribunal for a declaration of such terms as well as potential compensation claims.

Calculation of holiday pay for variable workers – Amendments to Working Time Regulations will see the holiday reference period used to calculate holiday pay for variable workers increase from 12 to 52 weeks (for employees that have been in your employment for more than a year). Therefore, to calculate the holiday pay for an employee on variable hours or pay, companies will need to work out the average hours worked and average pay from the previous 52 weeks.

Parental bereavement leave – While there is no current law relating to parental bereavement in particular, most employees have a statutory right to a ‘reasonable’ period of unpaid time off to deal with unforeseen matters or emergency situations that involve a dependent. This additional legislation entitles parents up to two weeks’ paid leave if they lose a child under the age of 18 or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy as a day one right.

Responding to the rule changes, Sarah said: “There is a lot more detail behind these updated laws, but ultimately it will involve more stringent processes and rules for new and existing workers.

“We are encouraging businesses to be prepared and have the right support in place ahead of April, not just for legislative reasons but also for the health and wellbeing of their workforces.

“There are a lot of challenges and questions, so if anyone does need our help please give Supertemps and S2 Recruitment a call and we’ll be able to help or signpost you to someone who can.” n Contact Supertemps on 01248 671477 or 01492 517602.

Alternatively, visit www.supertemps.co.uk For more on S2 Recruitment, visit the website www. s2recruitment.co.uk or call 03333 234 371

inbusiness | 2020 | 23

MIWTINI!

STARTING A

BUSINESS Join the ENTERPRISE HUB for: Co-working office space Community to network and collaborate Business advice Educational workshops and social events

O H , A N D W E F O R G OT TO M E N T I O N T H E B E S T B I T . . .

THIS IS AT NO COST TO YOU AS A HUB MEMBER ? @ M @hwbmenter

WW W.HWBMEN TER.WALES 24 | INSIDE BUSINESS | 2019

0 1248 858 070 / P OST@ H WB ME NTE R.WA L E S

?

BUSINESS CENTRE

Backing local business

e

Conwy companies can benefit from new services and facilities at a Llandudno Junction business complex.

Conwy Business Centre is currently undergoing a revamp and, in partnership with the Enterprise Hub, has bolstered its current offering, including fully funded advice, space, events and incentives for firms across the county.

The Enterprise Hub – a joint project between Menter Mon and M-SParc – has unveiled a co-working suite onsite, with hot desks to encourage new start-up businesses to base themselves from the Business Centre. There are also conference and meeting rooms in the building.

With the reception undergoing a makeover – including pods and a fresh layout – and a dedicated team offering support, Conwy’s business services manager Amanda Ballance hopes more private sector firms, freelancers and self-employed start-ups will take advantage of the joint offering.

“The business centre is incredibly popular but there are still many companies out there unaware of what we do and what’s available to them,” said Amanda. “It’s easily accessible off the A55, there is free parking and desks for remote working, and for tenants there is a community of top firms delivering everything from environmental services to financial and legal advice. There are more than 6,000 companies of varying sizes in the county and we would encourage more of them and anyone looking to start up in business to contact us and see how we can help.”

As well as fully funded services, Enterprise Hub members also have access to various discounts, such as the ‘Office in a Box’ membership offer, and up to 30 minutes of legal or financial guidance.

Facilitator Anna Openshaw added there are clear benefits for those considering starting a business.

“We are here to support start-ups and those who have recently started,” she said. “The space we have here is perfect for anyone who is in the process of progressing ideas and planning a business. Being part of this community is inspiring, there are many opportunities to network and use the resources available to lay the foundations for growth and bring ideas to fruition in a supportive environment.”

These developments come as the local authority prepares to welcome applications for this summer’s Conwy Business Awards, to be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

The popular prize giving was a hit with firms last year, and Amanda expects even more entries this time around.

“We have been celebrating industry and the private sector through these awards since 2012, and every year the standard gets better and better,” she said. “We have such a rich and diverse collection of companies in different sectors, achieving great things and supporting the economy. It is great to be able to give them a platform to showcase their success, and to bring them together in one room to create new relationships for the future.”

The 11 categories include Start-Up Business of the Year, Social Enterprise of the Year, the Social/Environmental Responsibility Award, and Entrepreneur of the Year. n To enter Conwy Business Awards and for more information on the Business Centre, visit the website: www.conwybusinesscentre.com

For more information on how the Enterprise Hub can help you start-up in business, visit www.hwbmenter.cymru. Alternatively, follow @ConwyBC and @hwbmenter on social media.

The Enterprise Hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government

inbusiness | 2020 | 25

Whatever business you’re in, we can get you in front of the right audience Contact KSG Publishing today to find out how a competitively priced print advertising campaign can help you build your brand in 2020

PUBLISHING Print advertising solutions for North Wales businesses 01492 472052 sales@ksgpublishing.co.uk www.ksgpublishing.co.uk

SECURITY

Caught on Camera Technology has changed immensely over the past 20 years – and the world of CCTV is no different…

the advances in CCTV technology and we are proud to be installing the very latest technology.”

