Author: Rhys Gregory

The latest research mapping the social enterprise sector in Wales has shown that post-Covid, the sector is going from strength to strength with high levels of entrepreneurial activity. Commissioned by Social Business Wales, Mapping the Social Business Sector in Wales (2022) revealed that: There are now approximately 2,828 businesses in the sector, an increase of 22% from 2020 (2309). Social businesses now account for 2.6% of the total business stock in Wales, up from 2.2% in 2020. Total turnover for the sector is calculated as £4.8bn, an increase of 26% from 2020 (£3.8bn). This includes large enterprises such as Dŵr…

Bridgend based Co-directors Oliver Lewis and Paul Ricketts have launched their latest project; Hawkstone Motor Finance. Bridgend based Hawkstone Commercials has recently announced the launch of Hawkstone Motor Finance. With a £7 million year one turnover, Hawkstone Commercials has taken another huge step in its staggering growth phase. Hawkstone Motor Finance is an independent finance broker with a large panel of lenders and the ability to deliver near instant decisions for customers. One of the key challenges that motor finance businesses have faced is the lack of provider options. Hawkstone Motor Finance has pushed the envelope in the range and…

When you walk down the high street of Cardiff, the burgeoning impact of Middle-Eastern fashion might not be the first thing that jumps out at you. Past the coffee shops and catalogued retailers, the growing influence of urban and Eastern styles on fashion has been adopted by more and more high-end brands. Annual fashion sales in the Middle East’s Gulf Cooperation Council, which consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, amount to roughly $50bn marking it almost equal to the UK, which in 2020 saw £45bn spent on clothing and textiles. Typically, the region…

Administrators from business advisory firm Quantuma have been appointed over Lane End Developments Construction Limited, a leading contracting developer for the housing sector across the North West and Wales, working exclusively with social housing providers. Quantuma managing directors Jeremy Woodside and Frank Ofonagoro, both of the firm’s Manchester office, were appointed as Joint Administrators of the Warrington-based company on 4 April 2023. The company was incorporated 2016 and has built more than 1,000 homes since then, as well as pioneering social value schemes. The business currently has live projects on 17 different sites, employing 118 members of staff in total. It…

Lee Coombes Accountancy, a leading provider of accountancy services in Swansea, has seen significant growth in 2023, expanding its team and adopting fully paperless practices to further improve its efficiency and sustainability. Over the past year, it has seen a surge in demand for its services, driven by the rapidly changing business landscape and increased reliance on digital solutions. As a result, the company has expanded its team with several new hires, including additional accountancy and support staff. In addition to expanding its team, Lee Coombes Accountancy has also moved fully paperless, streamlining its operations and reducing its environmental footprint.…

A company in South Wales that has developed a new and innovative range of skincare products, has launched its Series A fundraising – hot on the heels of signing lucrative contracts and launching in the US and ahead of a UK rollout. Skin Logistics, which produces the Platina™ range of premium, professional skin therapy products clinically proven to deliver unparalleled results and designed to complement and enhance the efficacy of high energy light-based skincare treatments, is seeking to raise £1.2 million from institutional investors, venture capital or business angels, ideally with experience and expertise in the professional cosmetic or medical…

Swansea Council is bringing forward three car parking offers which were due to be introduced later this year to support city centre workers, and residents. The three targeted offers which were due to come in later this year have been brought forward due to the continuing cost-of-living crisis and to give a further immediate boost the city centre economy. The offers are: Up to 700 low-cost permits will be offered to city centre businesses meaning staff can park for the equivalent of just £1.35p per day. A return of the 1-2-3 offer where residents can park in the city centre…

Work is progressing at pace on an investment of more than £7.5m in sport and leisure facilities, along with a community family engagement centre, that will benefit many thousands of people across Swansea when it opens later this year. Local contractors Morganstone invited partners to see the transformation that is taking place at Cefn Hengoed Community School and Leisure Centre on the city’s eastside. The leisure centre is being completely transformed with a new fitness suite, café, flexible studio, changing rooms, new access and car parking. And work is now starting on the foundations for the centre piece of the…

People are being asked to give their views on future uses for Margam Castle and its associated buildings at an interactive exhibition being held at the iconic building from Wednesday, April 19th to Wednesday, April 26th , 2023. In 2021, Neath Port Talbot Council was successful in securing a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an options appraisal and feasibility study for Margam Castle. The grant has enabled the council to engage specialist support to work alongside its stakeholders in developing a comprehensive master plan for the castle and its associated buildings. As part of the research phase…

The Council’s Road Safety Team is offering FREE cycling sessions this summer, for adults living in Rhondda Cynon Taf who want to gain more confidence when cycling on the road. The sessions can also help with planning routes to help people start cycling to work or college, as well as basic bicycle maintenance. The training is available between July and September 2023, and can be tailored to an individual’s needs. If you’re interested in taking part in this free training, or have any questions, please contact us via email at [email protected].