Business Life April & May 2017

SWANSEA BAY

April/May 2017

Issue 47

BUSINESS LIFE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE REGION’S DYNAMIC BUSINESS COMMUNITY www.swanseabaybusiness.com

CLEAR VISION AB Glass was a double winner at the Swansea Bay Business Awards.

Founder and manager director Alan Brayley shares his story

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CARMARTHENSHIRE

SWANSEA

NEATH PORT TALBOT

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Editor’s Letter

SWANSEA BAY

April/May 2017

Issue 47

BUSINESS LIFE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE REGION’S DYNAMIC BUSINESS COMMUNITY www.swanseabaybusiness.com

CLEAR VISION AB Glass was a double winner at the Swansea Bay Business Awards.

Founder and manager director Alan Brayley shares his story

PEMBROKESHIRE

CARMARTHENSHIRE

SWANSEA

NEATH PORT TALBOT

Swansea Bay Business Life 220 High Street, Urban Village, Swansea, SA1 1NW @SwanBayBusiness www.swanseabaybusiness.com

Publisher South West Wales Media

Editor Chris Pyke @ccipyke • 01792 545 564 chris.pyke@mediawales.co.uk

Contributors Tommy Davies, Julie Williamson, Ted Sangster, Juliet Luporini, Lawrence Bailey, Dave Kieft, Ian Price, Adam Curtis

Design & Production Sam Jones sam@yourlocalcrowd.co.uk

Photography SWWMedia Photographic Team Front cover: Gayle Marsh

Publisher Lisa Cameron lisa.cameron@swwmedia.co.uk

Advertising Manager Debbie Roberts 01792 545 626 debbie.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk

Head of Business Zena Laws 01792 545 585 zena.laws@swwmedia.co.uk

Subscription homedelivery@localworld.co.uk

A sign of the times Theresa May. Theresa May. Twice within a few days the Prime Minister signed her name, and twice she has changed the fate of the Swansea Bay Region for years, if not decades.

One signature was far less controversial, less divisive than the other.

The Swansea Bay City Deal was almost universaily welcomed. While there may well be some disagreements when it comes time to iron out the details, there is no doubt that an investment on this scale was an historic day for the region.

The second signature was much more contentious to say the least. Within a flourish of the pen the PM triggered Article 50 and started the process that will see the UK leave the EU. Neither signature comes with a cast iron guarantee of what future it will bring, but the impact of the meaning of the ink on paper is being felt straight away.

Businesses across the region breathed a huge sign of relief with the signing of a £1.3bn deal that will see the creation of more than 9,000 jobs. And that is not counting the businesses and industries that will develop as the region is given a new lease of life.

And business life in the region is thriving, as was demonstrated by a packed Brangwyn Hall in early March as the great and the good came together to celebrate at the Swansea Bay Business Awards.

It was a night that showed the best of business in South West Wales, not just the winners on stage but the way the region comes together to support each other.

There were a number of inspirational stories from the winners and nominees, as there are in this issue of Swansea Bay Business Life.

Alan Brayley tells of the personal sacrifices he had to make as he built his firm AB Glass (page 14), and it was a similar tale for Peter

Thomas who has spent two decades growing his firm Contract Services (page 77). And the Wright family share the secret of their success with the top tourist attraction Folly Farm (page 21).

There are also two young men who are both at the start of potentially very successful business careers. Keen mountain biker Charles Jones spotted a gap in the market and introduced his tyre pump product Airshot (page 34), while Daniel Shepherd is on the way to cleaning up in the laundry market (page 48).

But, to come full circle, we are never too far away from Brexit. FX Trading saw the impact of the vote to leave and will now be dealing, over the next few years, with fluctuations to the exchange rates as each aspect of the UK exit from Europe is decided (page 60).

And another business that will feel the Brexit bite is the housing market, and the Swansea-based Dezrez are well prepared for the future (page 90).

The Swansea Bay Region showed with the City Deal that when everyone works together great things can be achieved, so while we might not know what Brexit will bring, be it good or bad, we know that we are, to borrow the slogan of our national football team, better together.

Chris Pyke

Editor

77

34 Contents

64

In Focus 07

The Swansea Bay Region City Deal All the details behind the historic day for the region

14

Swansea Bay Business Awards Double award winner Alan Brayley on how he built up AB Glass

21

A roaring success Folly Farm has been on an amazing journey to become one of Wales’ top tourist attractions

Start ups 34

Need for speed Charles Jones’ unique tyre pump Airshot has gone global. So has he.

Our region 40

Pembrokeshire SkyCam Wales is a business up in the air

44

Carmartenshire Hydro Technologies are exporting their products around the world

48

Neath Port Talbot A young entrepreneur with a can do attitude

54

Swansea Siblings looking for success on the city’s dining out scene

Workforce 77

Contract Services Peter Thomas gives a lesson in future proofing a business

Property & Construction 90

Dezrez Why the housing market should be treated with cautious optimism not doom and gloom

96

Hyde + Hyde The world renowned architects based in Swansea

Technlogy & Communication 106 Magstim The West Wales company leading the way in treatment for nervous and psychiatric disorder

Motoring 118 Ford Kuga

Networking

Finance 60

Invoices Chasing invoices can sometimes seem more hassle than they are worth, but there are other ways to make them pay

FX Trading This is why paying attention to currency fluctuations is crucial for your business

124 The events and nights from the Swansea business scene 136 Offside Tommy

Our columnists...

Dave Kieft

Lawrence Bailey

President of the ECA Wales

Owner of Whiterock Consulting

Juliet Luporini Chairwoman of Swansea BID

Tommy Davies Entrepeneur

Julie Williamson

Ted Sangster

Chairwoman of the FSB Swansea Bay branch

Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Business Panel

Ian Price Assistant director of CBI Wales

Adam Curtis CEO of Hoowla and MD of Clockwork Bear

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Industry Insight

Outperforming the human: How machine learning can help your business One of our colleagues before joining PwC was using machine learning software on a project for a UK police force, when a vulnerable person was murdered in that force’s jurisdiction, prompting a review of the force’s policy on safeguarding vulnerable people.

And when the report’s initial findings were released, one line in particular captivated him: it stated that the police force could not have been expected to predict the murder of the victim.

That prompted the challenge, ‘Why not?’ So the team set out to see if they could build an effective model identifying that type of risk. Using only data available prior to the murder they focused on identifying what they classed as ‘high risk anti-social behaviour victims’. They blended a range of demographic data with some of their own data covering calls, incidents and intelligence to build a predictive model.

And when they ran it, the address of the murder victim got the second highest score in the whole force area!

When they began re-running the model using current data a number of previously unidentified ‘high risk’ victims came to light, and the model has since become a core part of that force’s approach to predicting and responding to anti-social behaviour.

And that’s just one manifestation of machine learning. According to a recent report published by www. marketsandmarkets.com, the Machine Learning as a Service Market size is estimated to grow from US$ 613 million in 2016 to US$ 3.8 billion by 2021. But what can we infer from these numbers?

Well, the key message is that more and more organisations are taking advantage of two phenomena: increasing volumes and breadths of data, and increasingly powerful technology to deliver new insight from that data. So just what is machine learning and how will it affect me?

What is machine learning?

Ask Google and you’ll be told, ‘Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides computers with the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning focuses on the development of computer programs that can change when exposed to new data.’ The key point here is the power for computers to learn ‘without being explicitly programmed’.

This means that we can minimise human bias and prejudgement, and let the computer tell us exactly what is significant within our data. For example, an online magazine publisher may wish to identify those subscribers who are most likely to end their subscriptions so that they can prioritise their retention efforts. The staff may have theories about key indicators based on website interactions, engagement in competitions, length of subscription, whereas in actual fact there are likely to a wide variety of factors which influence consumer choice.

Not surprisingly this all sounds rather complicated. That’s because we are dealing with algorithms that have the power to see connections and analyse data on a scale, and at a speed, that humans simply aren’t capable of.

Humans can’t scan the data of hundreds

of thousands of customers every day/hour/minute, to assess the ever changing risk of each one based on their behaviour. Nor can they scan through tens of thousands of insurance claims each day to identify whether or not they are likely to be fraudulent. And it’s pretty much beyond the capacity of humans to identify the hundreds of complex, and ever changing, variables that predict the demand your organisation is likely to face over the next year. But machines can do so - and they can also rationalise the findings, ‘without being explicitly programmed.’

That means the role of the human is changing. It is no longer our job to assess individual records, or analyse a sample of a population, to help make a decision. It is now our job to harness the power of machine learning (and Artificial Intelligence in general) and ensure that we have the appropriate processes, frameworks and assurances in place to be able to interpret and react to the results.

How can PwC help?

If you are interested in understanding more about the power of machine learning and how you can harness it for your business, then please get in touch.

Our experienced team of data specialists can build and host predictive models for you, or help you to develop your own data science function to build your required models.

Whatever the size and nature of your organisation, machine learning could help. It’s important to understand how, if you want to keep up!

If you would like to talk to us, please get in touch with Ian Clarke or Sue Mortimer at PwC Swansea for a chat (ian.m.clarke@pwc.com / sue.mortimer@pwc.com) or call Ian on 07764 331557 or Sue on 07841 926405.

6 swanseabaybusiness.com

In Focus

Swansea Bay Region City Deal

The deal that will ‘turbocharge’ the region Business Life editor Chris Pyke and Swansea Evening Post reporter Richard Youle examine the momentous day in the histroy of the Swansea Bay region and the projects set to benefit from the historic City Deal

swanseabaybusiness.com 7

In Focus

Swansea Bay Region City Deal

Sir Terry Matthews

First Minister Carwyn Jones & Theresa May

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart

Continued from page 7

It might not have happened exactly when it was expected, but pen was put to paper and the £1.3bn City Deal for the Swansea Bay City Region was signed on March 20.

First Minister Carwyn Jones believes it will transform the economy of south west Wales and Swansea council leader Rob Stewart hailed it as a “game-changing moment” for the region.

“With a total value of £1.3bn, it will be Wales’s largest city deal, and will turbocharge the region’s economic prosperity and create up to 35,000 jobs when spin-offs are taken into account,” he said.

The Prime Minister Theresa May put her name to the deal that its architects believe will help make up for decades of lost productivity for the area.

With a total value of £1.3bn, it will be Wales’s largest city deal, and will turbo-charge the region’s economic prosperity and create up to 35,000 jobs when spin-offs are taken into account 8 swanseabaybusiness.com

The deal will fund projects covering the local authorities of Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire over 15 years. Eleven major projects are planned across the region in the fields of energy, smart manufacturing, innovation and life science.

Their £1.3bn price tag will be shared between the private sector (£637m), the UK Government and Welsh Governments (£241m), and the four councils – Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire – plus other public sector partners (£396m).

A year ago the city region’s board chairman Sir Terry Matthews said south-west Wales’s economic under-performance was stubborn and that “real transformation would not be achieved by doing more of the same”.

Sir Terry said the public sector had taken a “collective leap of faith” in agreeing to the outline of the City Deal but that for the private sector the unashamed focus on technology projects and infrastructure was “not so much a leap of faith as a leap of logic”.

Some people have queried whether the 11 projects and the expected 9,465 jobs properly reflected his broad-brush vision — a claim rejected by Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart.

Mrs May said the projects had a strong appeal.

She said: “The individual projects will benefit but crucially the City Deal is going to bring in investment and jobs.”

Mrs May cited two of the 11 projects – an £80m steel science centre to develop new products and the creation of a 5G test bed for applications like driverless cars – as examples of being ahead of the curve.

Deal architect Professor Marc Clement, of Swansea University, said the agreement was about testing new concepts and then commercialising them for a global market.

“We have worked on these 11 projects

in advance – some of them are shovelready,” he said.

“The steel science centre, factory of the future, and homes as power stations are largely driven by colleagues here.”

Prof Clement said the skills initiative should not be overlooked.

“Without that all else fails,” he said.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said officials had been keen to ensure the tourism and agriculture sectors would benefit from the technological advances being put forward.

“In New Zealand drones are used in agriculture and that is the sort of innovation we want to see,” he said.

Mr Cairns said advances in ultrafast broadband should benefit a remote bed and breakfast in Gower or Carmarthenshire as much as a city centre hotel.

“We want anyone coming on holiday not to see a lack of connectivity as a hindrance,” he said.

Mr Cairns added that work was needed to agree the governance behind the City Deal delivery, which will be the job of a private sector-led strategy board and public sector-led joint committee.

“We need to cross some ‘I’s and dot some ‘T’s over the coming weeks,” he said.

Mr Cairns said the private sector would have a “prominent role as a driving force” in pushing on with the projects as “they are the ones bringing the largest amount of money”.

He paid tribute to all concerned in shaping the deal, with a special word for Sir Terry’s business partner Simon Gibson, and also to Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris and Gower MP Byron Davies for their recent focus in helping to smooth out any issues.

Welsh Labour leader Mr Jones said: “Today’s City Deal announcement for the Swansea Bay City Region is an example of what can be achieved through partnership working.

“That is the approach we now want to see as we move towards the triggering of Article 50 and as we consider the fu-

Today’s City Deal announcement for the Swansea Bay City Region is an example of what can be achieved through partnership working

What the Swansea Bay City Deal will mean Carmarthenshire

ture structure of the UK.” Coun Stewart said work to “aggressively deliver” the deal was now the priority – but only once May’s local government elections had taken place.

The focus for Swansea, he said, was creating digital districts in The Kingsway and at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s big new base in SA1.

These, he said, would provide space and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure for tech companies.

Investment would also be required for the 3,000-seat arena for the St David’s site, which Mr Stewart wants to host gaming shows, tech conferences and academic activities, as well as bands and other performances.

The four councils will pay their portion of the £1.3bn City Deal costs over the next five years.

“All the councils have committed to an aggressive delivery,” said Coun Stewart.

Andrew Davies, chairman of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “We are delighted that the City Deal has been supported by Welsh Government and UK Government as this will help transform the health and economic opportunities of our region.

“The funding will also help us accelerate the development of health science campuses at Morriston and Singleton and the Wellness and Life Science Village in Carmarthenshire.

Swansea University vice-chancellor Richard Davies added: “The Swansea Bay City Region has a rich history of innovation.

“This groundbreaking £1.3bn City Deal will ensure that innovation thrives once again and is encouraged, embedded, and commercialised to help create a new era of growth and prosperity ranging from improved healthcare to tackling fuel poverty with many associated benefits.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with transformational projects proposed across the whole region and I am proud of the way Swansea University has responded.”

Swansea West MP Geraint Davies said he was “overjoyed” by the City Deal signoff.

He added: “It’s important that we also move forward with the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon to keep momentum going.”

Neath AM Jeremy Miles said: “I would like to congratulate the four local councils, Welsh and UK Governments on agreeing the City Deal for our region — working together with the private sector to secure £1.3bn over the next 15 years.

“It is important now that work begins straight away on these projects which will provide opportunities across our region and help us take advantage of the economy of the future.”

Productivity in the region has dropped from 90% of the UK average to 77% and, amid all the grand expectations and dizzying concepts, one aim of the City Deal is simply to close most — but not all — of that productivity gap.

As Sir Terry said last year: “The time is right for a City Deal to underpin a stepchange to help the region regain importance for UK industry.”

There are two projects in Carmarthenshire – a Wellness and Life Science Village in Llanelli and a creative industry project at Yr Egin, pictured below, in Carmarthen.

The wellness village and life sciences village at Delta Lakes, Llanelli, is being led by Carmarthen council, as part of the ARCH (A Regional Collaboration for Health) programme, which is a partnership between Hywel Dda and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg university health boards and Swansea University.

The £200m project aims to create 1,800 high-quality jobs and boost the economy by £467m over 15 years.

The proposals include an Institute of Life Sciences with laboratory and clinic space and an incubation facility for business start-up, research and development; a wellness hub incorporating a state-of-the-art sports and leisure centre, a wellbeing centre, a wellness hotel and an assisted living village set within a green eco-park.

The Yr Egin project involves the construction of a creative and digital hub and the development of a creative industry sector cluster. It will create around 200 jobs and help the local economy and support the Welsh language.

Swansea

Professor Marc Clement, of Swansea University

In Swansea, the £169m Swansea City and Waterfront digital district project aims to generate more than 1,300 jobs.

It will create 100,000 sq ft of new office space on Kingsway in the city centre for tech businesses and to support local enterprise and entrepreneurial talent.

This project will also create a box village development on the University of swanseabaybusiness.com 9

In Focus

Swansea Bay Region City Deal

The Centre of Excellence for Next Generation Digital Services (CENGS) aims to bridge the gap between research and innovation and the ability to launch, develop and grow commercial opportunities.

The Steel Science Centre project, based in Neath Port Talbot, will provide a centre focusing on providing commercial R&D to address the current and future challenges of sustaining steel-making capacity in the region and the UK. It will work with industry to reduce its carbon impact and place the region at the cutting edge of low carbon production. It will also provide support for the developments in the steel supply chain and downstream operations.

Wales Trinity Saint David’s under-construction Waterfront Innovation Quarter in SA1. Built from shipping containers, this will provide affordable space for start-up firms with links to the university’s academic programme.

This project will also enable the digitalisation of the 5,000 to 6,000-seat indoor arena planned for Swansea’s St David’s development site, and the development of a digital square with digital screens and digital artworks.

The Life Science & Wellbeing Campus project will build upon an ‘open accessopen innovation’ philosophy. This project will expand research and innovation infrastructure at the Morriston campus alongside world-leading clinical delivery. In addition, a reconfiguration in real estate will see an expansion of the Singleton Campus, where a growing cluster of medical and health technology businesses currently operate and collaborate.

The Factory of the Future project, based in Swansea, aims to support and continue to build the region’s strong manufacturing base, by creating a network

8 swanseabaybusiness.com

of smart manufacturing innovation centres to provide small and medium businesses with an opportunity to invest in leading-edge manufacturing and digital technologies. This project aims to put the region and its enterprises at the forefront of digital and data-based manufacturing.

Pembrokeshire In Pembrokeshire the Pembroke Dock Marine is a £76m project to establish a marine energy centre around the Port of Milford Haven. It will become a centre for marine energy development, fabrication, testing and deployment.

Neath Port Talbot Within Neath Port Talbot a new development will establish a hub for innovation, commercialising research and development and supporting start-up companies.

Projects for the whole region Led by Pembrokeshire, the Digital infrastructure project aims to improve broadband and mobile continuity underpinning all projects within the deal.

A Homes as Power Stations project will target both new-build housing projects and retrofit of existing housing. Led by Neath Port Talbot council, this project will deliver innovative low carbon homes, supporting carbon reduction targets. The project aims to provide security of housing supply in the region and support a reduction of demand on electricity and gas grid systems. A major aim will be to reduce fuel poverty and its impact on health, together with a focus on digital connectivity and smart metering.

Led by Carmarthenshire, a skills and talent initiative will support skills development for all 11 of the city deal projects spread across the Swansea Bay Region. This initiative seeks to ensure the creation, attraction and retention of a workforce equipped to deliver each of the City Deal projects

Barry Davies

Michael Snowdon

DJM return to Mumbles roots In 2016, Douglas-Jones Mercer (DJM) celebrated the 70th anniversary of its founder partners commuting on the Mumbles to Swansea tram, becoming not only friends, but business partners creating the firm we are today.