The business now has the involvement of Adrian’s son Matthew, and together they have big plans for the coming year with the celebration of 20 years in business. What is great to hear is Adrian’s continued enthusiasm for his business.

Businessman Adrian Standerwick set up Active CCTV from his garage in North Wales 20 years ago in May. Despite having never been involved within the industry before, he believed that it was a product and that would be beneficial to the business owners in the area.

“Do you remember back in the day operating 24-hour time lapse video tapes?” laughs managing director Adrian. “I’ve always been fascinated in technology and I could see how we could improve what was being offered in North Wales.

“Previously I was a sales manager for a window company.

I really enjoyed getting out there meeting the people. I like people (and talking) so the job was a perfect match for me. It dawned on me that North Wales hadn’t embraced reasonably priced CCTV yet. So I launched the company specialising purely in CCTV, working for myself, taking on a brand new challenge, and I’ve not looked back since.

“Initially I started selling PC-based systems, the first of their kind in North Wales,” contunues Adrian. “This gave me the edge right from the off – and that’s the basis of our business ever since, striving to stay right on the button of any technical advancement.”

“My hunger to move with technical advancements means we are able to complete very complicated installations, often being brought in when a previous supplier has failed. Such as WiFi related CCTV installs in businesses like caravan holiday parks, these are tricky to install and need really good quality hardware, software and installation.

“Technology has moved on so quickly over the last 20 years.

Think of your first ever mobile phone, now compare to the one that’s in your pocket right now. The same can be said for

28 | inbusiness | 2020

“I am the person who customers deal with, my passion for meeting people and advising on the right technology still drives me. I’m proud that Active CCTV still has had many of its original customers since the very day I started in my garage at home all those years ago.”

How do you know if your CCTV needs upgrading?

“If your CCTV system is over five years old, the likelihood is that you will still be on a analogue system,” adds Adrian. “This means that the images will be very poor quality compared to the new cameras which are a whopping 8MP – and the picture quality has to be seen to be believed. New systems now link

OUR SYSTEMS ARE SAFE, RELIABLE AND GOOD QUALITY – WHICH IS WHY WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SERVE THE GOOD PEOPLE OF NORTH WALES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS into your mobile phone so that you can view your premises 24 hours a day, and even decide whether you need to call the police or not.

“The 8MP ColorVu range of cameras produce a full colour picture, even in complete darkness providing an extremely clear picture – one that is clear enough to use for prosecution.”

Active CCTV has the mechanisms to move very quickly if needed, as was proven recently when an entire pub was upgraded in a single day in order to ensure that it didn’t breach any of it’s licensing terms and was able to open in time for the weekend.

Active CCTV has also combined forces with a National Finance Broker to provide a complete CCTV System from as little as £100 per month (subject to terms and conditions).

Meaning no large outlay or putting pressure on a companies cash flow, they are able to install the latest technology. At the end of the term, which is either three for five years, you can

either buy the system or upgrade to a newer version – again, just like you would do with your phone. You can also add on the maintenance and service package so that all of your CCTV requirements are constantly covered for one affordable monthly fee.

The other advantage of purchasing with Active CCTV is that it is a local company in every sense of the word – it is locally run by local people, with a great knowledge of what businesses based in North Wales require and expect.

“Our systems are safe, reliable and good quality – which is why we have been able to serve the good people of North Wales for the last 20 years,” concludes Adrian.

So, the only question left to ask is, is it time for you to get Active with your CCTV? n For further information please contact Adrian at Active CCTV on 01492 547997 or adrian@active-cctv.co.uk

inbusiness | 2020 | 29

AWARDS

Time to celebrate Bangor University has been supporting local businesses for the past 10 years, and now it is celebrating this impressive milestone with a celebration dinner and awards ceremony.

e

Since 2010 Bangor University has worked in partnership with Swansea University and, more recently, with Cardiff Metropolitan University with the financial support of the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government on the 20Twenty Business Growth and ION leadership Programmes. During this period of time, across the whole of Wales we have supported more than 1,500 individuals to develop their leadership capabilities and worked with over 1,000 businesses.

The Awards Dinner is a celebration of the achievements of business leaders across the whole of North Wales, as well as ten fantastic years of funding while working with businesses, helping them expand to the next level.

20Twenty Business Growth and ION leadership have a series of programmes to develop, enhance and evolve individual leadership and management skills, enabling business leaders to raise productivity in the workplace and develop sustainable profitable enterprises. These integrated and cohesive Leadership and Management development programmes provide different yet complementary programme options for different levels of leadership within an organisation.

The awards are open to all delegates/businesses that

are currently on, or have already graduated from, the ION Leadership Programme, the LEAD-Wales Programme or the 20Twenty Programme.

The Awards are a great way to share your success stories and raise your profile.

