Swansea Bay Business Life Dec/Jan 2017

SWANSEA BAY

December/January 2017

Issue 45

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

SHINING A LIGHT ON EXPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR ALISON ORRELLS ON FOREIGN MARKETS AND THE IMPACT OF THE US ELECTION… PLUS OUR LATEST BUSINESS AWARDS

PEMBROKESHIRE

DecJan Cover.indd 1

CARMARTHENSHIRE

SWANSEA

NEATH PORT TALBOT

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Investing in the heart of the city centre

Buddsoddi yng nghanol dinas Abertawe

New ÂŁ300 million SA1 Swansea Waterfront Development Trawsnewid Addysg, Trawsnewid Bywydau Transforming Education Transforming Lives

Creating impact hubs to exploit knowledge and develop skills Collaboration with businesses to attract new investment into the region

www.uwtsd.ac.uk AD Blank.indd 1

23/11/2016 16:00:19

Editor’s Letter

SWANSEA BAY

December/January 2017

Issue 45

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

SHINING A LIGHT ON EXPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR ALISON ORRELLS ON FOREIGN MARKETS AND THE IMPACT OF THE US ELECTION… PLUS OUR LATEST BUSINESS AWARDS

PEMBROKESHIRE

CARMARTHENSHIRE

SWANSEA

NEATH PORT TALBOT

DecJan Cover.indd 1

11/23/2016 4:07:59 PM

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

Publisher South West Wales Media

Editor Chris Campbell @Citizen_Chris • 01792 545 564 chris.campbell@swwmedia.co.uk

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

Design & Production - William Scott Artus - SWWMedia Creative Studio

Photography SWWMedia Photographic Team Front cover: Adrian White

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 03337778004

x1 Page 3 EdsLetter.indd 1

Staying upbeat With a new US president- elec t – w ith no gover n ment ex per ience – a nd lit tle tra nspa renc y over Brex it, uncer ta int y lingers in the a ir.

But it’s very much ‘keep calm and carry on’ in the Swansea Bay region as business leaders look for positives and new opportunities abroad.

No one more so than Alison Orrells, managing director of Neath-based The Safety Letterbox Company, who features as this edition’s Big Interview.

First off, a huge congratulations to Alison for being named Woman of the Year at the 2016 Business Life and South Wales Evening Post Women in Business Awards, which was attended by more than 200 guests at the Swansea Marriott Hotel.

Alison, who also won the Growth and Expansion award, talks of the need to operate as normal and find new ways to grow and prosper. She discusses impressive projects in Dubai, including work with the Burj Khalifa, and other deals in the Middle East and Europe.

We include more than ten pages of Women in Business Awards coverage including photographs from the night and of all the winners. A big well done to all our finalists and it’s fantastic to see the event, now in its seventh year, expand.

With a focus on exports this edition, one of our last Fast Track 25 events of the year, and this magazine’s Round Table, took place at Coast Café on Swansea High Street. Invited participants debated the challenges and opportunities of Brexit. We also include

an interview with Andrew Davidson, managing director of Llansamlet-based DTR Medical, a Fast Track 25 member, who anticipates long-term company growth in Australasia, the Middle East and Europe.

Meanwhile, lower growth across the UK was announced in Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement, attributed in part to the Brexit vote.

While there was concern over no mention of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, many here celebrated positives for the region and Wales, including backing of the Swansea Bay City Deal.

I almost got to the end of this note without mentioning it, but Christmas is well and truly around the corner as we go to print. Black Friday has past, but the tills are still ringing and temporary staff numbers are bolstering employment figures. We talk to employers in the region about strategies they have in place and how sales in the region compare to other parts of the UK. And for those rugby fans out there, we carry an interview with Wales and British Lion legend Tony Clement, who uses skills he picked up on the pitch to develop a career in banking.

The Business Life team wish a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our readers.

Chris Campbell

Editor

11/25/2016 6:23:18 PM

68

07 Contents

Workforce

In Focus 07

Alison Orrells The only way is up

26

Women in Business Awards A look at the 2016 winners

31

Going, going, gone...

Retired police chief swaps handcuffs for gavel

35

Ballooning sales Mother’s balloon firm expands

38

Choc factory celebrates Award win for artisan chocolate company

50

Feeling the pulse of overseas markets MD predicts medical device demand growth

Ice cream not just for summer Iconic brand continues to attract fans

95

Black Friday mayhem How the region stacks up

Property & Construction 100 Snapshot of the region’s building plans Turning the spotlight on our thriving market

Start ups

106 Luxury hotel enters new chapter Fairyhill by Oldwalls prepares for weddings drive

Technlogy & Communication 122 Picture tells 1,000 words How app seeks to be perfect storytelling tool

Our region

68

82

Finance

Jewellery store makes glistening move Steven Hughes Fine Diamonds opens in shopping centre

129 Fighting cyber-crime Urge for region’s firms to take action

Networking 154 Fast Track 25 Breakfast Club members meet to discuss investment 160 Dates for your diary Events being held across the region

Our columnists...

Tommy Davies

Juliet Luporini

Lawrence Bailey

Julie Williamson

Entrepreneur with businesses in telecoms, marketing and heavy industry

Chairwoman of Swansea BID

Owner of Whiterock Consulting

Chairwoman of the FSB Swansea Bay branch

Page 4-5 Contents.indd 1

11/25/2016 7:25:02 PM

More than just your average recruitment company We understand that placing people in the right jobs leads to career satisfaction for employees, and excellent workforce performance for employers.

CENTRIC RECRUITMENT Suite 3 J-Shed, Kings Road, Swansea, SA1 8PL Tel: 01792 344005 www.centricrecruitment.co.uk

More than just your average recruitment agency

Pharmaceutical & Medical device | Automotive & Engineering | Production & Warehousing | Legal Administration & Finance | Contact Centre | Construction & Technical | Catering & Hospitality

82

122

Emlyn Dole

Ted Sangster

Ian Price

Adam Curtis

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council

Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Business Panel

Assistant director of CBI Wales

CEO of Hoowla and MD of Clockwork Bear

Page 4-5 Contents.indd 2

11/25/2016 7:16:42 PM

PwC is celebrating being The Times top UK graduate employer for the 13th consecutive year; and at our Swansea office we’re delighted to introduce our recent graduates and experienced joiners.

Heidi Thomas, a Senior Manager, has recently transferred to Swansea Assurance from our Cardiff office.

An experienced auditor specialising in the Financial Services industry, Heidi spent three years with PwC Sydney. A graduate of King’s College, London with a degree in History. She’s also a mum of two young children who loves travel and is always planning her family’s next adventure.

Sue Mortimer worked as Associate Professor in Accounting at Swansea University before joining PwC. An experienced auditor and forensic accountant, Sue participated in the so-called ‘Nazi Gold’ investigation into deposits made by Holocaust victims at the Swiss banks and has also worked as a senior finance manager in industry. She graduated from Oxford University in modern languages, and her claim to fame is scooping a Welsh learner’s prize at the National Eisteddfod. Sue is mum to twin boys and author of ‘Mine’s a Double - The Twins Book’.

Amy Horrigan worked as an Audit and Accounts Senior at a local Swansea firm before joining PwC as a Senior Associate.

Amy qualified as an accountant in March 2014 having studied Accounting and Finance at Aberystwyth University.

She joined PwC to take advantage of opportunities to work on large scale projects, access to top-class training and facilities and for career progression. Amy is a volunteer for Aberavon Surf Life Saving Club, where she teaches vital lifesaving skills to children and adults.

Olu Adekola is an experienced accountant, with a broad array of international experience in banking, accounting and financial advisory services. A graduate with a first-class honours degree in Accounting, Olu joined PwC to benefit from the wealth of developmental possibilities and interesting clients offered by the firm.

Beth Knight recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Swansea University.

Beth chose to work with PwC because of its reputation and the opportunity to qualify as a chartered accountant. Beth’s long-term career goal is to set up in practice - and maybe one day rival PwC!

Ben Davies studied Economics and Finance at Cardiff University before joining PwC’s Assurance graduate programme. Ben has worked as an intern in a plc’s finance team and opted for PwC because of the excellent support networks and the structure of the training scheme, all of which will help to ensure his success throughout his training and his future career.

Alex Walford joined PwC as a first year associate after graduating from the University of Bristol with a first-class honours degree in Experimental Psychology. Alex joined PwC Assurance with the aim of achieving the prestigious chartered accountancy qualification. She also wanted to take advantage of the opportunities that PwC has to offer, including the excellent training and support systems.

Ryan Griffiths is currently on a oneyear business placement in assurance at PwC having just finished his second year in Accounting and Finance at Cardiff University. Ryan is a keen sportsman and rugby player. He joined PwC because of the opportunities that are available for both career progression and variety of work. Ryan has found that the best thing about PwC is the camaraderie of joining with a large group of like-minded people.

Daniel Arnold is a first-class honours Accounting and Finance graduate from Durham University and has recently joined PwC Assurance. Daniel has previously completed placements at banking institutions and PwC, as well as being runner-up for the Undergraduate of the Year (Future CFO) award – which has taken him to Shanghai and the European Parliament in Brussels. Outside of work Daniel has competed internationally for Wales and GB in fencing, and enjoys film and various other sports.

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 6

About PwC PwC helps organisations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. If you would like further information please contact Ian Clarke on 0776 4331557. Also find out more about My Financepartner at www.pwc-myfinancepartner.co.uk

11/27/2016 11:45:21 PM

Alison Orrells

THE BIG INTERVIEW

The only way is up Alison Orrells, managing director of The Safety Letterbox Company and Women of the Year award winner, talks to Business Life about overseas growth despite uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump and Brexit wins.

Photography by Adrian White

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“SOME OF OUR SUPPLIERS, HOWEVER, HAVE PUT THEIR COSTS UP. BUT WE CANNOT PASS THAT ON TO OUR CUSTOMERS BECAUSE WE ARE IN A VERY COMPETITIVE MARKET. SO IT WILL MAKE US EVEN MORE EFFICIENT.

Award winner Alison Orrells knows all about finding new markets and isn’t about to let major political decisions impact her search for further growth.

Orrells, managing director of Neathbased The Safety Letterbox Company, which manufactures mailboxes, postboxes and parcel delivery boxes, recently visited Dubai where the company has its secure mailboxes inside the world’s tallest structure.

She’s been back again - despite uncertainty over new US president-elect Donald Trump and the Brexit vote - to recruit a new member of the team to focus on that market and find new deals.

“I’m getting an understanding of how active the market is there,” said Orrells, who won the Woman of the Year and the Growth and Expansion categories at the Swansea Bay Business Life and South Wales Evening Post Women in Business Awards 2016.

“I have a couple of appointments there and I’m looking to take on another person to concentrate on the market.”

Securing a deal with the Burj Khalifa (the building is 830 metres high) was no mean

feat and has led to further conversations with potential clients in the Middle East.

“It was a market driver for us,” Orrells said. “It’s Dubai’s flagship building.

“We worked on this project for a couple of years and had a Middle East-focused worker. I met with the building’s architect from Chicago and project manager.

“The design of our mailboxes and the way they were installed had to be approved by Armani, they had full interior design control.”

The Safety Letterbox Company has also worked on a £350,000 job in Qatar for a petrol firm.

“We don’t deal with those sorts of figures here in the UK,” Orrells said.

“We installed the mailboxes ourselves.

We sent a couple of supervisors over there.”

She added those kind of deals made the company an “international player” and the firm was estimating at least ten per cent growth in the Middle East in the short term.

Projects in the UK range from contracts worth a few hundred pounds to around £25,000.

THE DESIGN OF OUR MAILBOXES AND THE WAY THEY WERE INSTALLED HAD TO BE APPROVED

BY ARMANI, THEY HAD FULL INTERIOR DESIGN CONTROL.

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The Big Interview

In Focus

THEY ARE VERY INNOVATIVE. A NEW CONCEPT IN ULTIMATE SECURITY.

The Safety Letterbox Company is preparing to launch brand new mailboxes into the market at the beginning of next year. The firm has been working on them for two years and they will be entered into both UK and international markets.

Orrells said: “They are very innovative.

A new concept in ultimate security.”

Postmen will be able to deliver letters and parcels even if a door appears to have no letterbox.

They will have electronic access to featureless mailboxes, which have doors and hinges but are specially designed, using the latest technology.

The company is also ensuring its banks of mailboxes are able to store packages of larger sizes securely and is aiming them at places like universities.

The Safety Letterbox Company was bought by its biggest competitor, Germanbased Renz Group, in 2011, in what Orrells describes as a strategic deal for both parties. Renz Group, which has a turnover of 80 million euros, is big on communication technology aspects including phone alerts on deliveries and returns. Orrells cherry-picks operations

and products in Germany and elsewhere and introduces them to the UK. Renz Group is looking to revolutionise the delivery market, particularly considering the high costs parcel delivery companies have to pay when people they deliver to aren’t there.

Orrells believes there lies both positives and negatives in the Brexit vote. She is determined that those in business should seek out opportunities the path may offer.

“We should do the very best we can with the decision,” she said.

“Really do everything we can in our power to make it work. I would not tolerate people standing around with their arms crossed.

“I do feel it’s a positive and a negative for us. It’s a positive because we export and we’re the only UK manufacturer to do so. Our competitors only bring things into the UK. “Some of our suppliers, however, have put their costs up. But we cannot pass that on to our customers because we are in a very competitive market. So it will make us even more efficient.”

Orrells received her Women in Business

awards on October 7 at the Swansea Marriott Hotel, which celebrates women’s achievements in business in the region.

Orrells, who left a successful retail management career to join the family firm, came into the manufacturing company when she had her first child.

She had the opportunity to switch from the seven day a week demands of retail work and join the family business.

The company, which was started by her father Ian Brown MBE, celebrates its 30year milestone this year.

“I had a series of different roles once I came into the business which gave me a great overview of every aspect of the business – business development manager, works manager, sales manager, general manager – and in 2008 I took over as managing director,” she said.

Under her leadership, the firm has successfully navigated the debilitating recession and is enjoying a period of remarkable growth.

“We used every trick in the book to get us through the recession,” Orrells said.

“We worked with ProAct, a Welsh government funding scheme, and they swanseabaybusiness.com 9

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In Focus

The Big Interview

supported us with funding for our team.

We had our factory on a three-day week at one point and all the team being developed so they were developing themselves as individuals and as a team to help us achieve our strategy so that should we have to let them go they would be more valuable to the economy, and were we able to retain them we would be stronger as a unit.

“It helped that we had financial resource - the business had strategically retained profits - which enabled us to invest in people, machinery and product development. During difficult times when others were cutting back we were investing.

“We’re innovators and leaders – we’re always pushing new standards, new designs, new solutions for changing market needs.”

As well as successful overseas work, iconic UK projects include Swansea University’s Bay Campus and London’s prestigious Fitzroy Place.

“One of our issues as a market leader is that our designs and activities are copied – so we have to make sure that we are fresh, that we are always coming up with new ideas or concepts to maintain our position.”

Following a push back in 2008 to build new global markets, Orrells and her team landed projects in the Gulf States. These included a significant contract to supply Qatar Petrochem company RasGas with mailboxes for all of its employees, as well as contracts for Kuwait Post, Bahrain Post and Qatar National Bank.

In recent years, the firm has focused on the UK market – and growth has ricocheted to double dot profit figures.

aims to execute the firm’s objectives by empowering each individual to operate at their best in all areas of the business.

“My door is always open – if someone wants to speak to me about anything they can,” Orrells said. “And it’s a two-way thing, I expect support from the team and I expect them to use their knowledge and their skills to the best of their ability.

“Each individual has KPIs (key performance indicators) and they understand what their targets are.

Everything is communicated – so that everyone understands the overall business strategy and how they play their role helping to achieve it.”

When she’s not busy running The Safety Letterbox Company, Orrells says she enjoys spending precious spare time with her family, walking in the Gower countryside, travelling and interior projects. She is also a season ticket holder at Swansea City FC. “We’ve had growth of 72 per cent over the past two years,” Orrells said.

“Now we’re looking to focus on the global market and grow our exports.”

The Safety Letterbox Company has a range of more than 130 models of mailboxes – including the FlapLock, which was created in conjunction with a UK arson task force team to eliminate the risk of crimes, such as arson attacks and theft, via the letter flap.

So, with enviable turnover figures and growth rates that turn other companies green, what is Orrells’ secret and how did she do it?

According to Orrells, the company’s remarkable success is all wrapped up in its clear strategy and ethos – which

“WE’RE INNOVATORS AND LEADERS – WE’RE ALWAYS PUSHING NEW STANDARDS, NEW DESIGNS, NEW SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGING MARKET NEEDS.

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11/27/2016 11:45:45 PM

Celebrating 70 years

Staff at Christmas party 1971.

“They thought that was a good basis for a partnership.”

It hurts to admit this, but some in the legal profession have been known to have a rather inflated opinion of themselves.

At Douglas-Jones Mercer, we have a more balanced view of the world and this is why we are celebrating 70 years of being in business, doing things the right way.

In 1946, two Solicitors taking the bus to work in Swansea got chatting about their respective jobs. Their chats became a regular fixture of their daily commutes and soon John Mercer and Neville Douglas-Jones had struck up a close friendship.

Eventually they had the idea to go into business together, so they rented a single room on The Kingsway in Swansea and set up Douglas-Jones & Mercer Solicitors, which has become known to many in the area and even further afield as DJM.

DJM Partners late 1970’s TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Timothy James, David Mercer, Kenneth Morgan, David Bennett, Timothy Douglas-Jones.

BOTTOM ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Martin Jones, Neville Douglas-Jones, John Mercer, Peter Douglas-Jones.

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This year DJM celebrates its 70th birthday and is recognised as a leading law firm with clients not only in South Wales but nationally.

David Mercer, the son of John Mercer, worked for the practice between 1973 and 1982 as a partner, and remembers the stories his father used to tell him about how he started the firm. David left the firm to pursue his passion for Tennis and become a Wimbledon umpire,

notably the ‘McEnroe – Connors’ final of 1984 to then move into sports broadcasting.

“My father and Neville had left the army after the war and were both working as assistant solicitors at separate law firms in Swansea,” he explains. “During the course of their conversations my father revealed he couldn’t stand conveyancing work and probate and Neville said he couldn’t stand court. They thought that was a good basis for a partnership.”

David remembers a particularly difficult time for his father during the firm’s early years.

“When I was very young my father represented the last man hanged in Wales.There was no question his client was guilty but they argued it should be diminished responsibility. The jury didn’t agree and he was hanged in Swansea Prison.

“I remember my father being quite affected by the whole case.”

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of doing things the right way As the firm grew rapidly during the 1970’s (opening a branch network in Gorseinon, Morriston, Mumbles and Ammanford), it then consolidated in the 1990’s by growing its city centre hub in Swansea extending its headquarters in St Helens Road.

In 2006, DJM moved from the city centre and opened its flagship office near junction 45 of the M4 at Axis Court, Swansea Vale Enterprise Park where it also celebrates a ten year milestone.

Michael Snowdon, Chairman and Director, who has been with DJM for 40 years, comments on how law firms have changed during his time, “When I started my legal career as an Articled Clerk it is a different world compared to now. The use of technology and being able to communicate at any time anywhere has certainly sped up the legal process. In the past you would send a letter and it would be over a week before receiving a response

whereas now it can be within an hour.

It will be interesting to see how this develops further in the future.”

DJM have been frequently acknowledged in the prestigious Legal 500 guide for its high ranking work in Wales and is now looking forward to the next milestone.

The key to providing the excellent service of the past 70 years is not just about the comfortable modern offices.

It is the quality of personnel that make the difference and the team at DJM is second to none. Individually the lawyers offer great depth of knowledge in particular aspects of law; collectively they offer great breadth. The result of this is an enthusiastic and lively team ready and willing to tackle any legal problem.

The same applies to DJM’s support staff, without whom, its lawyers could not function effectively.

www.djm.law.co.uk DJM Board of Directors present day.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Jonathan Powell, Michael Snowdon, Barry Davies, Michael Price, Philip Graham, Sheraz Akram.

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@DJMSolicitors

16 Axis Court, Mallard Way, Swansea Vale, Swansea SA7 0AJ Tel: 01792 650000 Temple Court, 13a Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA Tel: 02920 786529 The Dunes Business Centre, 267 New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5BG Tel: 01656 772211 48 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BQ

11/27/2016 11:46:38 PM

In Focus

Fast Track 25

The challenges (and opportunities) ahead of Brexit As part of the Fast Track 25 programme of events, sponsored by Bevan & Buckland and Santander, this publication held a round table discussion at Coast Cafe on Swansea High Street on what the implications of the UK’s vote to leave the EU has been for businesses so far and what they want to see happen next.

How has the vote to leave the EU affected local companies so far?

David Shalliday: After the initial panic, it has been business as usual. At a microlevel, in the 100 days since Brexit, the UK trade deficit shrunk by about £1 billion.

Businesses that are exporting are doing very well and that is because of the weak pound, which has given exporters a very competitive and compelling proposition.

Visitor numbers in the UK were also the highest ever in July and August and tourism spend per capita is the highest ever as well. So the UK as a destination is doing very well.

What we’re not seeing is large capital decisions being made that would move the economy forward more than the 1 per cent or 2 per cent growth we’re seeing.

Activity is still there but not the numbers that we would have expected to see after an eight year relative downturn.

Stephen Hale Managing director, Seminar Industrial Components

We thought the living wage would hit businesses, particularly the care sector and hospitality, but actually they’re struggling to find staff at all. It’s a bigger problem than some of the things coming out of Brexit.

Ian Price: In truth, nothing’s happened yet. Everybody is pretty much where they were before. The problem is, you don’t know what hasn’t happened. There could have been opportunities out there that haven’t appeared because of Brexit, but we’ll never know.

I think everybody has accepted the outcome, whether it was the outcome they wanted or not, and they’re now looking for opportunities.

Sadly, we import a lot more than we export. So over time, the fall of the pound is not going to positive but until we genuinely start extricating ourselves from the EU I think it’s going to be business as usual.

Harri Lloyd-Davies: When Brexit happened, I certainly feared that funding might dry up. But the world did carry on as normal to a degree. Exporters obviously seem to be happy while importers generally manage to pass price increases on or they’ve got agreements in place for currency swaps.

There are some real concerns about labour though. The current government’s rhetoric is a little bit concerning regarding migrant labour. There are employers who heavily rely on migrant labour but the government seem to think there are lots of jobs out there that can be filled with local labour. That’s not the case. Unemployment in Wales has never been as low.

I think the issue we’re seeing more of is wage pressure and inflation. I don’t think it’s solely linked to Brexit but it’s a big issue.

Andrew Davidson: I tend to share the sentiment expressed so far that we have continued with business as usual.

We export between 10 percent and 20

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Fast Track 25

Alison Orrells Managing director, Safety Letter Box Company

Round Table

percent of our turnover and our exports are continuing as before. If anything, they’re picking up quite nicely.

We do have pressures on imports, because we do import a lot of products that we then add value to.

But we are optimistic about where we’re headed. The attitude has to be: it’s just another challenge. We have to find ways of dealing with it.

In our sector we have to look at whether we can improve our efficiencies? Can we buy better than we’ve done before?

I would echo the point on recruitment.

We’ve just recruited three new people but that’s only been possible because there have been a few closures in the area. Generally, we find it difficult to get the calibre of people that we want and need.

Andrew Davidson Managing director, DTR Medical

Alison Orrells: We are the only UK manufacturer of our products and compete against companies that import so that is helping us remain competitive as their prices are increasing or margins are being hit. Export is only a small percentage of our business – we export to the Middle East, Mexico and sporadic activity all over the world.

We d o i m p o r t a s m a l l ra n g e o f components and we’re not able to pass on any material increase to our customers – we have to remain competitive.

I do feel some suppliers are manipulating the situation to a certain extent and increasing their prices over and above what they should off the back of the tariffs and dollar.

I also agree that a skills shortage is a huge problem at the moment. It has been for a long time. We try to employ from the local area and we have a low staff turnover but it remains a problem.

David Shalliday Regional director, Santander UK Corporate & Commercial - South West & South Wales

Stephen Hale: I’d probably echo what has already been said: it’s business as usual. We started exporting earlier this year not because of the fall in the pound, but because we wanted to get the balance of business right.

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL. WE STARTED EXPORTING EARLIER THIS YEAR NOT BECAUSE OF THE FALL IN THE POUND, BUT BECAUSE WE WANTED TO GET THE BALANCE OF BUSINESS RIGHT. We’re the only people in the UK making our specialist products. Our competition comes from the EU, America and China.

So I see now as an opportunity to do more in the EU and get a good foothold.

The lower value of the currency is helpful but access to the single market is also key for us.

But we’ll carry on doing what we’re doing and take opportunities until someone tells us they’re not opportunities.

What we don’t need is uncertainty for two years. It will be another six months before we can trigger things and that’s disruptive.

As businesses, we’ve got to influence the decision makers; business leaders are not interested in politics but in being able to trade freely, to get on with employing people and raising everybody’s standard of living.

We have to be able to afford to pay rises.

We always recruit locally and we struggle to find people local to do jobs even though our jobs are above minimum wage.

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Shalliday: I think there’s a window of opportunity now for businesses to get into export markets. If you wait for Brexit you have missed the bus.

Hale: We were in a European trade show in anticipation of doing more exporting generally. We were getting very strong leads from those places, because of the way the currency is. We had very strong leads from regions of Europe. We’ll go ahead to do whatever we can to try and take advantage of this.

Harri Lloyd-Davies Partner, Bevan & Buckland

Ian Price Assistant director, CBI Wales

Davidson: It is a window of opportunity but, for us, it takes a few years before you get it. We’ve just started exporting to Canada but we’ve been talking to them for five years. But you have to start some time. Trade shows can also work well for leads.

Price: The UK government is staffing up UKTI again, which is helpful because obviously they’ve not needed it for the last 40 years. All of a sudden they’re busily recruiting civil servants to generate business. I think the direction of travel is positive, but there’s certainly an opportunity at the moment that’s going to be there for the foreseeable future.

IT AFFECTS US IN OTHER WAYS. WE SPEND HEAVILY ON CLOUD HOSTING FOR OUR PRODUCTS WHICH IS PRICED IN DOLLARS AND THE EXCHANGE RATE HAS A BIG IMPACT ON WHAT WE PAY. Shalliday: In January, we’re taking 12 businesses to Mexico. We have also taken businesses to Poland, to the UAE, to Boston, to China, all from the South West region. We are just trying to facilitate and play a part in getting businesses to export more.

Barry Nichols-Grey: It’s been quite interesting. Exports are quite a small part of what we do – it’s about five per cent at the moment. We price our software solutions in sterling, and we deal with the UK ex-pat market in Spain, Portugal, and France.

Barry Nichols-Grey Fnance director, Dezrez

Activity in their businesses is much reduced because of the currency. But what has been surprising is our UK

agents who might expect an uplift in foreign buyers, because of the currency fluctuation, aren’t seeing that because of uncertainty around the timings of what may happen with Brexit.

We surveyed our estate agency customers back in June, just one week after Brexit, and it’s fair to say there was a fair culture of fear across the whole sector. We repeated that exercise a few months later and whilst the fear has subsided, I think agents feel that it’s the uncertainty within the property market that’s going to have the largest impact.

They are better insulated than they were back in 2008 because they’ve built letting portfolios with a strong base of recurring revenue. But they feel uncertainty is going to strangle the market.

Dezrez also has a conveyancing company DezrezLegal so we’re wholly exposed to the property industry. It’s been a very interesting year. In the first quarter, we saw a big boost just prior to the Stamp Duty changes but we’ve seen a lot of buyers just kicking their heels since then.

We’ve not seen any huge drop off in prices, but the process has slowed down as people are drawing it out for longer and longer.

It affects us in other ways. We spend heavily on cloud hosting for our products which is priced in dollars and the exchange rate has a big impact on what we pay.

I’ll echo some of the other points about skills shortages. We are finding skills shortages, particularly for software developers.

There should also be a focus now on what happens with the replacements of European structural funds. If that tap is turned off in 2020, I think we’re going to struggle plugging some of the skills gaps.

That’s a big problem we’re going to face over the next few years.

Mike Williams: It’s a mixed bag for us really. We act for importers and exporters, some based in the UK and some subsidiaries of larger conglomerations elsewhere in the world.

The day after Brexit the general feeling was one of shock. But some of them were probably likely to do quite well out of it.

One client with a large US parent had money earmarked for investment – that money has grown by a few hundred thousand pounds over night.

On the downside, they also import some of their products – but they export as well. You’ve got a bit of a mix in terms of their fortunes.

We’ve got some importers who are rather unhappy but that’s more to do with currency fluctuation than Brexit.

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Fast Track 25

In terms of Brexit itself, nothing much has changed yet other than the fact it has introduced a very large element of uncertainty, and I think there is an underlying level of nervousness.

It’s business as usual, in the sense that people are carrying on as they are, but I think we are seeing a bit more nervousness about investment in capital costs until they see how Brexit turns out.

So I think it may stymie growth to a point, but there are opportunities out there for exporters as well.

What do companies want from the UK government now?

Mike Williams Partner, JCP Solicitors

David Walters: Basically, just to overcome the uncertainty. I think the moot point is – what industries are seeing the benefit here? Certainly, exporters are seeing a major benefit but equally in Wales a lot of the exporters tend to export major capital equipment.

The doomsday scenario is that we can’t trade with anybody or if we do, then there are crippling tariffs and quotas. I really don’t think that’s going to happen.

Price: The Government is in a really difficult position. They didn’t anticipate this outcome. So literally the day after, they had to start thinking. Equally, the people that wanted to leave didn’t expect to leave, so they didn’t have anything in place to deal with it either.

So they were starting with a blank sheet of paper and now you are trying to negotiate a deal with people who are not best pleased with you because you’re messing with their equilibrium. Yet they don’t want to be seen weak.

David Walters International director, Santander UK Corporate & Commercial

IT’S DOWN TO THE RULES OF THE GAME. PEOPLE JUST WANT TO KNOW THE RULES OF THE GAME THEY NEED TO PLAY IN TWO TO THREE YEARS’ TIME. BUT NOBODY CAN TELL THEM THAT AT THIS STAGE.

There are so many factors at play here. You’ve got elections in Germany, Holland and France next year and that could change the whole negotiations.

I have some sympathy with them and what they’re trying to do. The challenge is, people say “we want certainty”, but the only certainty would be if we left tomorrow – and that’s not going to happen.

So you’ve got to accept that for next two years what you’ve got is uncertainty, and you’ve got to deal with it.

Davidson: I think there’s a lot of confusion about what a negotiation starting point is and what the doomsday scenario might be. For sure, everyone wants to trade, in and out, but how we get there is going to be the interesting bit.

Walters: It’s down to the rules of the game. People just want to know the rules of the game they need to play in two to three years’ time. But nobody can tell them that at this stage.

Round Table

the moment is that we’re going to have to adopt EU law anyway. We’re going to start from equivalence, which would offer a level of certainty in its own right.

Whether you agree with it or not, that’s a level of certainty that makes our products acceptable in the single market.

New medical device regulations have recently come in which took 14 years to put in place, which is pretty fast going for our world. But the country most heavily involved driving that was the UK. We’ve had a seat at the table influencing what’s been going on there, and we’ll be quite happy if we choose to accept those same regulations.

Then you’ve got the question of tariffs.

We also CE-mark all our products, whether we call it a UK mark or an EU mark. There will be equivalents to start with, and then it will start breaking down.

Things like that would give me a degree of certainty that we’re not going to go backwards.

Barry Nicholas-Grey: There’s a danger that if we retain access to the single market there will still be regulations that sit behind the borders that prevent us accessing a market. Regulators might find a way, even if we’ve got that access, to prevent you getting into that market.

That’s always going to be the risk.

Price: The trouble is, we’re at a position the moment where what we want is impossible. We want access to the single market but we want to control our own immigration, and that’s not on the table.

Lloyd-Davies: The trouble is we’re dealing with politicians. Businesses don’t vote. Some 52 percent of EU Ref voters, predominantly voted on immigration.