As the company evolved over the decades – experiencing rapid growth during the 70’s and 80’s – it developed a network of branch offices, only then to consolidate its focus during the 90’s to the head office in Swansea city centre before its move during 2006 to purpose built offices at Axis Court, Swansea Vale.

DJM closed its Mumbles branch in the mid-nineties, but has since operated a serviced office by appointment.

Since then the firm has continued to grow but has also responded to client needs by opening a fully functioning branch office in Mumbles from April 2017.

Barry Davies, Practice Director, who re-joined DJM in late 1999 comments “I remember the original branch office from my first term at DJM. Back then communication with the Mumbles branch was limited to the telephone, memo’s or letters that were sent between the offices on a daily basis. With new technologies playing such an important part in how law firms operate today, we are now able to offer a much more efficient service to Swansea West clients at their convenience. We identified that more than 20% of our individual clients live in Swansea West and it made sense for us to re-open in Mumbles”.

The branch was previously led by Mumbles resident Michael Snowdon, who has been with DJM for 40 years

and is now the firm’s Chairman and Director: “I recall how busy it was in the old branch office on a day with no clients being booked in and by 5pm we may have seen fifteen new clients! It is this ‘off the street’ approach and by making ourselves accessible that we feel will work for our existing clients in Swansea West and, hopefully, new clients that the office will attract. The aim is to staff the office at all times with at least two qualified fee earners specialising in property and private client work”.

With the experience that DJM has built up over the years, we still maintain an excellent rapport with local businesses throughout the area and we are looking forward to continuing that reputation by working more closely with local estate agents, banks and building societies, as well as other business professionals and individuals.

DJM have also identified this as an opportunity to develop the careers of those already employed at the firm at the same time aiming to grow and giving further employment opportunities within the Mumbles area.

We are frequently acknowledged in the prestigious Legal 500 guide for our high ranking work in Wales and now look forward to providing a high quality legal service to the residents of Mumbles and surrounding area.

www.djm.law.co.uk 48 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea S3 4BQ Telephone: 01792 650000 16 Axis Court, Mallard Way, Swansea Vale, Swansea SA7 0AJ Telephone: 01792 650000 Temple Court, 13a Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA Telephone: +44(0)2920 786529

@DJMSolicitors

EVENT & EXHIBITION GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SWANSEA BAY CITY REGION LIBERTY STADIUM, MONDAY 15TH MAY 2017 7AM - 4PM

O

n Monday May 15th Swansea Bay Futures will hold a largescale event and exhibition on the potential Growth opportunities for the future of the region at The Liberty Stadium.

With the expansion of both Universities and another influx of students, living and working in the region what are the opportunities for local business growth and development?

The City Deal will bring a huge amount of local jobs and business growth, so how and what can SME’s do to engage with the investment?

If the Tidal Lagoon is given the go ahead, what are the growth opportunities for jobs, development and tourism and Leisure?

The day will begin with a business breakfast where GWLAD will showcase workplace learning

opportunities for businesses to Link Company benefits include: grow and develop their workforce. • Company details will be included on our website with a These opportunities are 70% direct link to your own website funded and develop skills within from the member’s page the workplace rather than taking http://www.abayoflife.com/members/ them outside.

• A web link from the content We will then have several pages of the website to a page on keynote speakers to launch your site. the day.

• The opportunity to contribute All our members will be able to appropriate stories for the news exhibit for free. section of our website and from there be considered for inclusion If you wish to exhibit then you in the monthly Swansea Bay can become a member of Swansea newsletter which is directly Bay futures. The £250 membership distributed to over 1800 named will give you access to the day individuals and circulated but also a yearlong membership. via intranets and through Becoming an Associate Member communications contacts to is an affordable way for your a potential audience of over 10,000 people business to be part of Swansea Bay Futures. Joining SBF will not • Share your news through our only help increase your profile via social media channels, we have our website and our social media over 8500 twitter followers, and our Facebook page over outlets but you will also have 3,400 likes, Linked In group the opportunity to network with other members.

454 followers.

• Invitation to the annual SBF connected companies’ event with a chance to network with other SBF Members and the Board.

There will also be during the day, five round table discussions on Transport, City Centre, Development, Health and Well Being and Tourism and Leisure. These will be discussions led by influential people that will generate several papers on the growth potential in these sectors.

The afternoon will have a number of bespoke workshops/speakers for businesses to attend which showcases business support in the region and also talks about ways to enable growth locally.

For more information about how to get involved contact zoe@swanseabayfutures.co.uk

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS • BREAKFAST • EXHIBITION • KEY NOTE SPEAKERS • ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS • WORKSHOPS

In Focus

Swansea Bay Business Awards

Double delight for AB Glass The founder and director of AB Glass Alan Brayley had a great night at the Swansea Bay Business Awards, and here he tells Naomi Snelling about how he started, the sacrafices he made and the key to his success

14 swanseabaybusiness.com nseabaybusiness.com

SWANSEA BAY

BUSINESS LIFE

swansea bay

Business awards 2017

Principal Sponsor

Simon Weston, OBE, was guest speaker on the night

The Swansea Bay Business Awards was a big night for Alan Brayley the founder and director of AB Glass.

The businessman walked away at the end of the night with Manufacturing Business of the Year award as well as the Business of the Year award.

Stunned shock was Brayley’s first reaction when his firm was announced as business of the year. “People were saying, your face says it all!” he said.

“I thought we might have a chance of winning manufacturer of the year but I had no idea we would win business of the year. It was mindblowing! Then a wonderful excitement kicked in.

“Family, friends and colleagues have been absolutely over the moon and telling me it’s well deserved. I’ve been humbled by the number of people who have taken the time to ring or email and say well done. It’s humbling that people do actually recognise hard work,” he said.

Mr Brayely had three children and a mortgage when he first took the plunge and set up his own manufacturing business in 1991.

Armed with just one van and a desire to succeed, he has successfully grown the company, expanded its employee base and business offering and made a name for himself as an expert in the glazing and aluminium manufacturing sector.

AB Glass now secures multi-million pound projects with some of the UK’s leading construction and property development firms.

Mr Brayley credits his military experience in the Territorial Army over a 20-year period for giving him the remarkable self-discipline and courage he has been able to apply to his business.

“I worked my way up to a Warrant Officer Class 2 sergeant major in the Royal Regiment of Wales (which later became the Royal Welsh). I was in the navy cadets as a child and I was always interested in the military. So I joined in my late 20s and it brought me out of my shell and gave me a good grounding in business.

“Since then I’ve spoken at a number of

events about how it can bring a sense of discipline, process management, man management skills and confidence to the business world.

“If you want to succeed in business you need to work hard. When you factor in early starts and late finishes I was only with my children one weekend a month but when we did have quality time we made the most of it.

“We went on a family holiday at least once a year for two weeks and I’m proud of that. They always remember the times we went away. They don’t remember the day to day stuff but they remember the quality time.”

His advice to new business owners? “The only advice I would give is try to do it on your own merit with your own funding and not rely on banks or other lenders, to start you off. Start slow and build it slowly. Rome wasn’t built in a day and Frances Donovan, journalist & TV presenter

I thought we might have a chance of winning manufacturer of the year but I had no idea we would win business of the year. It was mindblowing!

Then a wonderful excitement kicked in

Jonathan Roberts, Editor South Wales Evening Post swanseabaybusiness.com 15

In Focus

Swansea Bay Business Awards

I’ve always looked for improvement – self-improvement or business improvement – We’re constantly learning and evolving and changing as a business – and you do that as a person too

business is like that. You don’t want to have a huge burden round your neck.”

And Brayley’s other key advice is to strive to be a decent, honest and reliable business.

Over the past 26 years there have been plenty of inspirational people but Brayley says that there is one man in particular who stands out – the late Derek Morgan.

“I had been in business for seven years, and Derek showed me this unit he had for rent.

“I thought it was too big but he said I could have it for free. And that was a turning point for the business and for me.

“I paid him at the end of that year and stayed there for eight more years, and he became a mentor to me in many ways,” he said.

“Over the last 26 years it has been tremendously hard work but very enjoyable. We’ve got the best team right now that we’ve ever had – so dedicated.

We pay well, we look after our staff with training,” said Brayley.

“I’m passionate about building better bridges between business and education,” he said.

“I did a talk at Neath Port Talbot college on apprenticeship week – I took two apprentices along and they spoke too.

“I’m passionate about bringing young people into the business and bringing them on,” he explained.

“Growth is good for us right now – we are looking for steady growth nothing too sharp. Swansea and Wales in general seems to be bucking the trend. We don’t see any sort of risk with the Brexit scenario. The outlook seems positive, we have a good seven month order book and lots of opportunities coming our way everywhere.

“Tidal Lagoon, Swansea City Deal –

there are lots of things coming our way locally, plus Cardiff Bid – lots of good vibes out there.

“We have a great middle management team right now. Within the next three to five years we’re working on a succession plan leading to a management buyout,” said Brayley.

So, what’s the secret for success? “Hard work,” said Brayley. “And a good wellmotivated team around you.

“I’ve always looked for improvement – self-improvement or business improvement – We’re constantly learning and evolving and changing as a business – and you do that as a person too.

“And you need to get the work life balance right – there’s a balance to be had. If you have that right then you’ll be successful and you’ll be a happier person.

It’s not all about work.”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Swansea Business stalwart Graham Day was the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr Day took over the business in 1984 following the death of his father and the firm boasts a turnover in excess of £200 million. CEM Day Ltd, to give the company its full title, was started in 1926 by Mr Day’s Grandfather Charles Edward Manton Day, and has grown from eight staff to more than 500 in the following 91 years.

CATEGORY SPONSORS

16 swanseabaybusiness.com

Young Business Person of the Year Sarah John at Boss Brewing (Business in Focus)

Apprenticeship Development Award Amcanu (GCS Training)

Social Enterprise Award Down to Earth (Hygrove Homes)

Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year St Brides Spa & Hotel (ND John Wine Merchants)

Best Business Start Up Sanktuary (University of Wales Trinity Saint David)

Family Business of the Year Parker Plant Hire (LTC Mobility)

SWANSEA BAY

BUSINESS LIFE

swansea bay

Business awards 2017

Principal Sponsor

Manufacturing Business of the Year AB Glass (Thomas Carroll)

THE WINNERS

International Trade Business of the Year Hornbill Engineering (Swansea University Events & Hospitality)

Innovation Award Lumishore (City and County of Swansea)

10. Green Business of the Year NappiCycle (Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay)

Entrepreneur of the Year Matt Warren at Veeqo (Carmarthenshire County Council)

Business of the Year 0-25 Employees Atlas AV (Neath Port Talbot Council)

Business of the Year 26-149 Employees Morganstone (JCP Solicitors)

Business of the Year 150 plus Employees LBS Builders Merchants (N.P.T.C. Group Training Wales)

CATEGORY SPONSORS

swanseabaybusiness.com 17

THE SOAPBOX How important is the City Deal for the future of Swansea?

And what do you think it will mean for your business?

18

Helen Bowden, chief executive, Swansea Bay Futures

Bleddyn Bowen, director, Infinity Document Solutions

Christina Allen, director of Work Wales

City Deal provides huge potential for future regeneration. Although the area is already vibrant with development and growth, the City Deal will take us into new realms of capabilities and enable the region to secure itself as an area of innovation and transformation in the areas of health and social care in particular.

The deal will also increase the job prospects over the coming years and make the area much more viable and attractive to inward investment as well as giving opportunity to already existing business. Swansea Bay Futures supports and champions everything that the City Deal will bring.

This new deal is fantastic news for the region with the creation of new employment and will transform the economy in the area with new opportunities and entrepreneurships. We must also ensure that all digital infrastructures are in place in order for all to thrive and also the sooner the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon gets the go-ahead the better as this will be the jewel in our crown. I sincerely hope going forward that local businesses will benefit from the contracts being made available and not be overlooked for national organisations from outside the area, as I believe that we have all the necessary technology and expertise already on our doorstep and we have this once in a lifetime opportunity to offer further local employment opportunities.

City Deal is extremely important. We’re on the cusp of Swansea flourishing with all the redevelopments and the Tidal Lagoon plans being backed and now hearing the news that we are potentially looking to increase the regional economy’s growth by £1.3bn – it’s an exciting time and can only have a positive impact on the city. The City Deal has capability to create thousands of jobs, which hand in hand with the pioneering digital environment, will create and improve our community and improve the city and surrounding areas.

Martyn Ingram, group director of Morgan GRP, Ammanford

Bruce Roberts, chair of Swansea Bay Business Club’s Policy Group

Russell Greenslade, chief executive of Swansea Business Improvement District (BID)

The City Deal sends a positive message that Wales is about to enter a new chapter in its economic life – albeit one that will require much focus to achieve and maintain. I applaud the positivity coming from the current government about the economic future of Wales.I’m particularly interested in the City Deal’s references to establishing and maintaining an effective skills base in advanced manufacturing, as well as plans for a Steel Science Centre and a Factory of the Future. There is a pressing need here for investment in quality STEM training, which was also talked about recently in Theresa May’s Industrial Strategy. This skills gap is felt acutely in Wales, and certainly

by Morgan Marine and our sister company Envico Engineering. These STEM skills are essential for driving productivity, delivering long-term prosperity and staunching the brain drain that is affecting the country.

The Swansea Bay City Region deal could not have come at a better time. With an aim to invest in skills and create jobs in the area, this can only be a boost for local business and for businesses looking to move to the region. The deal should help create more opportunities through the proposed projects, which aim to bridge the gap between research and innovation.

I believe that this should help to attract skilled workers and keep talented people in the Swansea Bay City Region.

As Swansea City Centre is seen as the commercial hub for the Swansea Bay City Region, the City Deal is hugely important for 800 plus BID businesses. The huge investment it promises to deliver will improve the economy and vibrancy of the area with new, well-paid jobs and improved infrastructure. This will mean more people living, working and spending in the City Centre which will drastically improve the prosperity for many of those varied 800 plus businesses. In addition, the increased foot flow and spending will help attract even more businesses and retailers to the city.

Therefore, the City Deal represents a vital game changer for the City Centre and we need to urge the Government to approve it and get some cranes in the sky as soon as possible.

To be involved in next issue’s The Soapbox contact the editor, Chris Pyke: chris.pyke@trinitymirror.com 01792 545564

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Folly Farm

In Focus

A roaring success One of Swansea Bay Business Life’s Top 100 companies, Folly Farm has been on a remarkable journey that has seen it transform from a family farm into one of Wales’ top visitor attractions, words Naomi Snelling, photographs Adrian White

Out with the old, in with the bold. Taking a humble family farm and turning it into a leading visitor destination with 500,000 visitors a year and a turnover of £7m is a bold feat. And it’s something that the Wright family have managed to do with Folly Farm in just under 30 years.

It’s hard to believe that this visitor destination all grew from the original vision of farmer Glyn Williams, his wife Anne, and daughter Karina. Folly Farm was a third generation dairy farm, with land that straddled a busy road.

“When Glyn had to stop the traffic to take his herd of cows across the road, he was always surprised that instead of people getting frustrated, they enjoyed watching them cross, and were interested in what he was doing,” explains marketing manager

Zoe Wright.

Ms Wright is brimming with enthusiasm for her job. As marketing manager of Folly Farm she’s never short of ‘content’. The business re-invests in landmark animal attractions almost annually, and the calendar is dotted with feel-good events from baby lambs to penguin chicks.

A state-of-the-art themed visitor centre opened in March 2017 and there’s a new holiday village planned for the land north of the attraction in 2018. It’s a hive of activity.

“We have another 120 acres so there’s plenty left to develop,” laughs Ms Wright.

“We need to do another big animal attraction. They’re quite exciting meetings when you sit down with the zoo keeper and talk about what’s next”.

It’s remarkable that Folly Farm has come from humble farming roots to potentially being able to introduce a baby rhino back into the wild – playing a part in the conservation of endangered species

swanseabaybusiness.com 21

In Focus

Folly Farm

With the new shop opening, the old cafeteria area will become our staff centre of excellence.

We will be putting people through a custombuilt training programme

22 swanseabaybusiness.com

In 2013, Folly Farm introduced Humboldt penguins – and recently hatched 26 penguin chicks. And 2014 was the year of the lions – an iconic animal attraction that garnered

remarkable press attention, while 2015 saw two endangered eastern black rhinos being introduced to the park – Manyara and Nkosi.

With plans afoot to bring a breeding three-year-old rhino to join Manyara and Nkosi, there could soon be the pitter patter (or thud thud) of baby rhino feet.

“It’s remarkable that Folly Farm has come from humble farming roots to potentially being able to introduce a baby rhino back into the wild – playing a part in the conservation of endangered species,” says Wright.

“Earlier this year our zoo curator Tim Morphew was on Radio 2 being interviewed by Chris Evans,” she says.

“He was talking about how he built a zoo from scratch.”

The zoo itself is a huge draw for the attraction – with ‘animal experiences’ taster sessions during the Easter holidays being a popular activity.

These consist of a 20-minute feeding session with penguins or giraffes.

Marketing Manager Zoe Wright

“You don’t really appreciate how tall a giraffe is until it’s actually eating out of your hand,” laughs Ms Wright.

Keeping the zoo, fairground, park areas and farm up and running is a 24-7 operation, requiring a lot of footwork.

The business has held Investors in People status for 13 years. And in terms of attracting talent, Ms Wright points out that it represents an attractive first place of work for a large number of local people.

“We have a lovely recruitment process and training process,” she explains.

“With the new shop opening, the old cafeteria area will become our staff centre of excellence. We will be putting people through a custom-built training programme.

“Many Folly Farm staff have worked their way up from the inside. I’m one of very few managers who didn’t work on a seasonal basis. Kate Torok, head of HR, started off on the tills, and many of our management team have risen up through the ranks – some even started

The rise of the ‘staycation’ is helpful and we think Brexit will have a further impact too

swanseabaybusiness.com 23

In Focus

Folly Farm

Folly Farm’s new visitor centre opened in March 2017 and is a triumph of local collaboration. The contractors were GD Harris of Narberth, architecture was by Ken Morgan of Narberth; cedar cladding was by Pembrokeshirebased SpaHaus and the building itself was Shufflebottom. The stunning interior design was by a Bridgend-based firm that also does the designs for Hamley’s.

as a jolly farmer in the barns.

“We have a lot of work experience students from Pembrokeshire College and Coleg Sir Gar, and when they’ve completed their course many of them end up working here,” she explains.

The family business ethos feeds the values of the organisation. Glyn and Anne continue to play a key part.

“Anne was a former headteacher, so she came at it from an education point of view,” explains Ms Wright. “That’s still one of the guiding principles – to educate and entertain.”

Daughter Karina and her husband Chris Ebsworth have also played a crucial role in the way Folly Farm grew and developed.

“After meeting at university, Karina and Chris spent a year at Euro Disney together and brought a lot of that experience back here – especially in terms of customer service and staff training,” explains Wright.

Together they certainly seem to have found the ingredients for success.

“To have a £7m turnover and 500,000 visitors per year is astonishing for this part of West Wales,” says Wright.

“And we’re battling increased competition – yet we’ve added 120,000 visitors per year in the last four years.

“To have seen that level of growth with increased competition and cost of fuel is remarkable,” she adds.