We’re looking for the most successful, ambitious and progressive businesses in North Wales across a range of categories. With individual and team categories, there are eight categories for businesses to enter and plenty of opportunities for you to showcase your business and recognise your employees.

The awards evening itself however is open to everyone, and will be attended by businesses and guests from across North Wales.

So, join us for a celebration dinner on Friday 24th April, 6.30pm till late, at The Kinmel and KinSpa Hotel in Abergele. Tickets are 50 per person to include drinks reception, three-course dinner, awards and disco – everyone is welcome! n HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET Email: leadingbusinessgrowth@bangor.ac.uk Or call: 01248 382497

inbusiness | 2020 | 31

2 Chapel Street LL16 3SW

Ref: WE6574

• Fabulous Town Location • Just off the main high street

£150,000 Belgravia House Grosvenor Street

Monthly rental of:

Ref: WM659

£504

• Double fronted period building

• Self contained office space

• Freshly decorated

• In need of cosmetic enhancements

• Beautiful modernised Edwardian building

• Close to Mold Town centre

• Shared conference room

• Outside space to rear

• Ground floor retail area with separate residential premises to the upper floors • Subject to planning it could be converted into a lovely house with beautiful natural light

• Intercom system

• Fast fibre broadband

• Telephone switch system with DDI

• On-site landlord

First Floor Office Space Brickfield Lane, Denbigh Road LL15 2TN Ref: RN1109

Monthly Rental of

£1,250

Including All Bills

• Large First Floor Office Space

• Kitchen Facilities

• Managers Office/ Meeting Room

• Reception Area

• Ample Car Parking

• Close to Ruthin Town Centre

Industrial Units and Land Abergele Road LL18 5UE Ref: WM480

Annual Rental of

£17,500 plus rates

• A Large and secure area of commercial use land, • Light industrial units and office space • Conveniently located at the end of the A525 Rhuddlan to St Asaph dual carriageway connecting with the A55 at Junction 27 • The land and buildings are available on new lease either as a whole or in part.

• The land is divided into three sections and lends itself to a variety of different uses.

Newsagents The Square LL21 0DE Ref: RN1692

• Shop to the ground floor

• Good sized basement

• Two one bed flats

• Two bedsits

• Corwen town centre

• Primary school nearby

• EPC Rating D-90

£175,000

BUSINESS IN FOCUS Delsol founders Simon Walker and Tony Parry © 2020 Eye Imagery

Delivering excellence Delsol investment helps to fuel growth

e

Delsol MD Dave Phillips © 2020 Eye Imagery

Delsol’s ever growing fleet of vehicles is a regular sight for commuters on the roads of North Wales and further afield.

Inside Delsol’s storage facility

The company has come a long way since it was established by long-time friends Tony Parry and Simon Walker as a small courier business.

The pair had known each other for many years, mainly through their shared passion for motorbikes.

Despite having built Delsol (full name Delivery Solutions) into one of North Wales’ most successful companies with a fleet of over 120 vehicles, Tony and Simon remain, in their own words, “two of the country’s biggest petrolheads”.

The Delsol of today is very different to the one the founders started in 1999.

Within four years, the company had opened a purpose-built delivery depot and warehouse facility in Caernarfon. By 2009, Delsol had expanded to include a second depot in Sandycroft.

Delsol directors Dave Phillips, Simon Walker, Tony Parry and Kevin Jones © 2020 Eye Imagery

Continual investment has been key to the company’s sustained growth. Two years ago, it opened a major new storage facility at Sandycroft which now offers over 120,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space.

Delsol offers parcel delivery, haulage, storage, pallet distribution, air and sea freight and transport of hazardous chemicals. It operates within the UK and internationally. It is a member of The Pallet Network, The Alternative Parcel Network (APC Overnight) and The Hazchem Network.

From a handful of early employees, the business now boasts a 170-strong workforce across its two sites and is firmly established as the leading transport, logistics and storage company in the region.

The company has further consolidated its market position with the recent acquisition of Caernarfon-based haulier HF Owen Transport and Storage. Delsol purchased the company, which has been trading since 1972, from the retiring owner Harry Owen.

34 | inbusiness | 2020

Delsol will continue to run the company under the HF Owen name and three members of the founder’s family, including daughter Helen and son Harry junior, will continue with the business.

During last year, Delsol added 30 extra staff to its workforce.

The recruitment drive coincided with a 20 per cent increase in revenues.

The company achieved several other notable milestones. These included: J The roll-out of a direct haulage service which now comprises 15 44-tonne trucks and a total fleet of over 120 vehicles J An increase in the number of deliveries per day from 1500 to 1650 J The expansion of the company’s storage operation now comprising over 120,000 sq. ft.

J The introduction of a new warehouse management system J The securing of the prestigious British Retail Consortium (BRC) Certification for Storage and Distribution It was also selected for the Welsh Government’s Accelerated Growth Programme which provides support to businesses which can demonstrate sustained growth and job creation.