What business thinks is almost irrelevant, and the politicians have to deliver some sort of outcome on immigration.

I think the business community is struggling to get the message over that we have a shortage of labour.

I hope immigration is a big thing that they’ve thrown out there that can be given up as part of the negotiations. I don’t really care about immigration. This might be clever negotiating from the UK. I think the business community needs to be clear that control of freedom of movement isn’t the be-all or end-all.

Price: And that it applies across all sectors. If you look at the universities and colleges, and you look at how much revenue they get from international students – a lot more than they get from UK students.

Shalliday: And that has a knock on effect for the property market.

Davidson: The trouble is it depends on the sector. The medical device industry is highly regulated, and the way it looks at 17

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Industry Insight with Professor Medwin Hughes, DL Vice-Chancellor University of Wales Trinity Saint David & University of Wales

University well placed to deliver connectivity needed across the region As Swansea’s city university, UWTSD is working with key partners to develop brand Swansea as a first choice destination for inward investment as well as for those who already live, work and study here.

A strong city is essential to establish a strong region and, as a university that has campuses across South West Wales, UWTSD is well place to deliver the connectivity needed to ensure that the benefits are manifest across the Swansea Bay City Region.

I was delighted to welcome Mr Ken Skates, AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, recently to mark the beginning of the construction of the university’s SA1 Swansea Waterfront development.

It was extremely pleasing to see the physical evidence of all the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes by so many people – university officers as well as our external partners including Kier Construction. We have travelled a long way in a relatively short time to get to this point in the development and I would like to thank the Welsh Government and Swansea Council for their continued support in enabling UWTSD to realise its vision for this prime waterfront location.

This is the first phase of a £300 million investment into the heart of Swansea that will see the creation of new facilities for the faculty of architecture, computing and engineering, as well as new library facilities. It 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.

Our ambition for SA1 Swansea Waterfront links directly to the strategic priorities for the city and the region by providing the support system and skills pipeline to deliver economic impact that will lead ultimately to jobs.

We will create new enterprise hubs together with high skills accelerator schemes to grow new businesses linked to the university’s portfolio.

We will also develop the skills of current businesses and attract new investment into the region.

Over the past five 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 utilise those skills for the benefit of the region.

OUR AMBITION FOR SA1 SWANSEA WATERFRONT LINKS DIRECTLY TO THE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY.

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In Focus

Fast Track 25

How important is the continuation of free trade?

Hale: The free trade that we have today works, or it works for us. It’s easy to do, and that needs to continue. I think the immigration thing is overblown. We’re always looking to recruit people and business is probably the best at looking beyond anybody’s background in terms of recruiting people who are best to do the job.

People come, they want to do the job, the best person gets the job.

We’re never turning local people away from work and we don’t actively recruit people from far afield. We recruit from within the local pool of talent and from that we might recruit some people who are foreign. But all I’m interested in is whether they are up to the job.

For me, it’s got to be the thing that we apparently can’t have, which is free trade and free movement of labour, which is actually different to free movement of people.

Price: It’s depressing but we need to keep banging the drum for the fact that we need immigration. Immigrants have been a net contributor; they put in far more than they take out. A lot of the positive stuff has been lost in the arguments.

Orrells: Obviously free trade is important.

And UK businesses are underestimating the skills situation. There should be incentives for businesses to reinvest and help to support us trying to maximise on opportunity.

When we went into the recession in 2008, we sell to the construction industry, which fell by about 40 per cent. That was when we rolled our sleeves up and dug deep and looked at what was happening within our own four walls and worked out what could really make a difference. We invested heavily in training, equipment and project development in that period; we dug deep and we are better for it.

The morning after Brexit, a certain responsibility was bestowed on us in the same way. It must be about making a difference and changing things for the better.

There’s not a lot we can do about what’s happening in government. They don’t know themselves what they can and can’t do.

There’s no good dwelling on what could be. We have to show grit and determination and make it happen as best we can.

Nichols-Grey: I take your point about responsibility to push the business forward in this sort of environment. I wasn’t at Dezrez at the time, but back in 2008, they continued to invest in the product to adapt it to meet the needs of agents who were trying to pivot into lettings.

It may have sounded crazy at the time but in 2009, Dezrez set up the property conveyancing firm. Good businesses will continue to exploit opportunities. We’ve just agreed to a big investment again into the product and into our internal systems to really push the business forward.

Other businesses who take the initiative now will be sitting pretty.

Price: One thing politicians could do is kick-start some of the major infrastructure projects going nowhere – such as the M4 relief road or the Tidal Lagoon.

Nichols-Grey: There’s got to be a balance in policy between supporting the wider economy and not just business.

Davidson: We should seize the opportunities for exporting now and see what is possible.

And we should also be relaxing our rules a little bit on procurement. EU public procurement rules are definitely something that we should kick that in the long grass.

Williams: Public procurement is such a frustrating exercise for business. When you look at some of the outcomes you’ve had as a result of these procurement exercises, it’s a disaster for some of the public organisations involved.

Walters: I’d like to go back to Andrew’s point about businesses seeing the opportunities overseas. I’ve been in international trade for many years and the apathy I see amongst the business community, especially in South Wales about exporting, is tremendous because people just think it’s in the ‘too hard’ box.

So how do we inspire, how do we get those companies that should be exporting but can’t find the time to do it to? How do we get that support out into the business community?

Davidson: There are two parts to making that move: one is supporting dipping your toe in the water on something like a trade mission; the other one, which we definitely put in the ‘too hard’ box, is overcoming international regulations.

Lloyd-Davies: We are seeing a huge increase in all types of businesses exporting.

It’s nothing to do with Brexit or the exchange rates, it’s to do with the internet.

It’s amazing. The Welsh Government does also offer some fantastic subsidies for trade missions too.

Orrells: It can be hard to find out about what support and help there is to export.

We had to employ someone from the Middle East and it took two years for them to educate me on the mind-set of the Middle East. It took time but we ended up building lots of excellent relationships.

To be involved in the next issue’s Round Table contact the editor, Chris Campbell:

chris.campbell@ swwmedia.co.uk 01792 545564

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News round-up

In Focus

THIS PROJECT WOULD BE THE FIRST PROJECT OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD AND WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND OUR REGION.

Cautious Budget misses out lagoon Chancellor Philip Hammond’s first Autumn Statement – which will also be his last after scrapping it in future – has been given the thumbs up in certain quarters of the region despite omission of any mention of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Hammond pledged an extra £400 million for infrastructure in Wales. The funds will be spread over five years as a consequential of infrastructure spending in England.

The chancellor also “recommitted” the government to support the Swansea Bay City Deal and added there would be a “wave of ground-breaking 5G trials”.

Sir Terry Matthews, chair of the Swansea Bay City Region, which looks to drive the area forward, said: “The Chancellor’s recommitment to the Swansea Bay City Deal in today’s Autumn Statement is great news.

“We are pleased to have the Government’s full support as we work towards sustainable economic prosperity for the people who live, work and invest in our city region.

“We are also pleased to hear that the Chancellor has also committed funding to create broadband 5G regions around the UK. We are already positioning the Swansea Bay City Region as an international internet gateway, developing and delivering new digital applications and advancing Swansea Bay as The Internet Coast.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The chancellor’s announcement was hugely encouraging for people in Swansea, as well as across the South West Wales area as a whole. These proposals will create thousands of jobs, attract major private sector investment and considerably boost the regional economy.”

Hammond announced a £23 billion National Productivity Investment Fund and £2.3 billion Housing Infrastructure

Fund, but a Swansea-based director said he thought there should have been more support for small and medium sized businesses unveiled.

Mark Robinson, of Swansea-based Chartered, Certified Accountant, Morgan Hemp, said: “As expected this was a cautious statement from the chancellor, which reflects the public mood of uncertainly following the Brexit vote and, I can only assume, the uncertainty within the Government too regarding Brexit.

“I felt, and I think our Wales-based SME client will feel, that there wasn’t much positivity to be found in the chancellor’s statement. There was some strong medicine for business, with a small spoonful of sweeteners, some of which have been announced before – like the change to Corporation Tax which will drop to 17 per cent as already planned.

“The ‘big ticket’ announcements, like the £400 million pledged to the Welsh Government for infrastructure projects, sounds pleasing to business, but I know there is some uncertainty as to whether this money is likely to be spent on rail and roads in the region – which would be a boost to business – or whether it could, in fact, be spent by the Welsh Government on Grant Funding priorities or on schools and hospitals. We need to watch this space on this point.

“The announcement of a Rural Rate Relief cut to 100 per cent will be a support to small business in rural Wales, and the news that fuel duty rates have been capped will bring some longed-for good news to haulage and logistics companies.

“I think there has been a missed opportunity when it comes to National Insurance, with no interest from the Chancellor in taking low paid workers

out of National Insurance. And the raising of the National Minimum Wage is going to put added pressure on small business employers in Wales.”

Jason Evans, regional director for Mid Markets Banking (Lloyds Bank) in Wales, said further housing and infrastructure investment commitments were welcome.

“The Government’s continued commitment to housing and infrastructure investment will be positive news for Welsh companies, and will create a range of new supply chain and expansion opportunities for firms across the region.”

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Cllr Peter Black, former South Wales West AM, said lack of mention of the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon was a “kick in the gut”.

“This project would be the first project of its kind in the world and would significantly drive economic growth for our local communities and our region,” he said. “Today’s announcement is a kick in the gut for our communities and for our environment.

“For too long the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon has been clouded by uncertainty.”

The National Living Wage to rise to £7.50 an hour from April next year. The income tax free personal allowance is to rise to £12,500 and the higher rate threshold to £50,000 by the end of the Parliament.

The personal allowance is to then rise automatically in line with inflation during the 2020s.

The Autumn Statement itself is to be abolished and next year’s budget to be the last held in spring. Starting in autumn 2017 the annual Budget will be held in the autumn.

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In Focus

Fast Track 25

Leaders highlight investment plans Guests discussed future prospects in the region at the Swansea Bay Business Life and the South Wales Evening Post’s Swansea Bay Fast Track 25 Breakfast. BUSINESS LIFE reports…

Some 60 business leaders from around South West Wales attended a business club event in Swansea highlighting investment opportunities in SA1 and the region.

Swansea Bay Business Life and the South Wales Evening Post’s Swansea Bay Fast Track 25 Breakfast included talks from Ray Selby, SA1 Swansea Waterfront project director at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Richard Bowles, relationship director at Santander UK Corporate & Commercial.

Speaking at the Swansea Marriott Hotel at Maritime Quarter, Selby discussed in detail progress with the SA1 development, the importance in attracting new business, investment and talent.

He said: “Very much it’s about generating wealth and bringing wealth into Swansea and Wales and we want to be part of that.

“Look at the skills gap, look at the training needs. As long as we’re securing that talent pool in Swansea, that’s important to us. It’s making sure our offer is tailored to business and industry.”

Phase one of construction of the university’s new £300 million SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus got underway yesterday, with the site due to be operational at the start of the academic year in 2018.

UWTSD has invested more than £100 million of its own resources into Swansea over the past five years.

“It’s about unlocking the potential that exists in Swansea and in Wales and it’s all about transformation,” Selby added.

“It’s about creating better learning spaces, having that space to really innovate.

“Get the ideas in from business and industry and see where we can take them.

“The whole of the city can be like SA1.”

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

Phase one of the development - with a budget of £65 million - has already

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Guests gather at the Swansea Marriott Hotel

commenced to create a new facility for the faculty of architecture, computing and engineering, as well as new library facilities.

In addition, the university has made significant investment in SA1 through the purchase of the two Technium buildings, as well as the Cyprium Building, which is home to Admiral Group and a range of private companies.

UWTSD has also signed up with Kier Group for the new S4C headquarters Canolfan S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen.

The building is set to be home to creative and digital media companies from 2018 and support start ups and encourage talent. The university is investing in the building but will not have a presence there.

Bowles said while there was an “acute recognition” that world markets had entered a period of uncertainty due to

recent political and economic events there were many resilient and profitable businesses in the region operating as normal.

He added the depreciation of the pound sterling against the US dollar and, to a lesser extent the Euro, was a “major cause of concern” but the flip side was that interest rates remained at an all-time low.

“The supply of finance to businesses is in pretty rude health, it’s the demand side that’s perhaps a little more challenging,” he said.

Jonathan Roberts, editor of the South Wales Evening Post, added the Fast Track 25 club included a host of impressive companies from across the region.

IT’S ABOUT UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL THAT EXISTS IN SWANSEA AND IN WALES AND IT’S ALL ABOUT TRANSFORMATION,” SELBY ADDED. “IT’S ABOUT CREATING BETTER LEARNING SPACES, HAVING THAT SPACE TO REALLY INNOVATE.

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In Focus

Apprentice winner fills skills gap

Gill Davies, Joseph Valente and Hayley Davies

The Apprentice winner Joseph Valente

TV’s The Apprentice winner urges bosses to fill skills gap Last year’s winner of TV show The Apprentice has called on bosses in South West Wales to recruit more apprentices to tackle the UK’s skills shortage.

Joseph Valente, who secured £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar, spoke to business leaders in Swansea and said employers needed to take responsibility over the skills gap instead of “fighting around” for workers that are already trained.

Valente, 26, who is managing director of plumbing, heating and electrical business ImpraGas, was guest speaker at Swansea Bay Business Club’s October lunch at the Swansea Marriott Hotel, at Maritime Quarter.

“You’ve got a responsibility when you take on an apprentice to give them time, to nurture them, to teach them, to help them to develop because they’re there for training, they’re there to learn from you,” he said.

“That’s an important lesson I learnt as an employer now, with my apprentices.

“It’s all about filling this shortage and skills gap. It’s very, very important and people sometimes look to the Government and look towards places to provide.

“Well actually if we just stand up and take some responsibility and say if we want skilled people in our industries, it starts with us as business owners to start taking on these people and train them.

“We can’t keep fighting around for the ones who are already skilled because we’re running out and we need to bring more people up and without doing that, without

IT’S ALL ABOUT FILLING THIS SHORTAGE AND SKILLS GAP. IT’S VERY, VERY IMPORTANT AND PEOPLE SOMETIMES LOOK TO THE GOVERNMENT AND LOOK TOWARDS PLACES TO PROVIDE. apprenticeships, we’re not going to be able to achieve that - and the Government isn’t going to be able to make some miracle scheme.

“They (the Government) can help fund, but employers need to take responsibility.

We need to take on apprentices and I urge you all really to strongly consider taking them on because they’re going to be a massive thing for everybody.

“Apprentices are the future of our business success.”

Va l e n t e r e c e i v e d L o r d S u g a r ’ s autobiography as a Christmas present in 2011, which inspired him to quit his job, start ImpraGas and later apply for The Apprentice.

He added Lord Sugar and the show had led to “massive exposure” both for him and ImpraGas. It had also improved his contacts book, which now includes top

manufacturers, wholesalers and suppliers, and much improved the company’s cash flow to expand.

Speaking after the event, Hayley Davies, president of Swansea Bay Business Club, said guests were particularly impressed with Mr Valente’s work with youngsters.

He offers mentoring and work place programmes for young people and is trying to advocate change in the national curriculum, so it suits all types of learning.

Davies said: “We have received great feedback from our members who enjoyed hearing from Joseph today.

“Alongside his work commitments, Joseph is also heavily involved with supporting young people, offering oneon-one mentoring sessions, work place programmes and being a voice for change in the way the national curriculum is currently designed, which also proved a popular topic of conversation at the lunch.”

The event was sponsored by GCS Training, the business training arm of Gower College Swansea.

Gill Davies, director of skills and business development at the college, said the value apprentices added to businesses far outweighed their costs.

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THE SOAPBOX What are your views on the new US president-elect and what impact do you think he/she could have on our region’s relationship with the States?

Kevin Green, property developer I respect the fact he’s got to the top. It seems to be an anti US establishment vote that’s helped him win. I feel congress will keep him aligned and we will benefit in the UK through business relationships. He supported Brexit and believes in long term prosperity. I feel he’s going to be good for change worldwide as Trump is not only planning on US unity but worldwide unity.

He’s not as pro-war and conflict as Obama.

I feel he will be a good president for international relationships.

Damien Thomas, managing director, Thomas Design The mixed responses of the US presidential election result was to be expected, I think we can all say. Both Brits and Americans are seeing this as Brexit 2.0. With the UK recently deciding to Brexit and America now having a US President who divides the country, I think it would be in both the UK and America’s best interests to keep as much of a unified relationship with each other as possible to try and sustain current business ventures and opportunities. We need to do what’s best for our economy and make the connections which will help us succeed.

Nick Hardwidge, sales and marketing director, Matthews Confidential Document Shredding Donald Trump’s election should not have surprised anyone. Poverty, unemployment and a fear of uncontrolled immigration all fuelled his journey to the Oval Office. It seems the US have had their Brexit.

Have we already seen a softer side to Trump?

Certainly his victory speech was conciliatory and his reluctance to rip up ObamaCare suggests a more composed president-elect than expected.

The UK’s special relationship with the US will ensure the politicians here will work hard to keep America sweet and as the USA creates so much employment in Wales, they need to.

Sian Timbrell, managing director, Pragmatic HR I think judging from the reaction of the media, the world at large seems to be apprehensive about Donald Trump’s newly appointed position. But that said, he is entrepreneurial and does have a pragmatic business-like approach. One of the bills he campaigned for was the introduction of the pro-family policy.

This is a savvy HR move, and its inception would see deductibility of childcare expenses from income taxes, a child tax credit to accomplish a measure that favours workingclass families, for example a mandatory paid maternity leave, paid for by the government.

Surely, a win for any economic or social policy that Trump signs. Whether or not his tenure is successful, and if indeed it enhances our relationship with the States, only time will tell.

Rod Lloyd, director, Low Cost Vans I think Trump’s election is a protest against the established political system in America. I’m sure he will employ absolutely the best advisors to keep him on the right track and he needs to.

It’s going to be a very interesting time for the whole world. Has Brexit heralded the end of EU, and has Trump’s election heralded the end of NATO? This could be the beginning of a new world order, but as a business man, Trump should bring new skills to the job. Watch this space!

Paul Langley, managing director of foreign exchange company OSTC FX The impact of Trump’s victory will not be fully understood until his policies unfold.

If his maverick approach continues this may cause major fluctuations in currency markets.

US businesses contribute 40 per cent of investment and employ around 50,000 people in Wales.

The US export market is valued at about £3.8 billion to Welsh businesses. And while there is confidence in the US economy and trade deals with the UK, if there is a downturn in the US economy we could see exports and jobs reduce.

It’s vital that companies review strategies to manage currency exposure over the coming months.

To be involved in next issue’s The Soapbox contact the editor, Chris Campbell: chris.campbell@swwmedia.co.uk 01792 545564

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11/25/2016 6:34:04 PM

In Focus

Women in Business Awards 2016

Credit: Hoosh Arabi, www.haphotos.co.uk

Leanne Wood addresses guests at the 2016 Women In Business Awards

Championing success Inspirational women have been celebrated at the annual Women in Business Awards, which were held at the Swansea Marriott Hotel and run by Swansea Bay Business Life, the Evening Post and sponsored by Bevan & Buckland.

More than 200 professionals from across the region gathered to mark the success at the Evening Post Swansea Bay Business Life Women in Business Awards 2016.

The awards, now in their seventh year, are held annually to recognise the hard work undertaken by female entrepreneurs in the region in variety of categories including mentoring, innovation, growth and expansion.

New businesses or start-ups were also recognised, as were family businesses, and businesses that are eco-friendly.

Sponsored by chartered accountants Bevan & Buckland, the event included speeches from Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood and retired chief constable Dr Barbara Wilding.

Ten winners took home awards this afternoon, including Alison Orrells, who was named as the 2016 Woman of the Year for her work with the company she has been a part of for 18 years, The Safety Letterbox Company, based in Neath.

Speaking of her win, Alison said: “I’m overwhelmed. Because I’m in a room with such talent, and so many amazing women doing amazing things every day, it’s really great to be recognised. We don’t often given ourselves pats on the back.

“I give 110 per cent every day and so do my team, and it’s so great for all of us to feel that we’ve got some recognition for that so I’m really delighted.”

She also gave advice to women looking to set up their own businesses.

“I’m working with a couple of organisations who are helping young women get set up as young entrepreneurs and taking steps into careers that may not be the norm. I’m really passionate about trying to encourage them to do that,” she said.

“There are amazing people to inspire you in this area and don’t let anyone ever tell you know. Just have self-belief and go for it.”

Judges for the awards praised the talent of this year’s entries.

The five-strong panel spent hours deliberating the winners and finalists across 11 award categories.

The judges included retired businesswoman Jill Burgess, who is an advisory member of several key organisations in the Swansea

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Lisa Cameron speaks at the 2016 Women In Business Awards

Bay region; Alex Shufflebottom, director of Shufflebottom Ltd, who won Woman of the Year at the 2015 awards; Hayley Davies, president of Swansea Bay Business Club and director and CEO at JCP Solicitors; Lisa Cameron, commercial director at South West Wales Media; and Business Life editor Chris Campbell.

“It was a formidable task but a joy to see the strength and high number of entries,” Campbell said.

“Each judge appreciated the level of skill and talent attributed to nominees and the journey it has taken many individuals to get where they have.

“There is a huge amount to be proud of in the Swansea Bay region and our Women in Business Awards highlight this.”

Categories included Woman of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Growth and Expansion Award, New Business Start-up of the Year, Professional Woman of the Year, Innovation in Business Award, Mentor of theYear Award, Family Business of the Year, Green Award, Ambassador Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

To see more pictures from the night, turn to page 148.

THERE IS A HUGE AMOUNT TO BE PROUD OF IN THE SWANSEA BAY REGION AND OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS HIGHLIGHT THIS.

Dr Barbara Wilding at the 2016 Women In Business Awards

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In Focus

Women in Business Awards 2016

Mentor of the Year

Family Business of the Year

Rising Star

Winner: Marianne Pettifor, Frogmore Consulting

Winner: Annabel Denty, Coakley-Greene

Winner: Victoria Allison, The Training and Learning Company

Highly commended: Claire Goldsworthy, JCP Solicitors; Joy Ogeh-Hutfield, Joy Transformation

Highly commended: Jayne Gethin, ServiceMaster Clean Swansea & SW Wales; Juliet Luporini; Kardomah CafĂŠ

Highly commended: Sarah John, Boss Brewing; Kelly Philips and Charlotte Evans; Tree Tops Day Nursery/Gower Play

Professional Woman of the Year

New Business of the Year

Innovation in Business

Winner: Shakira Joyner, HCHR

Winner: Michelle Beer and Jennifer Foster, World Dynamic Leaders

Winner: Kylie Hearne, Stardust Boutique

Highly commended: Emma Wilkins, The Welsh Business Shows; Danni Watts-Jones, DWJ Wealth Management

Highly commended: Gemma Brown, Willows of Mumbles; Angela Windsor, Print Inc

Highly commended: Katharine Partner, Rock the Dragon; Katie Norbury; The Bridge Llangennech

Lifetime Achievement Winner: June Jones, Rowberrys Highly commended: Marianne Pettifor, Frogmore Consulting; Rosemary Morgan, Morgan La Roche Solicitors

Green Award Winner: Jayne Hall-Edwards, PECS Ltd

Growth and Expansion

Highly commended: Karen John, Glasstech

Winner: Alison Orrells, The Safety Letterbox Company

Ambassador of the Year

Highly commended: Emma Morgan, Tiny Toes Ballet; Rachel Wheatley, Waters Creative

Highly commended: Lynne Kettles, Solo Fashion; Alison Orrells, The Safety Letterbox Company

Winner: Connie Parry, Tomos Watkin

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Women in Business Awards 2016

In Focus

Women in Business

Alison Orrells won Women of the Year 2016

Victoria Allison, centre right, picked up Rising Star Shakira Joyner, who won Professional Woman Of The Year, with her award swanseabaybusiness.com 29

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BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 30

11/27/2016 11:47:30 PM

Start Ups Going, going, gone...

How one retired police chief swapped law and order for a key role at John Pye – Europe’s largest commercial auction house

Start ups is sponsored by

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THE CAN-DO ATTITUDE OF THE COMPANY IS SIMILAR TO THE POLICE, BUT IT HASN’T GOT THE BUREAUCRATIC RESTRAINTS – JOHN PYE AUCTIONS IS FAR MORE ADAPTABLE.

Noel Mulready, accociate director and site manager; James Barry, sales room manager; Jamie Claydon, site manager; Phil Davies, business development manager; and Mike Kelly, sales room supervisor at John Pye Auctions, Kenfig Industrial Estate.

Going, going, gone…

How one retired police chief swapped law and order for a key role at John Pye – Europe’s largest commercial auction house Life and death drama. Tension, secrecy and meticulous planning. One minute Phil Davies was chief superintendent of South Wales Police, dealing with the likes of the CIA and overseeing security for events like the 2014 NATO conference in Cardiff.

Fast forward two years, and now he’s helping to lead the business development charge for John Pye Auctions – the UK’s fastest growing independent commercial auction house.

Er, chalk? Cheese?

Pretty much, says the former cop.

“The buzz about being in the police and dealing with critical life and death situations – nothing’s going to replace that. The experience of dealing with things like that is massive and tests you in every way possible,” Davies said.

“But this is a different challenge – it’s an incredibly exciting opportunity for the local area – it truly is exciting because I can see it opening up great benefits for the region, especially in places like Port Talbot where they have had all that uncertainty over the steelworks.”

So, why Davies, and why now?

“I was approached by Adam Pye, managing director of John Pye Auctions,” he said.“They had done a lot of homework on me…They were looking for someone with good connections in South Wales, with an empathy for how things work here – someone in a position to help and organise the development of a new site in the area.”

Davies certainly ticked all the boxes and he accepted the offer, which places him at the heart of the firm’s visionary and ambitious plan to develop Europe’s biggest indoor auction house.

Housed in a 14-acre site, the bargain hunter’s paradise will spread across 315,000 sq ft in Kenfig Industrial Estate, Margam, Port Talbot.

“The last six months for me have been a whirlwind learning the business, taking my experience from 30 years with the police and using it in a very different environment,” Davies added.

“It has been a quantum leap. But I like the challenge. John Pye is a very dynamic

company and I’ve had to adapt my management style.

“The can-do attitude of the company is similar to the police, but it hasn’t got the bureaucratic restraints – John Pye Auctions is far more adaptable.

“It has a family business ethos – it’s very keen to support local initiatives and has very active CSR.” John Pye Auctions was crowned Asset Valuer/Auctioneer of the Year at the 2016 TRI (Turnaround, Restructuring & Insolvency) Awards in London in October and back in 2014 it won Fastest Growing Family Business in The Midlands Family Business Awards. The company is also shortlisted in this year’s Amazon Growing Business Awards.

So, what will this auction site extraordinaire actually sell?

“John Pye sells everything and anything apart from livestock,” Davies explained, serving up a potted history…“It’s a family company that was established over 40 years ago. It has grown rapidly over the past five years due to online auctions –

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Going, going, gone...

Start Ups

At a glance...

About Phil Davies Who is he? Former chief superintendent in charge of Swansea Neath Port Talbot Police Force And now? Business development manager, organiser, networker – helping John Pye commercial auction giant set up Europe’s largest auction site in Swansea Career highlights? Joined the Metropolitan Police in 1984, during the time of civil unrest in the capital.

Transferred to South Wales Police in 1994. Spent 20 years in various roles in CID including leading murder investigations. Retired in 2015, and in 2016, joined John Pye. Any heroes? “Muhammad Ali. What he’s done, where he’s come from. He was a charismatic leader.

He made mistakes yet he remained an inspiring and intriguing figure.”

Phil Davies, business development manager and Noel Mulready, associate director and site manager at John Pye Auctions.

they now do 600 online auctions a year.

They have various different elements to their company. Furniture, clothing, electrical goods, retail, luxury, jewellery, watches. They’ll also be doing vehicles too.

“The business model involves them getting stock from various well-known high street retailers, who provide end of line stock.

“One of John Pye’s biggest liquidations was Phones 4 U in 2014 – it generated lots of international interest.

“It’s the kind of place you go in looking for something and you come out with something else. It’s a business model where everyone wins – everyone’s getting something out of that, including a bargain.

“There won’t be a reserve price. If an iPad sells for £5 it sells for £5.”

The concept of the flagship site is very much the brainchild of managing director, Adam Pye, explained Davies, who thinks it will kick-start a huge awareness boost for the brand in Wales.

“They saw there was a hole in the market in Wales and they didn’t have a site here.

“I think there’s going to be a huge rise in awareness about John Pye when other

businesses, local contractors, distribution companies tap into what it offers – that’s essentially what has happened in other parts of the country when a centre has opened.”

Alongside his role helping to streamline the process of launching the new site, Davies is busy building recruitment pipelines via local connections and agencies as he starts to think about new staff.

“The workforce they have are very loyal and trustworthy, and incentives include a staff bonus scheme,” he said.

“Any staff joining get a chance of real career progression – the majority of the managers have started as porters and have worked their way through all levels.

“Interestingly, if John Pye sees something they need or there’s a missing link within the company, they will go and get that person and they are quite dynamic in how they do it.

“We have an experienced operations manager, Noel Mulready, coming from our west London site to run the centre.

“And I’m looking to recruit – there are living wage jobs, but the big selling point

is that John Pye doesn’t offer zero hours contracts, they have good staff bonus schemes and they certainly look after their staff.”

So, from the man who had to let the Americans down gently during planning for the NATO conference (No, you can’t close the M4 for three days!) …what’s his take on the most important characteristic for a leader?

“Resilience. You’ve got to be resilient to be a leader because you’ve got to be in a position to work long hours, always be professional, take the blows (and they will come as a leader) and you’ve got to have the ability to bounce back.

“I’ve actually learned more from people who I didn’t think did a good job.

“I haven’t been frightened to make mistakes, and I suppose I’ve been a lifelong student of leadership and how it works. Even now I look at people and think about what works and what doesn’t work.

“That’s why it has been interesting for me, because I’ve had to change my leadership style to adapt to the company ethos as well.”

Phil Davies

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Start Ups Award-winning furniture

I CONDUCT THIS WORKSHOP IN NUMEROUS SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND THE REPUTATION KEEPS GROWING.

At a glance...

About Jamie Denyer

Jamie Denyer

Everyone needs a helping hand First he ran a charity organising free house renovations, then he became a leading anti-violence campaigner.

Now he’s started a business to help people with public inspiration. Here, BUSINESS LIFE talks to TEDx speaker Jamie Denyer.

Jamie Denyer wears lots of hats – mostly of the baseball variety, worn backwards.

They call him the grief preacher but beyond the grief, Denyer is all about hope and inspiration.

The Swansea-based former plasterer was first catapulted onto the motivational speaking circuit via a family tragedy.

In 2012, Denyer’s 19-year-old nephew Connor was killed by a single punch in Brighton. Six months later, TEDx acclaimed speaker Denyer started his ‘One Punch Can Kill’ campaign – which has been voted the best in the world, and takes him all over the UK. “I conduct this workshop in numerous schools, colleges and universities, and the reputation keeps growing,” Denyer said.

Alongside this, he conducts inspirational/ motivational talks across a wide range of sectors and establishments.

Now, Denyer has taken things to a new level – and launched a mentoring service, called the Helping Hand Speaking Academy.

He said: “The Helping Hand Speaking Academy aims to help business owners, employees, budding public speakers and youths to become more accomplished and more confident speakers.”

The gutsy 39-year old always had a drive for using his talents to help others. A plasterer since the age of 13 (well, in the summer holidays anyway), he went on to make a good living from his trade. When life’s twists and turns landed him in Wales, he set up Etseth, a charity organising free house renovations for people who couldn’t afford them, for health or income reasons.

After an emotional divorce, Denyer met a Swansea girl and moved there in 2008.

“The credit crunch and recession meant I walked away from a £250,000 home with just £1,500 – I had to get a personal loan to be my credit,” he said.