The secret? Wright believes it lies in sustained re-investment into the

24 swanseabaybusiness.com nseabaybusiness.com

business – “people come back because they know that they are going to get something new,” she says.

“The rise of the ‘staycation’ is helpful and we think Brexit will have a further impact too.”

With business booming, Folly Farm looks set to shine as the jewel in the crown of the tourism industry in west Wales for many years to come

Greer Hooper, relationship director, Barclays Barclays are proud sponsors of the South West Wales Top 100 Companies and it gives us great pleasure to visit and learn more about fantastic businesses like Folly Farm.

This family run enterprise has continued to reinvest since it started trading in 1988 and delivers new and exciting experiences for its customers that keeps them coming back year on year. This is a testament to the clear vision of the family and their dedicated team.

With ambitious plans for the future Folly Farm is well placed to remain one of the best loved attractions Wales has to offer and take its well-deserved place in the Top 100.

To have a £7m turnover and 500,000 visitors per year is astonishing for this part of West Wales. And we’re battling increased competition – yet we’ve added 120,000 visitors per year in the last four years

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Start Ups The need for speed

Charles Jones transformed a simple idea into a remarkable business - Airshot

Start ups is sponsored by

The need for

speed Sometimes a simple idea can transform into a remarkable business success story; Naomi Snelling talks to mountain bike racer Charles Jones about Airshot – a revolutionary tyre pump

It’s 10pm Australian time and Charles Jones sounds sleepy. Hardly surprising considering he’s spent all day scrambling around on a bike with his girlfriend and other professional cyclists, filming a video for a clothing brand.

“One of the girls is sponsored by the brand so we were extras in the video,” says Mr Jones.

And when he’s not pounding the tracks, Mr Jones has been checking up on the orders for Airshot – the tubeless tyre inflation system that he developed, and is now a successful commercial product.

The 29-year-old entrepreneur launched Airshot in 2014, when he realised how much of a need there was for it. He invested his own money – the hardest thing he’s had to do so far – but the gambit

34 swanseabaybusiness.com

paid off.

“I broke even after two months – it has been pretty amazing! I thought I’d sell maybe a couple of hundred – but I’ve sold over 20,000,” says Mr Jones. Turnover last year was over £300,000.

Airshot has already scored a partnership deal with Schwalbe – one of the biggest tyre companies in the world.

“Schwalbe emailed me and wanted me to manufacture an Airshot for them.

We’ve made a branded version for them it’s called the Tyre Booster,” explains Mr Jones.

“To inflate mountain bike tyres you need a lot of air; you can’t pump up your tyres unless you have a compressor. My friend had one handmade but it was rubbish so I wanted to make a professional model –

I broke even after two months – it has been pretty amazing! I thought I’d sell maybe a couple of hundred – but I’ve sold over 20,000

Airshot

then I thought maybe I could sell it,” he explains.

“When I was doing a lot of racing I made a prototype and I was going round helping people put their tyres on with it. I helped around 30 people at one small race so I thought that there must be a market for it,” he says.

Essentially, the Airshot pump is a re-usable portable pump. Mr Jones painstakingly tested it on different wheels and tyres, fine-tuning the design to include a valve core adaptor to make sure air can get through fast enough.

A few weeks ago, Mr Jones was in New Zealand, competing in the first leg of the Enduro World Series – an international biking event.

“It was pretty good – it rained a lot, it

was quite wild! The track is quite steep and I ended up getting second so I was pretty chuffed.

“I’m travelling with my partner – she’s in the professional women category – and she managed to get third.”

Mixing business and pleasure, Jones also spent his time in New Zealand meeting racing and mountain bike companies.

“I met three companies in New Zealand, and have been travelling to lots of different mountain biking places and doing races, sort of marketing Airshot as I go,” he explains.

Mr Jones believes that being right inside the sport really helps him with his business. “It adds to it because I know what mountain bikers want – they want something tough that will last and doesn’t

Start Ups

get damaged easily. I know the market and care about making something that works it’s not just about making money.”

The South Wales mountain bike pro has been cycling since he was 12 and competing in races for just over three years.

This year he’s competing in the multi-event Enduro World Series.

“I fell in love with cycling when I was a teenager – it gave me freedom to travel and see friends,” explains Jones. “I would often ride around 10 miles most days to get to our favourite places to ride.

Summers were the best, digging jumps and riding all day!”

So what’s next for Airshot? “I’m working on new products at the moment,” says Mr Jones… so watch this space!

swanseabaybusiness.com 35

Start Ups Airshot

Expert opinion with Julie Williamson chairwoman of the FSB Swansea Bay branch

Swansea Bay City Deal is historic moment for our region

AT A GLANCE...

Charles Jones, founder of AIRSHOT When did you start the company? 2014 Business headquarters? Sandfields Business Centre, Port Talbot Core product? Airshot – mountain bike tyre pump Age? 29 Education? Olchfa school, Swansea University First bike? An orange Apollo when I was five Awards? In 2016, Airshot won the Singletrack magazine hardware of the year award In five years time? I’d like to live in New Zealand

36 swanseabaybusiness.com

It was a privilege to be present at the signing of the Swansea Bay City Deal at Liberty Stadium this week.

The Prime Minister promised that the deal would mean “prosperity, growth, and that opportunity is available to everyone,” when she, along with our First Minister and Council Leaders signed the deal which will now move ahead with the 11 identified projects for the region.

For the Swansea Bay Region, the “Internet Coast” proposal creates the path for Swansea Bay to be a regional leader in South Wales in many different ways. This includes investment funding in excess of £500m over 20 years, and around 39,000 jobs as a result of the scheme.

However, one issue that was not mentioned by Theresa May was the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. This is a key infrastructure project, which was confirmed by Charles Hendry’s report as “ticking all the right boxes” alongside the commitment for a local supply chain as part of this development, we look forward to seeing this project get the green light and start to benefit our region.

Swansea has also bid to be European City of Culture in 2021, an opportunity which will bring more and more people to the city and attract other big events to take place alongside the air show.

The FSB has consistently engaged with local authorities, Tidal Lagoon Power and other stakeholders in order to ensure that the city deal delivers for small businesses and we are confident that it will. Now it is time for this city deal to start making progress and building a region that will flourish

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Our Region The sky’s the limit

The only way is up for SkyCam Wales as the company leads the way in combining photography with drones

PEMBROKESHIRE CARMARTHENSHIRE

SWANSEA NEATH PORT TALBOT

Our Region

Pembrokeshire

pembrokeshire

The sky’s the limit The only way is up for SkyCam Wales as the company leads the way in using unmanned aerial systems - or drones as they’re more well known - with highly-skilled photography SkyCam Wales might have only been going for four years, but the team have more the 30 years proven fim and media industry experience.

The Pembrokeshire-based company are specialists in low-altitude, broadcast quality aerial photography, videography and film using radiocontrolled multi rotor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – that are more commonly known as drones.

The firm started out as Pembrokeshire Photography in 2007, but in 2013 they became one of the first professional photography companies to attain a UK Civil Aviation Permission for Aerial Work (now called a PfCO Permission 38 swanseabaybusiness.com

The most special job we have done so far is the Ice maiden of Snowdon which was filmed at sunrise on the summit of Snowdon

for commercial operation) and SkyCam Wales was founded. The company films for property and commercials, events and tourism, TV and film.

It is the background in photography that Beverley Richards, operations director, believes separates the firm from other drone photography companies.

“We have a team of pilots with specialisms in various aspects of the industry but first and foremost we are photographers and videographers using drones as camera bodies,” explains Mrs Richards. ”Many people in the industry are professional drone pilots with no photography qualification or experience. It is the images that we are selling so we pride ourselves on the highest quality work.

“One of our pilots is a qualified surveyor and because of this we are able to offer a professional survey service with full reporting as opposed to some drone companies who simply provide aerial images.

“We also have a thermal imaging specialist who is able to provide full thermal surveying and comprehensive reporting - last year we provided 60 thermal survey reports to clients all over the UK.” The SkyCam team comprises of four pilots, two camera operators, a full time operations director and an office Labrador. Beverly and Ian Richards are based in Pembrokeshire operating SkyCam, while they work with other media companies across the country, which means they have pilots in north Wales, Northern Ireland and London.

The team has produced work for ITV Wales - most recently on ITV Coast and Country, BBC , S4C - English and Welsh language programmes, PCNPA, Milford Haven Port Authority, Pembroke Power Station, Ironman Wales, Redbull cliff Diving, Welsh Government, CADW , WRU, Under Armour, Jeep, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and Challenge Wales.

Mrs Richard’ favourite job involved

a sculpture on a mountin top.

“The most special job we have done so far is the Ice maiden of Snowdon which was filmed at sunrise on the summit of Snowdon - such an amazing experience with some wonderful people” The stunning sculpture was created at the top of Snowdon to celebrate the achievements of women in the workplace by the charity Chwarae Teg. “We love to work in Wales and offer a bilingual service but we also work all over the UK and in Ireland,” sats Mrs Richards.

“One of our pilots has recently completed the training and is qualified and licensed to fly in America. Only a very small number of UK companies have this qualification.”

Qualifications for this fledging industry are constantly changing, and many people in or trying to get into the drone photography business are unaware of the laws.

“The use of drones is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority and it is swanseabaybusiness.com 41

Our Region

Pembrokeshire

pembrokeshire

We also have a thermal imaging specialist who is able to provide full thermal surveying and comprehensive reporting - last year we provided 60 thermal survey reports to clients all over the UK 38 swanseabaybusiness.com

Expert opinion with Ted Sangster, chairman of the Pembrokeshire Business Panel

Sustainable development

a developing area which is coming under greater scrutiny,” explains Mrs Richards.

“Few non-commercial users have the correct training or permission to operate drones, which creates a serious risk to people, wildlife and buildings such as historic monuments and protected sites.

“The regulatory environment regarding drones is rapidly developing. It is currently too easy for a hobby flyer to purchase a drone and fly it with little or no understanding of the safety implications.

“Registration of drones at the point of purchase would be a good place to start but there are already many thousands already

on the loose so this wouldn’t work retrospectively.

“At the very least everyone flying a drone should have public liability insurance.”

Mrs Richards has served a year on the board of directors of the Uk professional drone association and has also been employed as the PR advisor for the AIRSTART project on the subject of drone flying beyond visual line of sight(BVLOS) – currently UK legislation states that drones must be within visual line of sight of the pilot in command.

This development is vital in terms of companies such as Amazon being permitted to operate a delivery service

Pembrokeshire’s economy is characterised by many small, indeed micro businesses, few major companies, a beautiful natural environment, a college in tune with the needs of local businesses, lack of opportunities to retain young people, peripherality exacerbated by poor transport links and the constant need to be heard by decision makers elsewhere.

One such opportunity is Pembrokeshire’s inclusion in the Swansea Bay City Region (which wasn’t an automatic shoe in and had to be argued for) and the recently outlined City Deal.

Three elements of this spring to mind as providing significant opportunity to Pembrokeshire’s economy. Two build on existing strengths, the third has the chance of striking down some of the barriers of the county’s rural and peripheral status.

Thus the support being given to two iconic developments at Saundersfoot Harbour and Welsh Water’s Lys y Fran reservoir will boost the tourism product in West Wales. The hoped for Swansea Barrage and other major energy projects will link closely with the energy and engineering skills that are a major part of the Pembrokeshire economy.

Then the focus on connectivity can only be of benefit in that it removes many of the geographical barriers and hindrances to being able to operate a successful business.

Showing what can be done in this respect with sufficient support and focus is the fact that the Haven Enterprise Zone has achieved a 98% level of premises that can access superfast broadband. However as only 30% or so have already done so the next challenge is to enthuse more companies to connect so as to secure, grow and invigorate their business.

All these are examples of where identifying needs, shouting loud and working closely with government and others can help overcome structural and geographical barriers.

Shout on Pembrokeshire! swanseabaybusiness.com 43 swanseabaybusiness.com 39

Our Region

Carmarthenshire

CARMARTHENSHIRE

Waterworld The Carmarthenshire firm Hydro Technologies is exporting its innovative products around the world

Water treatment technology pioneered

by Carmarthenshire company Hydro Technologies is to be rolled out across more than 140 steel plants worldwide following a new joint agreement.

It is a huge coup for the Llangennechbased firm, which has confirmed a tie up with global industrial firm Harsco Corporation, which has its HQ in the US. The new agreement will enable both companies to bring environmental and recycling solutions to the steel and metals industries, particularly in the treatment and processing of oily mill scale, an iron oxide by-product formed

44 swanseabaybusiness.com

during the production of steel.

During production, the mill scale becomes contaminated with oil and lubricants, significantly limiting its ability to be recycled back into the production of new steel.

This results in higher raw material and disposal costs for the steel producer.

Chief executive of Hydro Industries, Wayne Preece, said: “‘I am delighted that we have been able to sign a collaboration agreement with the world’s largest provider of onsite material processing and environmental services in the steel and metals industries.

“I know that our innovative technology

Harsco’s global reach and new processing concept will offer the industry an irresistible practical solution to their waste processing issues

will help Harsco to further improve their service to their customers.

“Harsco’s global reach and new processing concept will offer the industry an irresistible practical solution to their waste processing issues that combines a commercial return with a positive approach to environmental impact.”

A typical steel mill is estimated to produce from 100 to as many as 750 tons of oily mill scale per day.

Chris Whistler, chief operating officer of Harsco’s Metals & Minerals division, said: “This relationship underpins Hydro’s willingness to expand internationally and Harsco’s commitment to bring new and innovative solutions to our steel and metals industry partners.

“Both companies are excited about the prospects lying ahead thanks to this new collaboration, and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

In addition to the treatment of oily mill scales, future solutions could potentially include the processing of clean water for the mills.

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “This joint agreement shows once again that the businesses in Wales are thinking big and expanding their global reach.

“Hydro is a company that has always set its sights high and this relationship with Harsco - a major global leader - demonstrates the scale of their ambition. It’s fantastic news for Hydro and for Wales and I wish the project every success.”

In 2016 Hydro took part in a project to take its water purification system and deliver a reliable and affordable source of clean water and waste management to people in Mogadishu.

The company joined forces with Chelsea Group, which was constructing a secure living and working accommodation next to the new Mogadishu International Airport terminal.

The compound provides a safe port of call for aid workers, business people, politicians and diplomats visiting one of the world’s most hostile and dangerous environments.

Also last year the firm opened a water treatment plant in Sudan, delivering 8.5 million litres of water to 82 villages every day.

The opening coincided with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa programme.

This joint agreement shows once again that the businesses in Wales are thinking big and expanding their global reach

swanseabaybusiness.com 45

BCC consultants have been on hand to provide their expertise over the years to enable John Francis to go through a number of technology refreshes. “This included hardware and software,” said Richard “From initial design and specification through to implementation, training and ongoing support. BCC provide us with the complete service.”

Our Region

Neath Port Talbot

NEATH PORT TALBOT

Age is proving no barrier for Daniel Shepherd as the 24-year-old is starting to expand his business empire with the imminent opening of a second site

We want to concentrate on increasing our economy of scales to become more cost competitive

48 swanseabaybusiness.com

A can do attitude At the end of the month Daniel Shepherd will get the keys the second site of his fast expanding business.

And the 24-year-old businessman has no plans to rest on his laurels.

Mr Shepherd is already planning a third site and expects to double his workforce in the next few years.

“We want to have mulitple sites across the UK,” he says. “With how quickly we have grown from one site to two I am certain we will succeed.”

But first he has to open the site in Cwmgors, Carmarthenshire.

“I decided it was the right move about

I’ve always been a leader, from such an early age. I wanted to set out my own path to achieve what some say is unachievable 12 months ago,” he explains. “I kept looking online for a new unit and this came available and we will have the keys by the end of April.”

While he is excited to be opening the new site Mr Shepherd already has plans for a third and a target location: across the Severn and near Bristol.

“We want to create a fortress in Wales before moving across the bridge,” says Mr Shepherd.

“We plan to achieve this within the next five years.

“We want to concentrate on increasing our economy of scales to become more cost competitive.

“When we have achieved this, a third site is certainly planned for the Bristol region.”

Mr Shepherd started CanDo

Laundry in August 2012. He had just finished his first year at Swansea doing a degree in business management and marketing, but felt he wasn’t learning the right skills at university.

An aspirational entrepeneur from an early age he was itching to get started with own business, so at 19 and with his mother, Nicola, as his business partner Mr Shepherd started CanDo. The pair wanted to create a one stop shop for all commercial and domestic laundry needs.

Mr Sherherd works as the managing partner of the company, while Mrs Shepherd is responsible for the operations of the laundry and develops new procedures.

A £100,000 investment in state of the art machinery at the start allowed the company to specialise in the laundry industry.

The investment came from their own money. Mr Shepherd says he has been saving from an early age

for an opportunity such as this.

Over the following years the company has grown, acquiring clients such as Flogas, the portable hotel company Snoozebox and engineering firm Wall Colmonoy.

Mr Shepherd believes that age should not prevent anyone from starting their own business. He admits that his age has caused concern with some potential clients, while for others his youth and energy has been an unique selling point.

“I’ve always been a leader, from such an early age. I wanted to set out my own path to achieve what some say is unachievable,” he says.

“Don’t ever let other people use your age as an excuse to not take you seriously.

“We, young entrepreneurs, look at the world with fresh eyes and such lively determination. And prepare like no tomorrow and live to break the mould of those who follow the crowd.” swanseabaybusiness.com 49

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PORT TALBOT

Waterfront Enterprise Ardal Fenter ‘

The prospects for Port Talbot continue to improve. Importantly, the position of steel making is far stronger than at this point last year. Opportunities for the future are also being created, for example through the TWI expansion and launch of the Crossflow Technology turbine.

The Enterprise Zone continues to look for ways to promote innovation and help the existing manufacturing and engineering businesses. Along with Swansea University and Neath Port Talbot Council we have just launched the ION leadership programme.

We will be doing more this year to build our ‘products’ and we are keen to work with employers locally to understand their needs and maximise the employment and business opportunities created by the Cabinet Secretary’s support for the Enterprise Zone.

’

Roger Maggs Chairman Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone

Port Talbot is a major manufacturing location with long established strengths in manufacturing and steel production - innovators in the area include TATA Steel, BOC, SPECIFIC, TWI and ThyssenKrupp. The area is steeped in industrial heritage, but with a firm focus on continuing to develop cutting edge, worldclass industries in sectors such as Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Construction and Green Energy.

Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone can offer some of the highest levels of support to businesses locating within it, whether they are an inward investor, start-up or existing business.

Incentives include Enhanced Capital Allowances for specific sites within the Enterprise Zone and the Welsh Government Rates Support programme for qualifying SMEs. With other options such as reduced rate Finance Wales loans (subject to eligibility), and access to other types of support in areas such as skills development, ICT, R&D and international trade, Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone delivers a compelling proposition

for indigenous businesses and companies looking to invest here.

The Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone includes Baglan Energy Park, Baglan Industrial Estate, Harbourside, Port Talbot Docks and Tata Steel.

BAGLAN ENERGY PARK is one of Wales’ premier business and industrial locations. Opportunities currently exist for both manufacturing and service industries on the site.

PORT TALBOT HARBOURSIDE is redeveloping the town’s former docks quarter and transforming the area into a new business hub, accommodating leading companies and creating high skilled jobs.