“We are committed to the continual investment in our business to ensure that it is able to meet the aspirations of our clients and our staff,” said Dave Phillips, Delsol’s managing director. “There is quite a bit of consolidation in the logistics industry which means it is vital that we are forward-thinking and always on the lookout for ways in which we can continue to build our business.

This includes continuing to invest in our people, their training and development and integrating the latest technology to further enhance the service we provide our customers. The warehousing and haulage sides of our company grew significantly during 2019 and we have further growth plans for the next couple of years.”

The opening of the new storage facility at Sandycroft is a key part of the company’s growth strategy.

“We initially took on 40,000 sq. ft., which offered us 2,500 racking spaces,” continued Dave. “However, it was clear that there was a big demand in the area for warehousing, fulfilment and pick-and-pack, so we decided to take on a further 80,000 sq. ft. We now have a total of 8,000 racking spaces, plus some

further bulk storage space. We have also invested in a new pallet tracking and storage system.

“Essentially, this is a cradle-to-grave solution for companies, as we pick orders and pack them, with either full containers or partloads as necessary, and distribute the items through our pallet network or directly to their customers in the UK, Europe and overseas, on our vehicles.

“For the customer, this is a real a cost-saving, as it removes the issues of storage and order fulfilment, allowing them to concentrate on their own core business and expand their manufacturing operations as needed, rather than tying up valuable space for storage.

“My background is warehousing and order fulfilment and when I was brought in as managing director three years ago my brief was to expand the company into new areas. There is also space in the warehouse for further expansion so we are talking to more companies to take on the same role for them, of storage through to pick-and-pack.”

Dave added: “Achieving the BRC certification was also hugely important because it recognises that we have the best systems, processes and documentation in place, something that our customers expect.

“Our continued expansion plans will include further recruitment across a wide range of roles including office support and drivers.”

Tony Parry added: “We are hugely proud of how the company has grown during the last 20 years. We recognise the importance of not standing still and continuing to invest in the business, whether this is recruiting and training the best people, investing in the quality of our fleet or integrating the latest industry technology.

“Customer service has been key, providing a flexible and friendly service. Our customers are our greatest advocates and our best referrers of new business.

“Without our dedicated staff and loyal customers, we would not be where we are today.” n For further information visit www.deliverysolutions.uk.com

inbusiness | 2020 | 35

Supporting Communities

SAVINGS

Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. Cambrian Credit Union is the Biggest Credit Union in Wales with over 12,000 members across: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham & Powys.

We offer a variety of Savings accounts and Personal loans to people living and working in North Wales & Powys

LOANS

PAYROLL SAVINGS

Loans between £50 and £15,000 • • • •

Easy Application Low interest rates Choices of repayments No early repayment penalties • Decisions made by people not computers • Free life cover* *Terms and conditions apply

Savings Accounts

• Instant Access to savings • Christmas savings account • Junior savings account

Payroll Savings

• Save straight from your salary • Borrow straight from your salary • Over 40 existing partners including local authorities

Branches at: Caernarfon • Llandudno Junction • Rhyl • Wrexham • Denbigh

Contact us

0333 2000 601 www.cambriancu.com @cambriancredu

@cambriancredu

Road, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, LL31 9ND. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority Registration No: 213672

36 | INSIDE BUSINESS | 2019

SAVINGS & LOANS

Community spirit e

Introducing savings and loans in the heart of your community

Cambrian Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, community savings and loans provider.

While we offer similar financial services, we are proud not to be a high street bank.

Cambrian is a cooperative, which means that whether you become a saver, or borrower, you also become a member and have a say in how we’re run: one member, one vote.

As a credit union, Cambrian is an ethical alternative to high street banks or doorstep lenders, and our emphasis is always on providing the best service to members – putting you ahead of profits.

Your savings are safe and secure, and guaranteed up to £85,000, just like they would be in a bank or building society.

With Cambrian your money stays in the communities of North Wales and Powys, helping people in your area access fair credit.

Should you need a loan, you will find we do things differently at Cambrian. Our staff are financially sympathetic and take the time to understand your individual circumstances, not just your credit score.

We grant loans from as little as £50 up to £15,000. You can apply in person or online and we aim to give you a decision and the money in just one working day.

The interest rate you see advertised with Cambrian is also the one you will receive if your loan is approved. As we believe in being fair to our members, interest is only charged on the reducing balance, plus we can usually include free life insurance.

If you are employed with one of our 40 payroll partners across North Wales and Powys, you can also save, or repay a loan, direct from your salary.

We’re a financial mutual, which means that we’re owned by our members and genuinely care about their financial needs.