“I had a mortgage to pay, loan to pay, bills to pay – going self-employed at a very uncertain time, my friends and family thought I was insane!

“At that time, there was so much doom and gloom – I thought about what I could do to support a bit of positivity.

“When I saw the DIY SOS programme on TV I realised I could use my practical skills and talents, so I phoned the South Wales Evening Post and I offered deserving people a chance to have a room plastered.

Who is he? Public speaker in schools, colleges, universities, youth clubs, youth offender institutes, prisons and corporate events Any good? He’s a TEDx acclaimed speaker, a Welsh government youth role model, and his international anti-violence workshops are regarded as world-leading Busy with right now? Helping Hand Speaking Academy – one stream of his work with registered charity, Connor’s Helping Hand.

Find out more? www.helpinghandspeaking academy.com

“After the publicity, other tradespeople saw what I was doing, and the scope grew, and in the end we could offer a complete room makeover, and had a local builders merchant supplying materials.”

Denyer won the good neighbour prize at the Evening Post’s Pride Awards in 2010 for his work, and a shower of radio and magazine interviews ensued. He even did a pilot TV programme with BBC Wales that was aired on BBC 2. “They offered us a series but I declined because it seemed to be less about the people,” he said.

“I had a website built for free, people could nominate someone. A lot of the time there was a real surprise factor – young people with cancer, cerebral palsy, low income families, teenage parents – it restored the faith of a lot of people.”

This was the shape of Denyer’s life before the tragic death of his nephew Connor – the event that re-directed his life.

Like other business heroes, Denyer has founded a successful business on his passion. In his case, his passion comes from his commitment to fight for his nephew’s life not to have been in vain.

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Start Ups Award-winning furniture

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

Jo Clapham-Jones with her creations

Sales balloon for bespoke venture

Reducing energy bills...

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are timeless children’s favourites and are top sellers for a South West Wales balloon company.

Hendy-based Mrs Balloons makes bespoke designs for all occasions, including life size cartoon characters and themed creations.

Owner Jo Clapham-Jones started the business last July after spotting a gap in the market. She has since supplied balloons to events at the Liberty Stadium, Parc y Scarlets, WHSmith and Neath-based Hale Construction.

“There was nothing I could see locally or in Wales of anyone doing anything similar,” she said.

“Last weekend I had an engagement party, a hen party and then a Christening.

“I build balloons during the week. I go to the venue and set them up so they look perfect.”

Creating the balloons at home, Clapham-Jones now hopes to open her own shop in or near Pontarddulais by the latter part of next year and to increase the number of commercial event bookings.

She added: “I would like to have my own shop Pontarddulais way. But it’s got to be the right premises for the business, for footfall so people can come in and see what can be done.”

A total of 70 per cent of Mrs Balloons’ trade is children’s parties and 30 per cent corporate events. She created around 500 balloons for a Hale Construction event at The Orangery at Margam Park in Port Talbot, including 250 helium balloons that were on a fishing wire and had weights, with raffle tickets inside.

Other designs have included a 6ft inflatable champagne bottle for a party at the Liberty Stadium. Also, on separate occasions; a large unicorn, a Toyota iQ car, Peter Rabbit, Halloween

We’ve heard news of the UK Government’s decision to delay the final report on its review into tidal lagoons in the UK. As disappointing as this is, thinking positively, it’s an opportunity to re-state the opportunities posed by the project which has been proposed for the Swansea Bay region.

At a time of uncertainty for business, a project of this scale can potentially have a huge impact in boosting local business confidence, making a statement of the UK Government’s determination to support infrastructure and stimulate business growth. The Federation of Small Businesses has always been clear that the lagoon could play a massive part in the ongoing regeneration of the City Region and really put us on the map.

Crucially though, leading edge projects like this have the potential not only to create significant local supply chain opportunities for established small and medium-sized enterprises but also create the spark for new enterprises to be established. These large projects often drive innovation and have the potential to create new partnerships with universities – something we’re well-placed to capitalise on here in Swansea.

So while the delay is perhaps frustrating, it’s a chance to re-kindle the conversation about how we want to capitalise on this project within our local economy should it be given the green light. Also, how we use it in the most effective way to provide a stimulus for new businesses to be born, existing businesses to grow and be prosperous and our region to be given a significant opportunity for further regeneration.

themed Mickey and Minnie Mouse – who top her list of most in demand characters – a life size wedding dress, which was built around a mannequin, a mermaid and an octopus.

New build designs can take between one and four hours to make. ClaphamJones, who is a member of the premier trade organisation for the UK balloon and party industry, BAPIA, uses latex balloons from manufacturer Qualatex, which she says are the best quality.

The balloons are insured and she uses a spray so the balloons hold their colour. Some have been created to have notes inside, such as telling children they were going to Disney World.

Clapham-Jones had planned to set up the venture three years ago, but it was the recovery after a major operation that spurred her on to make the move last year.

Her daughter Abi, 28, has also set up a balloon business, called Balloonafull, in Bristol. The pair have worked together to help expand.

Clapham-Jones, who previously worked as a team leader in call centres in Swansea for nearly 16 years, has been taking Christmas bookings since July this year. She said festive designs such as reindeers, Father Christmas, Christmas trees were particularly popular.

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Advertisement FeAture

Business Wales Launches ‘everyday entrepreneur’ Campaign to Highlight expert support Available to Welsh Businesses Business Wales, the Welsh Government’s business support service that assists aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, has launched a new campaign this autumn to highlight how the expert support they provide can help ‘Everyday Entrepreneurs’ achieve their ambitions and grow their businesses.

With regional Business Wales hubs across the country, more businesses and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to get in touch with the service to get the tailored support they need to grow and expand, just like Llanelli-based high quality design studio, Coast Bathrooms and Kitchens.

to use their exclusive ranges as part of their overall design services.

After the initial discussions, Jan and Melanie began working with Business Wales in April 2015 and completed a series of workshops and gained one-to-one advice with a dedicated business advisor. Both partners decided to leave their jobs in the summer and picked up the keys to their high street premises on August 1st 2015. It took two months to completely redecorate the studio in time for their opening on October 9th 2015.

The idea for the business was originally raised in January 2015 when discussions began between the partners, Jan Miles and Melanie Edwards, to combine their 40 years of industry experience to target a gap in the local market to provide up-market kitchen and bathroom design services.

Speaking about Business Wales, Melanie said: “They were marvellous and easy to understand, keeping things simple and taking us through issues step by step. We couldn’t have written the business plan without this support – we knew the answers but struggled to translate our thoughts into a cohesive plan. I would definitely recommend the experience to others thinking about setting up their own business.”

Since opening the business they have gone from strength to strength, exceeding their predicted turnover and profit figures and recently employing a new Welsh designer with plans to take on two additional part-time staff.

They have also recently secured an agreement with the top global bathroom brand, Pelipal,

Ellie Fry, National Manager at Business Wales, said: “Small and medium sized enterprises are the heart and soul of the Welsh economy and through Business Wales, we are providing a dedicated support programme that helps facilitate sustainable business growth throughout Wales.

“Business Wales operates on the premise that every small to medium enterprise has a unique set of challenges and goals, and we have an excellent team of dedicated advisors who can offer a wide-range of support to our clients. Whether it’s supporting the creation of a detailed business plan, securing financial assistance to develop the business, exploring new opportunities for expansion or developing and empowering their staff, our team can provide the advice and information needed to support businesses to achieve their ambitions.

“Our services are free to use and a key message we want to share through our ‘Everyday Entrepreneurs’ campaign is that Business Wales is on hand to offer support to individuals and businesses that need assistance across Wales.”

Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, supports the sustainable growth of small and medium size enterprises across the country by offering access to information, guidance and business support.

Yn cefnogi busnesau Cymru Supporting businesses in Wales

Roedd Busnes Cymru yn ardderchog ac yn hawdd eu deall, gan ein tywys drwy faterion fesul cam.

Melanie Edwards, Coast Bathrooms & Kitchens

Business Wales were marvellous and easy to understand, taking us through issues step by step.

Melanie Edwards, Coast Bathrooms & Kitchens

03000 6 03000 busnescymru.llyw.cymru/entrepreneur-bob-dydd businesswales.gov.wales/everyday-entrepreneur ©NM

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 36

11/27/2016 11:47:48 PM

Our Region Chocolate factory wins tourism and leisure award

Staff at a small artisan chocolate company and factory in Pembrokeshire are celebrating after winning a national award

PEMBROKESHIRE CARMARTHENSHIRE

SWANSEA NEATH PORT TALBOT

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Our Region

Pembrokeshire

Husband and wife duo Mark and Karen Owen, of Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, at the Wales Start-Up Awards.

pembrokeshire

Chocolate factory wins tourism and leisure award Staff at a small artisan chocolate company and factory in Pembrokeshire are celebrating after winning a national award.

Husband and wife duo Mark and Karen Owen, of Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, picked up the Tourism and Leisure StartUp of the Year 2016 category at the Wales Start-Up Awards.

The chocolate maker, based in Haverfordwest, was shortlisted for three awards and came away with the prized gong.

Mark, chief taster at Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, said: “We’re ecstatic to have come away from the Wales Start-Up awards with Tourism and Leisure StartUp of the Year. It’s a huge endorsement for our whole team and we’re honoured to have been selected as the national winner.

“We love what we do, we couldn’t imagine our lives any other way now, and we’re excited to continue making wicked but delicious chocolates for our customers all over the UK. We’ll definitely

be celebrating this with all our customers and supporters, so stay tuned and watch this space.”

The company also offers days out for families, allowing visitors to take part in hands-on demonstrations, as well as make their own treats within the chocolate experience centre too.

Karen, chief flavour maker at Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, added: “Having grown up in Pembrokeshire and worked in its busy tourism and leisure industry many years ago, I feel so proud that Wickedly Welsh Chocolate can bring this tourism and leisure award home to Pembrokeshire.

Our whole team works so hard and this is a real team achievement.”

The team entered two award categories - Food and Drink Start-Up of the Year and Tourism and Leisure Start-Up of the Year.

The judging panel also put them forward

WE LOVE WHAT WE DO, WE COULDN’T IMAGINE OUR LIVES ANY OTHER WAY NOW, AND WE’RE EXCITED TO CONTINUE MAKING WICKED BUT DELICIOUS CHOCOLATES FOR OUR CUSTOMERS ALL OVER THE UK.

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

Invest in existing strengths

for the Swansea Bay City Region Business Start-Up of the Year’.

The Wales Start-Up Awards, which took place at the Depot in Cardiff, focus entirely on local start-ups, celebrating their successes and contributions to the local economy.

Other companies in the region to win awards included Swansea-based Fabric Social Enterprise, which won the Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year category and Swansea-based tech firm Veeqo, which won Technology Start-Up of the Year and Swansea Bay City Region Business Start-Up of the Year.

HAVING GROWN UP IN PEMBROKESHIRE AND WORKED IN ITS BUSY TOURISM AND LEISURE INDUSTRY MANY YEARS AGO, I FEEL SO PROUD THAT WICKEDLY WELSH CHOCOLATE CAN BRING THIS TOURISM AND LEISURE AWARD HOME TO PEMBROKESHIRE.

Market failures, new governments, Brexit, Trump - change, constant change, and from all sides at that. How does business react?

How can the local economy survive?

By understanding the market, strategic planning, having effective support mechanisms and a high degree of flexibility - stuff happens and quick responses are often required.

What sort of changes then? Well some are sectoral, some are political and others often initiated by politics are wider and more global.

Thus locally the failure of Mainport Engineering threatened the supply chain of the oil and gas sector based in the county and Valero acted promptly and laudably to secure their interests – and provide significant succour to many of those affected, by ensuring many of the highly qualified staff were taken on by another company and, most importantly for the future, that the apprentices were also transferred.

Within the context of new government but also a post-Brexit world, Welsh Government consulted on where its priorities should be directed to sustain and develop the economy. The Pembrokeshire Business Panel’s response clearly identified the need to improve transport and ICT infrastructure; simplify the structures of business support programmes and projects; and in the short term invest in existing strengths such as engineering, tourism and agriculture.

The panel also stated that personal or corporation taxes should not be changed and expressed concern about the increasing divergence of growth between Cardiff and the rest of Wales.

Wider afield, and more recently of course, we have the election of Donald Trump. The impact on the Pembrokeshire economy of this – well who knows?

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Our Region

Pembrokeshire

From left, Good Spa Guide editor Caitlin Dalton, St Brides Spa manager Hefina Rees, St Brides Spa therapist Hayley Williams, St Brides Spa therapist Stacey Farmer and Sara Last from Aromatherapy Associates

pembrokeshire Hotel wins two best spa gongs An established hotel in Saundersfoot has been awarded best spa in Wales and in the UK at separate events in just two days.

St Brides Spa Hotel was awarded Best Spa in Wales at the national annual Good Spa Guide Awards 2016.

The venue also won Pampered Guest - Best Spa from Best Loved Hotels at a glittering UK awards ceremony.

Andrew Evans, owner of St Brides Spa Hotel, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to receive two prestigious awards in two days, a well-deserved recognition for our fantastic team.”

The Good Spa Guide uses its bubble system to indicate its verdict on each spa it visits.

Following its visit to St Brides Spa Hotel, the guide presented their top bubble rating of 5 bubbles. It said: “The jewel

in St Bride’s crown really is the infinity hydro-pool. The warm outdoor salt pool overlooks the stunning coast. It almost feels like there is nothing separating you from the ocean below. The spa is a great size and the treatment was exemplary.

The guide assesses hundreds of spas each year on 80 different aspects from design and maintenance to customer service and of course the standard of facilities and treatments. The gala award dinner was held in Telford.

Meanwhile, Best Loved Hotels comprises a collection of more than 200 hand-picked independent hotels throughout Britain and Ireland.

The Best Loved Hotel Awards celebrate excellence across a variety of categories throughout their prestigious portfolio of properties. The awards are voted for by

IT IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC TO RECEIVE TWO PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS IN TWO DAYS, A WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION FOR OUR FANTASTIC TEAM. Best Loved customers who have stayed and experienced ‘best in class’ stays.

St Brides Spa Hotel is a luxury destination escape retreat, with breath taking views overlooking Saundersfoot and Carmarthen Bay. The award winning Marine Spa at St Brides Spa Hotel, which overlooks Saundersfoot and Carmarthen Bay, offers guests a range of treatments. It includes an infinity edged hydrotherapy offering views of Saundersfoot.

A new relaxation area was created in the spa earlier this year. The hotel’s new Cliff Restaurant will re-open in December following an extensive refurbishment and extension.

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Our Region

Business Awards

THE EVENT WAS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE CONTRIBUTION OF LOCAL BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE REGION.

Dr Paul Thomas

‘Business doctor’ to speak at West Wales Business Awards An academic who has spent years consulting overseas in Asia and parts of Europe will be the guest speaker at a major business event.

Dr Paul Thomas, who has experience of managing companies in both private and public services, will address the audience at the West Wales Business Awards.

The Carmarthen Journal and its sister title the Llanelli Star are gearing up to hold the ceremony at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli on January 20.

Thomas is the leader and founder of research and collaboration organisations, DNA Global Solutions and the Institute of Social Innovation, Creativity and Change.

DNA Global Solutions involves critical academics from universities around the world and business executives seeking alternative ways for sustainable business.

Thomas was the presenter of BBC Radio Wales series The Business Doctor aimed

at changing the mind-set of business and placing organisational sustainability through the empowerment of frontline staff.

Categories for the West Wales Business Awards include Agricultural, Manufacturing (Large – 250 employees plus), Manufacturing (SME — under 250 staff), Retail, Services, Tourism & Leisure, Training & Development, Construction, Small Business, Food & Drink and Overall Winner.

The awards, for the second year in a row, are sponsored by The University of Wales Trinity Saint David Group (UWTSD), which includes Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.

P ro f e s s o r M e dw i n H u g h e s , v i c e chancellor at UWTSD said the event

was an “excellent opportunity” to acknowledge the contribution of local businesses and individuals in the region.

Once again our expert panel will pour over all the entries before deciding on the shortlist for each category.

The 2017 glittering black tie event will highlight those firms and businesses which have excelled to success over the past 12 months.

Tickets for the event cost £60. Guests are to arrive at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

For more information call 01792 545518 or email Events@swwmedia.co.uk

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Carmarthenshire Our Region

Expert opinion with Emlyn Dole, leader of Carmarthenshire County Council

CARMARTHENSHIRE

Restoring to former glory...

Perhaps it’s not said often enough, but Carmarthenshire really does have a strong and thriving export business base. This is particularly so in the manufacturing industries, especially in the automotive sector. Indeed, Welsh products are very much in demand across the world, and many of our exported products are considered to be of a superior quality across all manufacturing dimensions including design, technologies and innovation.

Carmarthenshire has a good blend of indigenous and internationally owned exporters.

Among the home grown companies we can boast TES Engineering, Daniels Fans, Corgi Hosiery, Altron, Haydale and LSN Diffusion to name a few. Calsonic, Gestamp, Tata, Schaeffler, Mitsui and Pullmaflex are just some of the international renowned companies that are based in the county.

Of course, in order for manufacturing industry to thrive, the trading conditions and the general business environment need to be right and there are factors that are completely out of our hands such as the exchange rates, tariffs, commodity prices and access to markets. They all have an impact on a company’s ability to export.

It’s too early at this stage to make a judgement on the effect that our departure from the European Union will have. In the meantime we have to persevere as a council and ensure that we do everything in our power to ensure that businesses thrive. For instance, it’s important that there are sites available, such as the Cross Hands East Strategic Employment Site, which has suitable premises and general infrastructure that companies need. Situated within the Cross Hands Growth Zone, it is a key component in the county’s regeneration plans for the next five years. Geographically and commercially well placed, Cross Hands is at the very heart of Carmarthenshire and is a key conurbation within the Swansea Bay City Region. Cross Hands East is a dedicated strategic employment site located at the axis of the county, perfectly placed on the A48/M4 road network.

Exports, in an economic sense, are good for the nation and for our county. They directly add to the GVA of the economy – a key driver under the Swansea Bay City Region strategy is to increase the GVA of the region. Whatever Brexit might throw at us, Carmarthenshire County Council is putting the components in place for businesses to prosper and for exports to grow.

Ian Morgan, managing director of Morganstone.

Firm invests as fleet builds Construction company Morganstone has invested £400,000 in new machinery and vans for its civil engineering division.

The move takes the Llanelliheadquartered firm’s van fleet up to 46 vehicles and also includes a new JCB telehandler, JCB swivel dumpers and Hitachi excavators.

They are already seeing action across the company’s current development sites across Ca r ma r thenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Cardiff.

Ian Morgan, managing director at Morganstone, said: “The last couple of years have seen a period of sustained growth for Morganstone and we are immensely proud of the work we are carrying out to deliver high quality developments in the residential, commercial, care and education sectors.

“One of our highest priorities is to constantly invest in the business to ensure this continued growth.”

Morganstone, established in 2008, was last year placed second on the renowned Fast Growth 50 index of the fastest companies in Wales.

The firm’s turnover is expected to reach £25 million this year thanks to a number of large contracts within the care, extra care, health and education sectors. The company now employs more than 100 people.

It delivers developments for public sector organisations, private developers and residential landlords – frequently with not-for-profit social care providers – across Wales and south England.

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Our Region

Carmarthenshire

Managing director Hywel Ifans, left, and director Steven Mason.

IT firm recognised at awards An IT and telephone company in Newcastle Emlyn has been recognised at a national awards ceremony.

BCC IT took top spot in the ‘Business Services – Business of the Year’ category in the South Wales Business Awards 2016.

The event, in Cowbridge, was hosted by Wesley Skene of Wesley Skene Marketing and presented by television and radio presenter Sara Edwards.

BCC IT was celebrated for the business services it provides to hundreds of businesses and organisations across Wales.

Hywel Ifans, managing director of BCC IT, said the team was “extremely proud”.

“We are the IT lifeline to the running of many businesses in the community, keeping them connected and operational,” he said.

The firm has built up a diverse client portfolio from estate agents to local authorities, solicitors to travel agents, garages to dentists, and charities to manufacturing plants.

It is considered to be the key strategic IT partner to organisations such as the Wales Cooperative Centre, Hafan Cymru and John Francis Estate Agents.

This was the company’s third award in 2016. It was recognised at the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star’s third West Wales

WE ARE THE IT LIFELINE TO THE RUNNING OF MANY BUSINESSES IN THE COMMUNITY, KEEPING THEM CONNECTED AND OPERATIONAL Business Awards in January, where it won the ‘Services’ category.

The firm also picked up the ‘Technology’ award at the inaugural Carmarthenshire Means Business Awards, recognising it as a top Carmarthenshire technology company.

TV producer makes top sales list Film and TV programme producer Tinopolis has been included on the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table.

The firm, headquartered in Llanelli, produces TV favourites such as Robot Wars, Ninja Warriers and Hell’s Kitchen for international broadcasters including BBC, NBC, Fox and BT Sport.

It rose 33 places on the table, to rank at number 114 on the annual list, which was compiled for the 12th year by Oxford-based research and networking events company Fast Track.

Tinopolis, which is the only Welsh headquartered firm on the list, reported sales of £206 million, profits of £18 million, and employs more than 600 people.

Alistair Wardell, partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP, the title sponsor of the league table, praised the companies included for their performance.

He said: “In the wake of the EU referendum it is more important than ever that businesses, and the public and the third sectors work together to help the UK to build on its strengths and ensure that the economy continues to grow.

“I am heartened to see how these businesses are embracing a collaborative approach to drive prosperity throughout the UK and wider society.”

Tinopolis also provided live coverage of the Paralympics for Channel 4 and makes programmes for brands such as Heineken, Nike and Gillette.

It appears with businesses from around the UK, including Arsenal, Barbour, Dr Martens, Nando’s, Skyscanner and Wagamama.

The list complements the Top Track 100, published in July, which features Britain’s biggest private companies. It ranks the next 250-biggest companies by sales.

The 250 companies grew combined sales by 14 per cent to £58.1 billion, operating profits by 26 per cent to £4.9 billion, and staff by 11 per cent to 354,000.

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FFYRDD CYSYLLTIEDIG Â CHWEDLAU I DDENU MWY O DWRISTIAID YN 2017 Mae De-orllewin Cymru yn gartref i lu o draethau, dyffrynnoedd a gweithgareddau, ond ceir yma hefyd gyfoeth o fythau, chwedlau a llên gwerin! O dan arweiniad Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin, roedd partneriaeth a oedd yn cynnwys Cynghorau Sir Benfro, Abertawe, a Chastell-nedd Port Talbot, tair Cymdeithas Dwristiaeth, a Pharc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro yn llwyddiannus o ran cais i Lywodraeth Cymru am gymorth drwy’r Gronfa Ymgysylltu Twristiaeth Ranbarthol, er mwyn sicrhau bod y Rhanbarth mewn sefyllfa gref i elwa ar ymgyrch hyrwyddo genedlaethol ‘Blwyddyn Chwedlau’ yn 2017. Mae De-orllewin Cymru eisoes yn un o brif gyrchfannau’r DU i dwristiaid, ac mae’r sector yn cyfrannu mwy nag £1.1 biliwn i’r economi leol, a thrwy gronni adnoddau nod y prosiect yw cynyddu ymhellach ymwybyddiaeth o’r Rhanbarth a’r mwynhad y caiff pobl ohono. Dyma’r tri phrif weithgaredd: • Ymchwilio i lwybrau newydd a’u llunio megis y Daith Cerrig Beddi, O Gawl i Gawl, a Theithiau Beicio Chwedlonol gyda fideos a delweddau newydd ynghyd â chynhyrchu map 3D digidol rhyngweithiol o’r awyr o’r teithiau cerdded “chwedlonol”. Ymhlith y set integredig o gamau hyrwyddo y mae targedu newyddiaduron rhyngwladol ac o’r DU drwy Gysylltiadau Cyhoeddus yn ogystal ag ymgyrch ar-lein ac ymgyrch argraffedig gyda phartner trydydd

parti mewn dinasoedd allweddol sydd o fewn 2 awr a hanner mewn car, megis Bryste a Birmingham.

• Ffurfio ac yna hyrwyddo taith “Cestyll a Gerddi” newydd i drefnwyr mewn porthladdoedd, gweithredwyr teithiau, tywyswyr teithiau, a gweithredwyr mordeithiau • Hyrwyddo’r sector Antur Gweithgareddau yn yr Arddangosfa Gweithgareddau Awyr Agored Ryngwladol yn Llundain Bydd ymgyrch “Blwyddyn Chwedlau” yn parhau i godi proffil yr hyn sydd gan Gymru i’w gynnig o ran twristiaeth a’i nod yw denu hyd yn oed rhagor o ymwelwyr i Gymru yn 2017. Anogir darparwyr twristiaeth ledled y rhanbarth i greu profiadau neu greu thema ar gyfer profiadau gan ddefnyddio chwedlau Cymru fel ysbrydoliaeth – gallant amrywio o’n harwyr hanesyddol a’n henwogion ym myd y campau i safleoedd treftadaeth eiconig ein gwlad a’i chwedloniaeth gyfoethog.

I weld sut y gallwch gymryd rhan, ebostiwch Elinos Walters drwy marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Mae modd gweld golwg o'r awyr o'r safle yma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8iNZH5r8Os Mae'n cynnwys lluniau o'r arfordir a'r ardaloedd cyfagos, gan roi golwg glir o safle Llynnoedd Delta a'r cyffiniau.

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commercial operator

advertising feature

LEGENDARY WAYS TO ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS IN 2017 South West Wales, the home of endless beaches, valleys and activities but also the location of numerous myths, legends and folklore! Led by Carmarthenshire County Council, a partnership consisting of Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot County Councils, three Tourist Associations and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park were successful in an application to Welsh Government for support through the Regional Tourism Engagement Fund to ensure the Region were in a strong position to benefit from 2017’s national Year of Legend promotional campaign.

South West Wales is already one of the UK’s leading tourism destinations with the sector contributing over £1.1 billion to the local economy and by pooling resources the project aims to further widen the awareness and enjoyment of the Region. There are three key activities: • Investigation and putting together new trails such as the Tombstone Trail, Cawl Crawl and Legendary Cycle with new imagery and videos plus production of an interactive 3D digital aerial map of the “legendary” walks. An integrated set of promotional actions include the targeting of international and UK journalists through Public Relations as well as an

online and print campaign with a third party partner in key cities within the 2 & 1./2 hr drive time such as Bristol and Birmingham.

• Forming and then promotion of a new “Castles & Gardens” tour to Port ground handlers, tour operators, tour guides and cruise operators • Promotion of the Activity Adventure sector at the International Outdoor activity Exhibition in London The “Year of Legends” campaign will continue to raise the profile of Wales’s tourism offer, and aims to attract even more visitors to Wales in 2017. Tourism providers across the region are being encouraged to create or theme product and experiences using Wales’s legends as inspiration – ranging from our historic heroes and sporting greats to the country’s iconic heritage sites and legendary tales.

To see how you can get involved, email Elinos Walters via marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

An aerial view of the site can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8iNZH5r8Os It includes footage of the coastline and neighbouring areas, giving a clear view of the Delta Lakes site and where it sits within the surrounding environment.

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Your Local Carmarthen Team Eich Tîm Lleol yng Nghaerfyrddin

JCP Solicitors is proud to include the merged Carmarthen firm of Pritchard Edwards.

We are delighted to let you know of the full range of expert services now offered from our refurbished office on Quay Street, Carmarthen:

If you are a previous client of Pritchard Edwards your Files, Deeds and Wills are stored securely.

For your free Will Review or to update your contact details please get in touch.

If you have any questions, or a legal situation • Accident, Injury & Medical Negligence you would like to discuss with us, • Business Services please call us on 01267 234022, • Buying & Selling Property email carmarthen@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or call in to speak with our receptionist.

• Commercial Property JCP Solicitors • Contentious Probate Tŷ Gelli Aur • Family & Divorce 10 Quay Street • HR & Employment Carmarthen SA31 3JT • LPAs, Trusts & Tax Planning Local offices can • Property & Land Disputes also be found at: • Wills & Probate Fishguard Agriculture and Rural Affairs continue to be Haverfordwest handled by our dedicated Rural Practice team, St Davids The Old Vicarage, Picton Terrace.

Swansea

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Carmarthenshire Our Region

Ben Francis of Hygrove Homes, third from left, with Scarlets Rugby players

THE BUS TOUR IS A VERY VISIBLE WAY FOR US TO MEET SMALL BUSINESSES AROUND THE UK AND SHOW THEM HOW THEY CAN BECOME INVOLVED AS WELL AS DRUMMING UP CONSUMER INTEREST, SUPPORT AND ENTHUSIASM.

The bus at Parc y Scarlets

CARMARTHENSHIRE

Bus tour urges small business spend The bus tour of a growing campaign that has encouraged multi-million pounds worth of spending with small businesses arrived in the Swansea Bay region.

Small Business Saturday’s bus stopped at Parc y Scarlets in Carmarthenshire and Swansea city centre’s Castle Square as part of its 29 date UK tour.

The annual, not-for-profit campaign puts small, independent businesses in communities across the country in the national spotlight.

Ben Francis, commercial director at Swansea-based house developer Hygrove Homes, acts a champion for Small Business Saturday and won a community award from the campaign in London earlier this year.

He said “strong and successful” small businesses were needed to support local and national economies.

As part of the venture, people up and down the country are urged to go out and support small businesses in their communities on that day and all year round. An estimated £623 million was spent with small businesses across the UK on the day last year – up £119 million on the previous year and an increase in spending of 24 per cent.

Michelle Ovens, Small Business Saturday national campaign director, said: “Small Business Saturday is not just a campaign to raise awareness of our diverse and innovative small business sector, but also a vehicle from which small businesses who embrace make use of the campaign can derive tangible benefit.

“The bus tour is a very visible way for us to meet small businesses around the UK and show them how they can become involved as well as drumming

up consumer interest, support and enthusiasm.”

Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010 and remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, where it is now in its fourth year.

It is backed by business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses and Enterprise Nation.

Also firms such as TalkTalk Business, Post Office, Facebook and Virgin Media Business.

Small Business Saturday took place on December 3.

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Our Region

Swansea

SWANSEA

Andrew Davidson from DTR Medical shows David Thomas, from Santander UK; and Paul Arnold, from Bevan & Buckland, the crocodile forceps

Global demand for quality Fast Track 25 member DTR Medical has grown steadily since its formation and has carved out a good reputation based on its values of innovation, service and quality. Here, managing director Andrew Davidson talks to BUSINESS LIFE about his vision of the company’s future growth plans.

DTR Medical is an established medical device company with a strong reputation in its field.

With annual double digit growth since it was formed in 2005, the medical device and cleanroom contract manufacturer now turns over almost £4 million, has around 40 staff and exports to 33 countries.

The Llansamlet-based company represents a perfect addition to Fast Track 25, the business club run by this

publication in association with Bevan & Buckland and Santander. As a member of that exclusive club, its sponsors and this publication conducted a site visit in September this year.

While the fall of the pound since Brexit has been a concern for the company, managing director Andrew Davidson remains bullish about the future – outlining several clear business plans during a Fast Track visit.

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Industry Insight With Gwenllian Elias Project manager at Innogy Renewables UK Limited, one of Wales’s largest investors in onshore, offshore and hydro renewable energy projects

Wind farm gears up for construction as local firms set to benefit from £52m investment It has been a busy period for innogy since getting the final green light to construct Swansea’s first major renewables project - a 16 turbine wind farm, called Mynydd y Gwair, just north of the city. In July, Welsh Government gave us the final consent that we needed, and since then, the team has been fine-tuning the procurement contracts so that we can begin construction on the wind farm early in the New Year.

Swansea’s splendid National Waterfront Museum was the venue for our supplier breakfast in July, and we were overwhelmed by the interest shown by local companies and contractors, eager to win business from the £52 million investment – over 100 of them attended.