PORT TALBOT DOCKS is one of a few harbours in the UK capable of handling vessels of up to 180,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt).

With access to a deep water harbour, excellent rail and road links Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone is one of the most accessible and unique business destinations in Wales.

For more information about Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone visit www.porttalbot-ez.gov.wales.

Better connected, better for business and a better place to live.

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Zone Glannau PORT TALBOT

Ardal ddiwydiannol o bwys yw Port Talbot, a chanddi gryfderau hirsefydlog ym meysydd gweithgynhyrchu a dur – ymhlith arloeswyr yr ardal y mae TATA Steel, BOC, SPECIFIC, TWI a ThyssenKrupp. Mae’r ardal hon sydd wedi’i thrwytho yn ein treftadaeth ddiwydiannol yn rhoi pwyslais cryf o hyd ar barhau i ddatblygu diwydiannau sydd ar flaen y gad, cystal â rhai gorau’r byd mewn sectorau megis Deunyddiau a Gweithgynhyrchu Uwch. Gall Ardal Fenter Glannau Port Talbot gynnig cefnogaeth ar y lefelau uchaf i fusnesau sy’n dewis lleoli eu gweithrediadau ynddi, ni waeth ai mewnfuddsoddwyr ydynt, busnesau sy’n cychwyn neu rai sydd eisoes yn gweithredu.

Mae cymelliadau’n cynnwys Lwfansau Cyfalaf Uwch ar gyfer safleoedd penodol yn yr Ardal Fenter, a rhaglen Cymorth Llywodraeth Cymru i Ardrethi ar gyfer Busnesau Bach a Chanolig cymwys. Gyda’r opsiynau eraill megis benthyciadau Cyllid Cymru ar raddfeydd is (yn amodol ar gymhwysedd), a mynediad at fathau eraill o gymorth mewn meysydd megis datblygu sgiliau, TGCh, Y a D a masnach ryngwladol, mae Ardal Fenter Glannau Port Talbot yn cynnig telerau tra chymhellgar i fusnesau brodorol a

rhai sy’n awyddus i fuddsoddi yma.

Mae Ardal Fenter Glannau Port Talbot yn cwmpasu Parc Ynni Baglan, Ystad Ddiwydiannol Baglan, Glannau’r Harbwr, Dociau Port Talbot a chwmni dur Tata Steel.

PARC YNNI BAGLAN yw un o leoliadau busnes a diwydiant blaenaf Cymru. Mae cyfleoedd ar gael ar y safle ar hyn o bryd i ddiwydiannau gweithgynhyrchu a gwasanaethau.

GLANNAU HARBWR PORT TALBOT sy’n gweddnewid hen ardal dociau’r dref drwy ei hail-ddatblygu i greu canolbwynt newydd i fusnes, gan groesawu cwmnïau blaenllaw a chreu swyddi uchel eu sgiliau.

DOCIAU PORT TALBOT Dyma un o nifer fechan iawn o borthladdoedd yn y DU sy’n gallu derbyn llongau â thunelledd llwyth o hyd at 180,000 o dunelli.

Gyda’i mynediad at harbwr dŵr dwfn, a’i chysylltiadau ardderchog ar y ffyrdd a’r rheilffyrdd, mae Ardal Fenter Glannau Port Talbot yn un o’r cyrchfannau busnes mwyaf hygyrch ac unigryw yng Nghymru.

I ddysgu rhagor am Ardal Fenter Glannau Port Talbot ewch at www.porttalbot-ez.gov.wales.

Cysylltiadau gwell, gwell i fusnes, a lle gwell i fyw.

‘

Mae’r rhagolygon ar gyfer dyfodol Port Talbot yn dal i wella. Un ffactor pwysig yw bod cynhyrchu dur mewn sefyllfa gryfach o lawer heddiw na’r un adeg y llynedd. Mae ehangiad TWI a lansiad tyrbein Technoleg Crossflow er enghraifft yn creu cyfleoedd ar gyfer y dyfodol ar raddfa leol. Mae’r Ardal Fenter yn dal i chwilio am ffyrdd o hyrwyddo arloesedd a helpu’r busnesau cynhyrchu a pheirianyddol sydd eisoes yn bodoli, ac rydym newydd lansio rhaglen arweinyddiaeth ION ar y cyd â Phrifysgol Abertawe a CBS CNPT. Byddwn yn gwneud rhagor eleni gyda golwg ar ehangu ein ‘cynhyrchion’, ac rydym yn awyddus i weithio gyda chyflogwyr lleol at ddeall eu hanghenion a gwneud y gorau o’r cyfleoedd cyflogi a busnes sy’n cael eu creu drwy gefnogaeth ysgrifennydd y Cabinet i’r Ardal Fenter.

’

Roger Maggs Cadeirydd Ardal Fenter Glannau Port Talbot

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Deal or No Deal Tata steelworkers recently voted to accept the pensions offer from the company to safeguard their jobs.

Stuart Price from Quantum Advisory explains what this all means.

O

n 15 February, Tata steelworkers backed a new pension plan, the result of which is the first step of a £1bn commitment to invest in the Port Talbot works and a pledge of no compulsory redundancies.

But what exactly is the deal, and what does it say about the changing face of pension schemes across the whole of the UK?

How did this begin?

Tata Steel made it clear in their announcement in December 2016 that the continuation of operations at Port Talbot and further investment in the UK was dependent on: • the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS), a defined benefit pension arrangement, closing to future accrual and being replaced for future pension provision with a defined contribution pension arrangement • Tata Steel being able to detach itself from the BSPS and its £15bn of pension liabilities

provided are not dependent upon how much is paid in and how investments have performed and these types of arrangements are the ‘gold standard’ for pension provision.

Defined contribution pension arrangements (sometimes known as money purchase) invest the contributions, made by an individual and/or their employer, in a range of different investments and so the benefits that are provided at retirement are dependent upon how much is paid in and how investments have performed. At retirement, the individual has a pot of money they can use to provide them with a retirement income.

Is the defined contribution arrangement from Tata a good offer?

Tata Steel’s contribution of 10% is generous when compared to the UK average, which, when you remove the very small employers, is around 6%. However, a 10% contribution from Tata Steel and a 6% member contribution is unlikely to replicate the pension the member would have got had they continued to build up future pension provision in the BSPS.

Can Tata detach itself from its original obligations?

As Tata Steel is not insolvent, it can only detach itself from the BSPS with the approval of the Pensions Regulator and the Trustees of the BSPS.

Following the deal, what will happen to Tata workers’ pensions?

The deal means the closure of the BSPS for future accrual. In relation to the new defined contribution arrangement, Tata Steel will pay a 10% contribution while members will pay 6%, which is broadly what they are paying now.

What is the difference between a defined benefit and a defined contribution pension arrangement? Defined benefit pension arrangements (sometimes known as final salary) provide retirement benefits (such as a pension and lump sum) that are based on an individual’s earnings and the length of time they have been a member of the arrangement. The ‘guaranteed’ benefits

Tata Steel in the UK believes this will happen as, if not, the Tata Group has made it clear that it will cease its support and Tata Steel in the UK will become insolvent. In this case, the current workforce would lose their jobs and the BSPS would enter the Pension Protection Fund (PPF)¹.

So, although there is still some way to go, given how far we have come and the ramifications if Tata Steel could not detach itself from the BSPS, I expect the Pensions Regulator will allow Tata, with some concessions, to detach itself from the BSPS.

How well funded is the BSPS? Perversely, the BSPS is relatively well funded when compared to other defined benefit

schemes in the UK (such as the BHS pension scheme – another pension scheme recently getting much media attention), but its size (circa £15bn) is the problem.

The Trustees of the BSPS believe that they have enough assets to secure (in most cases) better benefits than those offered by the PPF but not as good as those currently provided by the BSPS. If the BSPS was to become detached, the Trustees are suggesting that they could set up a new scheme to provide these reduced (but better than PPF) benefits, and members would be given a choice whether to join the new scheme or go into the PPF.

Can we expect to see this happening to other schemes in the UK? Sadly, this type of situation is becoming more and more common. The number of defined benefit schemes in the UK is on the decline and now stands at around 5,800. Of these, 35% are now closed to future accrual like the BSPS. This number has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years due to the ever increasing costs to employers of running these arrangements.

Why is this happening?

The main reasons include people living longer, a low interest rate environment and changes in legislation which have added additional guarantees to defined benefit arrangements.

Defined contribution is now common place, but to be able to better replicate the benefits provided by defined benefit schemes, contribution rates do have to significantly increase. But that is a battle for another day.

Stuart Price, Partner at Quantum Advisory stuart.price@quantumadvisory.co.uk Established in 2000, Quantum Advisory provides pension and employee benefits services to employers, scheme trustees and members. They have offices in Amersham, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and London.

¹ The PPF is the government run lifeboat scheme that provides compensation to members of DB arrangements where their employer has become insolvent

Our Region

Swansea

SWANSEA

Tim and Sophia Joannides

Health and tasty These Swansea siblings are using their Greek heritage and love of clean eating to bring something different to the city’s dining scene

Tim Joannides and his sister Sophia only opened the doors of their new business venture a few weeks ago, but they are already thinking of new premises.

Mr Joannides says the plan is to open three outlets in three years based on the Bluebell brand, with the first opening on Tycoch Road, Sketty.

The reaction to the new business has not dimmed that dream. They have been forced to take on new staff faster than thought to keep up with demand, jumping for an initial 12 staff members to 18 - all from the local area.

54 swanseabaybusiness.com

And the restaurant had to close for two days to build additional storage to hold more stock.

It is quite a change for the entrepreneurial Mr Joannides, who has been making his living selling pet products, but he believes he has seen a gap in the market.

“We noticed a lack of healthy, yet tasty and exciting food in Swansea and wanted to bring the world cuisine we had both experienced ‘to the table’ so to speak, creating innovative dishes that will wow,” says Mr Joannides.

Plus the number of vegans in Britain

We noticed a lack of healthy, yet tasty and exciting food in Swansea wanted to bring the world cuisine we had both experienced ‘to the table’ so to speak

rose by 360 per cent between 2006 and 2016. According to research close to half of all vegans are aged 15-34 (42%), compared with just 14% who are over 65.

With his sister Sophia, who has been a vegetarian for eight years and has been vegan for a year, the pair saw the opportunity to tap into the growing market.

But Bluebell will not be solely catering for those on a plant-based diet.

Mr Joannides explains: “We believe great food and drink connects people, it brings families and friends together and nourishes us.

“Bluebell will be a great local community hub to enjoy speciality coffee and teas, cakes, breakfast, lunch and dinner. We will be using lots of local and organic produce, working with brilliant companies such as Castell Howell and Naturally Kind in Cardiff.

“We want to be a destination café/

swanseabaybusiness.com 55

Our Region

Swansea

SWANSEA

restaurant that everyone can enjoy from all walks of life.”

Tim and Sophia come from a Greek family and cooking has always been a big part of their life.

“Sophia has always been an

56 swanseabaybusiness.com

innovative cook and experienced in hospitality from a young age, creating cakes and savoury treats for customers, friends and family,” he says.

“Her recent travels in Thailand,

Australia, Bali and New Zealand opened her eyes and taste buds to different flavours and cuisines.

“She trained as a Barista in some of the most popular Australian coffee destinations and learned about speciality coffee.”

The Joannides siblings spent quite a while searching for the location of their first venue.

“David Blyth of B2P Property consultants told us about this great site in Tycoch,” says Mr Joannides.

“At first it was a bit daunting as when we first walked in it was just a bare shell with no toilets, electrics, water or any walls. After talking to a lot of the lovely residents, we saw massive potential in the building and area. Doing our research we knew it was the perfect place for Bluebell Coffee & Kitchen.

“Customer service is extremely important to us and we want Bluebell to be an amazing experience for everyone that visits.

We both have strong backgrounds in customer service and training, which is why this will be a huge focus in developing our brilliant team.

“We have an amazing group of people that have joined the Bluebell crew and extremely talented barista’s who are very passionate about speciality coffee.

“We are excited to have our talented Head Chef - Jack Brown, at the forefront of our kitchen with

Expert opinion with Juliet Luporini, chairwoman of Swansea BID

Drawing on the strengths of the region

Customer service is extremely important to us and we want Bluebell to be an amazing experience for everyone that visits

his passionate Sous Chef and Chef De Partie – Ben Morgan & Paul Korycki.

Jack has worked in top restaurants such as The Ivy and J Sheeky in London and has lots of exciting dishes up his experienced culinary sleeves.”

The new restaurant is fast establishing itself on the Swansea dinding scene. There are plans to introduce light bites menu for between lunch and evening service, along with the launch of special themed nights on certain days of the week.

“For one of these nights, our chefs are working closely with authentic Thai cooks to develop exciting dishes that will tantalise our customer’s tastebuds,” explains Mr Joannides.

“We will also be hosting guest chefs from some of the top restaurants around the world to hold special nights - tickets sold in advance - at Bluebell.

But for now Mr Joannides is enjoying his latest venture.

“We are so happy with the positive response from customers and the superb reviews we have received,” he says.

“We focus on quality at Bluebell, from the great Welsh produce we source in our ingredients, to the level of service we provide our customers.

“As a new family business, we are excited to show everyone how balancing flavours and spices in the right way can create an amazing dining experience

Monday March 20 was a momentous day for Swansea and the Swansea Bay City Region, for the past four years as a member of the Swansea Bay City Region Board we have examined, analysed and debated how the economic needle for our region might be moved in order to narrow the gap in gross value added and stimulate economic activity and growth.

It felt almost surreal to be sitting just in front of the Prime Minister and our First Minister while watching them sign our city deal on this historic day, particularly as many of the cynics among us didn’t share my opinion that we would get this game changing deal.

There is no doubt the deal has come about through very hard work and an enormous amount of determination, however, it’s a very clever deal as it draws on the strengths of our region and its bound by partnerships working and the cooperation of both the private and the public sector.

Most people wanted to know what will it actually mean for the region and the man on the street, the truth is it’s difficult to sum up succinctly the effects of this game changer as there will be so many.

Undoubtedly, it will act as a catalyst for this region in terms of investment, job creation and opportunities on a number of levels.

Essentially we are looking at 10,000 jobs (this is a conservative estimate), better quality jobs, improved connectivity and a region that is very much open for business.

It’s also important that many of the projects are fully planned and ready to go and the finance has been organised in a way that allows us to progress more rapidly.

These are exciting times and it will put our region well and truly on the map

swanseabaybusiness.com 57

Making your business our business.

Clear and trusted relationships are critical to all business activities. We know that in order to do our job properly we need to be your trusted advisor, and not just take a passing interest. To do this, we need to make it our business to know your business inside out.

Business services include: · Business Disputes · Commercial Contracts · Commercial Property · Corporate Deals · Debt Recovery · HR & Employment Law · Intellectual Property · Property Litigation

Get in touch with any of our local offices by phone or email, or visit us online. law@jcpsolicitors.co.uk www.jcpsolicitors.co.uk

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Finance Laugh in the face of uncertainty

Why using FX services to hedge against the risk of uncertainty can bring balance to your business

Finance is sponsored by

Finance

FX Trading

Laugh in the face of uncertainty Seismic political upheaval in Britain, America and Europe – have changed the trading landscape beyond recognition.

Naomi Snelling finds out why selecting strong FX services to hedge against the risk of uncertainty can bring balance to your business

Paul Langley MD of OSTCFX

60 swanseabaybusiness.com

The shockwaves of Brexit, Trump and now the unfolding drama of European elections – as well as a potential ‘perestroika’ of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China – are four key drivers of turbulence in the FX markets.

That’s the view of OSTCFX, the only FX firm with a base in Wales. Earlier this year the firm warned that political uncertainty may mean further losses for businesses.

Speaking at the Wales Export Forum in January this year, Paul Langley, managing director of OSTCFX pointed out that implementing a robust strategy to manage currency market fluctuations is now more critical than ever as the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) looms.

Wild fluctuations in the value of the pound have borne out this warning, and also raised a spotlight on the lackadaisical approach many Welsh firms have taken to currency risk.

FX or Forex is the exchange of one currency for another. Mr Langley highlighted that 80 per cent of SMEs still haven’t taken steps to hedge their currency risk since Brexit.

“It’s always struck me as odd that a business is required to have insurance to cover its potential liabilities in so many areas. Yet 80 per cent of SMEs that will readily pay these costs will disregard the risk of currency fluctuations, which are inevitable during the course of any year and potentially disastrous at a time like this,” said Mr Langley.

Despite the turmoil of 2016, OSTCFX suggests lessons have not been learnt and too few SMEs are sufficiently prepared to tackle further currency market volatility with just 20 per cent of small businesses estimated to have changed their hedging strategies in relation to FX in the past year.

“Many more may be waiting for clarity in the global economy, but with markets changing fast – and politics proving impossible to predict – inactivity is as risky as change,” said Langley.

Eifrion Lewis, CEO of Lumishore, a Swansea-based firm that is a world leader in the underwater lighting industry and won the Innovation Award at the Swansea Bay Business Awards, is passionate about FX and the value and safety net it provides for his company.

“There are so many FX companies around. I get at least two calls a week

trying to sell me FX services,” says Lewis.

“Before I started Lumishore, I was in aviation and finance so I understand the FX market quite well.

“It’s really important to ask questions that will evaluate the kind of service you will get from an FX company.

“You have to ask what rates they are going to use; and what are their service charges if any.

“And you also have to ask how they will fix rates for you – how are the rates actually calculated. You might have a great introductory rate, but you need to know the method of calculating the exchange rate.

“And will they do forward rates? For example, if I get £1m from Europe – but the customer insists on paying in Euros, will they be able to lock in that rate?

“If money is sent from America today it will be available to our FX company tomorrow, and I know that I can convert it by the close of play tomorrow. Equally, if I don’t want to exchange it I know that they will hold it there. It’s about flexibility, transparency and speed.

“I’ve been using Hargreaves Lansdowne for four years. They are based in Bristol and I find them exceptionally good.”

Lumishore manufactures underwater LED lighting systems. Last year the firm won the 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation.

It’s always struck me as odd that a business is required to have insurance to cover its potential liabilities in so many areas. Yet 80 percent of SMEs that will readily pay these costs will disregard the risk of currency fluctuations

swanseabaybusiness.com 61

Finance

FX Trading

Finance

FX Trading

AT A GLANCE...

FOREX, FX, FOREIGN EXCHANGE

There used to be more trust and understanding.

There Now I used can’tto do be more trust contracts in sterling. and understanding.

People are worried Now can’t do aboutI potential contracts in sterling. implications, People worried worriedare about about potential potential import implications, duty worried about potential import duty

62

AT A GLANCE...

With Europe one of the firm’s crucial key markets, Mr Lewis says he worries about Brexit every single day.

Brexit has eroded some of the trust that existed when Britain was a member of With the EU.Europe one of the firm’s crucial key markets, says he worries “There usedMrtoLewis be more trust and about Brexit every single day. understanding.

Now I can’t do contracts has eroded the trust that inBrexit sterling.

Peoplesome are of worried about existed Britain wasworried a member of potentialwhen implications, about the EU. import duty. potential “There to be more “British used identity won’t selltrust me and one understanding.

Now I can’t do contracts lightbulb. It’s curious that British skills in People but are British worried about are sterling. highly regarded products potential implications, not so much,” says Lewis. worried about potential duty.