Our staff take great pleasure in helping our members with their savings goals. When people need a bit extra, we believe that credit is not necessarily bad, we all need to help spread costs sometimes, but it should be fair, manageable and transparent and that’s what we offer at Cambrian Credit Union. n

ANN FRANCIS is the general manager at Cambrian Credit Union. To find out more about becoming a payroll partner go to www.cambriancu.com

inbusiness | 2020 | 37

SUBSCRIBE To North Wales In Business for just ÂŁ4.99 an issue and stay a step ahead of your competition Email subscribe@northwalesinbusiness.com and get each and every issue delivered straight to your desk

In Business – the only magazine for North Wales business owners

INTRODUCTIONS

Nice to meet you Ruth Lloyd-Williams of Network She talks to public speaking coach Lyn Roseaman and finds out how you can introduce yourself with impact.

e

You’re in one of those meetings where everyone is going around the table introducing themselves. It might be an all-the-rage networking meeting, a business meeting with some external participants or even an internal meeting. Meetings have increased in length and frequency over the past 50 years, with all manner of questions around their value and how to make them more effective. What hasn’t changed, however, is the need to introduce yourself with impact.

Introductions matter.

“This is an opportunity to make a good impression, yet for many of us, our nerves are overwhelming and we don’t hear a word anyone else says,” says Lyn, who has more than 25 years’ experience of successfully mentoring, coaching and training colleagues and clients in speaking, researching and personal development. “Worse, when we feel like this, our brain isn’t thinking at full capacity and we can become lost for words.”

Sound familiar? As your turn to speak gets closer and closer, our heart pounds louder and louder, while your breathing may become increasingly shallow as you stress about what to say.

You’re not alone.

“Blocking out other participants may or may not buy you time to compose a fabulous introduction about you, but denies you the opportunity to learn about your fellow meeting attendees,” continues Lyn, who loves nothing more than helping people to reach their full potential. “You know nothing about why they are in the meeting, their role and needs or how best to connect with them. In short, your nerves mean you miss out on tips about how to engage with them, persuade them or make a positive impression. But it doesn’t have to be this way.”

Here are four steps from Lyn’s new book, Now you’re talking, to help you craft and deliver an impactful introduction: 1. Impromptu doesn’t have to be impromptu Consider the words of Mark Twain: “I never could make a good impromptu speech without several hours to prepare it.”

Or Winston Churchill’s admission that: “I’m just preparing my impromptu remarks.” Like these great orators, you should prepare what you want to say in your introduction and practise so that you can deliver it in a conversational and engaging way. And, if someone does ask you something unexpected or a follow-up question, think ‘PREP’ as a way of professionally structuring your response in a clear and engaging manner.

Give your overall Point of view on the question/subject; your headline if you like. Follow this with a Reason for your opinion, illustrate with an Example and wrap up by summarising your main Point.

2. Don’t be afraid to use notes If you prepare your opening remarks in advance, you are free to focus on what others are saying. However, there is nothing wrong with using notes until you become more confident and relaxed in your meetings. Jot down what people say about themselves as they offer their introduction so you can mention them in your own introduction if appropriate.

In addition, for your own input, take a small index card with bullet points of what you want to say. You might even volunteer to go first, although that may be out of your control and determined by where you’re sitting. By going first, you get the fear out of the way, then you can relax and benefit from listening to others’ introductions.

3. Craft your content Keep introductions short and sweet. Remember less is more – under a minute, maybe even 30 seconds. Don’t waste these

inbusiness | 2020 | 39

ABOVE: Now you’re talking is the new book from Lyn Roseaman RIGHT: Lyn Roseaman is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience to help you improve your speaking skills and reach your true potential as a confident and effective communicator

REMEMBER, THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU GIVING A PERFECT SPEECH. THIS IS ABOUT CONNECTING WITH THE PEOPLE AROUND THE TABLE WHO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU. THEY ARE INTERESTED IN WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT MAKES YOU TICK precious seconds with apologies or platitudes; cut to the chase.

Give people: J Your name J Your purpose in the meeting – your contribution or expertise.

This is your pitch, your chance to tell people what you want them to know about you and how you can help or make a difference. Don’t just give them your company and job title – they can get that from your business card. Share with them what they can expect from you in the meeting, what makes you stand out J A short, relevant and attention-grabbing (may even be humorous) personal story/anecdote about your purpose that connects with the people in the room and helps them remember you. Share, for instance, a story that tells them what makes you tick and how they will benefit from engaging with you Remember, this is not about you giving a perfect speech. This is about connecting with the people around the table who want to know about you. They are interested in who you are and what makes you tick. Your introduction is about giving them what they need, answering their question “What’s in it for me?” By repositioning your introduction as a gift to your audience, you shift the spotlight away from yourself and focus it on the people you are connecting with – the others in the meeting. Once you have crafted your introduction, you can use it at all sorts of meetings, though you might want to vary your purpose and anecdotes to keep it fresh and relevant to the specific meeting.

40 | inbusiness | 2020

4. Dial up your delivery In the meeting, take your time. Take a nice deep breath in so that you can feel the air moving your ribs. Take a controlled breath out. Make eye contact with other people in the room and start to speak, maintaining eye contact for a few words before moving to someone else. Eye contact is important because it demonstrates your sincerity and builds trust with your audience.