We will shortly be announcing the successful bidder for the enabling

works contract, and as the three shortlisted companies are all South Wales based, we can now say with certainty that the investment in the wind farm will bring economic benefits to the locality. Soon after, we’ll also be announcing the civils contractor, and once again, we are confident that there will be supply chain opportunities for local firms.

The construction of the wind farm will take approximately two years, and during that time a community liaison group will meet regularly, where information can be shared between local representatives, innogy, the local authority and the police.

particularly proud that Mynydd y Gwair wind farm which will be capable of powering more than 17,000 homes with clean, green, electricity, will help secure our energy supplies and tackle climate change.

For further information on the Mynydd y Gwair wind farm development visit www.innogy. com/mynyddygwair

I am so pleased that after a huge amount of hard work over a number of years that we can finally make this investment in Swansea. And I’m Gwenllian Elias

The company constructing Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Proud to be investing in South Wales.

Inspired by renewable energy. www.innogy.com ©LW

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Our Region

Swansea

DTR Medical’s crocodile forceps

“We operate in an exciting industry and we have a very good reputation,” he said.

“We are reassuringly expensive and that is a good thing.

“There are several markets where I anticipate long-term growth including the Middle East, Australasia and parts of the EU. We need to monitor the implications of Brexit but our future remains bright.”

DTR Medical has diversified its business since it opened in 2005 and it now specialises in the design and manufacture of medical devices as well as being a cleanroom contract manufacturer.

The company is now an award-winning company (it has received awards for outstanding growth, innovation and export from MediWales, the life science network for Wales) that has the ability to design, CE mark, and manufacture and sterilise a wide range of healthcare products.

Some 80 percent of these products are sold into the UK and its biggest client is NHS. The rest are exported around the world.

The business recently showcased its latest innovations at major trade fair MEDICA 2016 in Germany. This included its innovative training simulator and additions to its range of sterile single-use dilators and probes.

Its custom-built facilities include a versatile ISO class 7 cleanroom, operated

by a highly trained team, which allows it to also act as a cleanroom contract manufacturer for other companies. Some five per cent of its turnover is generated in this way.

Davidson said the company’s ethos could be summed up by three words: innovation, service and quality.

He explained much of the company’s offering had been defined by the first of these qualities. It has a reputation for defining the specification and then bringing to market cutting edge singleuse instruments and medical devices that are in demand by the experts that use them.

This is also reflected in its approach to market. DTR Medical representatives have direct relationships with surgeons who the company work with to trial its products. They often find single-use instruments are preferred as they perform better and save time compared with reusable alternatives. The company also receive a wealth of feedback that they build into their programme of innovation and product quality.

“Listening to customers is the best way of innovating new products that are likely to be successful” he said.

The service aspect of its offering is equally important because of the dynamic nature of supply and demand in the industry.

When a hospital runs out of equipment, it usually needs new stock extremely quickly.

“That is why 97 per cent of our products are dispatched the same day,” he added.

“Supply is critical. There simply cannot be delay.”

The quality goes without saying in the medical sector. DTR Medical boasts 100 per cent inspection which they say is necessary to ensure the instruments they supply are free from contamination.

The company also has CE marking certification allowing it to export into Europe.

To get a detailed understanding of what DTR Medical does, it’s worth considering the development and lifecycle of its most popular product: the crocodile forceps –

THERE ARE SEVERAL MARKETS WHERE I ANTICIPATE LONG-TERM GROWTH INCLUDING THE MIDDLE EAST, AUSTRALASIA AND PARTS OF THE EU. WE NEED TO MONITOR THE IMPLICATIONS OF BREXIT BUT OUR FUTURE REMAINS BRIGHT.

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DTR Medical staff member works on crocodile forceps

WE HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING RELIABLE AND QUALITY.

which grow every year as a key part of their success. The demand for high quality crocodile forceps comes from several sources. Difficult cleaning, potential for damage, repair costs, losses and shortages mean one of the busiest clinical areas, namely the ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) clinic, are keen on the product. Though it is not a new innovation, DTR Medical has tweaked the product’s design and turned it into a high quality single-use instrument.

Davidson said: “We set rigorous specifications for all our products and crocodile forceps have some of the tightest. To ensure we are offering the right product, we conduct full inspections and dimensional checks on every instrument. This way variation is minimal and we can assure the instruments are fit for purpose.

“This is expensive and time consuming, but is at the heart of what we seek to deliver to our customers.

“Without compromise” has been a feature of our promotion and this applies to Crocodile Forceps like everything else we do.”

Davidson explained the crocodile forceps in many ways sum up the market position and success of DTR Medical.

Traditionally, such instruments were designed to be used multiple times. But they are difficult to clean and break

easily. Many medical professionals now prefer to use a quality product which they can rely on but use only once.

While the NHS represents the company’s biggest client at the moment, Davidson sees great potential for the company to export a lot more.

Its marketing activities revolve around two conferences that are critical for the sector: Medica, the global trade fair that takes place in Germany each autumn attracting specialists from the medical sector; and Arab Health Exhibition & Congress, the largest healthcare exhibition in the Middle East, which takes place in Dubai in January.

“It is a bit unfortunate that they are so close together but these events are critical to us and our marketing activity revolves around them,” Davidson said. “We make contact with potential customers globally at these events but this is also a heavily regulated, very slow moving industry. We follow up on contacts made and have gained new business from them.”

Some of the uncertainty caused by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union could slow this process.

Davidson admitted the company had been hit by the falling value of the pound, which has affected the margins on some products.

But long term, the company will also benefit on the export side of the business.

He said the company was gaining a reputation for quality with surgeons in specialist fields recommending its instruments, helping it enter new markets.

This is also partly dependent on the company working with reliable distributors – it currently uses 81 across the 33 markets it exports to.

But Davidson is optimistic about the company’s prospects.

“We have a reputation for being reliable and quality,” he said.

“We’re excited about the future prospects of this firm.”

From left, David Thomas, relationship director at Santander UK; Andrew Davidson, MD of DTR Medical; and Paul Arnold, tax partner at Bevan & Buckland

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Our Region

Neath Port Talbot

Expert opinion

NEATH PORT TALBOT THE REGION AND THE STAKEHOLDER NETWORK WILL BENEFIT FROM THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF THAT INVESTMENT.

Proud history of innovation

Helen Bowden, chief executive of Swansea Bay Futures

Body re-launches with investment focus A business body that formed ten years ago to connect firms and help promote South West Wales has relaunched with an increased focus on driving investment into the region.

Until now, Swansea Bay Futures’ main focus has been on filling a gap in the local economic landscape by ensuring local businesses know about developments, upcoming opportunities and ways in which they can collaborate.

One of its key projects was linking local firms with contract opportunities presented by Swansea University’s new £450 million Bay Campus.

The body now plans to use the knowledge and contacts it has made within the local business and education sectors to promote the region and its opportunities further afield.

Chief executive Helen Bowden, who was previously managing director of The Wave and Swansea Sound, outlined Swansea Bay Futures’ new strategy at an event at the Swansea Marriot Hotel.

“Through creating a critical mass of stakeholder input via our networks, we are in a powerful position to promote the Swansea Bay region to potential investors,” she said.

“Our knowledge enables us to provide a big picture of the area not only geographically but

with Juliet Luporini, chairwoman of Swansea BID

economically, educationally, socially and environmentally. We can also drill down to areas of specific interest to investors and help them meet their needs whether these be accommodation, education or supply chain needs.

“The region and the stakeholder network will benefit from the economic and social impact of that investment.”

Swansea Bay Futures hopes to help with investment through its partnerships with Cardiff Airport and First Cymru.

“We are having discussions with the companies about how we can align them with businesses in the Swansea Bay region,” she said. “This will help them gain insight into what the business world west of Cardiff needs in terms of travel opportunities.”

The travel companies are part of a diverse and growing number of partner organisations which include the Chamber of Commerce, Swansea Bay Business Club, the Institute of Directors, the Confederation of Business Industry and Institute of Welsh Affairs.

The body has also partnered with Swansea-based Seren Global Media and DWJ Printers.

For photos of Swansea Bay Futures’ re-launch, turn to page 174.

There is no doubt that the industrial landscape of our region has changed dramatically since the decline or deindustrialisation of our heavy structural industries such as coal, tinplate and copper, all of which caused problems within the employment market locally.

Post the Second World War we saw our economy respond to these changes industrially and the advent of a drive towards a much bigger tertiary or service sector. However, it wasn’t all a picture of doom and gloom, far from it. Indeed, Swansea has a long and proud history in innovation with many inventions from the radar and fuel cell to the principle behind mail order shopping and now today the advent of the world’s first ever tidal lagoon.

Much invention continues across a range of sectors (e.g. AB Glass, Mr Flag, 3M, Tata and Dr Organic) not least the medical life sciences and the renewable energy sectors where marine powered energy is showing particular advancements.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, w h a t ’s e x t r e m e l y hea r tening is to see how the g row th in advanced manufacturing in Wales is outstripping the rest of the UK. T his sec tor includes semiconduc tor, biotech, aerospace, nanotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.

Swansea University’s new Bay Campus will create an innovation hub for collaborative research in advanced engineering, digital economy and low carbon. It will create facilities to support major collaborative projects with Rolls Royce and Tata Steel such as the SPECIFIC project.

The City Deal recognises the importance of the manufacturing sector as well as enhancing and capitalising on our innovative inheritance alongside advanced digital connectivity.

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11/25/2016 6:47:11 PM

Business Awards Our Region

Business of the Year 2016 winner Dr Organic

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT WE AGAIN SPONSOR THESE AWARDS HIGHLIGHTING THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BUSINESSES IN THE LOCALITY.

Enter the popular Swansea Bay Business Awards 2017 The countdown to the biggest and best celebration of businesses in the region is well and truly ticking after the launch of the Swansea Bay Business Awards 2017.

The South Wales Evening Post and Swansea Bay Business Life Business Awards, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers, recognises top firms and individuals in the Swansea Bay region.

Those in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire can now enter one or more of our 15 categories.

Ia n Clarke, direc tor at PwC, said: “It is with great pleasure that we again sponsor these awards highlighting the great achievements of the businesses in the locality.”

Categories include Business of the Year: 0-25 employees; Business of the Year: 26-149 Employees; Business of the Year:

150+ employees; Entrepreneur of the Year; Green Business; Young Business Person of the Year; Innovation; Manufacturing Business of the Year; Apprenticeship Development; International Trade Business of the Year; Best Business Start up; Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year; Family Business of theYear; Lifetime Achievement; and Social Enterprise Business of the Year.

Jonathan Roberts, editor of the South Wales Evening Post, said: “We are proud to celebrate the best companies and business people across the Swansea Bay region and these awards will do just that.

“We have some fantastic categories and a new format this year and I look forward to receiving entries that highlight just how great our business industry and its people are.”

Nominations for the awards close on December 16, before our dedicated panel carries out the judging. Who’s on the panel will be announced in the coming months.

The finalists will be revealed on January 16, 2017.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering black tie awards ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall on March 3, 2017.

Enter online at http://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/SBBA2017 For sponsorship opportunities, call Zena Laws, business manager at South West Wales Media, on 01792 545585 or email zena.laws@swwmedia.co.uk.

To find out more about tickets for the awards ceremony, email events@swwmedia.co.uk

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Our Region

Neath Port Talbot

Caption: Steelworks in Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot

Tata bosses ‘considering $500m investment’ Bosses at Tata Steel’s parent company are reportedly considering a $500 million investment at its Port Talbot plant amid an upturn in the industry’s fortunes. BUSINESS LIFE reports…

Sources in India say Tata Sons has a plan for the steelworks, which could involve a phased investment, an overhaul of systems and a shake-up of its supply chain.

It comes after it emerged that the Indian multinational’s former Scunthorpe steelworks, which was bought by investment firm Greybull Capital and renamed British Steel, is back in profit and could make £120 million a year.

Tata sold its long products business in the summer and, as Business Life goes to print, is in negotiations with German company ThyssenKrupp about merging their European steel operation, with its UK business set to be included in the deal if an agreement can be reached with the Government to restructure its pension scheme.

THE TATAS UNDER RATAN TATA WOULD LIKE TO TURN AROUND PORT TALBOT AND A PLAN IS IN THE WORKS Tata Sons, under the guidance of interim chairman Ratan Tata, is thought to be keen to retain its Port Talbot operation however.

“The Tatas under Ratan Tata would like to turn around Port Talbot and a plan is in the works,” a source told Business Insider.

“The group realises that Scunthorpe was sold too soon.

“The investment in the plant could be around $500 million but this may be staggered. The blast furnace at Port Talbot may call for relining in 2019 which is when the company will have to weigh in whether they will go for relining or a shift in technology like the electric arc furnace route.”

Sources also said savings could be found in supply chain costs if the company opts to have its raw materials delivered by sea rather than by road.

Questions have been asked of the company ever since chairman Cyrus Mistry was recently sacked unexpectedly.

Tata Sons issued a lengthy statement to the media criticising the company’s performance under Mistry’s leadership,

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Ratan Tata (centre)

Hot rolling process at Tata Steel’s plant in Port Talbot

adding that they wanted the decision to be seen in the “desired perspective”.

“It is interesting to note that the new buyers of some of the steel assets for one pound in the UK have claimed a dramatic turnaround in the very first year of their takeover.

“In our view, these sub-par results cannot be blamed on the commodity cycle or economic conditions.”

The letter came just a day after it emerged that Tata planned to close its UK pension scheme to help plug a deficit in the fund.

Tata Steel has not commented on the claims about Port Talbot but in a statement, issued with the firm’s second quarter results, which showed £116 million in earnings, Koushik Chatterjee, group executive director, said:

“The operating performance in Tata Steel Europe has improved significantly compared to previous year due to significant improvement in the operating performance, impact of restructuring of structurally weak businesses and f av o u r a b l e m a r k e t a n d c u r r e n cy movements especially in the UK. “Going forward, the company will strive to continue to focus on the improvement in the European performance with special focus to make UK structurally sustainable and de-risked to future external volatility.

“We continue to explore strategic consolidation opportunities in Europe.

We are also engaged with several stakeholders including unions, its pension Trustees, Regulators and the UK Government to find a structural solution to the UK pension scheme.”

IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THE NEW BUYERS OF SOME OF THE STEEL ASSETS FOR ONE POUND IN THE UK HAVE CLAIMED A DRAMATIC TURNAROUND IN THE VERY FIRST YEAR OF THEIR TAKEOVER. swanseabaybusiness.com 57

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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

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 58

Swansea Cardiff Carmarthen Fishguard Haverfordwest

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11/27/2016 11:53:02 PM

Finance Big hitter reveals all on banking role

Swansea, Welsh and British Lion legend Tony Clement talks about his career after rugby

Finance is sponsored by

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11/27/2016 11:40:51 PM

Finance

Hands firmly at the wheel

Tony Clement at Swansea RFC’s ground St Helen’s

Big hitter reveals all on banking role Swansea, Welsh and British Lion legend Tony Clement talks to BUSINESS LIFE about his career after rugby With 246 games for Swansea RFC, 37 caps for Wales and 9 appearances for the British and Irish Lions during their 1989 Australia and 1993 New Zealand tours under his belt, the name Tony Clement is etched into many rugby fans’ memories.

Now working in banking, he uses his sporting prowess to assist him in the world of business.

Communication, decision making, people skills, goal setting and leadership are all qualities that come in handy during his current role as individual banking manager at Swedish bank Handelsbanken’s Swansea branch.

Clement said: “Executing to the best of your ability delivering exactly what you say you are going to do is a key parallel between sport and business.

“Naturally, there are huge challenges involved here both in terms of goal setting and achievement. That said, focusing on what is within your own control is a good starting point.”

Clement counts being asked to captain Swansea RFC as one of his biggest achievements to date and marks his first Welsh cap against the USA in 1987, a game in which he scored twice, as his most memorable appearance.

“Putting a name to the biggest game is difficult as all of them mattered for different reasons,” he added. “It’s easy perhaps to identify a top level game as being the biggest, however I am going to opt for the SWALEC Cup Final win in 1995 against Pontypridd mainly because it was a culmination of a derailed season after losing heavily to the Springboks in the November and literally turning things around by the May to win the cup. Caps and appearances aside however, my biggest achievement in rugby is the making of so many really good friends who will always be mates.”

H av i n g b e e n i n h i s p o s i t i o n at Handelsbanken for the last six years, Tony is no stranger to balancing his sporting career with a full time job and reveals that

“EXECUTING TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY DELIVERING EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO DO IS A KEY PARALLEL BETWEEN SPORT AND BUSINESS.

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Tony Clement, right

Tony Clement in his playing days

it has always been the norm for him and his peers. His early employment history includes a career as a civil servant. While at his height he worked in the private sector, mainly with CEM Day Limited in their contract hire division. He describes their support as ‘phenomenal’ over the 10-year period.

After finishing his time on the field in 1999, after a brief break, Tony got involved in coaching, a career progression that he thought he was destined for. It was Tony’s own experience as a player being inspired by different coaches in different ways – local coaching legend Ron Waldron gave Tony his break in Wales Youth - that saw him take up his coaching career. He notes that the fact he had so many good coaches meant he realised, as a coach himself, he probably wasn’t the easiest to work with at times.

Clement added: “I resisted coaching for a while - my wife Deb and our three, really small, children deserved a lot more support

from me - and then went on to pursue coaching quite intensely for a period of about five years.

“I still feel that coaching can be enjoyable and being on the grass (as opposed to in the classroom) with the players is special.

However, it was the bureaucracy attached to professional coaching that meant I didn’t choose to continue. While I did enjoy it for a period, and I understand that it is a results industry well before entertainment, I felt it lacked perspective as unless you won all the time you were often deemed to be unsuccessful. Naturally, coaches are driven to win and I was no different, however, there are so many uncontrollable factors to deal with and it does eat away at you.”

Clement is still involved in rugby and is a commentator with the S4C red button offering. He also summarises on Irish radio on occasion. From a spectator point of view, Clement watches his two boys, Jacob and Elliot, at every chance, either playing for their respective university teams or

NATURALLY, THERE ARE HUGE CHALLENGES INVOLVED HERE BOTH IN TERMS OF GOAL SETTING AND ACHIEVEMENT. THAT SAID, FOCUSING ON WHAT IS WITHIN YOUR OWN CONTROL IS A GOOD STARTING POINT.

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Finance

Big hitter reveals all

Tony Clement

Tony Clement in his playing days

for their clubs. His career in relationship banking also offers plenty of rewards and challenges.

“I have been working in the finance industry for nearly 30 years, but it is Handelsbanken’s very different way of working - without sales targets or bonuses, the main focus for the bank is customer satisfaction - which really appealed.

“Each branch operates much like a small business, enabling it to make decisions locally and to provide a service that is truly bespoke.The branch has the ability to decide the structure and pricing of products, which directly benefits the customer through swift decision making.

“Around 95 per cent of all credit decisions made in Handelsbanken are done so in the local branch by staff who know their customer personally, so my role affords a great deal of autonomy and the ability to make the decisions that matter in order to deliver excellent service.

“Managing customer relationships and helping customers to achieve their financial goals is hugely rewarding. Having the responsibility and autonomy to really make a difference, free from head office sales and volume targets or product campaigns, means I can always act with my customer’s best interests in full focus.

“What is most challenging, and it is a nice challenge to have, is to continue delivering the excellent levels of bespoke

customer service that form the bedrock of Handelsbanken in an environment where local relationship banking is becoming increasingly popular - both in Swansea itself and in communities right across the country.”

Despite his dedication to providing an excellent service to those throughout the local business community, the people of Swansea aren’t quick to forget Clement’s rugby days.

“Previous rugby days are sometimes brought up and referred to and this always provides a good basis for conversation,” he said. “Has this helped? Of course it has, however there always has to be the right fit and one of Handelsbanken’s core values is do the right thing.

“Swansea people are no different in that they know what they want and are extremely driven to achieve it. Being a leader in business and on the rugby field is not easy, and some are more adept than others.

“But fundamentally in sport or business, leaders I aspire to are those who lead by example. A sentiment that will certainly come in handy in the current climate where ever changing economic threats, and sometimes mixed messages, have to be dealt with on a regular basis.”

SWANSEA PEOPLE ARE NO DIFFERENT IN THAT THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT AND ARE EXTREMELY DRIVEN TO ACHIEVE IT. BEING A LEADER IN BUSINESS AND ON THE RUGBY FIELD IS NOT EASY, AND SOME ARE MORE ADEPT THAN OTHERS.

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advertising feature

Marked Boost in High-Value Deals for JCP Betsan Powell is a Director and Joint Head of Corporate & Commercial at JCP Solicitors.

Betsan has extensive expertise in corporate transactions. She deals with a wide range of matters including the sale and purchase of businesses and companies, joint ventures, equity investments, shareholder and partnership agreements, corporate banking and commercial contracts.

“The Corporate and Commercial Team is pleased to be able to report deal values in excess of £100 million in the last 12 months, with some of the key transactions in South West Wales being handled by our legal experts.

“The figure is a reflection of the calibre of our corporate client base, it underlines the fact that JCP Solicitors is enjoying an exciting period of growth at the moment and it also says positive things about the economy in Wales, where many of our clients are based.

“Our most satisfying deals include the recent commercial lease on three-stateof-the art new helicopters for Wales Air

Ambulance, which will help the charity fulfill its long-held aim to become a 24hour air ambulance service.

“There is a lot of valuable and meaningful business being conducted in Wales and I am pleased JCP is part of this positive story.”

“Wales Air Ambulance is highly prized in Wales and it is pleasing to see its continued expansion.

“Over the years we have given the charity support with many aspects of its business including the relocation to its new HQ in Dafen, help with bequests and general commercial issues.

“In recent months JCP has also acted for LBS Builders Merchants, who expanded their branch network by securing their largest acquisition to date – Talbot Timber.

“The Healthcare sector is also a fastgrowing area for us, with a significant number of transactions involving pharmacies, dental practices and veterinary surgeries being handled by our Healthcare team.

“This year JCP’s Sports Law team acted for Europe’s leading leading sportswear manufacturer, Macron, on two landmark kit deals – with Stoke City and Northampton Saints. Both of those were the most lucrative kit deals in the clubs’ respective histories.

“Optimism about the UK economy has been in short supply over the last few months and it may be that the real picture is somewhat obscured by the anxieties voiced by some business pundits and political commentators.

Another recent flagship deal saw JCP Solicitors advise founder and majority shareholder Neil R Evans on the sale of specialist haulage company N R Evans.

N R Evans was bought by NFT Distribution Group in July, with the business valued at more than £20 million.

N R Evans is one of the ten biggest temperature controlled distribution companies in the UK, with an HQ in Carmarthenshire, as well as nine depots across Wales and England.

To reach the Corporate team at JCP Solicitors, email: betsan.powell@jcpsolicitors.co.uk

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 63

11/27/2016 11:53:21 PM

Finance

Hands firmly at the wheel

Left, Company director Jonathan Sinclair

Hands firmly on the wheel Winners of the Top 100 Companies in South West Wales’ Editor’s Choice Award, Sinclair Group really is headed in the right direction. As BUSINESS LIFE reports…

The name Sinclair is synonymous with the automotive industry across South West Wales.

The Sinclair Group is now firmly established as one of Wales’ leading motor groups, representing Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz among other top brands, and serving the retail and corporate sectors locally and across the UK. The group, which won the Editor’s Choice Award in the Swansea Bay Business Life and South Wales Evening Post Top 100 Companies in South West Wales 2016 list, now sells more than 15,000 cars a year.

It has a turnover of £326 million, a 750 strong workforce and last year, celebrated its 70th anniversary.

A visit to the group’s Swansea site just off Fabian Way is now more luxurious than ever, following an impressive £500,000 showroom facelift, which now incorporates a state-of-the-art customer lounge and charging points for electric car models.

The family-run business was started in 1945, when mechanic Bill Sinclair was demobbed and returned to Port Talbot to set up a mechanic’s garage. Although it was primarily a car repair workshop, his

expertise and close relationship with his customers led to them seeking his advice when purchasing new cars.

By the time Bill’s son, Gerald Sinclair, joined the business, there was an opportunity to build on this, and Gerald made his first sale in 1972. By 1974, the garage had become an Audi and VW dealership.

The rest, as they say, is history. Scroll forward another four decades and the Sinclair Group has 20 sites, spread across south and west Wales, and is regarded as a market leader.

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MY FATHER HAS ALWAYS LOOKED AFTER PEOPLE – HE DEMONSTRATED THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING AFTER YOUR CUSTOMERS AND LOOKING AFTER YOUR STAFF AND IN MANY WAYS HE HAS BEEN A SHINING LIGHT FOR BOTH ME AND MY BROTHER.

Top tips for a thriving business, from Jonathan Sinclair, director of Sinclair Group 1. Invest in your staff 2. Develop strong two-way communication 3. Seize opportunities – but make sure they fit with your business 4. Keep a close eye on future trends and make sure you’re ahead of the game 5. Look at the big picture 6. Treat others how you would like to be treated 7. Don’t ask anyone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself

Left, Company director Jonathan Sinclair

The secret to their success? Our values, says company director and grandson of Bill Sinclair, Jonathan Sinclair. He runs Sinclair Group with his brother, Andy, who is managing director.

Jonathan points out that as a family business, the focus has always been on making sure that the company values are the engine that powers how they operate – both in looking after the needs of their customers and their staff.

“My father has always looked after people – he demonstrated the importance of looking after your customers and looking after your staff and in many ways he has been a shining light for both me and my brother,” he said.

“We have a very low staff turnover.

We have people who have been with us longer than I have been alive!”

Talking of the management structure of the business, Jonathan said: “We have people running this business as if it was their own personal business. And I wouldn’t swanseabaybusiness.com 65

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Finance

Hands firmly at the wheel

WE HAVE A VERY LOW STAFF TURNOVER. WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN WITH US LONGER THAN I HAVE BEEN ALIVE!

Sinclair Audi, Langdon Road, Swansea

ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself.

Each site has a general manager, and each department has its individual managers and opportunities for personal growth and development.

“We run our own leadership scheme called Driving Excellence – and it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks apparently!

“The Driving Excellence programme involves all managers across the groups, and it’s a rolling two-year programme that we restart and refresh every 12 months, so we’ve always got new managers being developed.

“All of my staff have a monthly review, and I will review monthly. It gives us a chance to nurture top performers and address any underperformance.”

Another key success driver has been the firm’s ability to spot the right opportunity at the right time.

“The big benefits of a family business is that it nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit,” Jonathan added. “But although we get opportunities all the time – we only select brands that are the right fit.

“As a group, we try to get people brand dedicated. Andy and I have grown up in the industry. I used to run the VW and Audi side and he ran the Mercedes side. We get pretty loyal to the brands within the group.”

Going forward, Sinclair predicts a growing shift in the whole purchasing experience of cars. “It will get to a point where people click and buy a car online,” he said.

Sinclair is already ahead of the game with an out-of-hours live chat facility and plans for a new scheme called Live Drive – where potential customers can have a car brought to them after hours.

With a strong team in place and a commitment to distilling its forwardthinking values throughout the whole company, Sinclair Group looks set to be a strong driving force in both employment and performance within the region for many years to come.

Fo r m a n y y e a r s S i n c l a i r r a n a n a d v e r t i s i n g campaign with the slogan: ‘If you are satisfied, tell your friends, if you are not, tell me.’ “That sums up what we are all about,” group chairman Gerald said. “We invest heavily in training staff to ensure good customer service and we like to do things properly.

“It means the world to me to know that, when I have looked after a customer and sold them the car that they want, they leave happy and there is a good chance that they will be customers for life.”

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Making Tax Digital – Explained Individuals, partnerships, sole traders, and landlords will be the first to join HMRC’s brave new digital world in 2018. This will revolutionise the way many businesses keep their books and accounts. It is HMRC’s hope that by 2020 the tax return as we know it will have been entirely abolished.

All individuals and small businesses will have access to digital tax accounts, with the information HMRC needs already automatically uploaded. HMRC believe that you should never have to tell them of information they already have and therefore under and over payments should be reduced. Digital accounts will give you a single, personalised view of your tax position across all liabilities and entitlements.

From April 2018, all but the very smallest of unincorporated businesses and landlords (turnover less than £10,000) will be required by law to keep their records on accounts software. Many people already do that – but there will be an additional requirement in that, the software must be capable of sending information to HMRC every three months. At present, there is no software on the market capable of doing that, but we know that the major software developers such as QuickBooks and Sage are working on it.

HMRC call this project “Making Tax Digital” (MTD). The idea is that everyone will use MTDcompatible software to record all their business transactions.

Every three months the software will (“at the push of a button”) send the data to HMRC. These three monthly uploads will not be accounts as such, and will not include such things as stock valuations or tax adjustments.

HMRC are therefore proposing that businesses and landlords will have nine months after their last quarter to make any tax and accounting adjustments required to calculate their tax payable.

While information will be submitted quarterly to HMRC there is no intention at present to make the payment of tax quarterly. The payments date of 31 January, and 31 July if payments on account are required will remain. Taxpayers can, however, make more frequent payments if they chose on a voluntary pay-as-you-go (PAYG) basis. HMRC are currently looking at various incentives to encourage PAYG payments of tax.

VAT returns are of course already submitted quarterly, and HMRC is looking at whether the VAT return will be combined with the quarterly MTD submission.

MTD will be a massive change for all taxpayers, but particularly so for those who have always kept their records manually (or on computer spreadsheets), and give their records to their accountant once a year. After April 2018, everyone will be required to use accounting software of some sort, and keep

records in real time. In fact, many businesses are doing this already, and finding it easier than they first thought! Cloud-based systems also offer the advantage of allowing the accountant to ‘log in’ to review how things are going throughout the year. Also, it is surprisingly inexpensive.

HMRC have also promised that free software will be available for smaller businesses.

MTD is a huge project for HMRC. They have published six separate consultation papers, and will be drafting new legislation to put it into effect. There are lots of questions to be answered and details to be ironed out. There have been suggestions that the April 2018 start date will be put back a year.

But MTD is coming, so do watch this space for further information.

If you have any queries or would like to talk to us about the implications, please contact our Tax Director, Leighton Reed.

Contact details

Tel: 02920 739428 Leighton.reed@broomfield.co.uk

©LW

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 67

11/27/2016 11:53:39 PM

Stephen Hughes at his new store in the Quadrant Shopping Centre

Adding sparkle to city centre shopping Jeweller Stephen Hughes, of Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds, talks to BUSINESS LIFE about his store’s latest move in what’s the busiest time of year for the trade.

Jewellery lovers inside a city shopping centre will find more gifts to make their eyes sparkle after a move by a major brand in the region.

Swansea-based Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds has moved from its store in Portland Street to the Quadrant Shopping Centre as it aims to attract more footfall.

Stephen Hughes, who has worked in the industry since he left school at 16, said it was a strategic move to capture more shoppers and part of a wider set up.

The family-run business has moved next to the re-vamped Pandora shop, which is also run by Hughes, in the Quadrant.

A boutique store is also opening in the Pandora store, meaning Hughes will have three stores there. Hughes bought one big unit and then split it in two and £750,000 has been invested in re-fitting the stores.

He said: “That’s where the customers are going in winter, so we are moving the business to where the customers are.

What we’ll end up with is we will have three businesses within the Quadrant.

“We are already seeing an improvement in the business as a result of the move.”

H u g h e s , wh o i s c h a i r m a n o f t h e biggest buying group for independent retail jewellers in the UK and Ireland, The Company of Master Jewellers, added the layout of the city centre had changed over the years meaning his store in Portland Street was no longer a key spot for jewellery shoppers.

The Pandora shop is a franchise and the brand’s quality and affordability speaks for itself. While the boutique will have younger staff and its items will be tailored to younger people and Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds

has a particular focus on the bridal market, such as wedding and engagement rings.

The Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds shop in the Quadrant is three times the size of the previous store and has a large collection of diamond jewellery. These include contemporary items from international award-winning designers Shaun Leane and Fei Liu. Also other brands such as Ti Sento, Ball Watches and Links of London.

The store has its own design service with an onsite designer making one-off pieces.