With theimport shifting sands in the markets, “British sell me strong FX identity services won’t are crucial and one can lightbulb.

It’s curious that British help safeguard your currency riskskills and are highlyand regarded but up British cashflow help shore your products business not so much,” says Lewis. against the unexpected With the shifting sands in the markets, strong FX services are crucial and can help safeguard your currency risk and cashflow and help shore up your business against the unexpected

What is it? Buyin’ sellin’ investin’ The forex market is the backbone international FOREX, FX, of FOREIGN trade and global EXCHANGE investing. It’s crucial for companies dealing with imports and exports What is it? Buyin’ sellin’ because it enables them tois investin’ The forex market trade in different currencies. the backbone of international trade and global investing. It’s crucial for companies dealing with imports and exports because it enables them to trade in different currencies.

Advertising Feature

Making Tax Digital For Business On Tuesday 31st January (selfassessment deadline day no less) HMRC finally released their response to the MTD consultations, as was promised by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement. Not only was the call for a delay entirely ignored but there was no reference to the interaction with Brexit, and while a detailed explanation of how it has arrived at its conclusions on the potential revenue yield of MTD was provided, something that the Treasury Committee had called for, absent was a reasonable justification for the assumptions.

in lost tax revenues. This far exceeds the now revised £2b contribution (from £945m) estimate that HMRC expects MTD to bring.

businesses before rolling them out to ensure the software is user friendly, and to give businesses and landlords time to prepare and adapt.

So while the numbers raise a series of questions, what else did HMRC’s response to the consultation period deliver?

In fact one of the key points of general interest to come out of their ‘Bringing Business Tax into the Digital Age’ response was that they estimate businesses will only incur a one-off transitional cost of £280 per business on average and that will be followed by small ongoing annual savings. This is in contrast to the Federation of Small Business (FSB) estimate of £2,770.

Free software will be available to the majority of the smallest businesses, although we don’t yet know who will be providing this or how the smallest of businesses is defined.

Since the results of the consultation have been published Philip Hammond in the spring budget announced that the introduction would be delayed for 12 months for business under the VAT threshold which is currently £83,000 (£85,000 in 2017/18). The implementation has also come under scrutiny from the House of Lords Economic affairs committee who have been urging the Government to delay the implementation until April 2020. Following extensive questioning of accountants, software developers, HMRC and small businesses they have recommended an ‘incremental & gradual approach’ and stated a 12 month delay for smaller businesses does not go far enough. Although peers welcome the digitalisation of tax they found the transitional arrangements lacking and a cause of anxiety for small businesses.

Even if HMRC’s estimate is correct, if the 3.3m self-employed individuals, 1.6m companies, 400k partnerships, 900k landlords and 600k self-employed and rental property-owning individuals identified in their impact assessment all spend £280 on conversion on average, in the best case from HMRC’s perspective where taxpayers are only paying tax at 20%, this tax deductible expense for business will result in £380.8m of lost revenue for HMRC at it’s most conservative estimate.

No evidence has been put forward to suggest this figure has been factored into their estimate of the extra net tax revenue MTD will bring.

If the FSB estimate of £2,770 is conservatively applied to only the self employed individuals, landlords and self-employed and property-owning individuals, HMRC is looking at £2.66b

Businesses will be able to continue to use spreadsheets to record receipts and expenditure, which they can then link to software to automatically generate and send their updates to HMRC – most assumed this was going to be the case anyway.

Businesses that cannot go digital will not be required to do so – the details are highly restrictive in who they apply to.

All self-employed businesses and landlords with a turnover under £10,000 a year will not have to keep their records digitally or make quarterly updates.

The option to account for income and expenditure on a simple ‘cash in, cash out’ basis will be extended for self-employed businesses and unincorporated landlords.

Charities will not have to keep their records digitally or make quarterly updates.

Taxpayers will have at least 12 months to become familiar with the changes before any late submission penalties will be applied; HMRC will also reconsult again in the spring on a new penalty model.

If you would like a consultation to discuss how Making Tax Digital could impact you or your business please contact Sarah Curzon onsarah.curzon@ broomfield.co.uk or our Making Tax Digital Team on mtd@broomfield.co.uk Sarah Curzon Tax Director Broomfield & Alexander Ltd Swansea: 01792 790444 Cardiff: 02920 549939 Mobile: 07876 332153

HMRC will pilot these digital systems with hundreds of thousands of

swanseabaybusiness.com

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Finance

Invoice Discounting

Invoice Discounting – what’s it all about?

In business, especially for SMEs, consumers may be king but cash flow wears the crown. Naomi Snelling holds a spotlight on invoice discounting and how it can help businesses grow

The UK economy has rallied since the dark days of the recession but a culture of late payments is still costing SMEs billions.

In South Wales, where SMEs and sole traders make up a large part of the business landscape, the noxious practice of late payment is particularly hardhitting.

Now a growing number of companies are opting to use invoice discounting and invoice factoring – a form of shortterm borrowing that helps ambitious companies expand and grow.

Chris Melhuish, director of Asset Based Lending Wales, Santander, points out that both invoice discounting and factoring refer to the process of obtaining advances on cash they are due from customers rather than waiting for those customers to pay.

“Invoice finance in a nutshell is providing a cash advance against a client’s invoiced sales, which is then repaid when their customer pays them. It is a revolving facility linked to sales and

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grows in tandem with customer’s sales growth,” explains Mr Melhuish.

“My role is to provide working capital solutions, primarily for growing businesses, unlocking cash from their sales ledger and proving assistance for funding stock.”

There are two forms of invoice finance: confidential and factoring. So what’s the difference?

“Confidential invoice finance is when the client manages its own sales ledger and collects its own debts. Invoices are sent to customers in the normal way and payment is confidentially received into a trust account and the customer has no knowledge that their supplier is discounting the invoices,” says Mr Melhuish.

Factoring is where a business has contracted out to a third party, called a ‘factor’ – and the factor handles the administration and collection of the sales ledger as well as receiving a cash advance against the sales ledger.

“The customer is aware of the factor

who will undertake the credit control, sending statements and chasing overdue payments. And the customer sends payment direct to the factor,” explains Mr Melhuish.

According to Mr Melhuish, confidential invoice finance is better suited to more established businesses that have a credit control function inhouse which has a proven system of credit control and collections.

Factoring can be more appropriate for newer businesses where their focus will be on establishing and building

It is not just the provision of a product or service, it’s understanding the dynamics of the business and management team and their goals

to provide the credit management and collections would be more cost effective and efficient.

“Both facilities work very well for businesses that are experiencing growth in sales and where access to a greater level of working capital will be required.

“In addition, businesses who are starting to give credit to their customers or providing additional credit days will find a gap in their working capital that an invoice finance facility can fill.

Also businesses whose suppliers are

shortening terms or who can undertake a cash purchase at a lower price will again have need for additional working capital,” says Melhuish.

Invoice finance works for simple noncontractual sales of products or services where there are no onerous terms for all sizes of businesses from £100,000 turnover and more. It is provided by the high street banks and a number of challenger banks and independent invoice finance companies.

“Transparency of terms and conditions, flexibility of facilities and a

Chris Melhuish, director of Asset Based Lending Wales, Santander

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Finance

Invoice Discounting

Expert opinion with Ian Price, Director of CBI Wales

full disclosure of all costs are the key questions that any business should ask if they are considering this form of finance,” says Mr Melhuish.

“The percentage of any advance, covenants, security and any funding ceilings, both against the overall facility or any one customer, should be ascertained at the outset. The

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business.

Finding the most appropriate financial solution to a client’s working capital need to enable them to take their business forward to where they want to go is the most important and rewarding part of my role

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availability of funds (i.e. the amount the client can draw against its sales ledger) should be easy to calculate.

“Personal guarantees and warranties and all paperwork should be read thoroughly before the business puts pen to paper and legal advice should be seriously considered.

“Quotations should be obtained from two to three providers, who should all take the trouble to visit the client and spend some time understanding the business and its needs,” explains Melhuish.

He also points out that all businesses who have a sales ledger should seriously consider insuring this asset as it is the nearest thing to cash which they have in their balance sheet.

“If one of their customers can’t or won’t pay then the business could experience a severe cash flow shortfall. Most invoice financiers can offer bad debt protection as part of their service, or alternatively a business can seek bad debt protection from a number of specialised insurance companies,” says Melhuish.

“Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Finding the most appropriate financial solution to a client’s working capital need to enable them to take their business forward to where they want to go is the most important and rewarding part of my role. It is not just the provision of a product or service, it’s understanding the dynamics of the business and management team and their goals.”

It’s time for plain speaking on immigration As the UK leaves the EU, there will be trade-offs to make when it comes to designing a new immigration system.

Put simply, there are public concerns about immigration – but significant further restrictions to movement will come at a cost to investment and jobs, the delivery of strong public services and economic growth. A YouGov survey following the Referendum found that almost twothirds of people would not want to reduce numbers of EU migrants if doing so would reduce their pay. As Phillip Hammond, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, memorably put it at last year’s Conservative Party Conference ‘people did not vote on June 23rd to become poorer’.

All this underlines the need for a calm and open debate about the right path ahead.

What was true before the EU Referendum is true now.

The vast majority of people come to the UK to work, which benefits our economy. Any new immigration model must ensure those benefits continue, but that they are felt more evenly across the country. A new industrial strategy that delivers for people in all regions and nations of the UK, coupled with reform of public services, will help achieve this.

Against the backdrop of funding crises in the NHS and social care it is important to remember that immigration helps to pay for and deliver our public services. EU citizens account for 10 per cent of registered doctors and 4 per cent of registered nurses. Non-EU migrants make up an even larger proportion in social care with around 200,000 already in the workforce. Another one million new workers are needed by 2025. No one expects this can be achieved through domestic workers alone.

Immigration is rarely the cause of overstretched public services, but too often it gets the blame. Making faster progress on effective public service reform will be key to ensuring public support for a balanced approach to immigration.

Access to skills and labour is also a vital consideration for firms wishing to invest in the UK. The latest EY Attractiveness Survey confirms Brexit is weighing on investors’minds. Previously, the EY study showed that the UK was the number one location for inward investment in Europe. Whether this continues will be shaped to a significant extent by the Government’s future attitude to labour mobility. This matters as investment is vital for productivity growth, the only route to sustainably higher wages.

Businesses need a migration system that helps companies to grow, gives our public services access to people and talent, and enables the UK to be globally competitive. Let us take the opportunity to reframe the conversation and begin with outcomes we want for people – in work and in public services. Only then can we have the honest debate that the UK needs

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Advertising Feature

Is Buy-To-Let Still a Viable Investment Option?

Christopher Davies is an Associate Solicitor in the Commercial Property team, working for private and corporate landlords and land-owners in South West Wales.

Once seen as a kind of golden goose for investors, the changing landscape for buy-to-let landlords has left many disgruntled and unsure as to whether this kind of investment is still viable.

Since stamp duty increases from April 2017 and landlords are no longer able to use mortgage interest as a deductible expense against tax, this kind of investment is certainly proving to be a less profitable option.

However, there are alternatives. Many investors are turning their gaze towards commercial property instead.There are a number of advantages to taking this route.

For one, regulatory landlords of commercial property are not required to obtain a qualification to confirm they are a competent landlord. This reduces the amount of paperwork an investor will have to toil over, which will be a breath of fresh air to any residential buy-to-let landlords who are used to adhering to those strict rules.

There are also clear stamp duty savings for commercial property buyers as opposed to those opting for residential buy-to-let.

For example, a ÂŁ120,000 commercial property will incur no stamp duty. This is in contrast to a residential buy-tolet - assuming you own other property - which will incur an automatic stamp duty liability of three percent of the purchase price when you buy.

Unlike residential buy-to let landlords, commercial property landlords will be allowed to offset any mortgage interest as a deductible expense before tax is paid.

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As a landlord of a commercial property, you would also be likely to bring in higher rents while incurring lower repair and maintenance costs, since commercial tenants generally accept responsibility for repairing and insuring the premises.

Commercial tenants also tend to sign up for longerterm leases than a typical residential Assured Shorthold Tenancy, so a commercial property landlord is likely to have a greater degree of certainty of a return on their investment.

It is also the case that commercial tenants do not benefit from the same safeguards afforded to residential tenants when it comes to ending tenancies.

So it can be a less complex exercise for a landlord to end a tenancy if their tenant fails to keep to the terms of their contract.

For detailed advice about buying, selling or leasing commercial property contact Christopher on 01792 529639 or via email: christopher.davies @jcpsolicitors.co.uk

Leading accountants for over 100 years through constant innovation.

We constantly adapt how we work using modern accounting tools & techniques to give great service.

As one of the largest accountancy practices with 5 offices across Swansea, Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Carmarthen and St Davids and a track record spanning more than 100 years, you can be sure that Bevan & Buckland are your local financial team who have your best interests at heart.

Every client is unique and deserves a unique service. Our philosophy is to put our clients first - to understand their situation and provide a first class service tailored to their specific needs.

Because we establish a one-to-one relationship with each client we are able to offer timely, individual advice on how to improve your business or personal finances.

Local. Caring. Knowledgeable.

Bevan & Buckland have also developed a new range of services to meet the needs of modern businesses, including a comprehensive business advisory service.

Expert advice to the region’s 3rd sector

Our not for profit centre of excellence provides proactive advice to our 100 + not for profit clients.

We take time to understand you and your business so we can tailor our expert advice to your needs.

OUR SERVICES: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ACCOUNTANCY FIRM:

www.bevanbuckland.co.uk • mail@bevanbuckland.co.uk Swansea Office 01792 410100

Pembroke Office 01646 682380

Carmarthen Office 01267 233115

SA1 Swansea Waterfront

developing at the heart of the city.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s new £300million SA1 Swansea Waterfront development is taking shape in the heart of the city. New facilities for the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, Education and Communities as well as new library facilities are being created at the prime waterfront location.

The University’s vision for SA1 Swansea Waterfront is for a neighbourhood with academic activity at its core to attract companies to collocate with the University to exploit knowledge, develop skills, support existing companies and attract new investment into the region.

The innovative development will include purpose-built facilities for learning, teaching and applied research, as well as social and recreational spaces for use by the University and wider community in the heart of the city centre.

New enterprise hubs will be created together with high skill accelerator schemes, to grow new businesses linked to the universities portfolio, to further develop the skills of current businesses and attract new investment into the region.

UWTSD Vice-Chancellor Professor Medwin Hughes, DL said: “This is a £300 million investment into the heart of Swansea. Our ambition for SA1 Swansea Waterfront links directly to the strategic priorities for the city and the region. As Swansea’s city University, we are working together to develop brand Swansea. A strong city is essential to establish a strong region and, as a University that has campuses across South West Wales, UWTSD is well placed to deliver the connectivity needed to ensure that the benefits are manifest across the Swansea Bay City Region.”

Over the past 5 years, UWTSD has, and continues to invest over £100 million of its own resources into the heart of Swansea to provide opportunities for local people and companies to access high skills development in key priority areas for the region; and to utilize those skills for the benefit of the region. The University’s strategy links with the ambitions for the region by providing the support system and skills pipeline to deliver economic impact that will lead ultimately to jobs.

At the launch of the commencement of the building work, Ken Skates, Economy and Infrastructure Secretary for the Welsh Government said:

“This exciting development has the potential to transform this part of Swansea.

I am particularly impressed by University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s determination to engage with the business community and local people to ensure the benefits of this development are felt across the City.”

Trawsnewid Addysg... Trawsnewid Bywydau Transforming Education... Transforming Lives

Workforce The man with a plan

Business Life meets Peter Thomas, MD of Contract Services who has plans to secure well-paid employment for the region

Workforce is sponsored by

Investing for a Brighter Future Buddsoddi er Dyfodol Gwell As part of Swansea University’s commitment to growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and creating opportunities for Business in Wales the next phase of the University’s exciting Bay Campus development is under way.

Computational Foundry / Y Ffowndri Gyfrifiadol

Fel rhan o ymrwymiad Prifysgol Abertawe i gynyddu pynciau STEM (Gwyddoniaeth, Technoleg, Peirianneg a Mathemateg) ac i greu cyfleoedd ar gyfer busnes yng Nghymru, mae cam nesaf datblygiad cyffrous Campws y Bae’r Brifysgol ar y gweill.

Computational Foundry

Ffowndri Gyfrifiadol

Opening September 2018

Yn agor ym mis Medi 2018

Part of the College of Science, the £31m Computational Foundry will build on the strengths of pure and applied foundations of Mathematics and Computer Science to establish an internationally renowned digital ecosystem for world-class computational science research that brings together interdisciplinary research and addresses grand challenges for the economy and society under the three themes of Sustaining Life; Enhancing Life; and Securing Life.

Yn rhan o’r Coleg Gwyddoniaeth, bydd y Ffowndri Gyfrifiadol gwerth £31 miliwn yn adeiladu ar gryfderau Mathemateg Bur, Mathemateg Gymhwysol a Chyfrifiadureg er mwyn sefydlu ecosystem ddigidol o fri rhyngwladol ar gyfer ymchwil cyfrifiadureg o’r radd flaenaf a fydd yn dod ag ymchwil rhyngddisgyblaethol ynghyd ac yn mynd i’r afael âr heriau mawr sy’n wynebu’r economi a chymdeithas o dan dair thema: Cynnal Bywyd, Gwella Bywyd, a Sicrhau Bywyd.

The Computational Foundry will include research and development laboratories, postgraduate and researcher areas, as well as teaching, networking, collaboration, and inspiration space.

Bydd y Ffowndri Gyfrifiadol yn cynnwys labordai ymchwil a datblygu, ardaloedd i fyfyrwyr ôl-raddedig ac ymchwilwyr; yn ogystal â chyfleusterau addysgu, rhwydweithio, cydweithio ac ysbrydoli. Bydd y Ffowndri hefyd yn cynnig cyfleusterau arbrofi, cyfarpar, dyfeisiau a phrototeipiau o safon fyd-eang i gyflymu arloesi ac i gynyddu cydweithredu rhwng y gymuned academaidd a diwydiant, gan ysgogi mentergarwch a gweithgarwch creu swyddi.

The Foundry will also feature world-leading experimental set-ups, equipment, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation and enable more collaboration between academia and industry, stimulating entrepreneurship and job creation.

www.swansea.ac.uk/campus-development

Computational Foundry / Y Ffowndri Gyfrifiadol IMPACT Initial Design / Dyluniad Cychwynnol

IMPACT - Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies Opening Spring 2019 (subject to planning consent)

Currently in the pre-planning phase, IMPACT will be a state of the art, semi-autonomous Research Institute as part of the College of Engineering that will deliver a high impact, transformative research environment for conducting world leading science and technology development and delivery in a highly multidisciplinary environment.

The £35m IMPACT centre of excellence will enable the College to increase its offering, research capacity and capability in materials, processing and numerical technologies. A central aim of the project is to break down the barriers between industry and academia in the pursuit of new pioneering technology, which will be achieved through partnering with some of the world’s largest companies and regional partners, and conducting joint research projects to grow and to futureproof the advanced engineering and materials sector.

IMPACT will provide opportunities for local supply chain businesses and jobs during the construction phase and is anticipated to generate over £2.2 Billion of direct and indirect benefit to the region over its operational lifespan.