In western cultures, a big smile and high energy will ensure you come across as confident, engaging and enthusiastic. Speak up and speak clearly. Remember to uncross your arms and present a friendly, open posture. You may even want to lean slightly forward towards fellow meeting participants to reinforce your interest in the people and the meeting.

Conclusion Meetings might just be your new best friend – a goldmine, offering you the opportunity to practise ways to introduce yourself with impact.

“But meetings can be even more,” adds Lyn who has delivered hundreds of speeches, presentations and workshops. “With so many of them going on, think of meetings as your speaking practice ground. Draw up your own personal plan to finesse your speaking skills and roll it out in the meetings you attend because if speaking is nothing else, it should always be a work in progress.”

As Dale Carnegie said: “There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.” Now you’re talking! n

RUTH LLOYDWILLIAMS Having never had any youthful aspirations to own her own business, no one is more surprised than Ruth Lloyd-Williams that she now owns not one, but two successful businesses.

Ruth currently spends the bulk of her time supporting members of the business community via Network She and The Power House, and the rest empowering women and young girls in sport, education and employment via her registered charity, the Network She Foundation. ruth@networkshe.co.uk

HEALTH

Health in Business What is the most important asset in any business or organisation?

e

Human Health of course… It used to be the tangible assets which included the buildings, plant and machinery – but now it is all about human capital and the people within the organisation who contribute significantly to the intangible assets.

energy of an organisation, it will also positively impact our families and the communities we live in.

Sometimes the challenge is that health can seem overwhelming and complicated so we give up. The information shared is very often conflicting and we don’t know which way to turn. If I had to put health into three simple steps this is what I would say:

If you are a small company or self employed, your health, energy and vitality as the owner or leader of your company is essential for your entrepreneurial success.

The research shows that while sickness and absenteeism has reduced over the last 20 years, overall health and wellbeing has been on the decline. When we look at physical health incidence rates for cancer, diabetes and heart related illnesses they are all on the increase.

Mental health affects one in every four people in the UK, and I believe there will be a lot of people that are too afraid to raise their hand and share their fears, worries and challenges.

Before cancer, I never thought I had a mental health problem.

Looking back, I can see that the levels of stress that I put myself under were a significant contributor to my illness. There were certain areas of my life that were significantly out of balance and, in some areas, out of control at times.

The thing is, I was too proud to share my inner most fears, worries and concerns and thought I had to climb the mountain, when in fact, what I needed to do was pull the parachute chord get out.

The great news is that all of this can change with the decision for us all to proactively focus on health. On my mission back to health, I have heard experts quote that 80% of modern disease is preventable or reversible.

Health in business will not only impact on the culture and

42 | inbusiness | 2020

Step 1: Focus first – mind over body Your mindset is the best tool in your box. Where your focus goes your energy will flow. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed a lot of the time, don’t be scared to seek support or help.

It doesn’t matter what position you work in, whether you are the CEO or the tea boy or girl – we all need help at times! There is no shame in seeking professional advice for mental health challenges. It is our opportunity in this generation to overcome our challenges and ensure we do not pass it through to the next generation.

Over the last five years I have embraced so many different types of work when it comes to healing my psychology, my emotional capacity and my spirituality.

Given that I was healing from a terminal illness, I was prepared to do any work and embraced it with an open mind. It has included psychotherapy, counselling, healing circles, shadow work, men only work, personal development, shamanic healing sessions, energy healing, breath work, different forms of meditation, yoga, special forces training with Ant Middleton and so much more.

The result of all this, is that it has helped me remember how to feel fully. Those emotions that I locked away deep inside that at times lead me to drink too much, take drugs and do things I am not proud of.

For some, I know psychological healing can be very painful, challenging and take time. That said, once you work through it, the rewards are can last forever.

If you are struggling, find someone you can trust and speak to them, go and see your doctor, speak up and reach out to an organisation like mind.org.uk I hope sharing this part of my story will plant and seed for others to follow. There is light on the other side, shining bright!

Step 3. Functional Fitness To be fit and healthy daily exercise is essential even if it is just a 20-minute walk. The second highest cause for sickness and absenteeism at work after minor illnesses is musculoskeletal issues. This can be caused by the lack of movement and sitting at a desk all day.

My personal vision for my body, which was inspired even more when I completed my first fell run last month (Pipe Dream), is to be ‘Healthy at 100’. At the event I was being overtaken by men and women well over 60. They were super fit and an absolute inspiration.

It is a great time to be alive, we live in one of the most abundant times in human history and health is available to most of us. There are some cases which are out of our control I know, but in the majority it is possible and I am walking evidence.

As leaders within business and organisations, it is our responsibility to lead through inspiration and be role models for future generations. Physical and mental health should not be reactive, it should be proactive. Self-care will replace health care in the coming years and it is never too late!

Step 2. Fabulous Food Most would think that to get fit, lose unwanted weight you would have to go to the gym three to five times a week. In reality, most weight is lost outside of the gym. My principle when it comes to food is to eat food that is natural, whole and minimally processed.