“Over the last two to three years there has been a growing trend for bespoke,” Hughes said. “Over the last 12 months the amount of bespoke pieces our designer is making is huge.”

Hughes, who is also chairman of Swansea RFC, added the jewellery industry had changed substantially since he started out

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11/25/2016 6:53:12 PM

Adding sparkle to city centre shopping

Finance

THE INTERNET HAS MADE US MORE COMPETITIVE, WE’VE HAD TO SHARPEN OUR PRICES. BUT WE’VE SEEN A BIG SHIFT NOW FROM ONLINE BACK TO HIGH STREET SHOPPING. and since Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds opened its first Swansea store 20 years ago.

“The biggest single change has been the development of brands,” he said.

“There were a few watch brands, generic jewellery from suppliers or make your own.”

He added jewellery had moved into the fashion industry and items were seen much more as accessories, keeping up with the latest trends. The speed of industry changes had also quickened and big dates on next year’s calendar were already prepared for.

A Pandora charm can cost £30 and people can match a colour with a dress or outfit.

“We have already bought in next year’s Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day products and after Christmas, we will look at next year’s Christmas.

“Shop windows didn’t change before.

The pace of change is now so fast.”

“The clothing and fashion industries were massively apart. Now people want fine

diamonds that will last for a long period.

They can spend £50 to £100 that can be used to accessorise or to create a look, so they can follow the fashion industry.”

“The internet has made us more competitive, we’ve had to sharpen our prices. But we’ve seen a big shift now from online back to high street shopping.”

Hughes added people were being drawn back to face-to-face customer service, particularly with higher value items.

He said staff needed to have a wide breadth of knowledge from high fashion to items that could be 250 years old. But he said it was a satisfying business to be part of.

“You’re used to meeting people at high points in their lives,” he said. “Celebrations or key moments. It’s a happy industry to be involved in.”

The business has taken on an extra 12 staff across the three stores as a result of the move.

Hughes has six Pandora franchises across South Wales and Swansea is the flagship store. Money made from these shops has allowed Hughes to grow Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds, stock popular brands and re-invest.

Hughes received support from Finance Wales and Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to get started.

A total of 110 permanent staff are employed across the business and over Christmas there will be 135 temporary workers. The first three months of the year and the last three are the most important part of the year for trade.

A grand opening took place at the Stephen Hughes Fine Diamonds store in the Quadrant on November 24.

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see beyond the numbers To find out how our accounting, tax and business advice can strengthen your business or startup, visit www.morganhemp.co.uk, call 01792 466428

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11/27/2016 11:53:59 PM

News round-up

Finance

Economy Secretary Ken Skates

Swansea Bay firms front Wales campaign Swansea Bay businesses feature heavily in a new Welsh Government marketing campaign aimed at attracting global investment into Wales.

Firms from the energy, manufacturing and food and drink sectors have been selected to front the This is Wales campaign, which ministers say sends a “compelling” message to the world that the nation is an ideal destination to start, grow and invest in.

The campaign includes a new website, a series of targeted adverts and a business magazine to be produced and updated annually featuring articles on businesses large and small.

One of those featured is Port Talbot-based manufacturing company Freudenberg, which specialises in pipe connectors and sealing rings for the oil and gas industry.

Managing director Andy Smith told the campaign: “We’ve never had a problem recruiting good people and we have good transport links. Add to that the support shown by Welsh Government – they were all very significant factors in Freudenberg investing in the business here.”

Meanwhile, Greg Jones, president and co-founder of Baglan-based healthcare consultancy, HCI Group, added: “I think Wales is a great place to live and work.

It’s exciting to see development, like the growth of Swansea University,” The campaign will be backed by eight sector-specific publications, video

interviews and advertisements in national business titles - such as the Financial Times and the Economist - as well as online activity and social media.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates is describing it as “a compelling campaign supported by businesses that will resonate with businesses”.

He said: “Quite frankly there’s nothing more convincing or compelling than a business telling other businesses why they came to Wales, how they’re grown their business here, what the benefits are, why it’s been such a great choice for them and why they’re encouraging others to follow suite.

“It’s certainly a very strong endorsement and these messages from businesses will resonate with the businesses we are targeting - senior business leaders, decision markers with responsibility for board level investment and operational decisions as well opinion formers.

“We’re operating in a highly competitive market with many investment promotion agencies operating across the UK, Europe and indeed the world, so we need to make our mark and make it clearly.

“This is Wales forms part of our on-going business confidence campaign and follows on from successfully attracting record levels of inward investment to Wales over recent years. The decision to leave Europe means it is more important than ever to

WE’RE OPERATING IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET WITH MANY INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCIES OPERATING ACROSS THE UK, EUROPE AND INDEED THE WORLD, SO WE NEED TO MAKE OUR MARK AND MAKE IT CLEARLY. get out there, make our mark and let the world know what exactly Wales can offer businesses.

“We want to elevate the status of Wales, ensure Wales is seen as a credible option for inward investment and that we are on the list of destinations being considered.”

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11/27/2016 11:54:14 PM

News round-up

Finance

Former Energy Minister Charles Hendry

Leaders urge Theresa May to give green light to £1.3bn lagoon Council leaders in Swansea and South West Wales have written to the Prime Minister urging her to give the go-ahead to the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Some politicians have voiced alarm at the project’s absence from Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement, but Business Life understands that those close to the lagoon did not expect a mention.

That is because all parties involved in the £1.3 billion energy project are awaiting the final report of former Energy Minister Charles Hendry, who has been conducting an independent review of tidal lagoon energy since May. The UK Government has received a draft report from Hendry. A final version, as Business Life goes to print, is due by the end of 2016.

The review is testing the strategic case for tidal lagoons, and whether they could play a cost-effective role in the UK energy mix.

It will also help create an evidence base to ensure decisions made on tidal lagoon energy are in the best interest of the UK. Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’ve worked really hard over many months to ensure central Government in London is in no doubt about the potential transformative power of the tidal lagoon project.

“We know a green light from London is the key to making it happen and we want them to know too that a positive decision

Prime Minister Theresa May

would have far-reaching benefits not just for us in Swansea Bay, but for Wales and for the UK as well.

He said the 16-turbine lagoon would generate clean electricity for around 155,000 households for over a century, attract tourists and act as a test bed for a series of planned, larger lagoons.

“But we want the new Prime Minister also to fully appreciate how the project will generate more than electricity as it has the potential to be the catalyst for the wider regeneration of the city region,” added Stewart.

“The city region (Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire) is a major driver of the Welsh economy but we all recognise that we need to do more to help it reach its full potential.

THE CITY REGION (SWANSEA, NEATH PORT TALBOT, CARMARTHENSHIRE AND PEMBROKESHIRE) IS A MAJOR DRIVER OF THE WELSH ECONOMY BUT WE ALL RECOGNISE THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE TO HELP IT REACH ITS FULL POTENTIAL. “The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project can play a significant part in achieving our aspirations because it will raise the region’s profile on the world stage as a pioneer in renewable energy technology, research, development and manufacturing.”

The privately-funded lagoon still needs a marine licence from Natural Resources Wales before it can be built, among other requirements, plus a financial package of support to make construction and operation viable. swanseabaybusiness.com 73

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11/27/2016 11:54:31 PM

News round-up

Expert opinion

Finance

with Ian Price, assistant director of CBI Wales

Swansea railway station

Positive steps in a different world One year on from the last CBI-AECOM infrastructure survey, and we find ourselves in a dramatically different world. A new UK government, determined to build prosperity for all at the same time as redefining our relationship with Europe and beyond.

Firms are positive about the clear prioritisation of infrastructure over the last five years – and are seeing the benefits.

We are seeing positive steps in the right direction. The Prime Minister’s decision to give a green light to both Hinkley Point and Heathrow is warmly welcome. Together, these schemes will see significant sums of private sector investment, generating over 100,000 jobs during construction.

But infrastructure delivery means much more than big political decisions on high profile projects. It means government keeping its foot on the accelerator across the whole of our infrastructure pipeline.

The survey revealed the top three infrastructure projects for Welsh business are: addressing the growing congestion on M4 around Brynglas Tunnels in Newport (76 per cent say critical); electrify the Great Western Main Line throughout South Wales to increase capacity (43 per cent say critical) and, finally, improve domestic flight connections from Cardiff Airport (22 per cent say critical).

So, as a result of this survey, our message is a simple one: at the end of the day, delivery is what matters.

If we don’t get spades in the ground on existing plans, it’s clear we could put a major dent in the competitiveness of Welsh business. This is something we cannot afford do, especially during this period of uncertainty as the UK leaves the EU.

Jacks in top 5 of fans who spend most of salary travelling to matches Swansea City supporters have been listed in the top five of Premier League football fans who spend a high proportion of their wages travelling to matches, a study reveals.

Factoring in the cost of an away day ticket, cost of a programme, pint and pie, as well as train or car travel, Swansea Jacks finish near the top of two lists when it comes to the proportion of weekly salary that’s spent following their team, according to MyVoucherCodes.co.uk’s report.

Swans fans spend 33.56 per cent of their weekly salary when including the average cost of a train, travelling from one ground to another.

Sunderland fans topped the bill as the most fleeced fans, spending almost half (42.31 per cent) of their weekly salary on away games by train.

Fellow North East rivals Middlesbrough finish second with 40.83 per cent and Hull City third with 35.83 per cent.

At the other end of the table, the Baggies have bagged themselves a bargain, with only 23.53 per cent of weekly wages going on away days by train, with Londoners Chelsea following close behind with 23.77 per cent and Manchester United finishing third with 24.45 per cent.

Stoke City and United’s noisy neighbours Manchester City round out the five.

Figures were taken from Trainline and average weekly salary expenditure data from stats database, numbeo.com.

When travelling by car, there are some similarities.

Sunderland fans again spend most of their weekly salary on travelling away, with over 18.4 per cent of their weekly salary going to football matches.

Middlesbrough come in second at 17.2 per cent, with Bournemouth (16.84 per cent), Southampton (16.23 per cent) and Swansea City (16.12 per cent) rounding out the top five.

On the flip side, The Hornets will be buzzing to find out that fans spend the least in the league, with only 13.9 per cent of the weekly salary going on travelling away from home.

Midlands club West Brom come in a close second with 14.3 per cent and then the giants of Manchester United in third. Leicester City and Stoke City round out the top five.

Football fans are thought to be getting increasingly priced out of the game in a culture of expensive TV deals and football stars from across the globe plying their trade in the Premier League.

Increased ticket prices and travel costs are also playing a part.

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advertising feature

HUTCHINSON THOMAS EXPAND INTO SA1 Long estabLished soLicitors firm, hutchinson thomas has just opened a new office at Langdon house, Langdon road, sa1 swansea waterfront as part of its expansion into the heart of the swansea bay region.

The firm has a multi-disciplinary practice providing specialist legal services for business and private clients. In 2000 it became one of the first firms in Wales to achieve the Law Society’s Legal Excellence Award (Lexcel)

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‘

The evening was a great success and Hutchinson Thomas are now keen to build on their reputation to offer their services and make themselves more accessible to existing and new clients living in the Swansea region.

which it has maintained year-on-year.

This recognises excellence in practice management and service to its clients.

Its various departments and a number of its lawyers have also been consistently recommended over the last ten years as leaders in their field in the Legal 500 publication.

‘

T

he firm, which employs 60 people, mostly graduates, has for the last ten years been operating from bespoke purpose built premises in Neath Town Centre and whilst it has successfully retained a loyal local client base built up over decades, it has increasingly seen demand for its services from the Swansea region which made the next step of opening up another office in SA1 the obvious decision.

To mark the occasion of the opening of the new office, the firm held an event at La Parrilla, Swansea on Monday, 26th September 2016 which was attended by its lawyers together with existing clients, fellow professionals well-known to the firm and new neighbours in SA1.

11/27/2016 11:54:46 PM

The evening was a great success and Hutchinson Thomas are now keen to build on their reputation to offer their services and make themselves more accessible to existing and new clients living in the Swansea region.

The offices at Langdon House will provide the full range of services that the firm offers from Company and Commercial work to Employment and Regulatory Law through to property (both commercial and residential) and private client work including Wills, Trusts and Administration of Estates. The firm also has specialist lawyers in civil dispute resolution, criminal and family law and is one of only two firms in Swansea that offers notarial services.

Senior Partner, Robert Williams welcomed the 100 guests and spoke about the strong tradition of the firm and its ethos of not only serving its clients but also the importance of its work for the community. He paid particular tribute to the team within Hutchinson Thomas who had worked hard to project manage the expansion into SA1 including Peter Jones, a consultant with the firm who was formerly a senior partner with Morgan Cole. He also thanked Swansea Bay Futures which had been working closely with the project.

Shane Williams MBE along with a golf day and a “wills fortnight” in which clients of the firm were invited to donate their fees to charity instead of the firm.

Rebecca Chick, accepting the cheque on behalf of Ty Hafan, expressed her thanks for the fund raising efforts of Hutchinson Thomas and stated the importance of the future of the Hospice being very much dependent upon the generosity of organisations and individuals to assist with their day-to-day funding.

Commercial Property Corporate Commercial Employment and Regulatory Residential Property Wills, Trusts and Probate Contested Wills and Estates Notarial Services Commercial Litigation Private Litigation Medical Negligence Personal Injury Divorce and Financial Issues Children Law Criminal Law

Robert was followed by Professor Iwan Davies the Pro Vice Chancellor of Swansea University who has been at the heart of the development of the new Swansea University Campus along Fabian Way and who has been a driving force in the raising of the academic and business profile of the Swansea Bay Region.

Professor Davies commended Robert and the rest of Hutchinson Thomas in what he said was a strategically important development for business in the Swansea Bay Region and wished them every success in their continued development.

After Professor Davies, Robert announced that the firm was to present a cheque to Ty Hafan, Children’s Hospice which the firm has recently become a charity partner with. In 2016 the firm raised a total of £10,000.00 for the Hospice from several initiatives including a lunch held in June where the guest speaker was

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

www.hutchinsonthomas.com

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11/27/2016 11:54:57 PM

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11/27/2016 11:55:09 PM

Workforce We all scream for Joe’s ice cream

Popular firm Joe’s Ice Cream, a Fast Track 25 member, is looking to open more parlours.

- Page 110

Workforce is sponsored by

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Swansea University strengthens its partnership with Santander Universities Prifysgol Abertawe’n cryfhau ei phartneriaeth â Phrifysgolion Santander Swansea University really values its strategic collaborations and the partnership with Santander Universities is a perfect example of how mutually beneficial relationships can be developed into a win-win partnership for all.

Mae Prifysgol Abertawe’n wirioneddol gwerthfawrogi’i chydweithrediadau strategol, ac mae’r bartneriaeth â Phrifysgolion Santander yn enghraifft wych o sut y gellir datblygu perthnasoedd cudfuddiol fel bod pawb ar eu hennill.

Local business, Swansea University students and staff have benefitted from a number of schemes offered by Santander Universities:

Mae busnesau lleol a staff a myfyrwyr Prifysgol Abertawe wedi elwa o nifer o gynlluniau a gynigir gan Brifysgolion Santander:

1. Paid Placements - business can benefit from the Santander Universities Placement Programme which provides flexible grants to business to take on paid student work experience with SMEs and third sector organisations.

1. Lleoliadau gwaith cyflogedig - gall busnesau elwa o Raglen Lleoliadau Gwaith Prifysgolion Santander, sy’n rhoi grantiau hyblyg i dalu myfyriwr ar brofiad gwaith gyda BBaCh a sefydliadau yn y trydydd sector.

To find out more and to register visit Swansea University’s Employment Zone at www.swansea.ac.uk/employmentzone

Am ragor o wybodaeth ac i gofrestru, ewch i Barth Cyflogaeth newydd Prifysgol Abertawe yn www.swansea.ac.uk/cy/academi-cyflogadwyedd

2. Student Start Ups - Santander Universities has helped a number of entrepreneurial students start up their own business. Santander Universities actively encourages and empowers students by supporting a culture of enterprise and innovation at Swansea University.

2. Cychwyn Busnes Myfyriwr - mae Prifysgolion Santander wedi helpu nifer o fyfyrwyr mentergar i ddechrau eu busnes eu hunain. Mae Prifysgolion Santander yn annog ac yn rhoi pw ˆ er i fyfyrwyr drwy gefnogi diwylliant o fenter ac arloesi ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe.

3. International Scholarships - Santander Universities provides Swansea University students and staff with opportunities to study or work abroad and engage with institutions around the world.

3. Ysgoloriaethau Rhyngwladol - mae Prifysgolion Santander yn rhoi cyfleoedd i staff a myfyrwyr Prifysgol Abertawe astudio neu weithio dramor ac i ymwneud â sefydliadau ledled y byd.

www.swansea.ac.uk/businessWandWindustry/keypartners

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In addition, Swansea University has welcomed Santander onto its campus and recently opened a new branch at the Bay Campus to complement the Singleton branch.

Vice-Chancellor Richard B Davies says: “The opening of the Bay Campus branch further strengthens Swansea University’s partnership with Santander, a company which has been recognised by UNESCO as the top private corporate institution supporting higher education worldwide.”

Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, says: “With over 60 university branches nationwide the importance of the higher education sector continues to be paramount to Santander.’’

Richard B Davies, Swansea University Vice-Chancellor / Is-ganghellor Prifysgol Abertawe, Rachel Llewellyn, Branch and University Relationship Manager at Santander UK / Rheolwr Cangen a Pherthynas Prifysgol yn Santander UK, Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities / Cyfarwyddwr Prifysgolion Santander.

To find out more about the Santander University partnership at Swansea University and how it has benefitted regional business please visit www.swansea.ac.uk/business-and-industry/ keypartners

‘Our placement went very well for us.

Not only did Swansea University find the right candidate for our organisation but the Santander funding was also a great incentive.’

Dr Malcolm Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Kirkstall “Aeth ein lleoliad gwaith yn dda iawn i ni. Daeth Prifysgol Abertawe o hyd i’r ymgeisydd cywir ar gyfer ein sefydliad, ac ar ben hynny roedd ariannu Santander yn anogaeth wych.”

Dr Malcolm Wilkinson, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol Kirkstall

Yn ogystal, mae Prifysgol Abertawe wedi croesawu Santander i’w champws, ac yn ddiweddar agorodd gangen newydd ar Gampws y Bae i ategu’i gangen ar Gampws Parc Singleton.

Meddai’r Is-ganghellor Richard B. Davies, “Mae agor Cangen Campws y Bae yn cryfhau partneriaeth Prifysgol Abertawe â Santander fwy fyth, cwmni a gydnabuwyd gan UNESCO fel y sefydliad corfforaethol preifat gorau yn y byd o ran cefnogi addysg uwch yn fyd-eang.”

Meddai Matt Hutnell, Cyfarwyddwr Prifysgolion Santander y Deyrnas Unedig, “Gyda thros 60 o ganghennau mewn prifysgolion ledled y wlad, mae pwysigrwydd y sector addysg uwch o’r pwys mwyaf i Santander o hyd.”

Am ragor o wybodaeth am bartneriaeth Prifysgolion Santander â Phrifysgol Abertawe a buddion y bartneriaeth i fusnes yn y rhanbarth, ewch i www.swansea.ac.uk/business-andindustry/keypartners

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JOE’S IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A FAMILY BUSINESSES THAT HAS RUN FOR MANY GENERATIONS, WITH IT BEING BUILT ON A FANTASTIC PRODUCT.

We all scream for Joe’s ice cream Popular firm Joe’s Ice Cream, a Fast Track 25 member, is looking to open more parlours. BUSINESS LIFE reports...

What the sponsors say Andrew Williams, relationship director, Santander Corporate Banking, said: “I am delighted to see Joe’s included in the Fast Track 25 this year. This is a business with a longstanding and interesting history, where the business continues to evolve with new products and additional outlets being opened.

The brand is well known and synonymous with quality products in Swansea and across South Wales. Our region is extremely strong in the food and beverage sector which is due to successful businesses with great products such as Joe’s Ice Cream.

We hope to see opportunities increasing post-Brexit as the UK negotiates trade agreements with global markets.

Santander Corporate is very active within the sector and is assisting SMEs to increase exports with ‘meet the buyer’ events and trade missions overseas.

Paul Arnold, tax partner at Bevan & Buckland, said: “Joe’s is a great example of a family businesses that has run for many generations, with it being built on a fantastic product.”

Back in the late 1800s, an influx of Italian immigrants trickled over from sunny hills of Italy, to the rain-soaked rolling hills of Wales.

Most of them hailed from the Appennine Mountains, and along with their hopes and dreams they brought a Gaggia coffee machine or two. Between them they sprinkled a bit of magic into the valleys and towns of South Wales, setting up a network of cafes, ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops.

In 1898, Luigi Cascarini poured heart, soul and rich roast coffee beans into a café business to serve the industrial workers of the Swansea valley. He worked so hard, that soon he opened another… and another.

Before long, he had a chain of cafés that his children ran with him.

His son, Joe Cascarini, ran his café on St Helen’s Road in Swansea, which has been trading on the spot since 1922. A passionate ice cream lover, Joe spent a huge amount of time and effort sourcing ingredients and experimenting with combinations to find a truly luxurious ice cream.

Eventually he came up with the carefully guarded recipe for Joe’s iconic fresh vanilla, which remains the brand’s hero product and best-seller. The Joe’s restaurants and the fresh vanilla itself have something of a cult following, especially locally.

Years later, since Joe didn’t have any children, the ice cream business was passed to family members Enrico Cascarini, and his sister Delia Cascarini (who married Colin Hughes). The business is currently owned by Delia and Colin’s sons, Dominic and Adrian Hughes, whose children help to run it.

Joe’s Ice Cream is a member of the Fast Track 25, an invitation-only business club sponsored by Santander and Bevan

& Buckland and run by Business Life.

Lucy Hughes traded in a career in a corporate company to return to the family business, and she now works on the finance side of the business.

“In 2013 we opened a Cardiff parlour, and we’ve recently opened a Joe’s outlet in Llansamlet and now in Llanelli,” Hughes said.

“I’ve been doing a lot with the Cardiff store to build the brand in Cardiff.

“We take part in Fresher’s Fayres, the Summer Reading Challenge for children etc.”

She added that the new restaurant at East Gate, Llanelli, has launched a Scarlet Sundae, in honour of the town’s famous rugby team.

The Llanelli restaurant joined a clutch of Joe’s dotted across South Wales, including in Roath, in Cardiff, although Swansea is the best served – with a Joe’s Ice on St Helen’s Road, one in Mumbles and one in Llansamlet.

On the wholesale side, the business serves a range of customers including the Pembrokeshire Bluestone resort – with wholesale accounts spread as far west as Fishguard, up to Aberystwyth and as far east as Newport.

“Our fresh vanilla ice cream is made to be served on a daily basis – although in Cardiff more people are buying the flavours, our fresh vanilla still accounts for 85 to 90 per cent of all sales,” Hughes said.

“Parlour managers have to keep a close eye on the weather – if there’s a heatwave it’s all hands on deck in production and across the business.

“We have a production centre in Llansamlet, with a small fleet of 10 vans to deliver to our wholesale customers and service our five parlours.

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Fast Track

Workforce

Joe’s Ice Cream, Llansamlet

“Our fresh vanilla recipe has not and will not ever be changed, although we do experiment and constantly look to develop new soft scoop flavours, according to customer tastes and foodie trends,” she said.

Following a re-brand a few years ago, the Joe’s brand and colours are instantly recognisable.

“The turnover figures break down to around 25 per cent wholesale, 75 per cent restaurants,” Hughes said. “Our growth strategy would to be open more parlours.”

Meanwhile, it’s time to hunker down and work on building our infrastructure, she added.

Time to stop and enjoy the unique Joe’s vanilla. After all...everything else is just ice cream!

PARLOUR MANAGERS HAVE TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE WEATHER – IF THERE’S A HEATWAVE IT’S ALL HANDS ON DECK IN PRODUCTION AND ACROSS THE BUSINESS.

Lucy Hughes from Joe’s Ice Cream, with Andrew Williams from Santander, left, and Paul Arnold from Beven and Buckland

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Funded leadership and business growth opportunity available for West Wales and the Valleys.

Funded places are available for eligible businesses as a leadership and business growth programme starts new courses across West Wales and the Valleys next month.

ION leadership is a revolutionary programme delivered by Swansea University and Bangor University.

ION leadership is specifically designed to help owners, directors, team leaders and managers working in the private and third sectors raise their game, grow sustainable business and enrich the lives of their employees.

The business benefits Immersed in a hands-on learning experience, directors and managers get the space, time and tools to experiment with different leadership styles as well as the opportunity to learn from each other. Results have shown that participation in the ION leadership programmes can deliver: • a marked increase in turnover (26% on average) • creation of sustainable enterprises capable of continuous growth • better equipped business leaders with enhanced knowledge and skills • a supportive network of leaders that continue to meet, share ideas and do business with one another

In fact, an impressive 97% of delegates recently reported a significant impact on them and the way in which they work.

What support will you get?

ION leadership is not-for-profit. The course is supported by the European Social Fund through Welsh Government and leads to a prestigious Institute of Leadership and Management qualification, inclusive of membership. The programme is also CPD Certified for up to 77 hours.

You'll be shown how to implement contemporary ideas, growth strategies and best practice into your company's overall business plan.

The course includes: • A 2-day leadership residential (all inclusive).

• A series of interactive master classes - study the 4 critically important leadership themes: leading self, leading people, leading organisations and leading growth.

• Action learning sets - together with your fellow business leaders, you'll be shown how to identify areas requiring improvement and build the sustainable implementation strategies that will allow you to drive through necessary changes.

• Workplace implementation - we place emphasis on putting the ideas that you've learnt into practice so your business becomes sharper and more profitable.

• Personalised coaching sessions and reflective journal - take a close look at your leadership style, articulate your strengths and weaknesses and develop your personal learning action plans.

• Three months on-site follow up visit – ongoing specialist support to make sure you achieve your business goals.

We'll help you become an extraordinary leader.

You'll complete the course with the skills and the confidence to lead, motivate and inspire those around you.

Your commitment ION leadership is an innovative leadership development programme with a choice of different approaches, so it can be tailored to suit businesses of any size operating in a diverse range of industry sectors.

Following the initial 2 days residential, you will be expected to invest 1 day a month over 4, 7 or 8 months, depending on the course.

Is your business eligible?

To be eligible for the funding you need to be an owner, director or leader who have line manager responsibility, living or working in the West Wales and the Valleys area.

Call us to check your eligibility and assess what level of funding is available for you. Further discounts could be applicable.

It's TIME to take the lead ¾ Check your eligibility and apply on www.ionleadership.co.uk/ courses ¾ Join us at a free preview event by registering online on www.ionleadership.co.uk/preview-events ¾ Let’s meet up! Write to info@ionleadership.co.uk ¾ We can talk… Call us on 01792 606738

ION Leadership is part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

©LW

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Rhaglen chwyldroadol yw arweinyddiaeth ION sy’n cael ei chyflwyno gan Brifysgol Abertawe a Phrifysgol Bangor.

Mae arweinyddiaeth ION wedi cael ei chynllunio yn benodol i helpu perchnogion, cyfarwyddwyr, arweinwyr timau a rheolwyr sy’n gweithio yn y sectorau preifat a’r trydydd sector i wneud mwy o lawer, datblygu busnesau cynaliadwy ac ymgyfoethogi bywydau eu gweithwyr.

Y buddion i’r busnes Drwy ymgolli mewn profiad dysgu ymarferol, mae cyfarwyddwyr a rheolwyr yn cael y lle, yr amser a’r offer i arbrofi gyda gwahanol fathau o arddulliau arweinyddiaeth yn ogystal â’r cyfle i ddysgu oddi wrth ei gilydd. Mae canlyniadau wedi dangos bod cyfranogi mewn rhaglenni arweinyddiaeth ION yn gallu cyflawni: • cynnydd sylweddol mewn trosiant (26% ar gyfartaledd) • creu mentrau cynaliadwy sy’n gallu tyfu’n barhaus • arweinwyr busnes wedi’u hyfforddi’n well gyda gwybodaeth a sgiliau gwell • rhwydwaith cefnogol o arweinwyr sy’n parhau i gwrdd, rhannu syniadau a gwneud busnes gyda’i gilydd Mewn gwirionedd, adroddodd canran drawiadol o 97% o’r cynrychiolwyr effaith sylweddol arnyn nhw a’r ffordd y maen nhw’n gweithio.

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• Sesiynau hyfforddi wedi’u personoli a dyddiadur myfyriol – edrychwch yn agosach ar eich arddull arweinyddiaeth, rhowch lais i’ch cryfderau a’ch gwendidau a datblygwch eich cynlluniau gweithredu dysgu personol.

• Ymweliad dilynol ar y safle ymhen tri mis – cefnogaeth arbenigol barhaus er mwyn sicrhau eich bod yn cyflawni eich nodau busnes.

yw arweinyddiaeth ION, gyda dewis o wahanol ddulliau, fel y gellir ei theilwra i weddu busnesau o unrhyw faint sy’n gweithredu mewn amrediad amrywiol o sectorau mewn diwydiant.

Yn dilyn y 2 ddiwrnod preswyl cyntaf, bydd disgwyl i chi fuddsoddi 1 diwrnod y mis dros 4, 7 neu 8 mis, yn dibynnu ar y cwrs.

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Er mwyn bod yn gymwys i dderbyn y cyllid, bydd angen i chi fod yn berchennog, yn gyfarwyddwr neu’n arweinydd gyda chyfrifoldeb fel rheolwr llinell, yn byw neu’n gweithio yng Ngorllewin Cymru neu’n ardal y Cymoedd.

Cysylltwch â ni er mwyn edrych a ydych chi’n gymwys ac asesu pa lefel o gyllid sydd ar gael i chi. Gallai disgowntiau pellach fod yn berthnasol.

Mae’n AMSER i arwain ¾ Gwiriwch a ydych chi’n gymwys ac ymgeisiwch drwy www.ionleadership. co.uk/courses ¾ Ymunwch â ni mewn digwyddiad rhagolwg rhad ac am ddim drwy gofrestru ar-lein ar www.ionleadership. co.uk/preview-events ¾ Beth am gyfarfod? Ysgrifennwch at info@ionleadership.co.uk ¾ Gallwn siarad …… Cysylltwch â ni drwy ffonio 01792 606738

Mae Arweinyddiaeth ION yn cael ei chyllido’n rhannol gan Gronfa Gymdeithasol Ewrop drwy Lywodraeth Cymru.

©LW

11/27/2016 11:56:13 PM

Industry Insight With Sarah Plant

partner at Peter Lynn & Partners

When divorce involves a business split Divorce can be a difficult time and while many presume correctly the main concern is children, on many occasions, there are many other important factors such as business ownership.

Aspects that need to be considered include: • Division of assets • Pensions • Tax issues • Division of debt • Business Structure Sara Plant, partner and divorce specialist at Peter Lynn & Partners, said: “A business can be established in many different ways and this will have a direct impact on how it is dealt with during a marital breakdown.”

While divorce can be extremely emotional on a personal level and complex on a business level,

the sooner an agreement can be reached regarding the business, the better it is for all concerned, directly and indirectly.

If possible, a trained mediator can be used to agree the business split in a manner that is fair and equitable for all parties. If this is not an option, the next alternative is to seek the advice of a law firm that can offer both matrimonial and commercial law services.

By combining both areas of law, you can be sure your business interests are properly considered without being classified as another ‘asset’. To this end, transfer of shares, debt, business assets and many other factors can be evaluated in a manner that seeks to protect the business, its staff and clients.

Exit strategies and new business structures can be established and

if needed, sources of finance can be identified to secure funds for any potential buy-outs, mergers or re-structures should a partner need to be ‘bought out’.

Sara added: “For a limited company where husband and wife or civil partners are involved in the business, having the positions documented correctly allows not only for the business to be managed through successful times, but also to deal with any future splits.”

What can we do to help?

Shareholder Agreements Stating who owns what and how these shares can then be transferred.

Service Contracts Providing a mechanism to deal with a director leaving voluntarily (or otherwise).