IMPACT - Technolegau Deunyddiau, Prosesu a Rhifiadol Arloesol Yn agor yn ngwanwyn 2019 (Yn amodol ar ganiatâd cynllunio)

Mae prosiect IMPACT yn y cam cyn cynllunio ar hyn o bryd. Bydd y sefydliad lled-annibynnol o’r radd flaenaf hwn yn rhan o’r Coleg Peirianneg ac yn darparu amgylchedd ymchwil trawsnewidiol ag effaith uchel, at ddiben cyflawni datblygiadau a fydd yn arwain y ffordd yn fyd-eang ym meysydd gwyddoniaeth a thechnoleg, mewn amgylchedd amlddisgyblaethol.

Bydd canolfan ragoriaeth IMPACT, gwerth £35 miliwn, yn galluogi’r Coleg i gynyddu ei ddarpariaeth, ei adnoddau a’i allu ymchwil ym meysydd technolegau deunyddiau, prosesu a rhifiadol. Un o brif nodau’r prosiect yw dileu’r rhwystrau rhwng diwydiant a’r gymuned academaidd wrth ddatblygu technoleg arloesol newydd. Cyflawnir hyn drwy ffurfio partneriaethau â rhai o gwmnïau mwyaf y byd a phartneriaid rhanbarthol, a thrwy brosiectau ymchwil ar y cyd i dyfu’r sector peirianneg a deunyddiau uwch a sicrhau ei fod yn diwallu anghenion y dyfodol.

Bydd IMPACT yn darparu cyfleoedd i fusnesau yn y gadwyn gyflenwi leol a swyddi yn ystod y cam adeiladau, y rhagwelir y bydd yn cynhyrchu buddion uniongyrchol ac anuniongyrchol gwerth dros £2.2 biliwn i’r rhanbarth dros fywyd gweithredol y prosiect.

Both the Computational Foundry and the IMPACT building are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government and Swansea University.

Mae’r Ffowndri Gyfrifiadol ac adeilad IMPACT wedi’u hariannu’n rhannol gan Gronfa Datblygu Rhanbarthol Ewrop drwy Lywodraeth Cymru a Phrifysgol Abertawe.

Industry Insight

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has welcomed the signing of the Swansea Bay City Region Deal by Prime Minister Theresa May and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

Also in attendance at the signing at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, were Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales; Councillor Rob Stewart, Leader, City and County of Swansea; Councillor Emlyn Dole, Leader, Carmarthenshire County Council; Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government; Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader, Neath Port Talbot Council and Councillor Jamie Adams, Leader, Pembrokeshire County Council.

The University was represented at the event by Dr Jane Davidson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for External Engagement and Sustainability.

The plan is expected to create more than 9,000 jobs and trigger almost £1.3bn investment in south west wales. The University is a key partner within the Swansea Bay city region and its major projects - the Box Village and Innovation Precinct in SA1 Swansea Waterfront and Yr Egin – Creative and Digital Cluster in Carmarthenshire - will both create new jobs through the development of creative enterprise hubs and high skill accelerator schemes to grow new businesses linked to the portfolio, to further develop the skills of current businesses and attract new investment to the area.

The SA1 Box Village and Innovation Precinct will complement and help to drive forward the vision for the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District Project which

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aims to create a vibrant and sustainable city centre that facilitates the growth of higher value activities and will provide the launch pad for ‘Digital Quarters’ across the region.

Yr Egin in Carmarthen is a transformational project that will enhance the creative and digital industries in Wales. Together with our partners we will develop a new Welsh language economic initiative within the rural heartland enabling the establishment of new companies who will be delivering a range of bilingual services. It will support digital and content industries within Carmarthenshire and will be a key driver for the creative industries offer within the Swansea Bay City Region.

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University

of Wales Trinity Saint David said: “I welcome the announcement that ‘Internet Coast’ City Deal has received approval from the UK Government. The University is a key partner within the Swansea Bay City Region and, working together, we are delivering a range of high value initiatives that aim to accelerate economic growth in the region whilst tackling the greatest challenges of today in relation to energy, health and digital connectivity.

“The clarity of vision and leadership shown by Councillor Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Councillor Emlyn Dole, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council have been instrumental in maximising opportunities provided by the City Deal. It will allow us to see transformational projects taken forward that will deliver significant impact on economic, social and cultural capacity within the region.

“The University’s strategy links directly to the ambitions for the region by providing the support system and skills pipeline to deliver economic impact that will lead ultimately to jobs. Some 90% of our students are from this region and the majority stay here after graduating. We are making a difference by developing local talent with the skills needed in our own communities. With centres across the region, UWTSD is well placed to deliver the connectivity needed to ensure that the benefits of the City Deal are manifest across the Swansea Bay City Region.”

Worksforce

Contract Services

The man with a plan The MD of Contract Services Peter Thomas has faced personal and professional difficulties in building his company over the past two decades, but he is prepared for the future and wants to secure well-paid employment for the region

Our entire company works extremely hard within the communities we are based in to tailor and deliver a service to suit the clients and tenants we work with

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When Contract Services Managing Director Peter Thomas took a leap of faith to start his construction maintenance business in partnership with his brother in law from his back bedroom in 1996; he was unaware of the rollercoaster of challenges and successes he was set to experience as the company grew over the next 20 years to become one of the region’s most successful and profitable companies in the sector.

Previously working for a large watch manufacturing business as its marketing and commercial manager and traveling extensively around Europe, Mr Thomas left his job to concentrate full time on his new business venture in 1998, providing refurbishment, construction and maintenance work as a local contractor in and around Neath Port Talbot.

The business grew quickly and was well received in the market, but in 2007 Mr Thomas was forced to take some time off from the business he had been steadily nurturing when he was diagnosed with cancer. Mr Thomas recovered after 18 months of gruelling treatments, but tragically his brother in law and business partner John Brennan was also diagnosed with cancer soon after and sadly passed away in late 2012.

Speaking about this challenging time in his life, and that of the business, Mr Thomas says: “I recognised that the business was facing some very difficult decisions and had to change within its market to be able to grow and develop. It was at this point that a long-term plan was put in place and the business is where it is today because of the plan.”

That was the Contract Services’ 2020 Plan - a strategic vision to build a successful and sustainable business, delivering a highquality service to its customers, providing industry leading training and support for its staff and with the aim of turning over £20million by the year 2020. It’s a vison Mr Thomas has not wavered from.

Now employing 160 people from its headquarters in Baglan and with a 2016 turnover of £11m - growing from £6m in 2014 - Contract Services is a thriving business with a number of major longterm contracts secured; including a six year deal with Caerphilly County Borough Council to deliver Welsh Housing Quality Standard improvements to council housing stock, a £1.6m contract for refurbishment of Sheltered Housing Scheme in Neath for NPT Homes and a £1.0m High Rise WHQS Refurbishment Package in Swansea for

Worksforce

Gower View Foods

Bouygues UK Limited. The Caerphilly deal led to Contract Services opening a second office in Caerphilly in 2015.

This commitment to securing longterm business was a key part of the 2020 plan. Contract Services has shrugged off competition from much larger, UKwide competitors to secure such lucrative contracts, which Mr Thomas believes is down to the company’s commitment to customer service. He said: “We find ourselves up against national organisations and demonstrate time and again we can punch well above our weight both in our industry and across the region. Crucially, the company has still managed to maintain healthy gross profit margins in a notoriously difficult sector and is considerably higher than the industry average.

“Much of our work involves dealing directly with tenants within the community to improve their personal residential housing and our entire company works extremely hard within the communities we are based in to tailor and deliver a service to suit the clients and tenants we work with.”

This customer-focussed approach has also been recognised by a string of awards for the company in 2016, with Contract Services being named the Chartered Institute of Housing award for the Most Community Focussed Contractor at the Welsh Housing Awards, as well as winning the Business of the Year Award (over 25 staff) and the Premier Award for the most outstanding entry at the Caerphilly Business Awards.

Mr Thomas was also named Director of the Year at the IoD Wales Awards.

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Of course, fast growth brings challenges as well as rewards. Speaking candidly about dealing with these challenges, Mr Thomas said: “The business grew by over 50 per cent in two years and strong growth in 2015 was particularly hard to manage at times.

With this in mind, I brought on board a new financial director to review processes and procedures and devise a new funding structure. The business has changed considerably in the last four years as a result of this strategic growth plan. We moved to a group structure in 2016, and working closely with the teams around me, I have also recently restructured the company and put in post three first- class directors at each department to safeguard the company’s quality, continuity, reassurance and purposes.

The sector is notoriously tough and will always be and we continue to face challenges in the market at all times, but our continued investment in our people and skills should help us navigate the conditions in the market.

“Change management has been vital due to growth and shift. Contract Services now employs more people than ever and new structures are in place so that the business can start to see some stability – it’s been an extremely rapid journey.”

In September 2016, a further pivotal part of the strategic plan was realised when Contract Services agreed a major new funding package with Finance Wales, Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, HSBC and Lloyds Bank Commercial

Expert opinion Pictured: Jon Lewis MD of Gower View foods with Chris Evans from Santander and Alison Vickers Bevan & Buckland

Banking. The funding will enable Contract Services Group to consolidate and move forward with its long-term strategic plans; explained Mr Thomas: “HSBC are our longterm banking partners and Finance Wales added to its existing support, as well as UK Steel Enterprise, which has been highly supportive of Contract Services as a homegrown, Port Talbot business. In addition to this we were delighted to have secured support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. This gives the company a great overall blend of funding.”

The funding package has also allowed Contract Services to make a further commitment to providing apprenticeships and training. The company has an industryleading apprentice retention rate and has implemented the culture of a ‘Learning Organisation’ within Contract Services, ensuring all staff have access to in house and external training and development opportunities.

Continuous learning is something Mr Thomas practices as well as preaches. Having left Glanafan Comprehensive School with just one O level, he initially began working in retail where his ambitious attitude led to quick promotion to management level. Some years later he returned to study part time at University of Glamorgan and gained HNC in Business Studies. Mr Thomas said: “I am a firm believer that I do not know everything, and have completed IoD modules, as well as sitting the Diploma Board module in a few months with a view to Chartered status in a year. All directors have also gone through or will go through the IoD modules and exam –

Contract Services now employs more people than ever and new structures are in place so that the business can start to see some stability – it’s been an extremely rapid journey their development is key to the success of the business.”

Mr Thomas’ commitment to running a responsible business has inspired more than £22,000 of fundraising for charity since 2014 and also saw Contract Services become the first private sector construction employer in Wales to become an accredited Living Wage employer, paving the way for others in the industry to follow suit as responsible employers.

He said: “As a proud, home-grown Port Talbot business it’s important that we continue to provide high-quality, wellpaid employment in the area. Hard work throughout every area of the business has given us our position as one of the strongest contractors in Wales and I am extremely proud of every employee at Contract Services and of what has been achieved.

“The business continues to have strong strategic growth plans and all directors are now working towards that.

I’m confident that the complementary abilities of the team I have around me will deliver continued success for Contract Services, quality services for our clients and sustainable employment in this area.”

with Lawrence Bailey, owner of public affairs specialists Whiterock Consulting

Leadership is just as important now as before the deal It was never quite going to be a case of ‘Deal or No Deal’ for the Swansea Bay region, although there were those on the sidelines who seemed to be urging that option.

What they and others misunderstood however is that our successful bid drew upon partnerships forged nearly two decades ago.

The prize then was an opportunity to be home venue for a newly created Welsh Assembly. We lost that contest but we gained practical co-operational skills that have served us well ever since.

We’ve always had to run twice as fast in our corner of the nation in order to gain anything like the benefits that seem to drop into the lap of the Welsh capital with such ease.

Accordingly, diversification has been the key to many a business plan and the City Deal is essentially no different.

Homes as power stations, a steel science centre and the digital district may sound oddly juxtaposed to those who prefer to put all their eggs in a single infrastructure basket. But they represent desirable and deliverable ambitions.

The same can be said for the hugely impressive ARCH project which combines health and higher-education investment to foster massive advances in life-science and wellbeing.

The only note of caution I’d sound is that it’s important for us to remember that these projects represent a means rather than an end in terms of economic and social transformation.

Effective leadership has brought us this far. It will be just as important in the future

swanseabaybusiness.com 79

Industry Insight With Stuart Atherton, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Peter Lynn & Partners

Don’t Wait For An Employment Tribunal Or A Call From ACAS To Align Your Business With A Legal Specialist Any business employing staff will have someone responsible for HR.This could be the owner if it is a small business or a HR team if it is a larger company.

Whilst the vast majority of companies seek to operate in line with UK Employment Law, for those who do not have a legal partner in place, the first time they become aware of any legal shortcomings is when they engage a legal practice to represent them in an employment tribunal.

Employment contracts, staff hand books and other documentation is in place for many businesses however it is not always kept up to date or in line with changes to employment law rulings, nor is it checked to ensure it is legally sound.

Human Resource personnel, be it an Officer, Manager, Director or Consultant may be CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) qualified but that does not mean they

Stuart Atherton, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Peter Lynn & Partners

are legally competent to draft contracts or agreements.

Law firms with solicitors experienced in Employment Law, Employment Tribunal and Employment Contracts may be perceived to be too expensive for average sized companies to engage on a regular basis.

To combat this, Peter Lynn and Partners have developed the Guardian Scheme.

Developed for all sizes of business across all sectors, the scheme allows its members to have ongoing access to Employment Law experts at the firm who will work with you to protect your company.

By reviewing existing contracts, agreements and handbooks with a keen legal eye, the team will redraft any documents that may potentially cause a legal problem and will support your HR function with any queries they

The team will redraft any documents that may potentially cause a legal problem and will support your HR function with any queries they may have may have.

The scheme not only enables you to have up to date, well-drafted documentation but also an experienced legal solicitor at the end of the phone to answer any questions you have. If an employment matter does end up in court, the Peter Lynn and Partners Employment Law team will be there to represent your business.

The Guardian Scheme is available from just ÂŁ150 per month (depending on the size of your business) and for a comparatively small amount, it could save you many thousands of pounds in legal and settlement fees.

To discuss the Guardian Scheme, contact us to arrange a free HR review by calling 01792 450010 or emailing info@peterlynnandpartners.co.uk

Peter Lynn & Partners 2nd Floor, Langdon House Langdon Road Swansea SA1 8QY Tel: 01792 450010 Fax: 01792 462881 DX number: 56768 info@peterlynnandpartners.co.uk

80 swanseabaybusiness.com

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Common Errors in Employment Disciplinary Matters Defending unfair dismissal claims can be costly to businesses in various ways. Firstly, there is cost of legal representation but there are other factors such as lost management time and stress for employers. They may also create low morale amongst employees and in some instances can cause damage to a business’ reputation.

It is therefore vitally important that employers deal with such matters in a thorough and professional manner.

With that in mind I will deal with a few errors which employers regularly make.

Suspension It is very common for employers to suspend workers whenever there is evidence of misconduct. This is often a knee jerk reaction where employers

think this is the correct thing to do as a matter of routine. However it is important to note that suspension should not automatically follow, but should be considered on its merits.

For example an employer should look at the nature and seriousness of the alleged misconduct, the risk to any evidence-gathering in the investigation, whether there is any risk to the business generally and the potential effect upon any other staff who may be involved as witnesses. If an investigation is likely to take some time and an employer considers that suspension is appropriate it should be kept under regular review and lifted once no longer needed. A failure to evaluate the situation before deciding on suspension could be seen by an employee as punitive and not after due consideration of the issues. If similar allegations arise during the disciplinary process itself, the employee could allege that this was a theme from the very early stages of the case.

Dismissal A second common error is that employers sometimes dismiss employees despite the lack of clear policies. Ideally employers should have a system of clear rules in place and be able to show that the employee was aware of those rules and understood them. This is most commonly dealt with by disciplinary rules within a company handbook or in a separate disciplinary policy which should be referred to in a contract of employment.

This makes it easier for employers to show that the employee knew his conduct was wrong or should have been aware of this. This wouldn’t necessarily be required in the obvious cases of theft or fighting but is quite useful in other cases involving, e.g. misuse of computer or internet facilities.

be dismissed before the disciplinary proceedings have been concluded.

Although in many instances an employer may feel this is being kind to the employee because it does not wish to engender any ill feeling with the employee or does not want to dismiss the employee for fear of a claim, it can quite easily lead to an allegation of a constructive unfair dismissal and a breach of trust and confidence. This is because the employee may allege that he was in reality forced in to a resignation otherwise they would be facing a dismissal, even though a fair process had not yet been undertaken.

Settlement Agreements Finally, one of the recent changes in employment law (and which has been the subject of a previous article by me) is that an employer may offer a “settlement agreement” to the employee to leave.

It is now the case that these can be inadmissible and cannot be referred to in any subsequent tribunal proceedings however there are certain matters which need to be observed to qualify and some cases fall outside the protection such as dismissal relating to disability or maternity.

As mentioned above, handling disciplinary matters might seem straightforward but care needs to be taken in each case to ensure they are dealt with fairly and with minimum risk to the business.

Simon Thomas is a partner with Hutchinson Thomas and advises both employers and employees in employment law matters.

Swansea Office, Suite 9B Langdon House, Langdon Road, Swansea Waterfront. SA1 8QY 01792 439000 Neath Office Pendril Court, 119 London Road, Neath SA11 1LF 01639 645061 reception@hutchinsonthomas.com

Resignation Another example where employers have to be careful is offering an employee a chance to resign rather than

swanseabaybusiness.com

83

Industry Insight With Mark Jones

Principal, Gower College Swansea

Planning for the Future At this time of year we are carrying out our annual curriculum planning exercise across the College and, in doing so, we are looking to confirm our full time courses offer for 2017/18 as well as beginning to plan for the following year 2018/19, with that year’s full time prospectus due for publication this coming September.

The exercise is a complicated one. On the one hand, when we are deciding which courses to retain, we tend to look at past performance which for us is measured in terms of pass rates and grades, as well as trends in application numbers.

But we also have a responsibility to ensure that the students who attend the College have the very best opportunities to progress onto e.g. higher education, employment or apprenticeships and the courses that we offer should help and support their progression. So, to illustrate this: if there is an identified need for additional staff with skills in construction trades in Swansea in the next five years, then all colleges, schools, universities and private training providers should be working together to increase the supply of civil engineers, carpenters and electricians at the appropriate level – whilst at the same time reducing the number of courses in other areas that are less of a priority.

In essence, this is one of the key roles of the new Regional Learning and Skills Partnership for South West and Growing Mid-Wales (RLSP) – a partnership where the employer representatives help identify the skills priorities for the region and where the ‘provider’ representatives then work together to respond as best as possible to these priorities. The RLSP may be a relatively new partnership but it has a key role to perform.

But nothing is ever that simple. For example, and to begin with, many students – particularly 16 years olds – are unsure what they want to do and are unclear of the options that may be available to them. For those who may want to go onto University, many see

medicine or law or accountancy as their preferred pathway but in reality these are very competitive routes with a relatively smaller number of entrance points. On the other hand, apprenticeship routes in engineering or health and care can result in well paid jobs but apprenticeships can still be misunderstood by many.

Indeed we can often receive a strong number of applications for courses that may be less of a priority but can still engage the students and allow us to develop their general skills in literacy, numeracy and employability and which many employers see as the single biggest priority. Therefore is this really a problem?