At a health event I was speaking at in Monaco last year, I got the opportunity to meet the beautiful Jasmin Helmsley who wrote East to West and she said: “It’s not what we eat, it is how we feel when we eat it.”

This was so important to me because there is so much conflict between different nutrition movements that sometimes I was eating something that was perfectly healthy, but the way I felt about the food was bad. The comment she made was a gamechanger for the way I felt about food having been rigid on a raw vegan lifestyle for two years to that point.

In January 2020, myself and the team at Fast Way to Fitness were challenged with creating a health community within an organisation, delivering solutions around the three steps I talked about in this article.

The initial pilot has been a huge success and we are looking to work with other organisations and companies to bring health to their employees. Most employees spend a third of their lives at work – so lets take health seriously and support to them.n

MARK BRYANT If you would like to discuss individual health or a corporate health programme, please feel free to pop down to Fast Way to Fitness for a chat and a drink, or drop me a personal email on mark@ fastwaytofitness.co.uk

inbusiness | 2020 | 43

GROWTH

A big deal Alwen Williams is the recently appointed programme director for the regions Growth deal.

Here she explains what that really means for North Wales…

e

Day one was the 6th January 2020, 24 years, almost to the day, since I had joined BT as a freshfaced teenager. I arrived at the Conwy Business Centre with that faintly familiar ‘first day’ feeling, unsure what was ahead but knowing it was the start of a brand new chapter in my life.

Six weeks on and I feel a huge sense of responsibility, more than I’ve felt in any role before, because North Wales matters to me.

The team with me on this journey are Henry Aron, leading on energy, Stuart Whitfield on digital, Hedd Vaughan-Evans is our operations manager heading up the programme office and my deputy. Nia Medi and Lynn Slaven from Gwynedd Council are giving us executive and administrative support and we have David Mathews, currently with Denbighshire council taking up his post leading on land and property in April. Further programmes include skills and employment, advanced manufacturing and land based industries and tourism. We’ll grow as a team to deliver these and we’ll work with specialist consultants to make sure we have the right skills and experience in the team. Iwan Prys Jones is a consultant currently working with us on the transport programme.

With a great team in place, part of my job is to make it as easy as possible for them to crack on with the work. Our first major milestone is to create full business cases for our fourteen growth deal projects. These will go through Welsh Government and UK Treasury later this year to secure the final deal and the £120 million investment, spread over 15 years, from each government.

If we are to deliver truly transformational projects, we need to work very closely with our partners in education and the business sector to attract further investment and also make sure that we are equipping the current workforce and future generation with the skills they will need to thrive in North Wales.

The discussion and true collaboration with business and industry is critical. I’ve spent all of my working life in business and I’ve experienced first-hand what it feels like to be a pawn in a game.

Being wheeled out on display for important politicians without having had any input or engagement in the process of shaping

the plans. Frankly it’s insulting. Thankfully I’ve also experienced true collaboration between business and the public sector. So it’s important to me that we get this right for North Wales.

My work is something I’ve always taken great pride in and I feel privileged to have been appointed into this role. People have asked if it was difficult to leave my career with BT. I’m fortunate to have had a career that I’ve absolutely loved for more than two decades, but I found the right opportunity at the right time and the ‘hiraeth’ for home was much stronger than what a future in London could offer me.

The ache deep in my belly still reminds me occasionally that I’ve lost something. I can’t put my finger on what it is, perhaps just a sense of belonging that was familiar, comforting and reassuring.

On the flip side, the passion, excitement and challenge of my new role, at home, in North Wales, and my new work family, dulls the ache. My brain is engaged from the moment I wake up and, for the first time for a long time, I feel like I have a purpose that’s aligned with my life compass. n

Alwen Williams lives in Gwernaffield near Mold and she recently returned home to help the North Wales Economic Ambition Board drive forward the £1 billion Growth Deal for the region.

INSIDE BUSINESS | 2020 | 45

SECTION HEADER VEHICLES

The big question e

What type of car do I buy next and why?

The announcement by Boris Johnson to terminate diesel, petrol and hybrid cars by 2035 was a bold statement, and easy to commit to, if you’re not in office in 15 years from now!

good on paper but at a cost if you are out of charge. The next generation of PHEV should be much better.

The Government has verbally committed to only allowing EV new cars from 2035, including hybrids. Is this commitment realistic or required? CAFÉ regulations are the real driver of the reduction in C02 and N0x not political PR stunts. So rather than be influenced by the politicians looking for headlines, let’s follow the regulations already in place to get us to a clean environment by 2040.

BEV. A pure battery electric vehicle is a very exciting prospect, if your lifestyle will accommodate this solution. The plus point is zero emissions. The potential downfall is forgetting to plug it in overnight to refill the charge but, just like a mobile phone, we will all get used to this. As long as your lifestyle will support a pure electric vehicle, think of the plus points. No more petrol station visits, no inner city fines (these are coming). The opportunity to charge the car when it suits you, and let’s not forget that they are great fun to drive. In most cases they are faster than the equivalent petrol car of today and with a lower centre of gravity, they have great handling and are packed with gadgets. You will soon plan your journey around the range without thinking, it simply becomes a habit. My favourite tech gadget in an EV car so far is the Honda EV with its panoramic dual dashboard screens, which display an aquarium. When you tap the screen the fish chase the pellets and feed, no more boring traffic jams! Or try the Tesla with the whoopee cushion passenger seat.