Partnership Agreements Crucial to determining who owns what and precisely what is contained within the partnership and what is not.

The divorce and family law team at Peter Lynn & Partners is arguably the largest in the region with 14 lawyers and eight support staff offering a successful combination of experience and resources when working with clients.

For expert advice that includes matrimonial and commercial law, contact the specialists on 01792 450010.

Peter Lynn & Partners 2nd Floor, Langdon House Langdon Road Swansea SA1 8QY Tel: 01792 450010 Fax: 01792 462881 DX number: 56768 Sara Plant of Peter Lynn & Partners

info@peterlynnandpartners.co.uk

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UBER HAS AROUND 40,000 DRIVERS IN THE UK AND UBER SAID THE PRELIMINARY HEARING AFFECTS JUST TWO.

Verdict favours ‘gig economy’ workers Employers need to seriously consider how they use and contract freelancers and the self-employed writes Aaron Hayward, employment specialist at South West Wales-based DJM Solicitors.

Gig economy is a term that has entered general speech lately with the rise of companies such as Uber and Deliveroo.

But this new way of working hasn’t had the best publicity because of the way it throws workers’ rights into question.

In fact, Uber drivers recently won a crucial legal battle in London after a tribunal ruled they were “workers” who were entitled to the minimum wage and holiday pay.

This case was the first in Britain to test the concept of the gig economy and that those

who work via such apps are independent and not employed by any company.

The ruling has called the business model into question – that firms can connect workers with customers without the expense of employing the people themselves.

This is a monumental verdict in favour of gig economy workers across all sectors.

From now on, businesses need to seriously consider how they use and contract freelancers and the self-employed. If such

businesses don’t currently have extensive human resources departments, they now need to invest in them because workers will be demanding what they are rightly entitled to.

The question will now be how this is implemented and whether or not organisations like Uber and Deliveroo will be expected to back-pay workers.

Originally pitched as a way of working that offered flexibility and ownership of your own way of working, the gig economy

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Verdict favours ‘gig economy’ workers

Workforce

THE RULING HAS CALLED THE BUSINESS MODEL INTO QUESTION – THAT FIRMS CAN CONNECT WORKERS WITH CUSTOMERS WITHOUT THE EXPENSE OF EMPLOYING THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES.

Aaron Hayward of DJM Solicitors

was seen as a positive for those who couldn’t or didn’t want to work a nine to five job, such as parents with young children, carers and students.

But, it has now come to light that some firms are exploiting the law surrounding the gig economy.

Workers contracted by Uber, and by many other businesses operating under the gig economy, have been recruited under a self-employment contract. This enables them to work for Uber but they also have the flexibility to work for other companies.

Uber has around 40,000 drivers in the UK and Uber said the preliminary hearing affects just two.

The workers who brought the case against the company argued they were expected to be freely and readily available to work for the firm, which limited their

availability to work elsewhere. They argued this effectively made them an employee and they should have access to holiday and sick pay. Uber argues that workers have the right to accept or decline any job, and it is their own responsibility to decide when to work and how much work to take.

This method of working is not just restricted to companies such as Uber and Deliveroo; both the BBC and ITV have embraced the gig economy principles and employ a contracted workforce to do the work that used to belong to a full time team.

Even the new junior doctors contract in the NHS in England incorporates some terms seen within the gig economy.

The benefits of having a flexible workforce that can fluctuate with a business’ workload is obvious, but if you are going to introduce this kind of contract it’s important to

communicate clearly with the worker what is expected of them, and what they can expect in return. Remember that this kind of contract will only benefit certain people, and cannot be exploited.

Like any flexible working arrangement, it may be worth trialling this contract to see where it fits within your business. It’s important to bear in mind that workers contracted under your business can also work elsewhere, so giving them access to confidential information would be unwise.

Like any contract, a self-employed contract can work well when done correctly with the right worker.

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11/25/2016 7:17:57 PM

Expert opinion with Tommy Davies

The bitter taste of victory I have often wondered how the likes of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage felt the day after the Brexit vote. Regardless of my personal preferences for or against the European Union, the fact is they had no plan for an exit vote. Behind closed doors, they must have had that ‘holy s***, what have I done’ moment.

I wondered too if Donald Trump had a similar feeling after winning the US election. Somehow, I suspect not.

Some men believe their own hype and Trump is a man not used to failure.

The worry is that the usual checks and balances will fail to apply to such undiluted arrogance – only time will tell.

I mention all this because the momentum of those campaigns and the unfettered (and unfiltered) rhetoric that underpinned them reminded me of a phenomenon that also exists in the world of business and which has afflicted me on more than one occasion.

It most commonly goes by the name: Deal Fever.

Deal Fever occurs when you embark on a journey that initially looks like a good idea but, despite the attraction of the end goal clearly waning over time, you continue on that journey regardless (of accountant’s warnings, gut instinct or the wife’s pleas) and see it through to the (bitter) end. It is the ultimate ‘I’ve started so I will finish’ mentality but one that can have dire consequences.

For example, I once decided to acquire a rival company in a particular sector – an exciting and enticing prospect even to a seasoned entrepreneur. On the face of it the deal looked a good one: cost synergies, complementary products, a decent price based on multiple of profits, which is what I normally go on.

As negotiations and due diligence continued, however, one skeleton after another came out of the woodwork: dodgy accounting, disloyal clients, the owner’s family working in the business (always a pain in the a***), and an owner/ seller suddenly driven by ego as much as greed. One I can handle, but not both.

But I really wanted that business.

I found ways around problems, made excuses, smoothed and upped projections and generally took an ‘I’ll be fine’ attitude until I got that deal over the line.

I had won. I should have felt elated.

In fact, it was roughly 30 seconds after signing those final papers I admitted to myself that I have over-paid for a company that would require a lot of

time, effort and even more investment to turn to around.

I did it, of course. My own ego would have allowed nothing else. But it was at the expense of other things I should have been doing in the three years that followed – things that would have made me wealthier.

Since then, I have learned to know when to walk away. It is not always possible and the pros and cons are rarely clear in the heat of Deal Fever.

But try to know when to stop; listen to those around you whose vision is perhaps less clouded in that moment.

I honestly believe that the likes of Johnson and Farage were surprised when they won that battle. It is sometimes easier to be the gallant loser with principles in tact than the winner with all the responsibility and justification that comes with that.

For the record I am now open minded to both on Brexit and Trump. In terms of Brexit, the recent dispute between Apple, the Irish Government and the European Union made me think twice.

The EU is demanding Apple pays the Irish Government £13 billion in unpaid taxes, which it has calculated retrospectively and which the Irish Government does not want. The Government secured thousands of jobs in Ireland on the back of a tax deal with Apple and has benefitted from the subsequent contributions those individuals have made to the Irish economy. It would rather keep Apple long term and stick to the plan intended.

What right does the EU have to interfere in that, especially retrospectively?

If I were the CEO of a big corporate mulling where to base my HQ that situation would worry me. Suddenly, perhaps an independent UK lacking that bureaucratic EU mentality looks like a good bet.

And as for Trump: well given that the main gripe businesses have with governments is their inertia and red tape, at least he might get things done!

If he did manage to kick-start the US economy, that would benefit everyone.

Let’s just hope we avoid a world war in the process.

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

Benjy Stanton

Creative community expands An increase in the use of digital marketing is the driving force behind a successful monthly event in the region.

Design Swansea takes place in the TechHub Basement of the Urban Village on Swansea High Street on the first Thursday of each month.

The sessions allow business leaders to gain advice from talks from key business people in the region on topics including start-ups, intellectual property and marketing.

Benjy Stanton is part of the digital team at the Office for National Statistics and set up the event at the start of last year.

He said: “I had been thinking about starting a design meet up in Swansea for years. There are some very successful ones in Cardiff and Newport, really helping the communities there to grow. As soon as TechHub came along I realised that this was the perfect space to start one.

“For me, it’s been a huge success. I’ve learnt a lot, met loads of interesting designers and made new friends. Hopefully others get the same value out of it as I do.”

Llansamlet-based creative agency Waters is one of the main sponsors of the event.

Director Rachael Wheatley often presents during the evening, providing expert advice and knowledge in the creative marketing industry.

“These events are really needed in Swansea to develop the rapidly expanding creative community,”she said.“The region is generating a significant number of design graduates and creative start-ups each year.

“Design Swansea provides a hub to bring designers and people who are generally interested in design together on a regular basis. Even well-established businesses that are looking to improve their design, marketing and promotional strategies can benefit from attending.”

Waters has worked with the likes of O2, Admiral and the Welsh Government.

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11/25/2016 7:18:44 PM

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Worksforce

News round-up

Expert opinion with Lawrence Bailey, owner of public affairs specialists Whiterock Consulting

First Minister Carwyn Jones at Google’s Digital Garage

Google’s Peter Barron

Guests gain digital skills from Google Those wanting to expand their digital skills have taken part in a Google pop-up event in the region.

Google’s Digital Garage was held over two days at St Paul’s Centre in Port Talbot and included some well-known faces.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, Peter Barron, vice-president of Google UK and Cllr Alun Thomas, leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council were all involved.

Roger Maggs, the chair of the Port Talbot Enterprise Zone, praised Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock for helping to bring the event to Port Talbot.

Kinnock said: “We all know that there is incredible talent and potential in Port Talbot, just waiting to be developed, shared and put up in lights.

I am delighted that one of the world’s most innovative companies is coming to Port Talbot to help the area’s people and business make the most of the opportunities that the digital age presents us.”

Following on from success across the UK, including pop ups in Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and Newcastle, the initiative is part of a multi-million pound investment outside of London to train 250,000 people by the end of 2016, providing vital skills for businesses in the digital age.

The training ai m s t o h e l p s m a l l businesses, cha r i t i e s , s t u d e n t s , graduates, start-ups and anyone with an interest in expanding their digital skills. Local residents discovered how to develop their web presence, grow their business online and improve their career prospects and vocational skills.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT IS DELIGHTED TO WORK WITH PARTNERS SUCH AS GOOGLE TO FURTHER DEVELOP WELSH BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES TO INCREASE THEIR DIGITAL TALENT AND OPEN NEW OPPORTUNITIES. Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said: “The Welsh Government is delighted to work with partners such as Google to further develop Welsh businesses and communities to increase their digital talent and open new opportunities.

“We live in a global digital world where technology is accelerating at a rapid pace and to ensure we benefit from these advances we need to keep updated and take advantage of the latest digital tools and technologies.

Google’s Digital Garage presents a great opportunity to learn from the experts and I welcome this initiative that can benefit people of any age and at any stage of their business or career.”

Peter Barron, Google EMEA VP of communications added Google’s products and free digital training were a “growth engine” for people and businesses.

Can we ever make the most of manufacturing?

A good few years ago I stopped my car to let a mother and son cross at an exit. The youngster pointed to the building I’d just left with its iconic blue oval and asked his mother what went on there.

“That’s where you’ll end up if you don’t do well at school”, she replied.

As it happens, this was the European research and development base for a global auto manufacturer.

Inside, scientific teams were working on nextgeneration fuel cells, new carbon polymers and voice-controlled technology.

Sadly, the perception of manufacturing as a ‘less desirable’ profession still somehow pervades popular thinking. Maybe that’s why alarm bells never rang when the number of people employed in manufacturing and production sectors halved during the last couple of decades.

It’s only when operations such as Tata in Port Talbot go into near meltdown that ministers start talking about a “UK industrial strategy”.

Even then there’s no such animal beyond the concept stage – a situation made even trickier by doubts as to whether EU single market membership can be retained.

As Brexit becomes reality, so does a recognition that the markets we believe will embrace us are already packed full of competitors who’ve invested to a far greater extent in higher education, research and skills developments when it comes to manufacturing.

While we’re talking about investment, a common need if you’re making widgets in an industrial estate or running a worldwide conglomerate is getting sustained access to finance. If you can’t invest then you can’t compete. If only the city banks agreed.

Industry is always subject to uncertainty. I’ve seen profitable operations uprooted from Wales and transferred to Serbia on a whim. Conversely, entire production lines have been transported here from leafy Home Counties locations because more money could be made by selling off the land.

Governments are seldom able to influence such events but they can at least work to lift the status of manufacturing from that of a second-class business. Otherwise I fear we’re destined to stay second-rate players.

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11/25/2016 7:27:24 PM

Industry Insight With Mark Jones

Principal, Gower College Swansea

Building for the future As managers we’re all used to working in three ‘time zones’ at the same time; the past, in terms of reviewing past performance and results and learning from them; the present, in dealing with the day to day issues that can take up so much time; and the future, in terms of business development and medium and long term planning.

In doing this we are commonly dealing with as many operational issues as well as strategic ones.

However, never has this challenge been more evident to me than it has in recent weeks.

On the one hand, the first weeks of the new academic year are focused on enrolling our new students and settling them into the college and onto their new courses. But, at the same time, all course teams are reviewing the summer ‘results’ in great detail – the pass rates and grades awarded – and incorporating the best practice identified and the lessons learnt into action plans going forward.

But then only a few weeks ago – on October 27 – the college had the misfortune to experience what the Mid and West Wales Fire Service described as a major fire – and which has focussed nearly all of our attention on the day to day issue of getting the campus back up and running as quickly as possible so that the impact on our students is as small as possible.

There is no doubt that we were lucky.

Lucky because of the build of our main teaching block in terms of concrete floors and concrete pillars but also all of our fire doors were closed.

This – together with the speed and bravery of the fire service to whom we

will be eternally grateful – restricted the fire, in the main, to the wing of the building and to the third floor of the building where the fire started.

Yes, in the short term, we have lost some other rooms to water damage and some rooms on the third and fourth floors to smoke damage and window breakages – but we were nevertheless able to reopen the college within seven days with some temporary classrooms. Other than the third floor, most of the college should be back up and running by Christmas.

This has been achieved as a result of a huge effort by college staff and contractors and the support of so many local agencies including, not only the fire service but the police, the council and our insurers. Indeed it has been quite humbling to receive the sheer numbers of emails and letters that we have from individuals and organisations offering support and best wishes. Thank you to everyone who contacted us.

IT IS ALSO BASED UPON OUR MISSION ‘TO INSPIRE AND SUPPORT OUR LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH THE DELIVERY OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING’. a copy of the document – and hundreds of copies have been circulated across the region – you can see it on the college website www.gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk.

If you have any comments or questions we would be delighted to hear them.

And returning to my theme of blending the operational with the strategic, this has happened at exactly the same time as the college has launched its new Strategic Plan for the next four years, centred around our revised vision ‘to be the best choice for learners’.

It is also based upon our mission ‘to inspire and support our learners to achieve their full potential through the delivery of the highest quality of education and training’.

This plan clearly sets out the strategic directions that we will continue to take to achieve these aims and, if you haven’t received

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

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News round-up

Workforce

Amazon staff in Jersey Marine gear up for Christmas

Baskets overflow for festive season S h o p p e r s a n d b u s i n e s s e s m ay b e recovering after Black Friday but that doesn’t mean there’s any slowing down before Christmas.

Advice came in thick and fast for how to make the most of the big day, a present that came over from our cousins in America.

Pointers include tactics on how to tackle the manic shops, like prepping in advance, looking in unexpected areas of the shop and having a tag team system.

But retailers have had their own strategies in place and that includes the Amazon fulfilment centre in South West Wales.

Amazon extended its seasonal sale to almost two weeks. The 12 days of pre-Christmas offers included thousands of deals for customers and ran from November 14 until November 25 - the official Black Friday date.

The Jersey Marine-based centre is a specialist site for shoes and clothing and thousands of fashion items are stocked there.

New shoe racking, a pick tower and aisles have been completed in time for Christmas and are now in place.

General manag e r Pat Fa u l k n e r s a i d : “The ramp up has gone extremely well.

We’re exactly where we wanted to be.”

Extension work on the staff canteen has now also been finished to accommodate up to 3,000 extra temporary staff for the festive period.

There are 43 different shift patterns, including day and night shifts. A total of 1,200 permanent workers are currently employed at the Jersey Marine site, with 200 temporary employees currently going through the process of being made permanent.

Meanwhile, recent research reveals Swansea residents wait an average of 47 minutes to purchase their Black Friday bargains - that’s 24 minutes more than shoppers in London have to wait.

The survey, conducted by Onbuy.com, shows the average queuing times per city for 19 cities across the UK. Swansea tops the list as the longest in Wales, while Southampton remains the overall number one worst city for Black Friday queue times of 58 minutes.

Data was collected by surveying 120 households in each of the respective cities to understand how long they tend to wait in a queue on Black Friday from the past two years.

Cas Paton, managing director of Onbuy. com, said: “The British love a good queue, and as a patient nation, most of us can cope with the long waits – especially the ones that end in a good bargain.

“This time of the year is the busiest for us retailers and Black Friday allows us to put on some great offers. The mad rush of the stores is part of the fun, but for those who don’t have the patience, online shopping

THE RAMP UP HAS GONE EXTREMELY WELL. WE’RE EXACTLY WHERE WE WANTED TO BE. could be a better fit. We encourage everyone to shop safely and hope these average times can help with expectations so you can plan ahead.”

Pre-Black Friday tips also included ways to take advantage of Cyber Monday too – which took place on November 28 like signing up to retailer websites before the day. swanseabaybusiness.com 95

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News round-up

Workforce

Legal director Laura Burkinshaw, left, with administrative assistant Laura Carter at Swansea-based Dezrezlegal.

Law firm to double staff count over three years A South West Wales-based property law firm has revealed ambitious plans to double its headcount and turnover within the next three years.

Dezrezlegal, which has grown its workforce in Swansea by 10 per cent over the past year and now has 35 members of staff, is now looking to increase its profit margins by more than 11.5 per cent in the next 12 months.

The conveyancing specialist, which has offices in SA1 and plans to take on a further two legal teams within the next year, attributes its success and growth to its commitment to investing heavily in its employees’ skills.

Laura Burkinshaw, legal director at Dezrezlegal, said: “This year we’ve experienced fantastic growth and increased the number of cases on our books.”

The firm has a number of training programmes in place for staff at all levels.

Swansea University graduate Laura Carter is among staff to have benefited and is now set to become a fully qualified licenced conveyancer.

Carter, 26, joined Dezrezlegal as an administrative assistant after graduating with a law degree and work experience at organisations dealing with property law.

Having immediately made an impression, excelling in all areas of her role, Dezrezlegal funded Carter to complete a 10-week Institute of Leadership and Management Level 2 course.

The property law firm has also selected her to be put through the Council for

Licensed Conveyers programme, which once completed, will see her become a fully qualified licenced conveyancer, opening up a world of possibility and career progression.

Carter said: “Dezrezlegal has been great, supporting me in completing my academic studies and providing me with invaluable practical experience to help me kick start my legal career.

“I’m grateful that they have put me through my CLC, and am thrilled that they are already supporting me to work towards a promotion once I am qualified as licenced conveyancer.”

Burkinshaw added: “Laura started here with a basic knowledge gained from work experience at a high-street practice.

As a company who deals in a large volume of conveyancing files, some employees find it difficult to transition over to the busy environment that we have here at Dezrezlegal but Laura excelled in every area, no matter what team or job role she has been involved with.

“She has a fantastic work ethos and this was the main reason we looked at putting Laura on the CLC programme as this will enable her career to progress to be able to manage and lead a file load and team of her own.”

Burkinshaw said staff retention and productivity were at their highest due to training, which had reduced time and resources spent on recruiting new employees, as well as increasing employee salaries.

THIS YEAR WE’VE EXPERIENCED FANTASTIC GROWTH AND INCREASED THE NUMBER OF CASES ON OUR BOOKS. Dezrezlegal is on track to achieve its goal of doubling its workforce and turnover within the next three years, which would see it moving to bigger offices. The company, which was founded in 2009 with just two members of staff, stresses that Swansea will remain its home.

Individuals looking to start their legal careers can apply for a two-year CLC qualification, which sees them split their time between classroom learning and direct training from an in-house qualified solicitor.

The competitive course enables individuals to become fully qualified conveyancers.

Julie James, Minister for Skills and Science, urged more employers to invest in the skills of their workforce. She said: “Higher skill levels are essential to the future of competitiveness of Wales but, achieving the degree of upskilling required, means that more employers must be willing to invest their own resources in training and development.

“Welsh Government remains completely committed to supporting the development of skills across Welsh industry – particularly in the priority sectors – but, in order to make a real difference to our wealth creation capacity as a nation, more employers must play their part and increase their investment in their workers of all ages.” swanseabaybusiness.com 97

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Property and construction Building the future of west Wales

There is hope that key regeneration plans for the region, such as S4C’s Carmarthen move, may soon pay off.

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Property & Construction is sponsored by

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Artist’s impression of the Delta Lakes Wellness and Life Science Village, Llanelli

“IT IS FANTASTIC TO SEE HOW MUCH INVESTMENT IS PLANNED FOR THE REGION AND IT IS CLEAR THAT THE AUTHORITIES ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO ENERGISE THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

Building the future of west Wales There is hope that key regeneration plans for the region, such as S4C’s Carmarthen move, may soon pay off. Here, BUSINESS LIFE shines a spotlight on some of the top projects on the list…

From food and drink to engineering solutions and the creative arts, west Wales is thriving, but until recently poor transport and telecoms links have held it back.

In fact, as 2015 drew to a close, a snapshot of the Gross Value Added figures for the UK, provided by the Office of National Statistics, showed that Wales was still languishing at the bottom of the table, with west Wales notably struggling.

But with significant investment in infrastructure and transport links supporting a number of key developments in west Wales, there are hopes that ambitious regeneration plans for the region may soon pay dividends.

S4C’s plans to move its headquarters to Carmarthen is perhaps the most notable development on the horizon for west Wales. In conjunction with University of Wales Trinity Saint David, which will be an anchor tenant for the site, it is anticipated to generate jobs and boost the regional economy by around £11 million per year.

Known as Yr Egin, it will incorporate space for creative industries as well as a café, auditorium and performance stages.

Essentially it will function as a national hub for the creative industries and a resource for independent TV producers and multi-media companies. If all goes according to schedule, the centre is expected to open its doors in 2018.

Meanwhile, the wraps have recently come off two west Wales developments – with the official launch of the first phase of two new high-potential strategic business and employment sites in Carmarthenshire.

Jane Hutt AM, Welsh Government Leader of the House, was among the first to see phase one of the Cross Hands East strategic employment site – 22 acres of prime development space set out over nine plots with potential for major employment.

The development site is being marketed to the private sector, particularly those in the field of advanced manufacturing, financial, professional, creative agri-technology and environmental services, with opportunities to build high quality commercial premises right next to the A48/M4 road network.

The £14.5 million strategic employment site was funded by Carmarthenshire County Council, Welsh Government and

Jane Hutt AM

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Building the future of west Wales

Property & Construction

Cllr Meryl Gravell

THIS AREA IS NOW WELL ESTABLISHED AS A STRONG STRATEGIC LOCATION OWING TO THE SUCCESS OF THE LLANELLI GATE BUSINESS PARK.

Jason Thorne, director of Lambert Smith Hampton

the European Regional Development Fund. The council is contributing a further £1 million to encourage development at the Cross Hands East site in the form of property development grants.

Also unveiled in October was prime development land in Dafen, Llanelli, which sits alongside the Beacon Business Centre – a new purpose-built building providing high spec office and industrial accommodation to lease.

Of the 12 acres of adjoining land, seven acres are currently up for grabs for developers, and the new Wales Air Ambulance has already chosen to base its operation facility on the site.

Cllr Meryl Gravell, the council’s executive board member for regeneration, said: “We were delighted to take the wraps off these two high-potential development sites in Carmarthenshire, both of which are ideally situated close to the main transport

links in the county and the Swansea Bay City Region.

“Carmarthenshire has an enviable track record in business and property development, and today was an opportunity to reinforce this as a place to invest and develop.

Jason Thorne, director of industrial agency at national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton, offered his view on where opportunities still lie.

“It is fantastic to see how much investment is planned for the region and it is clear that the authorities are doing all they can to energise the private sector,” he said.

“There is a great deal of potential and with the key sites now identified and the public and private sectors working together, then the stage is set for more design and build opportunities to grow.

“This has been proven by the success of Parc Pensarn where, for example, earlier this year the developer Bassett and MacGregor completed its first design and build project which, spanning 6,000 sq ft, was pre-let to Euro Car Parts. At £6 per sq ft, the rental figure was the highest to be achieved in the Carmarthen area since the recession.”

Thorne also pointed out that the key strength of the development land in Dafen is its location on the eastern side of Llanelli just five minutes’ drive from J48 of the M4.

“This area is now well established as a strong strategic location owing to the success of the Llanelli Gate Business Park,” he said.

Other key commercial property developments in Llanelli include Delta Lakes Wellness and Life Science Village.

The proposed multi-million pound development, earmarked for Delta Lakes, is led by Carmarthenshire Council and forms part of the ARCH (A Regional Collaboration for Health) initiative – a partnership between Swansea University and ABMU and Hywel Dda health boards,

aiming to bring together health, science and enterprise.

“The site is well placed, adjacent to the coastline and the coastal link road which provides direct access to the M4, and it can capitalise on the region’s emerging life sciences knowledge economy’,” Thorne added.

Meanwhile, further east, the Cross Hands East dedicated strategic employment site, is forecast to be the next major employment zone within Carmarthenshire. It covers 19 hectares, with building floor space of around 40,000 sq m and could potentially generate over 1,200 jobs.

As well as its immediate access to the A48/M4 road network, the scheme benefits from the burgeoning strength of Cross Hand’s existing food and business zones. Businesses will also appreciate the upgraded superfast broadband.

Meanwhile, plans have been chugging along for a 56 acre multi-million pound development at Cross Hands West. It was originally going to include a Sainsbury’s store but the supermarket chain backed out and plans now incorporate a retail development and a 250 home residential scheme that would create new jobs.

The site is being developed through a joint venture partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and property developers and is forecast to lever some £24 milliom in private sector investment.

All things considered, there is work to be done but it looks as if west Wales will be moving up those GVA tables…

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WHILE CURRENT DEMAND FOR NEW BUILDINGS FOCUSES ON STUDENT ACCOMMODATION, SHOULD THIS DEMAND EVER DRY UP, THEN MAKING SURE THE BUILDING CAN BE CONVERTED IN TO RESIDENTIAL HOMES, SOCIAL HOUSING OR EVEN OFFICES WOULD BE A MUCH MORE SENSIBLE APPROACH.

Student accommodation Park Buildings on Park Street in Swansea city centre was built in 2015

Adaptability is key for student accommodation

Choosing an adaptable approach Developers and planning authorities should think ‘adaptable’ when putting together proposals for any future student accommodation in South Wales.

Developers and planning authorities should think ‘adaptable’ when putting together proposals for any future student accommodation in South Wales.

That’s the view of property experts at consultancy Bruton Knowles who believe that while current demand focuses on supplying student accommodation, thought should be given to the medium and long term use of buildings that are popping up across the main university hubs of Swansea and Cardiff.

Aled Jenkins, from Bruton Knowles, said he believed planning departments should now enforce adaptable or alternative design policies on all future applications, so that

should, for example, the student population dip, the buildings could be converted to what the market demands were at that time.

Having overseen numerous projects where old buildings were stripped for conversion, Aled said he had a full appreciation of what is possible.

He said: “We’ve heard a lot of negativity about all the new student accommodation that is being built across South Wales.

Our view however is that each city should embrace these developments.

“They often replace tired and semioccupied office buildings with newer, more vibrant looking buildings that sometimes improve the appearance of the

city. However we should also ensure the buildings are designed so that they can be adapted for different uses should the need arise.

“While current demand for new buildings focuses on student accommodation, should this demand ever dry up, then making sure the building can be converted in to residential homes, social housing or even offices would be a much more sensible approach.

“Strengthening the ground floor structures so that the ground floor level can be converted to retail or a car park, making the windows uniform for future flats above, and installing surface mounted services are

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Choosing an adaptable approach

Property & Construction

Swansea University’s Bay Campus has a range of accommodation types

all simple solutions that can be incorporated to allow for future alternative uses by simple alterations. This should also make the building more attractive for future investors.

“The majority of the new student accommodation does not have parking.

Should it ever be sold on, this would be one element that would need addressing.

“Installing a car park for example on the lower levels from the outset is therefore a sensible approach as the space can be rented out to a viable operator. Should the building ever be converted into offices, it would be more attractive for businesses looking to locate there as it will have space for workers to park.

“Or if it was converted to residential, occupiers would then have an allocated parking bay.”

He added it was “great” that South Wales was attracting so many students.

“The new blocks are generating work for developers and builders and the students spend millions of pounds across the regional economy,” he said.

“Our view is that instead of bemoaning what seems like an endless stream of new buildings for the region’s students, energy would be better spent on coming up with clever designs to make sure these buildings are flexible for different uses.”

THE NEW BLOCKS ARE GENERATING WORK FOR DEVELOPERS AND BUILDERS AND THE STUDENTS SPEND MILLIONS OF POUNDS ACROSS THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

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11/27/2016 11:58:56 PM

Property & Construction

News round-up

Andrew Heatherington, former director of Fairyhill

Fairyhill in Reynoldston

Top rated luxury hotel sold in million pound deal Luxury hotel Fairyhill near Reynoldston on Gower has been bought in a seven-figure acquisition by wedding venue specialists Oldwalls.

It has been renamed Fairyhill by Oldwalls and forms part of the newly established Oldwalls Collection which will specialise in developing luxury wedding venues.

Bosses say the purchase, which was supported by HSBC, will allow the new proprietors to inject significant investment into the refurbishment of the impressive Georgian mansion.

Under the ownership of Andrew Heatherington and Paul Davies since 1993, Fairyhill has built a stellar reputation as a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant with rooms, offering first class service and food.

Managing director of Oldwalls, Andrew Hole said: “This exciting acquisition is testament to Oldwalls’ commitment to business growth and expansion.

“We plan to build on Fairyhill’s existing success and will continue to operate as a five-star restaurant with rooms while we develop a high-end wedding venue market.

“Our wedding industry expertise will be utilised to transform Fairyhill into a luxury wedding venue to match the award winning standards of our flagship, Oldwalls Gower.”

Former director or Fairyhill Hotel, Hetherington added: “We would like to thank all of our loyal customers, friends and suppliers of Fairyhill for playing their part in the success of the business.

“We’re confident that its success will continue as part of the dynamic Oldwalls Collection and we look forward to witnessing the developments.

“But after more than 20 years, we felt the time was right to sell.”

THIS EXCITING ACQUISITION IS TESTAMENT TO OLDWALLS’ COMMITMENT TO BUSINESS GROWTH AND EXPANSION.

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News round-up

Property & Construction

Windsor Café, Craddock Street

Union Street

Boost to city centre There is “robust growth” within the city centre’s commercial property sector sparking optimism about the future, according to a Swansea business leader.

Russell Greenslade, chief executive of Swansea Business Improvement District, made his comments after Dawsons Property revealed eight vacant city centre units have been snapped up by firms in a few weeks.

“Swansea city centre’s commercial activity is showing robust growth which is a positive sign,” Greenslade said.

“Investors are looking to the city centre for opportunities as a result of the very real regeneration plans we have in place and committed to starting in 2017.

“These are exciting times for the city centre which is very much open for business so I truly encourage investors and businesses to continue looking at Swansea city centre as an area of growth and opportunity.”’

The commercial units which have been let include the former Windsor Café in Craddock Street - sale agreed - and two units in Union Street.

There is also one in Picton Arcade as well as two in Oxford Street and another two in Nelson Street.

The deals are a big boost to the city according to Dawsons.

Andrew Cox, surveyor in Dawsons’ commercial department, said: “The recent lettings we have secured in the city centre is a sure sign that local businesses feel that the city is developing in the right direction.

“With the draft bill for an alteration in business rates in place for 2017, this reaffirms that the local authority is doing their best to help keep the city a vibrant and diverse place for consumers to shop, and I’m hopeful that 2017 will be another strong year for local business.