The solution, of course, is to increase the amount and the quality of the careers advice on offer but at the current time this advice is reducing as organisations such as Careers Wales are focussing more of their depleted resources on those students who are either in danger of not being in employment, education or training or those already in that position – it’s a classic catch 22 situation as the more advice available up front, the less likely a student will be to drop out of the education system.

As a result, curriculum planning becomes more of an ‘art’ than a ‘science’ but, at the same time, it gives us an opportunity to introduce new tailored and targeted programmes such as our Talent Bank which aims to support the skills needs of the life science sector, and our Bridge programme which was recently shortlisted for a national FE award for the second year in a row and which aims to give students who aren’t certain of what they want to do a range of taster programmes across vocational areas. However we have never seen this as a College only process and we would always be interested in receiving comments from employers of all sizes and from across all sectors as to what else we can do to ensure that our students have the very best opportunities to progress within the Swansea region.

Gower College Swansea 01792 284000/890700 www.gcs.ac.uk

84 swanseabaybusiness.com

We have a responsibility to ensure that the students who attend the College have the very best opportunities to progress.

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The Business Development Innovation team at Coleg Sir Gâr is offering bespoke and tailored training solutions for businesses which are free, have flexible delivery and has the needs of the business at its helm.

The college, which is a wellestablished part of the national education sector and local community, is unique in its approach to its relationships and delivery for businesses.

Currently, its team of staff are working with employers across South Wales as a key partner in their organisational planning, from identifying skills shortages

with training managers to most importantly, delivering solutions which are relevant to the business.

The Business Development Innovation team at Coleg Sir Gâr listens to the needs of companies and offers guidance and advice with a significant level of customer care, working in line with staff availability.

The college has an exciting and broad range of apprenticeship pathways which include social media, digital marketing, leisure management, payroll and bookkeeping, visual merchandising and agriculture.

Coleg Sir Gâr is keen to work with existing and new employers to help benefit the community by increasing opportunities.

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Property and construction Property trends

DezRez explain why cautious optimism should replace doom and gloom moving forward in the property market

Property & Construction is sponsored by

Property & Construction

Property Trends

The way forward for the property market Swansea property experts talk to Naomi Snelling about why cautious optimism should replace doom and gloom, and how innovative technology is part of the solution…

We’ve all seen the headlines – “housing market broken”, “all-time low”, “Post-Brexit fears fuel slowdown!” But what’s the real story behind the stats and the spin?

February 2017 saw the slowest rise in property price since 2009. The increase was a modest two per cent, with properties up £5,986 on average, and well below the average five per cent rise seen in the last seven years.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, RICS, has predicted that house price growth will slow in 2017, but demand will still outstrip supply.

Richard Price, corporate relationship manager at Swansea-based Dezrez, which specialises in estate agency software, points out that it’s a very regionalised picture.

“The North and East Midlands may respond very well, there’s a shift down in the South East but anywhere close to London still offers opportunity for growth.

“We’ve seen a strange market in 2016 – the increased stamp duty charges affected the buy-to-let market. People were trying to get properties done and dusted very quickly, and this gave a false impression of the market in a short period of time.”

Against this backdrop, it becomes more of a buyer’s market, Mr Price explains. “You need to be able to look after your buyers and give them good customer service.”

“There’s always this talk around the housing market – you see a dip in prices then it picks up – it’s a cycle. There is still going to be growth, it will just be slower growth. Estate agents will just have to work harder for their money. Technology can be an enabler but it comes down to the estate agent to win the sale, and so customer service really is the key,” he says.

According to Mr Price, the other key trend 90 swanseabaybusiness.com

Richard Price, corporate relationship manager at Swansea-based Dezrez and Laura Liddell, managing director of Dezrezlegal

driving change within the industry is the 21st century 24-7 way of life.

“We have an expectation that we can order just about anything we want from our smart phone, a taxi via Uber or food using Just Eat are a couple of examples.

“The estate agency industry is embracing technology but traditional agents have a bit of catching up to do overall. I think we’ll see big changes over the next few years as the tougher market hits – they’ll have to get the hybrid agent right. That means having a great online presence whilst also providing the agents local knowledge to customers” he says.

Quote

Technology can be an enabler but it comes down to the estate agent to win the sale, and so customer service really is the key

The housing market generally reflects wider trends within society; right now we have this issue where housing is not accessible to certain sections of society – due to financial constraints and also our ageing population

Laura Liddell, managing director of Dezrezlegal, the legal property services arm of Dezrez, believes the most significant trend in the housing market has been building up for many years.

“The housing market generally reflects wider trends within society; right now we have this issue where housing is not accessible to certain sections of society – due to financial constraints and also our ageing population,” says Ms Liddell.

The reality of the property landscape means that young professionals are often forced to stay within the parental home,

or live in shared homes.

But Ms Liddel points out that government strategies are starting to take root, and markets are responding creatively to the situation.

“Mortgage lenders are bringing out products that meet that need – things like guarantor mortgages.

“Help to buy, shared equity loan schemes – things like that are making it a little bit easier for individuals.

“Culturally, we’ve been addicted to being home owners as part of a life map.

As a society we’re still very tied to that

dream – there’s a feeling that owning is a better financial decision than renting. Now, for the first time ever, Britain is not at the top of home owners league table – Germany and other European countries have a higher home ownership rate than we do at the moment,” says Ms Liddell.

“It’s time to either decide that we’re okay with that, and break that emotional relationship to home ownership, or we go out and build and try to keep that notion of home ownership alive.

“And if this is a long term trend we need to provide people who are renting with more legal protection – France, Germany and Spain have far greater protection for renters,” says Ms Liddell.

“For lots of people in their mid-to-late 30s or below they’ve come out with student debt and haven’t had the luxury of rising wage levels. And with the low build level – all those things are going to put you into a marketplace where it is quite broken for you.

“And the question is, are we able as an economy and a society to turn that round?” asks Ms Liddell.

“There was a Welsh government report recently that stated Wales needed 14,000 new homes every year to meet the need for new housing – are we able to turn that round quickly enough in a way that supports our economy and our education services?

“The truth is, we’re probably not going to do that and so we need to support people in rental market and look at the way we assess mortgage compatibility.”

Mr Price also is keen to see more swanseabaybusiness.com 91

Property & Construction

Property Trends

Expert opinion with Dave Kieft, president of the ECA and ECA Wales spokesperson.

Now is the time to embrace diversity Brexit became an obsession and people miss the positive stuff that’s going on at the moment. We need to be positive as an industry

government initiatives aimed at supporting new build projects.

“My background is in environmental consulting – and I’m very interested in sustainability and how you can take brownfield sites clean them up and build residential developments,” says Mr Price.

He’s also keen for Welsh government to take another look at stamp duty.

“It would really help if they could reduce stamp duty for depressed areas,” he says, “that should really introduce buyers.”

Meanwhile, Ms Liddell stresses the need for positivity to overcome the stickiness of negative doom and gloom messages around the industry.

“There is that fear factor with moving home – people need to feel supported and it’s a very emotional time of life. When the wider news becomes negative, they’ll batten down the hatches and stay put.

“But in the UK we’re outperforming – we’ve increased growth more than expected and that hasn’t been in an easy market.

“Brexit became an obsession and people miss the positive stuff that’s going on at the moment. We need to be positive as an industry,” she says

38 swanseabaybusiness.com 92

The proposed Swansea Bay City Deal presents a significant commercial and social opportunity for the region, providing a £3.3 billion boost to the local economy over the next 15 years, and supporting almost 10,000 jobs.

It’s essential that we can find the skilled workers to get this major development off the ground. Yet with an ongoing skills shortage across the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors, compounded by an aging workforce, providing enough skilled workers for large-scale projects is a huge challenge.

Bringing more young people into engineering is, of course, key to tackling the skills shortage. An important way of doing this is to ensure that the industry hires a more diverse range of people, something that will put the industry on a more secure footing for years to come.

Research by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) shows there is a 40,000 annual shortfall of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skilled workers. We are also faced with the fact that women, those from ethnic-minorities or sociallydisadvantaged groups, and the disabled, are consistently underrepresented in STEM, especially at senior levels.

The ECA strongly encourages diversity and is supportive of initiatives that help to drive it. For instance, the ECA is currently working with Careers Wales to help establish a network of business champions to support careers fairs, mentoring programmes, and work placements to enable engagement with employers.

Continued collaboration between government, industry bodies, business and further education institutions is vital to improving diversity. With effective collaboration, we can develop the profile of our industry, and showcase its ability to provide a successful and rewarding career.

This in turn will encourage a wider pool of talented people to consider the long term advantages of pursuing an engineeringbased career

Industry Insight With Lee Mogridge, Regional Director of Lambert Smith Hampton Wales

To deliver a brave, new commercial future, think like a Victorian It is easy to think that the challenge to revitalise our city is enormous and so it is instructive to consider what Victorian urban planners faced.

The UK was the first to industrialise and the first to urbanise yet the lack of basic infrastructure led to pollution, overcrowding and disease and the collapse of life expectancy. In cities of over 100,000, life expectancy at birth dropped to 29 years in the 1830s.

The Victorians understood that cities were essential to wealth creation. Investment was critical but so was active citizenship, intense civic pride and long-term vision.

They built not to meet the pledges set out over four or five years of an election term but with the expectation that infrastructure and municipal properties would serve citizens and prosperity for the next 100 years.

Their sense of mission is useful to recall as Swansea Bay received news in March of £1.3bn of investment over a 15-year period. That figure breaks down as £241m from the UK and Welsh governments, £360m from the public sector and universities and another £673m in private investment.

The broader ambition is laudable. The regeneration of our region through education, energy, health and improved communications which includes the transformational economic power of digital networks. But with over half of the total expected to come from private investment, what does our city need to focus on to secure that commitment?

At present, there is no grade A commercial office space available in the city centre and the retail offering is fragmented and failing plus there is a lack of quality housing. The net effect of this is that rents are too low and investment yields too high for private sector developers to secure funding and take the risk of building. This is where the renewed vision of private and public partnership will prove critical.

Investment requirements to stimulate private investment would include sustainable living via affordable quality housing, decent public transportation and infrastructure, an aesthetically pleasing environment with more green space, retail and leisure facilities and quality commercial space to attract future inward investment and retain more indigenous companies and individual talent. The new concept of digital infrastructure to attract hi-tech and cloud data firms will reap benefits, provided that the other building blocks are first put in place to deliver a sustainable development model for the Region.

We cannot lose sight of the simple fact that private investment must deliver attractive, sustainable returns and the underlying conditions to

TBy working to reduce the cost of development now by sensible infrastructure planning and delivery can create the long-term civic transformation needed to benefit citizens of the Swansea Bay Region for decades to come facilitate such investment must first be put in place to allow the private sector to deliver, but against the current poor economic environment currently being experienced within the city, this can only be achieved with true public/private sector partnerships and the City Deal could go a long way in helping to achieve this.

By working to reduce the cost of development now by sensible infrastructure planning and delivery can create the long-term civic transformation needed to benefit citizens of the Swansea Bay Region for decades to come.

Axis 17, Axis Court, Mallard Way Swansea, SA7 0AJ Tel: 01792 702 800 3 Callaghan Square, Cardiff CF10 5BT • Tel: 02920 490499 www.lsh.co.uk

swanseabaybusiness.com 93

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Property & Construction

Hyde + Hyde

Hyde and seek World renowned architectural firm, Hyde + Hyde, talk to Naomi Snelling about international design heritage, poetry and passion, and why Swansea needs to get a clear vision of where it’s going…

“There’s something magical about the cantilever,” says Kristian Hyde as he points at the picture of a striking Americaninspired house that has been designed to look as if it’s floating. Plenty more projects covering the walls of the funky design studio display this split level cantilever magic.

Art, passion and courage to embrace the elements as they actually are – these are the driving forces of Hyde + Hyde – the Swansea-based boutique architecture agency that works around the world.

The directors, husband and wife team Kristian and Kay Hyde, first met at Portsmouth University. They set the firm up back in 2006 after working together in London and San Francisco.

With projects dotted across the UK and Europe, they’re rarely in their Swansea studio on Princess Way. Right now they have projects in Oxford, Wales and London, and further afield in Amsterdam, they’re working on refurbishing an old fire station 96 swanseabaybusiness.com

into housing.

Hyde + Hyde designs grace the pages of Grand Designs, Ideal Home, and plenty of the broadsheets – although at first glance many don’t realise that the ideas and designs were forged here in Swansea.

“It’s about finding people who want to go on a journey,” explains Kristian. “People choose us because of the depth of thought that goes into our work.”

“We spend a lot of time understanding their circumstances and rituals of their day-to-day lives and it’s about how that gets integrated into architecture that’s meaningful to them,” adds Kay. “It’s less about how many bedrooms do they want and more about what are their hobbies and routines. When you ask these questions it makes you think about architecture differently – you don’t think of it as a building you think about it as life.”

Images of the firm’s award-winning work cover the walls of the Hyde + Hyde studio on Princess Way. Strong clean lines,

It’s about finding people who want to go on a journey, People choose us because of the depth of thought that goes into our work

cantilevers, natural materials, innovative use of light and space – their projects are striking.

“The joy for me is when we get a call from a prospective client and they say they have looked at a lot of practices and chosen us because there’s something that draws them to our designs,” explains Kristian.

The firm specialises in architectural competitions and one-off bespoke projects for a diverse range of clients. “Some of our recent clients included the head of a Formula One team and a doctor to the Queen,” says Kristian.

“We have our studio here and a base in Amsterdam where we share an office with a design company and branding agency,” explains Kay “There is such a joy of working with a team of people to try to achieve something incredible for our clients – it’s a humbling experience.

“It’s a collaboration that becomes far greater than something we can create on

our own,” explains Kristian.

“And it’s about context and place,” says Kay. “We designed a house in north Wales that celebrated the rain – the rain hits metal petals and gets channelled around the building and you can hear it from inside the building.

“We have a very strong theme in our work where we work with nature and the elements. Often there’s a juxtaposition of wildness and luxury.”

It’s rare for Hyde + Hyde to enter a competition and not be shortlisted or win.

“Architectural competitions give you an opportunity to dip your toes into a different sector,” explains Kay. Recently they were shortlisted for a bold zero carbon project for sustainable housing in the Faroe Islands.

Cosy prefab boxes perched on the bleak rain and wind-hammered coastline – the design looks like something from a futuristic film.

“Denmark paid for us to go back and develop the scheme further,” explains Kristian. “Because of the wind, the houses are elevated off the ground. They’re very much in touch with their surroundings – they live in harmony with the environment and with tech.

“The space underneath the house is a good all-weather area. They dry meat and fish there, which also generates heat.”

From the fjords of Iceland and the cool chic of cosmopolitan Denmark to the raw wildness of Faroe Islands and West Wales – the architect couple are juggling a burgeoning number of projects, family life and international travel.

“We have always wanted to do our own thing; we like working together and architecture is all-consuming,” explains Kristian.

“People ask me how we manage to work together and be married, and I say you have to marry your best friend.

“We both had a shared vision of what swanseabaybusiness.com 97

Property & Construction

Hyde + Hyde

We have a very strong theme in our work where we work with nature and the elements.

Often there’s a juxtaposition of wildness and luxury

AT A GLANCE...

About Kristian Hyde, co-director of Hyde + Hyde architectural design agency What do you think of the architecture in Swansea City Centre?

Don’t look up!

architecture could be. It’s all about moving out of your comfort zone and creating something that is optimistic,” he says.

“And it’s that delight of giving them something amazing – the emotion at the end of the project,” adds Kay. For Kristian and Kay, architecture is rooted in passion and emotion – they talk a lot about the poetry of design. And also of how satisfying it is to be a boutique company in Swansea, winning awards and competing on a national level.

“It’s about bringing that global design heritage into what we do,” explains Kristian.

“Do you do plans? Do you do buildings? No! We do architecture!”

Being rooted in Swansea is important for the design couple. “There’s something nice about us doing this from Swansea. The local authority has been incredibly supportive of our work, says Kristian.

“We are in their design guide – they use a picture of a house we designed on the Gower.”

Hyde + Hyde catapulted onto the architectural scene almost as soon as the firm launched, winning awards for two houses on the Gower in 2007. “From that came recognition that there were architects in west Wales who could work on an international level,” explains Kristian.

“It feels like we are everywhere, we don’t feel bound by geographical location. But we will always keep a foot in Gower – it’s close to our hearts.”

38 swanseabaybusiness.com 98

Where has it all gone wrong?

When you spend time in Copenhagen and Amsterdam – these cities have a very clear idea of their identity and brand that outlives the politics, everyone knows what they are aiming for. The whole procurement process here is part of the problem. I would like to see the Welsh Government supporting young practices, there is some incredible talent. There need to be mechanisms for partnerships too. When you go to these Nordic countries those barriers just aren’t there.

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Industry Insight Construction has started on the circa £52 million Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm, and the project is on track

Local community set to benefit from the operation of the wind farm Innogy Renewables UK Ltd, the company behind the 16 turbine Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm, has started construction on the project, and work is progressing well. Making good on their promise to ensure that local companies benefitted from the construction of the project, Clydach based company, Dawnus, have been contracted to carry out the initial work, which includes building the access and tracks leading up to the wind farm site. This initial work is likely to take around eight months, with highways works scheduled to commence in May and construction on the main wind farm site beginning later this year. The next major milestone is to place the civils and electrical works contracts in the summer and start civils and foundation works thereafter.

Turbine deliveries are scheduled for the summer of 2018 with the 32.8MW wind farm becoming fully operational in the autumn of 2018.

Working with communities Once fully operational, Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm will bring with it community funding of £240,000 per annum over the operational lifetime of the wind farm. This flexible funding has the potential to significantly benefit communities both very local to the project and more

widely across Swansea, and Innogy Renewables UK Ltd is looking for an innovative local organisation to administer the community fund in the Swansea area. Innogy’s proposals for the fund, plus highlights from the initial consultation undertaken in 2014, along with more information about our next steps in developing the fund are now available on the website.

Members of the public can contact innogy in a number of ways, including by phone on 0800 0727604 and by e-mailmynyddygwair@ innogy.com. For all the latest news on Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm and regular updates from the Project Manager, go towww.innogy.com/ mynyddygwair or follow innogy on twitter @innogy_uk.

The team also has a dedicated Community Liaison Officer, engaging with local residents during the construction period, to ensure that they are aware of what’s happening, where and when. In addition to the Community Liaison Group, established to share information and discuss construction progress, members of the public can contact innogy directly with any queries relating to the Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm project.

swanseabaybusiness.com 101

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Technology & communication Stimulating the grey matter

The West Wales company at the cutting edge of medical device production for nervous and psychiatric disorders

Technology & Communication is sponsored by

Technology & Communication

Magstim

Stimulating the grey Naomi Snelling holds the spotlight on the West Wales company at the cutting edge of medical device production for nervous and psychiatric disorders

I our technology facilitates research understanding and the treatment of a range of medical conditions including eating disorders, Parkinsons, and PTSD

106 swanseabaybusiness.com

Tucked away at the back of a business village in Whitland is a state-of-the-art facility, where engineers, physicists and production staff research and build lifechanging medical equipment.