In 2019 sales of BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicles) was the best to date at 37,850 cars in the UK which was 1.6% of the 2,311,140 cars sold. Range anxiety is still the biggest hurdle for prospective owners. Let’s break this down and get rid of some myths. The car makers have to achieve an average combined C02 total of 95g/ km C02 in the 2020/21 emissions target. If the manufacturers do not achieve these targets the fines are very sizeable.

The ideal solution is to own a HEV and a BEV! That is until the charging infrastructure improves, which it will, although this will take time. Other challenges include how the charging issue in towns and cities will work where multiple occupancy buildings and parking space for charging points is very limited. Lamp Posts are on the agenda to host electric charging points, it makes total sense as they already have powerful electric cables.

If you are in the market to buy a new car, the technology in the next generation of cars are effective, efficient and, in most cases, tried and tested. The Japanese car makers retailed Hybrid cars over 20 years ago. This means the Hybrid cars of today have got tried and tested technology.

In summary your next new car is going to be fitted with great technology, but make sure you choose the right power solution for you. In the meantime don’t panic over political hot air, it’s the CO2 and NOX the industry is trying to reduce regardless of PR stunts. n

But let’s be pragmatic about it. The motor industry has already all but ceased the manufacture of diesel cars. Pure petrol cars are fast being replaced by hybrid cars and electric cars are now readily available. So Mr Johnson you’re a bit behind the curve!

There are 32.5 million cars on UK roads. 14 million diesel, 18 million petrol, 0.5 million hybrid and electric vehicles, with EVs accounting for 155,000 cars on the UK road.

But which technology do you go for? The deciding factor is your lifestyle. How do you use your car?

HEV. Hybrid Electric vehicles are Electric cars with battery packs and motors, being charged by a petrol engine up front. The difference is the petrol engine is not working so hard, so the car produces less harmful emissions. And you don’t need to plug it in. These will be the primary type of cars retailed in the next ten years. Lower emissions with great performance they are a win win solution. Distance, as far as your fuel tank will allow.

PHEV. To go slightly greener, the plug in hybrid electric vehicle in some cases is the next step in the journey. Be careful to dig into the specifications. Some PHEV are not in pure EV mode for long, and once the EV element is drained, the petrol engines are not very efficient. In summary do your homework. The range is

46 | inbusiness | 2020

DAVID PAVELEY started out as an amateur rally driver before graduating to a professional status. Making his way up to the World Championship he fast became a go-to driver to develop road, race and rally cars for some of the world’s leading car makers. David enjoyed a parallel career in automotive journalism, contributing to Top Gear and Pulling Power, as both a driver and writer. Deciding to hang his helmet up professionally David worked all over the world as the Global Motorsport Director for Sparco, before moving to North Wales to rescue the ailing Honda garage, which is now a thriving business, and which also is a home to Lotus and GroupB Motorsport.

Fabulous at

Our gift to you…

We want you to start 2020 with the right team in place and as it’s our 40th anniversary here’s our gift to you: • From February to April we will give you a 15% discount on introduction fees for all new permanent bookings • Plus flexible payment terms on permanent placements – a helping hand with your cashflow • Online advertising only options now available. Your vacancies on the leading job boards using our expert knowledge. Ask today for details

Want to know more or discuss your 2020 hiring today?

Call our friendly team: Bangor: 01248 671477 Colwyn Bay: 01492 517602 North East Wales: 03333 235 900 or email 40@supertemps.co.uk

Permanent • Temporary • Contract Commercial | Industrial | Hospitality | Construction | Social Care

T&Cs: Placements must start between 01/02/2020 – 30/04/2020.

15% off our Standard Terms of Business.

www.supertemps.co.uk

inbusiness | 2019 | 47

FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 2012 The North Wales Honda family announce the imminent arrival of our newest member.

We are naming it Jazz Hybrid and it’s non identical twin Crosstar.

No need to plug in – they will have enough electric energy by themselves!

Register your interest for the delivery date.

Call in ( We are right next to the Venue Cymru ) Phone: 01492 875 991 or Email: info@northwaleshonda.co.uk Honda E Due in Summer 2020

North Wales Honda is committed to being an environmentally responsible local business. We will plant a tree for every Hybrid we sell in 2020 and give you a certificate of proof.

NORTH WALES HONDA Mostyn Broadway, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1YR. Call : 01492 875 991 | www.northwaleshonda.co.uk We are situated right next to the Venue Cymru! Don’t forget the 1st March is the new “20” plate Offers available on current Civic, HR-V, CR-V Petrol & CR-V Hybrid