“2016 has seen further development for student accommodation in the city centre, and with the redevelopment of the Oceana Nightclub, this will only attract more local business to the area.”

INVESTORS ARE LOOKING TO THE CITY CENTRE FOR OPPORTUNITIES AS A RESULT OF THE VERY REAL REGENERATION PLANS WE HAVE IN PLACE AND COMMITTED TO STARTING IN 2017.

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advertising feature

Specialist skills driven labour provider is on track With rapid growth and enthusiastic client testimonials, Involve RPI is proving that there was and is a real need in the rail, power and infrastructure industry for a specialised recruitment consultancy.

Just 18 months ago Gavin Howells and his business partners founded Involve RPI having highlighted that the rail, power and infrastructure industry needed a specialist consultancy that could provide the very best workers and excellent client support.

While other recruitment agencies serve this industry only as part of a wider portfolio, Involve RPI provides an expert service built on staff with relevant industry experience.

“The experience of people we have in our team is second to none,” says Gavin. “We have 40 years of labour and recruitment experience between us across the sectors.”

The team spent the first six months making sure Involve RPI’s foundations were strong, paying close attention to everything from back office processes to insurance and invoicing systems.

“We wanted to make sure we weren’t

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building the business on eggshells, and to have a solid base for expansion.”

The company’s diligence paid off: it started out with a handful of loyal clients and within eight months the business had met its two-year turnover target. It is now on track to further double its turnover in the next 12 months.

In June 2016 the firm bought its own building in Pontypridd - an ideal location for supporting major infrastructure projects along the M4 corridor.

In line with this, Involve RPI’s client base is expanding fast, with testimonials praising its customer service and the quality of the skilled workers provided by the firm.

“Industry competence is key when we are recruiting: we are only as good as the people we put on site, and I’m pleased to say our reputation has been built on the level of skills

displayed by our recruits,” says Gavin.

Involve RPI currently employs nine staff members, and with turnover rocketing, the firm is now working on expanding its workforce and offices to service the industry in the South West, South East and northern England. The aim is for Involve RPI to become one of the UK’s largest independent consultancies within five years.

Within Wales, the proposed M4 relief road near Newport could become be a big focus for the company, as could the proposed HS2 rail link in England.

“With the Government investing in infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the energy sectors, there is now very strong demand for skills and there will be for at least the next ten years,” says Gavin.

The firm is also ideally situated to target opportunities created by the recently

11/27/2016 11:59:17 PM

announced HS2 & Hinkley Point C projects, along with the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, and the current ongoing GWEP London to Swansea electrification.

“The tidal lagoon, rail electrification and Hinkley Point projects are all within a 90-mile radius,” says Gavin. “There is already a skills shortage and these skills sets will be drained further in this area, so we’re here to help solve the problem.”

As he looks forward to a busy 2017, Gavin is delighted with the fast progress made so far, and with Involve RPI’s potential to serve the industry further.

“One of the most satisfying things is seeing the feedback from clients and knowing we are doing a good job and that they want to partner with us,” he says. “Being asked to be one one of their core supply chain partners on a national basis is hugely rewarding. Our clients appreciate our honesty: we never make a promise that we can’t keep, and we never under-deliver, and I believe that’s what keeps them loyal to us. It’s great to know that the idea we had to create this business was the right one.”

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11/27/2016 11:59:33 PM

Industry Insight With Lee Mogridge, head of national commercial property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton Wales

Space matters inside and out It is hard to believe that it is now eight years since the 2008 financial crisis. One factor to have emerged is the broad consensus that cost-efficiencies are the ‘new normal’.

As commercial property accounts for around 20 per cent of business operating costs, how workspace requirements are approached is critical for organisations.

Those getting it right, are companies that review wider business needs and engage with different business units such as IT and HR functions, facilities management and estates teams.

These efforts pay off as substantial savings are possible. It is an area we address when working with organisations and what happens outside the building

is as significant as what happens inside.

It is important to review the wider work environment; transport and travel, job roles, flexible working, catering and facilities as all these factors impact on how people perform.

It is also possible to look at funding options, re-gearing leases to re-balance the portfolio, review cost vs. benefits of vacating leased premises, taxation and VAT implications, cash-flow and capital receipts. All factors that add up.

This may sound a significant undertaking but it is essential when developing a workplace strategy. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to recruit specialists that can deliver change management, interior design

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REVIEW THE WIDER WORK ENVIRONMENT; TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL, JOB ROLES, FLEXIBLE WORKING, CATERING AND FACILITIES AS ALL THESE FACTORS IMPACT ON HOW PEOPLE PERFORM. and architecture, occupancy and space planning and set up routes to manage and interpret performance data.

As the average desk space costs approximately £8,000 per annum, this upfront effort and analysis pays dividends.

Axis 17, Axis Court, Mallard Way Swansea, SA7 0AJ Tel: 01792 702 800 3 Callaghan Square, Cardiff CF10 5BT • Tel: 029 20523030 www.lsh.co.uk

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Property & Construction

THIS WOULD REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY SECTORS LIKE ENERGY, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ARE DELIVERED HERE, AND PLACE SWANSEA BAY AT THE HEART OF NEW DIGITAL APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT FOR EXPORT TO MARKETS ACROSS THE WORLD.

Image of the redeveloped Oceana site as a new digital district bordered by The Kingsway and Lower Oxford Street.

£1.3 billion City Deal moves closer Work to unlock major investment in Swansea and the surrounding region — via a City Deal — is continuing.

Representatives of the Swansea Bay City Region, which comprises four local authority areas, have met UK Government officials.

As Business Life goes to print, it is not clear when Westminster leaders will give the City Deal the go-ahead, or otherwise, but Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart hopes it will be a matter of weeks.

The aim of the £1.3 billion project, known as the Internet Coast City Deal, is for Swansea, Neath PortTalbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to become a regional centre of excellence in digital technologies, with a particular focus on health and wellbeing, energy and advanced manufacturing.

Stewart said: “We’ve made our case to the Welsh and UK Governments, and are hopeful of a positive outcome by the end of the year.

“The Swansea Bay City Region has been hit hard by the decline of the traditional manufacturing industry over recent decades, but we want to reverse the trend and turbocharge the regional economy by focusing on investment in digital infrastructure, helping transform the region into an ‘internet coast’.

“This would revolutionise the way sectors like energy, health and social care are delivered here, and place Swansea Bay at the heart of new digital application development for export to markets across the world.”

Productivity in the region has fallen from 90 per cent of the UK average 30 years ago to 77 per cent now.

The City Deal aims to reverse much of this by pump-priming the South West Wales economy with £728 million from the private sector, £305 million from the four participating councils, universities and health boards, plus £240 million from the UK and Welsh Governments.

Stewart told this magazine’s sister publication, the Evening Post, that private sector firms were poised to release investment once the City Deal was given the all-clear, and that the 11 City Deal projects settled upon would create 9,465 direct jobs over 15 years, with many more indirect jobs as a result.

One of the projects is to create a digital district in Swansea city centre and the

waterfront, another is to keep modernising the steel sector so it can match demand for products of the future, while a third is a Life Science, Health and Wellbeing Village planned for Delta Lakes, Llanelli.

“Technology is the industry of the future,” said Stewart. “We have to create a new industry based on the sectors that are growing in the world.”

Some other regions and major cities in the UK have City Deals up and running or in the pipeline, with a focus on economic priorities for their area.

Celtic Manor owner and high-tech entrepreneur Sir Terry Matthews is chairman of the Swansea Bay City Region board, and a key driver of the City Deal bid.

The Evening Post understands that Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, has shown a close interest in the Internet Coast City Deal, while it emerged in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that the UK Government is pledging £400 million for a new digital infrastructure investment fund and £740 million towards the development of 5G, which will offer much greater download capability for homes and businesses.

A Government spokesman told the Evening Post: “It’s (the City Deal) being actively worked on.”

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News round-up

Property & Construction

Hotel group largest in world Opportunities for guests and staff at Swansea Bay region hotel as group becomes world’s largest hotel chain. BUSINESS LIFE reports…

Staff at a key hotel in the Swansea Bay region have celebrated an acquisition that makes the group the largest in the world.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has become part of Marriott International, which has more than 5,700 hotels, across 30 brands, in over 110 countries.

Swansea Marriott Hotel, at Maritime quarter, marked the deal with a lunch for its associates and said guests would benefit from the move.

Mandi Gwynne, director of Sales at Swansea Marriott Hotel, said: “We’re so excited that Starwood Hotels & Resorts has become part of Marriott International.

Together we’re better.

“It is a huge milestone for the company, and here at the Marriott in Swansea, we celebrated this fantastic occasion with a special lunch for all of our associates.

“We can’t wait to welcome new guests, along with our loyal guests to the Swansea Marriott, and continue to serve our guests brilliantly.”

She added the three leading loyalty programs for guests running across the 30 brands now run parallel with each other, giving members more choice and access to its hotels globally and rewarding them for their loyalty. Also, that the hotel’s employees now have more opportunity to explore their hospitality career within Marriott International.

Arne Sorenson , p r e s i d e n t a n d C E O of Marriott In t e r n at i o n a l , a d d e d : “More brands and more choices is a powerful statement. But what excites us the most is the opportunities that this gives our customers.”

Swansea Marriott Hotel is running party lunches in the run up to Christmas. From December 9 to December 16, they include a three course set lunch, coffee, novelties and entertainment from the hotel’s resident DJ, for £25 per person. There are also regular party nights throughout December, plus Christmas Day and Boxing Day lunch plus a New Year’s Eve 1920s party night.

Visit http://www.marriott.com

Mandi Gwynne, director of Sales

IT IS A HUGE MILESTONE FOR THE COMPANY, AND HERE AT THE MARRIOTT IN SWANSEA, WE CELEBRATED THIS FANTASTIC OCCASION WITH A SPECIAL LUNCH FOR ALL OF OUR ASSOCIATES.

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Property & Construction

News round-up

Firm behind £100m Corran plans goes into administration The company behind ambitious plans for a £100 million development at the prestigious Corran venue in Laugharne has gone into administration.

Kayboo Ltd was officially put into administration at the end of October this year, leaving questions over whether the proposed development, which was rejected by planners in December 2015, will go ahead.

At the time director Peter Burnett expressed dismay at the planners’ decision to reject a “once in a generation opportunity for West Carmarthenshire”, but said options over an appeal were being considered.

Despite an administrator being appointed at Kayboo, Corran Resort & Spa has confirmed it remains open for business.

General manager Sharon Adams said: “The hotel is under new management and open for business as usual.

“We are unable to comment on any matters relating to the administration of Kayboo Ltd.” Kayboo had been behind the plans to build 200 two, three and four bedroom lodges, a swimming pool and restaurant forming extension to the luxury resort.

The decision to reject the plans left Burnett shocked at what he described as a “once in a generation opportunity for West Carmarthenshire”.

Burnett added: “To turn down an investment of this size and quality without even a site visit makes questionable the whole basis of planning decisions in Carmarthenshire.”

At the time, Corran received support of the new plans from Laugharne town councillors, after stating the new resort would bring around 200 new jobs, paid at living wage, while safeguarding around 50 jobs.

Burnett added: “The Corran is now considering whether or not to appeal the decision or get it reassessed.

“If we do seek to reverse this decision then we are hopeful of a fairer and more informed hearing from Welsh Government for a proposal of such national importance.”

TO TURN DOWN AN INVESTMENT OF THIS SIZE AND QUALITY WITHOUT EVEN A SITE VISIT MAKES QUESTIONABLE THE WHOLE BASIS OF PLANNING DECISIONS IN CARMARTHENSHIRE.

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Expert opinion

News round-up

Property & Construction

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

Transforming the energy landscape The Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates AM recently set out plans to establish a National Infrastructure Commission for Wales. The commission aims to support decision making around major projects in Wales, and help to create the right conditions for stable and long-term investment.

Once established, the commission will provide technical expert advice on decisions around all economic and environmental infrastructure in Wales.

Significantly, this will include energy.

In recent weeks, two major energy infrastructure projects in England have been signed off by UK ministers.The nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C in Somerset has finally been approved, while Communities Secretary Sajid Javid signed off plans for fracking in Lancashire. These initiatives have substantial economic, environmental and energy security aspects and impacts.

Depending on who you talk to, not all of the expected impacts are necessarily positive.

Yet alongside these, we are still waiting on a UK decision about proposed tidal lagoons in Wales - another hugely important energy infrastructure initiative, which could transform the energy landscape.

It’s fair to point out that whatever impacts lagoons may have, they will not include nuclear waste, or the risk of seismic effects.

The ECA is urging government to support tidal power. The ECA firmly believes that tidal power must be the next major energy source to be given the go-ahead, in order to show strong UK commitment to combatting climate change, protecting energy security, and supporting jobs and growth in Wales.

Approval of the tidal lagoon will provide an iconic, world-first infrastructure project for the South West Wales region and subsequently provide widespread opportunities for businesses in the area.

Mark Davies, managing director at LBS with Betsan Powell of JCP Solicitors.

Building firm acquires merchants in milestone year An expanding South West Wales building supplier has secured its largest purchase to date.

Carmarthenshire-based LBS Builders Merchants Ltd has acquired merchants Talbot Timber.

TalbotTimber has been supplying the construction industry across West Wales for more than 35 years, from four branches in Pembrokeshire.

Mark Davies, managing director at LBS, said the re-branding of three Talbot Timber branches was a positive move in a milestone year for the company.

“In our 85th year we are delighted with the acquisition of such a well-respected business,” he said.

“The addition of these three branches to our network will significantly increase our capacity and service levels in West Wales, and all our customers across South Wales will see LBS offer a wider choice of timber and sheet material and improved engineered timber solutions.”

He added both businesses were family-owned and built upon strong partnerships with their customers and the local communities.

Betsan Powell, director and joint head of corporate at JCP Solicitors, advised LBS on the purchase.

She said: “JCP’s corporate team has a longstanding and valued relationship with LBS and we were happy to be able to work with them on this important acquisition.

“It is great to see LBS continue to expand. We represented them at the end of 2015 when they opened a new site in Aberdare. LBS continues to be a real success story for construction in Wales, bringing valuable employment to the area.”

Three branches in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Tenby have now been rebranded LBS, with an expanded range of products.

LBS has branches throughout Wales, including in Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire.

IN OUR 85TH YEAR WE ARE DELIGHTED WITH THE ACQUISITION OF SUCH A WELLRESPECTED BUSINESS

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Technology & communication What’s it like?

Paul Davies, a director at social media platform What’s it Like? talks about his latest app

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WE’RE A MARKET MAKER – A PLATFORM – WE WANT TO GET CONSUMERS OR BUSINESSES TOGETHER AT A FAIR PRICE, TRANSPARENT.

What’s it like?

Paul Davies, a director at social media platform What’s it Like? and Swansea University lecturer talks to BUSINESS LIFE about his latest app…

A picture tells a 1,000 words, or so the saying goes. But a video? A video can engage and communicate in a way that copy alone never can, no matter how sparkling.

Now a new social media app with its roots in video and reality TV is harnessing the power of a search and discover function with the simple authentic video, as the perfect storytelling tool Five years ago, Paul Davies had a vision.

A scalable business model that captures the zeitgeist of the way consumers interact with small businesses, and monetises it.

Exactly. Kerchink.

We thought, let’s use all the things that people like and try to create a product that’s really affordable for small businesses – mobile phones, video, reality TV and social media – and create a platform that brings businesses and their customers together in a fun way,” Davies said. ““We wanted to give people information in a visual and fun way so they could go out and discover where to go, what to do – by using their phone.”

Called What’s it Like? The app provides an affordable and easily accessible platform for small businesses. After an initial outlay

of anything from £100 for a promo video, the service costs £9.99 per month The only problem was that back then the recession was still in clear sight in the rear view mirror. Wifi was still dodgy and 4G hadn’t yet been invented.

It was tough at first, explained Davies, who is now also a business and entrepreneur lecturer at Swansea University.

“There was a lot of walking the streets, going to see lots of businesses, taking the tablet, taking the time to understand a business, and show them what the app could do for them,” he said.

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What’s it like

Fast forward to now, and the app has steadily grown, and in the increasingly “mobile first” world, where people look to their phone as a key search and discovery tool, What’s it Like? looks set to grow exponentially.

“We have 300 clients spread across Wales, from Tenby to Cardiff – across a wide range of sectors – bars, restaurants, gyms, interiors and retail centres, for example, Morgan Arcade and Capitol Centre,” he said.

“If people want to be seen we help them do it, quickly and easily and visually.”

The real key to What’s It Like? Is the short 35-second video snapshot of the business – whether it’s a restaurant or a shopping centre or a bar.

“Apparently there are around eight billion video views a day Facebook,” Davies said. “Social video has become a bit of a phenomena!”

He points to the huge rate of return – social media videos generate 10 to 13 times the amount of chatter and interest and accounts for huge amounts of traffic.

“Video shows you the place, the service – it’s authentic and real – inspired by reality TV style, so people get a genuine idea of what something is like,” Davies said.

When he first started, Davies and his team were shooting most video themselves.

These days many of the customers are shooting their own promo videos.

“We either let the customer self-produce or have a team that goes out there and helps customers talk about what they want to show,” Davies said.

Davies’ advice for videos is keep it real, and keep it short. “People don’t want to see more than 35 to 40 seconds,” he said. “Fun, simple, short, give it personality, keep it real and it has to be relevant and integrated,

you’re doing it for a reason – common sense rules apply!”

“If you’re a gym, show the parts of the gym that you really try to connect with.

“Every business has a personality and what you’re trying to do is get that across visually.”

What’s it Like? has concentrated primarily on the retail sector, which traditionally relies on footfall and word of mouth. “We’re trying to get the message across that promotion doesn’t have to be expensive,” Davies explained.

Right now, Davies is launching a Smart Phone Loyalty Scheme via the app, and also a digitisation process for businesses that don’t yet have a web presence that works on the web.

“We’ve digitised quite a few shops in the city centre – and we’ve worked with Swansea BID,” he said.

One of the app’s features includes a section called Near Me. “For example, if you get off train at Cardiff and you’re really hungry you can do a live search based on your destination,” Davies added.

“With the new loyalty scheme - if you’re a small business the chances are that you already have a loyalty scheme – if your customers remember it they get a stamp every time they come.

“With the loyalty scheme on What’s It Like? – as a small business you can print them off, or pay for your own app, or you can run a loyalty card through What’s it Like?

“Consumers win. They get to discover new places and they get savings. Businesses win because they get to showcase themselves to customers.

“We want to help small businesses make the most of the fact that we live in a mobile first world. We don’t want to carry lots of

Technology & Communication

cards around – we lose them, or the dog eats them. Offering a rewards scheme via What’s It Like? means that all customers need is their mobile.

“When I started this business five years ago – there wasn’t even 3G. Now 4G is everywhere, everyone has a smart phone, Wifi is everywhere, and YouTube, Instagram video and Snapchat have really taken off.”

Davies is currently expanding the type of businesses the company is working with – expanding into professional services.

“We’re targeting call centres, corporate companies, accountants, lawyers,” he said. “Call centres want to attract best candidates.

“We’re a market maker – a platform – we want to get consumers or businesses together at a fair price, transparent.

“As well as the smart phone loyalty feature, we offer a mobile friendly design service.

“It’s all about inspiring yourself and inspiring others around you.”

At a glance...

About Paul Davies Age: 43 Job title: Director, What’s it Like?

Background: A Swansea boy, Davies spent 12 years in blue chip corporates before returning to Swansea and has recently taken a lecturing post in Swansea University’s Bay Campus.

Guiding mantras: If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got.

If you dream it you can do it.

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Technology & Communication

Gower Business Systems

IT provider marks milestone Staff at a company that is partnered with HP and Microsoft and provides IT solutions across Wales are celebrating a key milestone.

Gower Business Systems Ltd, owned by two of its original directors Mark Wyatt and Mark Bowling, is marking its 25th anniversary.

The firm has been supplying and supporting businesses with their ICT infrastructure since 1991.

Mark Bowling said many clients had been with them since the beginning.

He said: “Back in 1991, people thought we were brave starting a business in a recession. Three recessions later, we are still going strong and have profitably traded since our inception.

“The secret to our success is treating our users as we would like to be treated ourselves. We give affordable solutions that are suitable for our customers. People think managed services is a new concept in the IT industry - we have been providing it since day one.”

Mark Bowling, left, and Mark Wyatt, right, with the Gower Business Show team

Gower Business Systems Ltd partners with HP, Microsoft, Avaya and Netgear as well as Pegasus Software to supply accounting, enterprise resource planning and payroll systems.

Clients range from sole traders through to some of the largest employers in Wales.

The firm supplies diverse industries from legal to construction and remotely support users worldwide.

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(From left to right: Technical Director Lee Wiltshire, Neil Walker Chef Executive and Rachel Birch Office Services Manager Redkite Solicitors and Robert Stanton Director Infinity Document Solutions)

Executive Neil Walker undertaking print audit’s and feasibility studies into removing the firm’s old printers and other devices which formed part of their fleet and replacing them with this new solution where the monitoring, accounting, charge back and reporting are readily and easily obtained.

Neil Walker commented “We moved to a new managed print solution provided

by Infinity Document Solutions. The decision was an easy one as it promised to save costs and having worked with Infinity Document Solutions previously we knew we would get a first class service and what justified this was Infinity also proved to be the most competitive on price after we went out to tender.

The new managed print solution has been in place for a number of months and we now have a fleet of Ricoh devices coupled with Papercut software. All the old legacy printers were removed from users at the time the new multifunctional devices were installed, with our employees quickly embracing the new solution.

From a business perspective our goals were achieved, we are already enjoying cost savings; which in turn means we are greener with lower paper and electricity consumption. The problem of uncollected prints hanging around on printers is now a distant memory, reducing waste, saving costs and improving document security.

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The technical team at Infinity Document Solutions worked hard behind the scenes, working collaboratively with our outsourced IT provider to ensure that the migration went smoothly and it is also reassuring to know that they are there on hand ready to help should anything go wrong. Dealing with Infinity is very easy, giving us peace of mind and we would recommend them to any business or organisation looking to make savings on their print costs”.

©LW

Infinity Document Solutions are delighted to have installed over twenty Ricoh Multifunctional devices and Papercut print management software at Redkite Solicitors various locations in South and West Wales.

Redkite Solicitors have a total of 6 offices covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardiff, with a total of 80 employees. The firm provides a full spectrum of legal services both to individuals and businesses through its specialist teams.

As a business Redkite prides itself in using technology to drive efficiency and in turn provide clients with excellent levels of service. However, one area that Redkite had fallen behind was the management and control of their in house printing and associated costs.

The business had a plethora of printers consisting of different makes and models, some networked and some local. This was proving costly, both in terms of spend on ink cartridges and time spent on ordering and managing stocks. Printer problems were the most common cause of calls to their IT helpdesk.

Robert Stanton and Lee Wiltshire of Infinity spent a number of months in consultation with Redkite Chief

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Expert opinion

Google links

Technology & Communication

with Adam Curtis, CEO of Hoowla and MD of Clockwork Bear

Exports can become more competitive Since Brexit there has been a lot of focus on change, with uncertainty about how (and when) these changes will come into force and what the challenges will be. I believe Brexit should be viewed as a positive thing for the UK; change is an opportunity for business and a weaker pound means our Welsh exports can become more competitive.

Export was once the bread and butter income of the nation - in the 1880s, 43 per cent of all exports around the world came from Britain. In the 130 years since Wales’ contribution to exports has changed from coal, copper and iron to more sophisticated technologies and manufacturing.

Carmarthenshire-based Amcanu knows only too well the changing face of British exports and manufacturing. The company specialises in industrial enclosures for pumps, generators and 3D printers. Pump manufacturer Godwin is one of Amcanu’s major customers, with products operating in over 150 countries.

Amcanu took a major hit in 2008, but restructuring and investing in equipment has made it stronger and better placed to take on China, who Amcanu founder Spencer Davies believes is starting to lose its competitive edge.

In recent years Port Talbot-based Quantum CAD has reaped the benefits of innovation in market approach, working to market its electronic and printed circuit board services to non UK markets, winning major clients including Bosch and Ericsson and most recently working on SOFIA, a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center.

As with all changes, be they local, national or international the way to thrive and succeed is to react quickly and efficiently and make the most of the opportunities these new changes bring.

A project leader at tech giant Google has been sharing his expertise with researchers and the business community in Swansea.

Scott Jenson spoke to young researchers and industrialists at Swansea Marriott Hotel, Maritime Quarter, and gave a lecture at Swansea University’s Bay Campus.

Google project leader builds links with region He also met business leaders and politicians in Cardiff Bay. Jenson, of Google’s Chrome team, has been developing the “physical web”, which allows web pages to be broadcast via tiny beacons.

The idea is that you can walk up to an object with a beacon, such as a bus stop, rental car or vending machine, and interact with it without downloading an app. For example, tapping the link on your smartphone for a bus stop could bring up a timetable of upcoming buses and their routes.

Another way of explaining the physical web is that users are presented with a search engine for the immediate world around them.

Jenson, who is based at Mountain View California, has been collaborating with Professor Matt Jones, head of science at Swansea University, for some time.

He said he hoped his two-week trip to Swansea wouldn’t be his last. “I would love to come back,” he said.

Accompanying Jenson in South Wales has been Dr Matt Roach, who works at the university’s Computational Foundry.

The foundry has people, equipment and projects but will move into a £31 million purpose-built base at the Bay Campus. Construction is due to begin later this year.

High-tech entrepreneur and Swansea Bay City Region chairman Sir Terry Matthews has been following the foundry’s progress with interest.

Roach said Jenson’s visit had been a success.

“It has been really good, really exciting it has created a lot of energy,” he said.

“IT HAS BEEN REALLY GOOD, REALLY EXCITING — IT HAS CREATED A LOT OF ENERGY

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Technology & Communication

City is first to get ultrafast broadband

City is first to get ultrafast broadband Swansea is to become the first area in Wales to receive new ultrafast broadband.

BT has announced its Openreach division is expected to connect thousands of premises in the city during 2017, following a trial in technology in May last year.

The move would enable businesses to grow, according to Swansea Council, although the Federation of Small Businesses Wales said connections need to improve in rural areas also.

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This is fantastic news for Swansea and supports our drive to make sure the city and the region has a first rate digital infrastructure to enable businesses to grow rapidly.

“It will also complement our plans to introduce a city digital district as part of the City Deal Internet Coast proposals.”

Ultrafast broadband provides download speeds of up to 330Mbps, more than ten times the UK national average.

Swansea is one of 17 areas across the UK to be chosen as a pilot location for the new technology.

Wales’ Skills and Science Minister Julie James added: “As we continue to compete on a global scale, ultrafast broadband has

the potential to deliver even more benefits to Wales so it is good to see this continued investment and innovation in the industry.”

Ben Cottam, FSB Wales’ head of external affairs, said ultrafast broadband in Swansea would “allow businesses to grow and look at operations to trade online”.

But he added: “While we would welcome the work that has been done, to roll out this next level of broadband speed is at a time when there are parts of Wales where there aren’t basic levels of broadband speeds.

There’s an element of us needing to walk before we run.

“Swansea city and the bay area may be well connected but we need to make sure that this vital infrastructure is available in the surrounding rural areas, and right throughout Wales.”

The other pilot areas include Balham in London, Sheffield, Swindon, and St Austell, Cornwall.

SWANSEA CITY AND THE BAY AREA MAY BE WELL CONNECTED BUT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS AVAILABLE IN THE SURROUNDING RURAL AREAS, AND RIGHT THROUGHOUT WALES.

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Cyber Crime

Technology & Communication

Michael Morgan

Leaders urged to take cyber-crime seriously Firms in the Swansea Bay region need to take the threat of cyber-crime seriously and take pre-emptive action, according to a director.

Michael Morgan, of Carmarthenshire office solutions company Morgan & Morgan, said businesses were more inquisitive about the dangers but further action needed to be taken.

Chancellor Philip Hammond recently announced a new five-year £1.9 billion scheme to help prevent cyber-crime in the UK. The National Cyber Security Strategy is to be used to develop a scheme for tackling hackers and the problems they pose to national security as well as to the public individually.

The UK’s new National Cyber Security Centre launched in October this year is led by director general of cyber security at agency GCHQ. Government-backed Cyber Essentials, an industry supported initiative, was launched in 2014 to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks. There are now two levels of Cyber Essentials certification available for organisations.

Morgan, co-founder and managing director of Cross Hands-based Morgan & Morgan, said: “Protecting against cybercrime is a must, hence why the National Cyber Security Centre set up the Cyber Essentials standard. It represents the

basic technical controls every business, both small and large, should have in place, to protect themselves against common cyber threats.

“The biggest issue we have as an IT managed service provider is the apathy within business, and the ‘it will never happen to me’, attitude, which incidentally is the general attitude throughout the whole of the UK. “We are seeing business asking more questions today, but more on the backdrop of knowing someone who has been affected by cyber-crime rather than protecting their business. We endeavour, as do other good IT managed service providers in South Wales, to educate and help companies put these controls in place to protect their business.

Doing so demonstrate to their customers and supply chain that their company is serious about protecting their data.”

Ransomware is a form of malware that gives criminals the ability to lock a computer from a remote location. A pop-up window appears informing the owner the computer will not be unlocked until a sum of money is paid. The best-known variety of ransomware is called CryptoLocker, which Morgan & Morgan rates as one of the most prominent threats.

Meanwhile, phishing is a form of email scamming where cyber criminals pretend to be credible companies such as banks, credit card companies, online shops or other trusted organisations and ask you to

THE BIGGEST ISSUE WE HAVE AS AN IT MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDER IS THE APATHY WITHIN BUSINESS, AND THE ‘IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME’, ATTITUDE, WHICH INCIDENTALLY IS THE GENERAL ATTITUDE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF THE UK. fill in a form with personal security details.

The link is fake but designed to look exactly like the real website.

Morgan & Morgan is an IASME accredited Cyber Essentials certification body which can support other businesses achieve the Government’s Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

The company has created a checklist of best practices to help businesses by ‘cyber safe’.

They include daily backups, not ignoring software updates, making sure anti-virus software is active, reporting anything suspicious and ignoring unsolicited emails. swanseabaybusiness.com 129

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Cyflymu Cymru i Fusnesau Gwasanaeth cymorth technoleg ddigidol yn cael cychwyn gwych Mae gwasanaeth cymorth digidol a sefydlwyd i helpu busnesau yng Nghymru i elwa ar fand eang cyflym iawn a’r technolegau digidol diweddaraf wedi cael dros 1600 o ymholiadau gan berchnogion busnes ers iddo gael ei lansio chwe mis yn ôl.

Cynigia wasanaeth pum mlynedd Cyflymu Cymru i Fusnesau, a gefnogir gan Lywodraeth Cymru a Chronfa Datblygu Rhanbarthol Ewrop (ERDF) gyngor ac arweiniad rhad ac am ddim, annibynnol i helpu busnesau micro, bach a chanolig eu maint i ddefnyddio technolegau digidol er mwyn datblygu a thyfu. Gall y technolegau newydd cyffrous hyn helpu busnesau i leihau costau, codi cyfraddau gwerthiant i gwsmeriaid presennol, dod o hyd i gwsmeriaid newydd, a chodi elw.

Mae’r gefnogaeth, sy’n rhan o wasanaeth Busnes Cymru Llywodraeth Cymru, yn cynnwys gweithdai Ysgogi Newid, gwasanaeth diagnostig o anghenion ar-lein, cymorth 1:1, adolygiad o’r we. Cefnogir pob un ohonynt gan offer ar-lein, canllawiau ac astudiaethau achos sydd ar gael ar y wefan: businesswales.gov.wales/superfastbusinesswales/cy

Red Ribbon Communications yw megis un o’r nifer fawr o fusnesau sydd wedi elwa ar y gwasanaeth newydd. Mynychodd Rachel Fairbank, perchennog Red Ribbon, weithdy ‘Ysgogi Newid’ a dywedodd “fod y gweithdy wedi darparu gwybodaeth am dechnolegau digidol mewn ffordd gyfeillgar, groesawgar a heb jargon. Deuthum oddi yno gyda llawer o ddealltwriaeth, adnoddau a sawl pwynt gweithredu clir i’w rhoi ar waith yn fy musnes. Heb os, byddwn i’n argymell gwasanaeth Cyflymu Cymru i Fusnesau i bob BBaCh yng Nghymru. Mae’n rhoi cyfoeth o wybodaeth ac arbenigedd ar blât i chi.”