Magstim, which stands for ‘magnetic stimulation’, specialises in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulators (TMS) which are used to research and treat a range of nervous and psychiatric disorders.

Magstim itself has undergone something of a revolution in recent years. It has grown from a team of 65 in 2012, to around 100 staff in 2017. Engineering staff commute to its Whitland headquarters from as far afield as Cardiff, Bridgend and Newport.

The UK operation is complemented by a service centre and direct sales team in the US – which is a focus of the firm’s new commercial drive.

The company’s metamorphosis from West Wales research operation to a cutting-edge medical device business kicked off back in 2015, when Magstim gained FDA clearance

for the use of its Rapid2 Therapy System to treat drug resistant major depressive disorder.

Magstim managing director John Mullen, who came on board in 2016, says that achieving the essential FDA clearance raised the stakes – attracting widespread investor interest, especially from US-based venture capital firms.

In September 2015, San Francisco-based firm, Telegraph Hill, bought out Magstim and invested the funding that the firm sought to allow accelerated new product development into this new market.

Prior to this, the company had focused their commercial efforts on TMS within the

matter research market.

But the story of Magstim reaches back more than three decades, when a research team led by Professor Tony Barker at Sheffield University proved the viability of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a method for testing brain behaviour relationships.

This pioneering work made its breakthrough publication in the Lancet, in 1985.

The technology was first commercialised by Novametrix Medical Systems, which divested the technology to the management team at its UK subsidiary in 1990, to form Magstim.

Mike Polson, who was part of the original Sheffield team, still plays a key role in the company as chief technical officer ensuring that the pioneering knowledge remains close to the heart of the company.

These days the company’s work in magnetic stimulation has evolved to have multiple applications, leading to

what Mullen describes as “several suites of products.”

“We do all things nerves,” explains Mullen. “We have a range of coils and stimulators built for different applications. There are the clinical applications – for conditions such as depression, and then there is our research arm – our technology facilitates research understanding and the treatment of a range of medical conditions including eating disorders, Parkinsons, pain, Post-traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and stroke rehabilitation.

“And we also have a suite of products using single-use electrodes that are used to reduce the risk of nerve damage in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and skullbased surgery.”

The depression treatment, which was the company’s most recent product to gain FDA clearance, is designed as an alternative approach to conventional drug treatment for depression.

It’s all about finding the early adopters. When you do find them, it’s like lightening in a bottle!

“People can become resistant to drugs,” explains Mullen.

Magstim’s depression treatment coils target the pre-frontal cortex, and research continues into fine-tuning the positioning and also streamlining treatment times, which potentially make it even more therapeutically viable.

Currently the protocol for depression treatment is a 40-minute five-day-aweek outpatient procedure that can be swanseabaybusiness.com 107

Technology & Communication

Magstim

Expert opinion with Adam Curtis, CEO of Hoowla and MD of Clockwork Bear

AT A GLANCE...

All about Magstim

done in a lunchbreak.

“We have to work within Faraday’s Law” explains Mullen.

The process also generates heat on the coil – and one of Magstim’s challenges has been safely containing that heat – using a mixture of coolants and insulation.

Mullen also points out that another crucial challenge for the company has been the way it markets itself.

“In the US market, we are able to target clinical psychiatrists in both the private and public sectors,” he explains.

“And we are even able to market directly to the end user.”

“In the UK, it’s more difficult to inform patients of the therapy as we work with the NHS and private practitioners, so we are partner reliant, with the speed of adoption being fairly conservative.

“It’s all about finding the early adopters. When you do find them, it’s like lightening in a bottle!

“A TMS flagship centre was opened in Northampton and is already treating eight patients a day,” says Mullen.

The investment into product development made possible by Telegraph Hill is being used to optimize Magstim’s products for routine clinical use.

“It’s not just about the device itself,” explains Mullen. “The other critical question about any medical device is whether it is supportable in the field.

Each device has to have a stand up service model that goes behind it,” he says. “The day you sell a device is the day you start to support it.”

As a rough guide, a system and chair costs in the region of £40,000 per unit.

There are a number of different payment

108 swanseabaybusiness.com

Based? Whitland, Carmarthenshire What does it do? Magstim specialises in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which can be used to treat depression as well as intra-operative nerve monitors for ENT surgery.

What is TMS? TMS sits between anti-depressant drugs and electroconvulsive therapy in terms of treatment for depression. It is non-invasive and carries fewer side effects than traditional treatment options.

options – from upfront payment to a lease-style arrangement.

“When it comes to our commercial strategy in the US, we have to be smart about where we spend our money. We target clinical psychiatrists on the East coast and West coast, focussing on the early adopters and innovators rather than the more conservative areas such as New England,” says Mullen.

Which means, essentially, that in the US just as in the UK, access to Magstim’s life-changing products is something of a postcode lottery.

So what’s next for Magstim? For a firm whose last turnover figures were well above the £10m mark, anything is possible.

Mullen explains that the business is looking for high growth within the next few years – a large proportion of which is expected to come from the US market, which already accounts for a quarter of the firm’s turnover.

Onwards and upwards then, as Magstim continues a voyage of discovery working with one of the most complex organs of the human body

Super fast South Wales With the Swansea Bay City Deal now signed there are exciting times ahead, not least because it means the possibility of the transatlantic fibreoptic cable from New York to Oxwich Bay for ultrafast broadband becoming a reality and putting South Wales on the digital map. In this edition I want to focus on some more success stories in the technology industry of South Wales Firstly, great news for a number of our universities. Swansea University has joined Bangor and Aberystwyth universities to lead ‘SPARC II’ (the Solar Photovoltaic Academic Research Consortium) which has secured a £5m solar grant. The research will focus on new applications for next generation solar technology including mobile products, aircraft and the space industry. The programme is also expected to unlock a further £10m of inward investment in Wales through additional large-scale research and development with businesses and specialist manufacturer Fishguard based Edukey, a software business that specialises in educational software development, has been awarded the prestigious Bett Award in the ICT Leadership and Management Solutions category.

Staff from Swansea success story We Predict, a big data company focused on the automotive and manufacturing industries, participated in the latest Welsh Governments Health Hack in Cardiff and won with PRISMA predictions.

Finally, the largest developer conference in South Wales, Swansea Con, is back again this year. Speakers have already started to be announced for the September event. Personally I think that Nat Morris’ talk about scale at Netflix, Kristian Brimbles’ live code a chatbot in less than 15 minutes and Elizabeths Hockes’ learning agile testing sound really interesting

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Motoring Kuga

Global Kuga gives Ford crossover edge

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Motoring

Kuga

Global Kuga gives Ford crossover edge As it closes in on a decade of being on the road, Ford has released its third generation of the Kuga. And it has had more than just a nip and tuck

By Steve Orme HOW time flies when you are having fun.

Ford’s Kuga has now been with us since 2008.

It has been a popular and rewarding enough car with plenty of road presence so a third generation styling tweak or two should get the job done, hey?

Wrong. The latest version no longer has the same aggressive look because all Fords now have to be global and the old Kuga was very much a European taste.

So, there is a rear end which is flatter, a push up market inside to compete with the class leaders and make a dash away from the bargain basement crossovers hitting our streets, while increasing practicality by doing such things as adding 200-litres to the boot capacity and some seat back tray tables.

In short the Kuga has become captain sensible, it makes less of a statement about you but probably has a wider appeal. Oh, and it is bigger because the Americans like big.

Put the Edge, Ecosport and Kuga together and you see three very similar cars in differing sizes.

Kuga’s engine range has been revised, not surprisingly following the trend for smaller capacity.

The 1.6T becomes a 1.5T, in either 150bhp or 182bhp power.

The 2.0-litre diesel now produces up to 180bhp, gaining torque as well. It can now average more than 54mpg while the 150bhp model and claims 60mpg. Acceleration is in the nine to 11 seconds to 62mph bracket.

You can have it with four-wheel drive, sixspeed manual or automatic transmission.

For your money, the range starts at £21,195 for the entry level Zetec rising to £40,000 for the Vignale which can be heavily personalised, there is plenty of kit. This includes the foot operated tailgate, a godsend when loading shopping or dealing with nippers.

In between is the Titanium and ST-Line at £24,245 and £25,845. Titainium X and above gets full leather while the ST is cloth upholstery.

Briefly the equipment manifest includes air con, keyless start, hill start assist, cruise control and DAB radio throughout, adding

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navigation, parking sensors and running lights up a grade moving on to ST level and active parking assist and interior trim tweaks.

As is obligatory you can use apps on the go and voice commands will have the Sync 3 system seeking out your request for a refueling halt, refreshments or any one of 22,000 preprogrammed functions..

Safety is boosted with Cross Traffic Alert and auto braking as well as ‘curve control’.

The cabin is busy but not cluttered and certainly has plenty of quality. It is a livable space, well set up for long haul and logically designed.

On the road the steering is light, there is some roll and a commanding seating position. It all feels well put together and stable with a refined ride.

Ford expects up to 12,000 customers to choose AWD which is available on all but the basic 1.5-litre. Therefore it is important to know what level of off-road ability you are buying into.

Out on the road the newcomer to the range ST-

The cabin is busy but not cluttered and certainly has plenty of quality. It is a livable space, well set up for long haul and logically designed

line, this one with AWD, was a good drive through the wilds and windings of the Peak District in the sort of weather which justifies 4x4 as a road option.

Of course there are those who will have grubby recreational interests, like a bit of towing,who will be looking for more.

On a rutted water splash dotted off-road route the car was hardly called on to do much

in the way of jungle warfare until the blast third when the going really did get tougher.

It is not mud-monster but well able to justify if you have average conditions to cope with.

Ford is keen to point out that January returned the business to top spot as a vehicle manufacture. There is no reason to think that the Kuga will do anything to blot that copy book.

swanseabaybusiness.com 119

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Networking Recent and upcoming events

Business Life rounds up some of the hottest business events of the season...

You are cordially invited to join us at the Liberty Stadium on Monday, May 8th, to celebrate the achievements of the 2016/17 season. You can also be a part of this memorable season…

Cost £450 _

Cost £50+VAT _

Package includes:

Package includes:

• 3 Course Meal • FIOL reception

• 3 Course Meal • FIOL reception

For Sales, contact the Hospitality Team: t 01792 616488 e hospitality@ospreysrugby.com

Always an eagerly anticipated event in the Ospreys’ commercial calendar, the Worthington’s Ospreys Awards Evening will take place on Monday 8th May, 48 hours after the final game of the regular Guinness PRO12 season away to the Scarlets.

Tables of 10 at this exclusive event are available for £450 plus VAT, with individual palces costing £50pp plus VAT, both including a sumptuous three course meal and FIOL prosecco reception. With records tumbling across the season and the Ospreys currently competing on two fronts, there are sure to be a number of candidates up for recognition at the event, which will celebrate success and contribution to the cause on and off the field. Returning to the Liberty Stadium with the support of Worthington’s, this year’s event is set to bigger and better than ever.

Huw Warren, Commercial Manager, Ospreys Rugby, welcomed Worthington’s involvement ahead of what will be an evening to remember.

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm Worthington’s as title sponsor for our annual awards dinner, which we are bringing home to the Liberty Stadium this season” he said.

“Worthington’s ongoing commitment to grassroots rugby is unquestionable, as we saw with the successful ‘Show Us Your Colours’ campaign ahead of the Scarlets derby at Christmas and the ongoing Worthington’s Osprey of the Week vote on our social media channels. We are extremely grateful for their continuing support.

“It’s been an incredible season for the Ospreys so far and, whatever happens between now and the end of the campaign, it’s only right that we celebrate some significant achievements across the year. Coming just days after the regular PRO12 season draws to a close, we hope that it will be the perfect way to kick-off a busy, and successful, month of knockout rugby.”

For Sales, contact the Hospitality Team: t 01792 616488 e hospitality@ospreysrugby.com

Networking ACCA

ACCA Wales International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea Tell me more: ACCA Wales International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea at Sketty Hall Sponsored by CMI Cymru and raising funds for Maggie’s Swansea

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Everything your event needs...

Popeth mae ei angen ar eich digwyddiad...

Dinners • Receptions • Functions Conferences • Exhibitions

Versatile event venues overlooking Swansea Bay Ciniawau • Derbyniadau • Digwyddiadau Cynadleddau • Arddangosfeydd

Lleoliadau hyblyg ar gyfer digwyddiadau yn edrych dros Fae Abertawe

T: 01792 295665 E: events@swansea.ac.uk www.venueswales.com

Ff: 01792 295665 E: digwyddiadau@abertawe.ac.uk www.lletygarwchadigwyddiadau.cymru

Networking Acuity Legal

Acuity Legal

Tell me more: The launch of the new Swansea office at Morgan’s Hotel

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Swansea Bay Business Club

Networking

Swansea Bay Business Club Tell me more: Swansea Bay Business Club celebrated St David’s Day this year with Welsh rugby legend Scott Quinnell at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli

swanseabaybusiness.com 127

Networking Swansea Bay Business Awards

Swansea Bay Business Awards 2017 Tell me more: Some of the greatest business successes in the Swansea Bay region were recognised in this year’s awards at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea

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Awards

Networking

swanseabaybusiness.com 129

Networking Swansea Bay Business Awards

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Awards

Networking

swanseabaybusiness.com 131

Networking Oyster Wharf

Oyster Wharf development officially opens Tell me more: The multi million pound Oyster Wharf in Mumbles was officially declared open at an event organised by Swansea Bay Futures Pics: Steve Phillips Photography www.stevephillipsphotography.co.uk

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Oyster Wharf

Networking

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Networking IOD

IOD Networking Event

Tell me more: The Institute of Directors in Wales’ Swansea branch welcomed Helen Bowden, Chief Executive of Swansea Bay Futures, to their recent networking event at Swansea’s Marriott Hotel

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Fresh Estate & Lettings Agents

Networking

Fresh Estate & Lettings Agents Tell me more: Dan Biggar was on hand to help open Fresh Estate & Letting Agents new Morriston showroom

swanseabaybusiness.com 135

Diary

Expert opinion

Rights but no responsibilities

with Tommy Davies

If you accept a job and the money that goes with it, you accept all of that job, warts and all

136 swanseabaybusiness.com

I forced one of my weaker managers to fire someone the other day – a young woman who worked on reception desk. It wasn’t easy and she was upset.

But I did it for two reasons: first to see if the manager had the backbone (if he hadn’t acted, I would have fired him) and secondly because the receptionist was scruffy and she had refused to comply with a dress code that had been laid down.

She was the first person any visitor or client one would encounter in this particular business, to which image is important. We had asked her to dress smart and look presentable. This, apparently, was too much to ask of this young lady.

Like many people, I have seen some of the various court cases recently in which employees have successfully sued for unfair dismal because of similar reasons relating to dress code.

I was careful not to risk getting caught out on that basis – the official reason we gave was related to performance and we had documented that.

But I also disagree with the ethos of those cases I mention: if I am paying someone money to do something or be somewhere between certain hours on certain days, I feel entitled to demand that someone dress in a certain way. If they don’t like it – fine, go and work somewhere else.

Let’s think this through a second.

Loads of jobs from McDonald’s workers to Disney reps to butlers to bus drivers have a dress code – and they all abide by that or leave.

And then there’s the whole equal rights argument. But my point isn’t

what you might think.

When did you last hear of a man suing because being forced to wear a tie is uncomfortable for him and he finds it demanding. I hate ties but if I was to accept the money being offered and that was part of the deal, I would accept it and get on with it.

Rights but no responsibilities – that is what young people today seem to think they have. So that receptionist felt she had the right to take my money but not the responsibility to then offer a good impression of the company to visitors – her main role.

I come across the same mentality on a regular basis. Staff are so quick to whinge and moan that they are too busy or stressed or treated unfairly – yet they are quite happy to take the pay cheque at the end of the month.

I know one very senior manager who cannot stand his boss (who also happens to own the company) and will personally attack him at every opportunity. And I have told him time and time again – leave then. If you hate him that much, how can you accept his money? Yet he stays.

But hey ho, I’m not moaning.

I love almost all my staff – because I got rid of the trouble makers!

But my point is this: if you accept a job and the money that goes with it, you accept all of that job, warts and all. That means the good clients as well as the difficult ones; the fun jobs and not the boring ones; the trips to Monaco as well as Merthyr; and you dress in a certain way if that is what the job requires. If you don’t like that, don’t sue, just move on

Tommy Davies, born in mid-Cwmtwrch in the Swansea Valley, is one of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs with businesses in telecoms, marketing and heavy industry.

Diary Networking

Swansea Bay Business Club’s upcoming events...

Dates for your diary April/May 2017...

Calendar highlights...

Delivering the Deal - Swansea Bay City Region

April Lunch Location: Village Hotel, Swansea With: Sarah Powell, CEO of Sport Wales When: Friday, April 28 Time: 12.15pm arrival, 1pm for lunch Member tickets: £25 Non-member tickets: £30.50

Date: Thursday, April 13 Time: 6-7.30pm Venue: Village Hotel Swansea

What: A high-level panel, including Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, Prof Marc Clement of Swansea University and the ARCH project, Jen Clay, CEO TechHub Swansea and Ben Cottam FSB-Wales will outline the ambition involved and share their expectations for the next steps.

Starting a Business: Taking the Plunge Date: Friday, April 7 Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm Venue: ACT Enhance Ltd, Swansea

What: The workshop is designed to help attendees understand what is required to start a business and help them assess whether they have what it takes to be a success.

More information: wales.business-events.org.uk

Swansea BizNet Breakfast Flagship Lunch Location: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea With: Alan Johnson MP When: Friday, May 19 Time: 12.15pm arrival, 1pm for lunch Member tickets: £40 Non-member tickets: £45.50

Date: Wednesday, April 19 Time: 7.30-9.30am Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea What: BizNet Wales is one of Wales’ longest established networking organisations.

The group says: “Unlike some organisations, we don’t have a strict code of conduct. We just talk about our business, get to know one another and, when the time is right, we do business.”

More information: www.biznetwales. co.uk

Drug and alcohol policies at work Date: Tuesday, April 25 Time: 5.45-8pm Venue: University of Wales Trinity St David, Swansea

What: CIPD presents, in conjunction with the Swansea Safety Group and the South Wales Branch IOSH, a look at designing and implementing drug and alcohol policies in the workplace.

More information: www.cipd.co.uk

IoD Networking evening

Date: Wednesday, April 26 Time: 5.30-7.30pm Venue: Swansea Marriott Hotel What: The Institute of Directors’ Swansea Branch’s Networking Evening with Dr Jane Davidson speaking on ‘Creating the next generation of doers and changemakers’.

(Members; £10 non-members £15+VAT).

Crowdfunding - Access to funding Date: Wednesday, May 3 Time: 12.30-2pm Venue: School of Management, Swansea University Bay Campus

For more information, visit: www.swanseabay businessclub.com

What: Swansea University’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IfEL) has collaborated with Big Ideas Wales to host a workshop to help attendees find out all they need to know about crowdfunding as a means to finance business.

What is Digital Marketing & How Can It Help Your Organisation Date: Friday, May 12 Time: 9.30am-12pm Venue: Village Hotel Swansea

What: Cooper Bay Creative are hosting the event to help businesses understand the benefits of digital/internet/online marketing and how it can be used by businesses or organisations both for free and with the paid options. swanseabaybusiness.com 137

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