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Er mwyn cael gwybod mwy ac i gofrestru ar wasanaeth Cyflymu Cymru i Fusnesau, ffoniwch 03000 6 03000 e-bostiwch superfast@businesswales.org.uk neu ewch i businesswales.gov.wales/superfastbusinesswales/cy

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Superfast Business Wales Digital technology support service gets off to a flying start A digital support service set up to help businesses in Wales benefit from superfast broadband and the latest digital technologies has received over 1600 enquiries from business owners since its launch nine months ago.

The five year Superfast Business Wales service, backed by the Welsh Government and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides free, independent advice and guidance to help micro, small, and medium sized businesses utilise digital technologies to develop and grow. These exciting new technologies can help businesses to reduce costs, increase sales to existing customers, find new customers, and increase profits.

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Motoring Small care named desire

The Audi Q2 compact SUV is the newest star of the crossover scene

Page 135 Motoring.indd 1

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Motoring

Volkswagen Crafter

Volkswagen Crafter goes it alone

By David Ward Big vans continue to be big business in the commercial vehicle world as demand grows - one of the main reasons why Volkswagen has decided to ’go it alone’ and build their latest Crafter vans at their new, purposebuilt £688 million factory in Poland.

The outgoing Crafter was built alongside the Mercedes Sprinter since its debut back in 2006 but now VW are on their own and here in the UK looking to noticeably increase their annual sales volumes from the 8,000 sold last year.

It’s taken four years of development to create this new, biggerCrafter and according to VW’s Bernd Graft they were determined to get it right explaining: “It was key to talk to our existing customers and ensure they had an input and were fully integrated in the process along the way.

“These included some 900 ranging from one-man operations right up to the big logistic group operators when it came to areas like flexible design, cost of ownership, reducing running costs and improving equipment levels,” he added.

The Crafter, which sits above the VW Caddy and mid-sized T6 Transporter, goes on sale next month with first deliveries to UK customers by late next April when it goes head-to-head with the all-conquering market leader Ford Transit and the latest Mercedes Sprinter.

Before then specific prices for the Crafter, which will be available in 69 derivatives from big single and five-seater double cab panel vans of varying lengths, three roof heights to dropsided and tipper trucks, will be revealed although the entry-level frontwheel drive van will start from £23,500.

Details too of the host of optional equipment available, which includes new safety features, will be known later but it’s standard equipment for event the basic vehicle is impressive as it includes ESP stability control, four airbags, post-collision braking system and more while the option lists features cruise control, lane assist, parking assist, driver alert system and much more.

From outside this Crafter looks smarter with a new, slim line front grille and neater headlamp combination that includes daytime running lights while along either side there are neatly sculptured wheel arches and the necessary plastic protection strips.

Everyday panel van for operators though is all about cargo volumes and carrying weight and this new version has the wider choice needed to attract their attention with gross vehicle weight up to 5.5 tonnes, cargo up to 18.4m3 and load heights up to 2.196mm.

There are three panel vehicle lengths too from 5,986mm through to the long wheelbase 6,836mm and there’s good rear access too with side hinged opening up to 280 degrees while those with sliding doors also offer the convenience of giving big 1,311mm access.

Enginewise there is a choice of well proven VW Tdi diesel two-litre power trains starting with the 102bhp, moving up to the 138bhp with average fuel consumption of 38mpg and CO2 of 193g/km up to the bio-turbo 174bhp which returns an impressive 37mpg and has a CO2 of 196g/km.

All are Euro 6 compliant and all have stopstart fitted as standard and VW engineers claim that on average they have 15 per cent better fuel consumption and fare better safety technology on board compared to the outgoing models.

Again adding to the many derivatives on offer fleet users will be able to choose from front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and 4Motion 4WD, again using much of the technology gained from VW’s car models.

It’s the same story in any of the van cabins where the level and quality of furnishings and fittings are in the mould of current VW cars making this Crafter currently about the best in class.

The build quality is good and also the actual materials are better too yet still look to have durability which is another important factor for fleet operators knowing how the van’s daily use is hard when it comes to wear and tear.

Much of switchgear on this new Crafter has come out of the mid-sized T6 Transporter and car models such as the touch screen infotainment system which is not only practical but simple to use even for the really non-technically minded van driver along with Bluetooth, DAB and Digital Radio.

There’s plenty of cubby-holes too for driver and passengers to store those oddments needed on the move and the centre seat drops down to provide an instant mini-desk for drivers for sorting out delivery paperwork and the like.

Right across the range the usual high, easily adjustable seating positions for the driver are fine while the basic seats themselves give good, all round lumbar support and on some models offered as an option, as yet unpriced for the UK, will be air suspension seats.

Another option to be offered with this new Crafter are side protection sensors, fitted on either side of the van, that will help drivers to have a much easy way to manoeuvre through and around tight, narrow and twisty spots when delivering in busy streets and avoiding those minor scrapes from pavement bollards or other parked vehicles.

In terms of ride and drive it’s clearly better than its predecessor and obviously depending on the choice of van size and load being carried it remains flexible and comfortable enough.

The improved ride can also be helped VW engineers call an electromechanical steering system on board when driving - a first for a panel van - because it does make a difference when needed disguising the size of the van as it adjusts its weight according to the van’s speed.

There’s a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic - opt for the latter (yes, it’s a bit more expensive but worth it) because it’s much smoother and responsive while the manual gear change on the handful briefly driven all seemed too notchy and not having a clean, crisp enough movement up and down.

Even without current fleet operators help opting to choice some of the many extra safety equipment available, probably because of their usual reluctance on cost terms, this new Crafter in standard format is a leap forward in the big van business.

Now on their own as it were if VW can get the message out there to fleets and individual van drivers it should and deserves to push up its sales.

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11/28/2016 12:05:32 AM

Motoring

Audi Q2

Audi Q2 – small car named desire

the ultimate

By Chris Russon

The latest from Audi is the new Q2 – its first compact SUV and a car which is set to be a star of the crossover scene.

What’s new?

On trend would be an understatement.

The Q2 looks the part, comes with all the gadgets and connections a modern driver craves, performs on all fronts and has four shiny rings on the grille.

And if that is not enough to whet a few appetites, then the Q2 is an Audi that costs the same as the likes of a Nissan Qashqai or a MINI Countryman.

Call it luck or call it shrewd planning but Audi’s relatively late arrival in the booming small SUV market is – pardon the pun – right on ‘Q’.

Slightly shorter than the A3 hatch, the Q2 stands apart in the current Audi line up with a body style that features some sharp angles and neat side creases as well as a rear pillar that can be specified in different colours.

Engines for everyone Looks and image According to Audi the Q2 is not just a car but a ‘lifestyle proposition’ and a ‘tool for modern living’ – phrases bandied around

by Audi execs at the UK launch of the new model.

Connectivity is ‘more than an essential’ and the Q2 will ‘slot into the Hive lifestyle’ all operated from smarthphones and tablet computers.

The message is clear - the Q2 is a car with virtually everything in more ways than one.

In reality you have to hand it to Audi.

The Q2 is good, very good and ideally placed to satisfy every whim which has seen little SUVs become the must-have choice at the moment.

It’s also right on the money and by the end of the year the line up will include a three cylinder 1.0-litre variant priced from £20,230.

For the time being the range starts from £22,380 for a 1.4-litre turbo petrol version fitted with fuel-saving ‘cylinder on demand’ technology which cuts out two of the four pots on light loads.

A 1.6-litre diesel costs just £100 more in base SE trim and the initial Q2 line up tops out at £30,610 for a 150ps 2.0-litre diesel in S line trim with quattro all wheel drive.

A 2.0-litre TFSI petrol quattro will be joining the range next year.

To kick off the Q2’s arrival Audi is also releasing a high specification Edition 1 1.4-litre model which tips the scales at £31,170.

The base SE version sits on 16-inch alloys and come with a seven-inch display screen all ready for smartphone hook ups.

Behind the wheel Mid-grade Sport models (priced from £23,390) get 17-inch wheels, a multi-mode drive selector, sat nav and cruise control while the S line cars start from £26,180 and include LED headlights, a no cost upgrade to sports suspension, a snazzy LED interior lighting system which back-lights the trim and sports seats with leather inserts.

They also have some extra body kit with larger front air intakes, more pronounced side sills and sit on 18-inch alloys.

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Small SUV?

They do look the part and have a stand out quality which sets them apart in the crossover field.

Even with extras which included Audi’s high tech virtual cockpit digitised instrument panel, the top range 1.4-litre S line dual clutch auto we tried cost a fiver more than £34,000 and in Audi terms that’s a bargain.

There’s also some smart driver systems available including Audi’s ‘traffic jam assist’ set up, lane departure safety aids and rear cross traffic alerts, features which are on the way to enabling the car to drive itself.

Space and practicality The Q2 is four inches shorter than the A3 but interior space is not compromised and it can seat five – four nicely comfortably.

With coloured trim highlights throughout the cockpit and distinctive finishes to the dash the interior is very upmarket and boot space is sensibly proportioned ranging from 405 to 1,050 litres – more than enough to fit its SUV tag and a good deal larger than that of the A3.

Power and economy

Other kit included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, an upgraded audio system and a power operated tailgate.

On the road the 150ps engine has a lively feel and suits the Q2 well, as does the seven speed S tronic transmission which makes for easy driving.

Acceleration is 8.5 seconds 0 to 60 and top speed a healthy 131mph with Audi claiming an official fuel return of 52.3mpg

and emissions of 123g/km on 18-inch wheels.

That comes down to 119g/km (54.3mpg) on smaller wheels and we managed a respectable average of 46 to the gallon.

The 1.6-litre diesel will give better fuel economy – we saw an average of 55mpg compared to the official 64.2 – but the petrol model felt more composed on the road.

Either way the Q2 is some car, a premium offering in the crossover zone which at the moment is streets ahead and highly desirable. swanseabaybusiness.com 139

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Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the New Expert Range are: Urban 44.8 –50.4 (5.6–6.3), Extra Urban 51.4–57.6 (4.9–5.5),

Combined 47.9–54.3 (5.2–5.9) and CO2 155–137 (g/km). MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Peugeot Motor Company PLC’s registered office is Peugeot Motor Company PLC, Pinley House, 2 Sunbeam Way, Coventry CV3 1ND. Registered in England No. 148545. Peugeot Motor Company PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 140

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5),

ot in

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IT and Telcoms Business Supplies

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BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 142

11/28/2016 12:08:02 AM

Networking Recent and upcoming events

Business Life rounds up some of the hottest business events of the season...

Networking is sponsored by

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11/27/2016 11:43:53 PM

TAKE A BREAK FROM IT ALL IN PEMBROKESHIRE When you’re treating yourself to a night away, there is a lot to be said for seclusion.

And this begun with a reassuringly long drive down winding, narrow, country lanes and farmland.

There isn’t a car on the road, or even a house. I don’t even know if we are lost or going in the right direction, but after two days in the hustle and bustle of London, I simply don’t care!

Everything feels remote. There is no traffic. No phone signal. I can feel real life receding in the rear-view mirror.

For a night, I am free!

I am staying at Gellifawr Woodland Retreat, which is tucked away in the peaceful Gwaun Valley, in Pembrokeshire National Park and just a five minute drive away from

the attractive, bustling coastal town of Newport, between Fishguard and Cardigan.

When we arrive at Gellifawr, everything is silent, apart from the gurgle of a nearby stream. Bliss! As we walk up the entrance to the hotel, we can hear a choir singing Welsh hymns and arias.

Apparently, there is a concert taking place in its function room, and guests are invited. I burst with pride hearing the Welsh language!

The hotel is a former farm and mill house and it still retains its original charm and character.

With its expansive valleys, rolling hills and imposing mountains, the view from our country cottage room is cosy, homely and idyllic. A rustic

four poster bed forms the centrepiece of our room,and our en suite is modern and well equipped.

The hotel sits within 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and ponds — you can see why it is a popular wedding venue choice. It couldn’t be any more romantic and quaint.

There are seven bedrooms in the main hotel as well as 15 cottages packed with character, charm and atmospheric homely touches.

The food is just as good. Forget the stuffiness of formal fine dining and think homely, good quality meals created with fresh local produce and reasonable prices. The staff are friendly and welcoming and add to the charm of this beautiful hotel.

The Hotel Grounds

Our room BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 144

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LAURA DAVIES gets away from the hustle and bustle of city life with a relaxing break at Gellifawr Woodland Retreat in Pembrokeshire There is a cosy, relaxed bar and lounge area with a roaring fire which is perfect on a cold winter’s night.

The guests that we meet during our stay, have visited the hotel on several occasions and say they love getting away from busy city life.

Gellifawr is also a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast line. As one guest from Liverpool told my husband and I, part of the draw is the welcoming atmosphere and its convenience to the seaside towns dotted along the coast line.

The ferry to Ireland, situated in Fishguard, is also only a few miles away from the hotel, which makes it a popular destination for Irish visitors.

The area is a mecca for cyclists and

walkers, with several trails around the hotel. And Gellifawr is dog friendly so there is no need to leave your pet at home.

There is no shortage of things to see, do and fall in love with and everything is in close proximity to the hotel. After a leisurely Welsh breakfast, we drag ourselves away from the warmth and chilled out atmosphere of the hotel, and head off to the medieval town of Newport. After strolling around the ancient streets and pathways we end up by the river Nevern (Nyfer Estuary where we walk along the long, golden stretch of sand protected by craggy headlands.

We also visit Fishguard and take in the sea air near Goodig lighthouse

and admire the view across the Irish sea.

Whether you want to kick back and relax, get involved in exhilarating sports, go wildlife spotting or walking, Gellifawr Woodland Retreat is the perfect retreat for a weekend away. I definitely recommend it!

Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9TX 01239 820 343 Newport Beach BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 145

www.gellifawr.co.uk

11/28/2016 12:08:58 AM

Networking Swansea Bay

Swansea Bay Futures re-launch Tell me more: Promotion body Swansea Bay Futures unveiled its new focus, at the Swansea Marriott Hotel, on driving investment into the region

Hoosh Arabi, www.haphotos.co.uk

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Everything your event needs…

Book your 2017 event or reception in the Great Hall Bar & Galleries NOW and get a FREE glass of prosecco for up to 100 guests. Book now on 01792 295665 and quote REF: GALLERIES. *Offer valid until 30 November 2017.

www.venueswales.com

@SwanUni_Events

events@swansea.ac.uk

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Archebwch eich digwyddiad neu dderbyniad 2017 ym Mar ac Orielau y Neuadd Fawr NAWR a chael gwydriad o prosecco am ddim i 100 o westeion. Archebwch nawr ar 01792 295665 a dyfynnu Cyfeirnod: GALLERIES. *Cynnig yn ddilys ac ar gael tan 30 Tachwedd 2017.

www.lletygarwchadigwyddiadau.cymru BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 147

@SwanUni_Events

digwyddiadau@abertawe.ac.uk 11/28/2016 12:10:25 AM

Networking Women in Business

Women in Business Awards Tell me more: The 2016 Swansea Bay Business Life and South Wales Evening Post Women in Business Awards at the Swansea Marriott Hotel

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Hoosh Arabi, www.haphotos.co.uk

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Networking Women in Business

Women in Business Awards Tell me more: The 2016 Swansea Bay Business Life and South Wales Evening Post Women in Business Awards at the Swansea Marriott Hotel

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Hoosh Arabi, www.haphotos.co.uk

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11/25/2016 7:45:58 PM

Advertisement Feature

Ospreys in the Community granted charitable status Almost exactly 12 months after it was formally launched at the Liberty Stadium by Julie James AM, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ospreys in the Community has been granted charitable status The news comes as a welcome boost for the not-for-profit foundation, which has already established key relationships with a number of well-known organisations, local, national and international, including Sony UK Technology Centre, Thomson, Aspire2Be and CK Foodstores.

Although OitC shares a strong relationship with the Ospreys, and forms a key part of the region’s long-term business strategy, it operates on an entirely independent basis to the professional rugby organisation.

Working in conjunction with commercial partners, public sector bodies and third sector agencies to generate financial support and resources, the aim of Ospreys in the Community is to create a vibrant and sustainable Foundation that utilises the undoubted power of the Ospreys brand, and players, in a positive

fashion, to harness social good and make an impact in communities.

Charitable status will not only allow OitC to access increased funding opportunities, it will also provide greater opportunities to make a significant difference in the community, as Paul Whapham, Foundation Manager, outlined: “Charitable status means public recognition of who you are and trust in what you do for social good.

This can assist us by allowing us to fundraise, partner with commercial organisations and to apply for a large number of grant funding opportunities that otherwise

wouldn’t be available to us. These income generating opportunities will enable us to deliver more community projects. “This recognition also gives us increased credibility.

The governance that surrounds a registered charity enables us to approach businesses to allow them to deliver their CSR strategy in partnership with our charitable aims, safe in the knowledge that our primary aim is to pursue charitable objectives for the betterment of the local community.”

For any details regarding the Ospreys in the community charity please contact Foundation Manager Paul Whapham on paul.whapham@ospreysrugby.com

Anglo-Welsh - The success of playing at St. Helens A ground drenched in history played host to the Ospreys’ AngloWelsh Cup fixture in November and what an occasion it was.

The Ospreys welcomed a strong Harlequins team from the Aviva Premiership to St. Helens home of Swansea RFC, on the same weekend that Wales faced Australia. A near 4,000 crowd enjoyed a tight game

where Harlequins came out on top narrowly, the next generation of Ospreys further enhancing their growing reputations on what was a successful evening, on and off the field.

©LW

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11/28/2016 12:11:14 AM

The best hospitality can offer The OSTCfx Suite at the Liberty Stadium is the perfect place to experience the best hospitality package the Ospreys offer. Housed in a state-of-the-art glass fronted suite with outstanding views over the award-winning pitch. With inclusive drinks, fine dining street food, padded balcony match seating and your own dedicated hospitality staff, why would you watch the game anywhere else?

For season long membership costs please contact the hospitality team on 01792 616488 or email hospitality@ospreysrugby.com

Private Executive Suites 3 boxes for the price of 2

Ospreys Rugby are offering a unique opportunity for its supporters going into the New Year. For January, February and April we are offering a buy two boxes get a third free offer on 3 massive games for the Ospreys into 2017.

Take your pick from Connacht in January, Munster in February and Leinster in April, or all three.

Our Private Executive suites include: • A one course meal • A player appearance prematch • Balcony seating • Access to the suite 2 hrs pre and 2 hrs post match

Sponsorship opportunities - Ospreys rugby is a unique brand and we offer a unique opportunity to join us. We have options available for business sponsorship across the board from jersey sponsors, prime pitch sponsors all the way to personal player sponsors. We welcome any inquiries so don’t miss out on a chance to be a part of Ospreys Rugby.

For further information please email commercial@ospreysrugby.com

• Private bar To take advantage of this unique offer please contact Ceri Jones on cerisian. jones@ospreysrugby.com or call 01792 616 488

©LW

©LW

BLANK AdPlanJames.indd 153

11/28/2016 12:12:22 AM

Networking Fast Track 25 Breakfast

Fast Track 25 Breakfast Tell me more: Swansea Bay Business Life and the South Wales Evening Post’s Swansea Bay Fast Track 25 Breakfast at the Swansea Marriott Hotel

154 swanseabaybusiness.com

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Networking Weslh Business Show

Welsh Business Show Tell me more: The 11th annual Welsh Business Show exhibition took place at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea

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LIVE

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advertising feature

A personal touch Buying insurance can often be an impersonal experience, but East Side Insurance in St Thomas, Swansea, stands out for offering a customerfocused, face-to-face service coupled with unrivalled access to the UK insurance market. Now celebrating its 30th birthday, the company continues to grow, offering increased expertise in commercial lines.

It says a lot about the personal, expert service provided by East Side Insurance that the company has grown and flourished over the last 30 years, even in the face of online and telephone competition.

East Side in 1986 with Stephen Corney.

While many people now find themselves buying insurance from faceless companies over the phone or the internet, East Side’s clients enjoy personal, face-to-face service and the benefit of East Side’s formidable market contacts, which enable it to get the very best deals for its customers.

“We are proud to say that our very first customer, who joined us 30 years ago, is still with us. Our customers say they keep coming back because of our customer service – they like to know there is always someone here to help them, whether for claims advice or general queries.”

“As we grow we continue to place an emphasis on good old fashioned personal service,” says Anthony Fox, who founded

During the past 30 years, East Side Insurance Services has grown from a two-man band to a company with 16

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“Unlike most brokers and direct insurers, we still have a walk-in office. We are able to offer a friendly, approachable service with the expertise to back it up.

employees, and has progressed from a personal lines broker to a firm that also offers deep expertise and market knowledge in commercial lines.

From landlord insurance to motor fleets, and from offices to factories, there is no limit to East Side’s commercial insurance capabilities.

Its expansion into the commercial sector was prompted by demand from its existing personal lines clients.

“Our buyers were happy with the service we offered on the personal lines side and they told us they weren’t getting the same standard of service from their commercial

11/28/2016 12:14:27 AM

advertising feature

brokers,” says Anthony. “They said they wanted to transfer their commercial business to us, so we saw an opportunity to grow.”

In order to broaden its commercial offering, the company recently recruited two new members of staff.

“We’ve taken on Tony Cutts, who has over 30 years’ experience in the commercial market, and we have welcomed a new buy-to-let insurance specialist, Lynda Fisher. She brings years of experience of the property market from both an insurance and sales perspective, having been involved in estate agencies as well as insurance. She and Tony are hugely valuable additions to our team.”

The East Side team now has all bases covered, both from a personal lines and a commercial lines perspective. It has unrestricted access to the whole of the UK insurance market, meaning it is able to compare all products to find the best deals for its clients, offering the same quality and levels of cover as the nationals while maintaining its flexible, personal service.

It is also accessing an ever broader range of expertise as a founding member of the Cambria Insurance Alliance, a network of brokers based in South Wales that work together to negotiate better deals for their clients.

“It means we are able to provide exclusive schemes that are unavailable to other

brokers,” says Anthony.

With its longevity already proven, the firm is looking to the future with confidence.

“We now have the technical ability to deal with any product and any size of business that is out there, and we look forward to welcoming even more commercial clients as 2016 progresses.

“We are continually growing and evolving, while keeping our unique customerfocused offering intact. We have been here for 30 years and we bring a bit of consistency to an ever changing market.

We hope to be here for at least another 30 years.”

www.eastsideinsurance.co.uk 130 Port Tennant Road | St Thomas Swansea 01792 641611 | 01792 641624 Commercial Insurance

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Networking

Dates for your diary December/January 2017...

Dec 6

Dec 6

Village Hotel, Swansea 9am

National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Llanarthne 9.30am

Making the Most of your Website Superfast Business Wales

National Botanic Gardens

Social Business Wales Network Winter 2016 South West

Dec 12

South Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas event Giltar Hotel, Tenby 12pm

National Waterfront Museum

Women’s Networking Event - South Wales Networking for Women

Business Networking Breakfast - 4N Swansea

The Towers Hotel & Spa, Jersey Marine 8am

Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Dec 13

What is Digital Marketing? Copper Bay Creative

The Mercure Hotel, Swansea 9.30am

Tino’s, Swansea 10am

Dec 15

Dec 15

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s Enterprise Club Sandfields Business Centre, Port Talbot 9.30am

Dec 7

Dec 15

Data Protection Workshop - JCP Solicitors

Carmarthen Bowls Club, Picton Terrace, Carmarthen 12.30pm

Dec 21

Swansea BizMums Michelle Childs Funsters, Hendy 10am

Dec 14

Communicating Carbon: Low Carbon Swansea Bay event Swansea University’s Bay Campus 9.15am

Dec 21

Carmarthen BizMums Michelle Childs Xcel Bowl, Johnstown 10am

Jan 13

Jan 16

Liberty Stadium, Swansea 9.30am

Tino’s, Swansea 10am

Quality Improvement Skills Training Conference January 2017 Wales Deanery

Women’s Networking Event - South Wales Networking for Women

Jan 19

Jan 20

Sandfields Business Centre, Port Talbot 9.30am

Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli 6.45pm

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s Enterprise Club

Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star West Wales Business Awards 2017

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Calendar highlights...

Dec 8

How to tender workshop - Elizabeth Callard Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock 9.30am

Dec 12

Official launch of the regional employment and skills plan - Regional Learning and Skills Partnership South West & Mid Wales National Waterfront Museum, Swansea 8.30am

Official Launch of the Regional Employment and Skills Plan Regional Learning and Skills Partnership South West & Mid Wales Date: December 12 Venue: National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Time: 8.30am What: Join Julie James AM, Minister for Skills and Science, and RLSP partners from across the region to find out how the recently produced skills plan aims to inform and support the delivery of employment and skills in South West and Mid Wales.

Communicating Carbon: Low Carbon Swansea Bay event Date: December 14 Venue: Swansea University’s Bay Campus Time: 9.15am What: Explore approaches to staff, community and stakeholder engagement to support carbon reduction and energy efficiency, with case study examples from Swansea University and the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Swansea Bay Campus

Jan 17

How strategic is your approach to health and well-being? CIPD Wales’ South West Wales branch Village Hotel, Swansea 5.45pm

Jan 20

Sales workshop for Women in Business - South Wales Networking for Women Twelve Knights, Port Talbot 9.30am

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Jan 18

Social Media Masterclass Superfast Business Wales Village Hotel, Swansea 9am

Jan 20 South Wales Chamber of Commerce: Business Breakfast Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire 7.30am

How strategic is your approach to health and well-being? - CIPD Wales’ South West Wales branch Date: January 17 Venue: Village Hotel, Swansea Time: 5.45pm What: CIPD Wales’ expert panel will focus on how to make an impact on your business and tailor your approach to what matters to your employees.

Swansea Bay Business Club’s upcoming events...

Christmas Lunch Location: Swansea Marriott Hotel, Maritime Quarter, Swansea With: Singer, actress and presenter Connie Fisher When: Friday, December 9 Time: 12.15pm arrival for 1pm lunch Member tickets: £40 Non-member tickets: £45.50 Bookings close: Thursday, December 1

Burns Night Dinner Location: Swansea Marriott Hotel, Maritime Quarter, Swansea With: Graeme Yorston, group chief executive at Principality Building Society When: Wednesday, January 25 Time: 7pm arrival for 7.30pm dinner Member tickets: £40 Non-member tickets: £45.50 Bookings close: Tuesday, January 17 *For more information, visit www.swanseabay businessclub.com

Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star West Wales Business Awards 2017 Date: January 20 Venue: Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli Time: 6.45pm What: This high profile award ceremony recognises and celebrates the diverse range of businesses in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

For more information, visit: www.swanseabay businessclub.com

11/25/2016 7:49:04 PM

Networking Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage Tell me more: Google opens pop-up ‘Digital Garage’ in St Paul’s Centre, Port Talbot to deliver free skills training

162 swanseabaybusiness.com

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Wasting Time With Lenders Who Can’t Help?

Figures published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that gross mortgage lending held steady in October, at an estimated £20.6 billion, despite some fall off in small business commercial lending post Brexit voting.

It seems that companies have not lost the confidence to raise the finance needed to develop and grow their businesses. Equally lenders have not lost their appetite for keeping their investment returns as high as possible.

Cosgrove Brown Commercial Finance specialise in business development funding and commercial lending. With over 30 years’ commercial, corporate and SME business experience, they understand the lending environment and specialise in fast decision, quick turnaround business finance for small to medium businesses.

Director Gary Cosgrove is positive about the sector “In the past 9 months, we’ve arranged £800,000 in bridging loans, £1.8m in commercial re-finance, £1.4m in

‘‘What we are seeing is that

commercial lenders want to lend. Having unused cash is becoming less attractive.’’

commercial purchase, £3m in factoring, £50,000 worth of asset finance and we are currently dealing with another £1.4m in commercial finance”.

Part of the firm’s success is that they deal with all UK business lenders, main stream and niche, and can access alternative finance which may not be available independently. “We understand lenders, their credit approval processes and which types of project they prefer to lend to.

Often ‘off the shelf’ finance doesn’t work, tighter approval criteria means a harder time for the more challenging cases”.

Mike Hassett has recently joined the expanding commercial lending team. Mike has worked in the Financial

Services sector his entire career.

As a former Bank Manager, Mike has knowledge in all aspects of personal finance, with a strong local involvement in the private, residential Buy To Let market and commercial rental sector, and a track record in property construction, lending and development.

“What we are seeing is that commercial lenders want to lend. Having unused cash is becoming less attractive. But don’t waste time dealing with lenders who can’t help you, deal with a team who can negotiate complex commercial finance packages quickly, on your behalf. If you have any business financing questions, please give us a call to see if we can help”.

gary@cbcommercialfinance.co.uk www.cbcommercialfinance.co.uk M: 07974 016 816 T:01792 583 607

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11/28/2016 12:15:52 AM

The Perfect Setting for your next meeting...

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11/28/2016 12:16:31 AM

Beaujolias Day Networking

Beaujolais Day Tell me more: Howells Legal hosted a charity Beaujolais Day lunch at the Grape and Olive in Swansea

Adrian White, http://www.click4prints.com

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Networking Carmarthenshire Tourism Summit

Carmarthenshire Tourism Summit Tell me more: The 2016 Carmarthenshire Tourism Summit, sponsored by Pisys.net, was held at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli

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pe

w o re yS Sh nt da ce 7 n

o

Solid roof createS a conServatory to ‘livin’ whatever the weather

Conservatories, Orangeries & Sun rooms as well as Windows & Doors in PVCu, Aluminium & Timber X 4.9% APR or BUY NOW PAY 2017 X 2 Years Interest Free Credit X Mortgage finance busting by Barclays X FREE Planning Service X FREE A-Rated glass upgrade X No telesales or comission only salesmen X FREE quotation and 3D imaging service X 10 year insurance warranty

Conservatories are a great way of adding a light and airy room to any home. However, depending on where the conservatory is positioned and the amount of shade outside, it can let in too much light.

Too much sunlight can mean the conservatory gets very warm in summer and, even on a bright winter day, make it difficult to watch TV, browse an iPad or work on a computer.

At Securahome we are now able to offer an alternative to polycarbonate or glass – a solid roof.

Called a Livin Roof, this system can be fitted to an existing conservatory, so there is no need to change the existing walls and glazing. Thanks to Kingspan insulation, the Livin Roof is 15 times more thermally efficient than a polycarbonate or old glass roof without solar control, meaning the conservatory will be warmer in winter.

For those who don’t enjoy the, all-too-common, pitter-patter of raindrops, the Livin Roof also improves sound insulation compared to polycarbonate and glass.

The inside of the roof is a plaster-boarded to keep an airy and modern ‘vaulted ceiling’ feel, meaning it can be finished with down-lighters or pendant lights. With the option to add glazed panels to the Livin Roof, it’s even possible to keep a view of the heavens!

FREEPHONE 0500 21 22 24 Visit our new website: www.securahome.co.uk SHOWCENTRE AT: Securahome PVCu Ltd, Garngoch Ind Est, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WN

©LW

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11/28/2016 12:16:54 AM

Networking Swansea Bay Business Club

Swansea Bay Business Club’s October lunch Tell me more: Joseph Valente, winner of TV’s The Apprentice, talks to guests at the Swansea Bay Business Club event at the Swansea Marriott Hotel

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Golf Day Networking

Golf day Tell me more: Centric Recruitment’s corporate golf day at Celtic Manor Resort

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­

­

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11/28/2016 12:18:31 AM

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ab glass Bi-fold Doors Sliding Doors Windows Roof lights

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AB Glass provide a range of high quality, custom made aluminium products.

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