BUSINESS NETWORK Issue 10, Spring 2014

National Construction Upturn European Opportunities Boosts Local Company Discussed Over Breakfast

Bangor-based developer Watkin A working breakfast at provided food Jones is enjoying the benefits of the for thought recently, when Gwynedd businesses took first sustained period of growth in part in a discussion on the future of European funding. construction since the recent With a new range of funding opportunities available to recession. A bright outlook for the the region through 2014 to 2020, University staff were group is predicted by Managing keen to understand more about the needs of local companies. Director Mark Watkin Jones, with the Members of the North Economic Ambition Board, creation of new jobs and the together with representatives from the public and private commencement of numerous sectors, got together on 28th January at the University’s Watkin Jones MD large-scale housing and commercial Management Centre to explore the issues. Mark Watkin Jones projects.

Student accommodation forms some 70% of Watkin Jones’ business, and the group is recognised as the UK’s market leader in this area. New halls of residence projects in Bangor and Chester will add to the tally of 25,000 bed spaces created over the last 15 years. Coupled with a general upturn in the housing market and recent growth in the commercial sector, this has enabled the company to add 100 new jobs over the last year, with a similar pattern of growth predicted over 2014.

Says Mark Watkin Jones: “It remains a key strength of the business that we are able to offer the full student accommodation development and letting solution, from site funding and securing of planning Working Breakfast at the Management Centre consents, through development and the provision of letting services where required.” Topics under debate included the availability of support for Research and Development, and Innovation, together with The Group has just reported its results for the year to 30 September the higher level skills needed to make North Wales competitive 2013, which show profits before goodwill amortisation and tax of in an international context. The breakfast event also gave a £5.4m, down by 43 per cent on a year earlier. The downturn, says chance for the University to update the business Mark Watkin Jones, is partly reflective of pressure exerted on the on services currently offered, such as funding for placements group in the preceding three years to repay £88.7 million in loans and projects, Continuing Professional Development to Lloyds Banking Group. This, Mr Watkin Jones notes, squeezed opportunities, specialist business facilities and problem- the capability of the company to make capital investments over solving advice. that period which cut the number of schemes they were able to take on and led to decreased profitability. Prof. David Shepherd, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise said, “I am delighted over 70 Watkin Jones concluded new banking arrangements with HSBC in people attended the event. It provided an invaluable forum November 2012, which are reported to be much more supportive. for the local business community to tell us at the University They comprise a five-year £25m rolling credit facility and a £5m how we can help improve their performance. We are keen working capital facility which, Mr Watkin Jones believes, allows to make it as straightforward as possible for companies to breathing space for the funding requirements of future developments. access support and we are in the process of developing a “I am confident,” he says, “that the Group is in a strong financial dedicated website for this.” position for the future. This will enable the Group to build on its success and will provide excellent opportunities for our staff.” If you would like to get involved in the discussion call: www.watkinjones.com 01248 383 000 or email: [email protected] www.gwyneddbusnes. net 01 Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Future

A pioneering research project, led by local landscaper Mark Rendell of Effective Gardens, is set to improve the lives of care home residents with dementia. The self-funded project has gathered a large amount of evidence on how best to use outdoor spaces for people with dementia to obtain maximum benefit.

Based in Garndolbenmaen, Mark intends to develop his research into a consultancy, training and support programme for key care professionals, care organisations and policy makers. Also planned is a training package for garden designers which will pass on principles of best practice.

The study, undertaken by Mark with Southampton-based colleague Debbie Carroll, took place during the second half of 2013. The process began with extensive data collection from 24 care homes in England and Wales. Seven of these were selected for in-depth analysis through the completion of over 600 diary sheets, 874 observational records and a series of site visits. Evaluation of the data is underway with a view to presentation of a Summary Report incorporating practical recommendations in the spring.

Mark and Debbie were chosen to act as judges on the panel for the National Dementia Care Awards 2013. Together they chose the winner in the category: ‘Best Exterior Dementia Mark Rendell, Effective Gardens Design’ for a care home in the UK. Moving away from the concept of gardens in care homes as just “pretty places” is at the centre of Mark’s research, and he was honoured to have the opportunity to incorporate this insight into the judging criteria.

Mark sees the study as a valuable tool in his own professional development and is keen to see its recommendations become a reality:

“This research project has caused us to rethink our role as designers and to challenge some established guidance and practices. We are beginning to develop a model that may help in the future development of garden design and use in care homes.”

Mark and Debbie will be compiling a handbook to support carers and organisations in the field of dementia, and aim to write a non-technical account for the general public. Recognition for the value of their work has come in the form of a small grant for garden trial items from John Lewis Community Liaison.

Email: [email protected] / www.thegrowingcompany.co.uk

Business Rates Cap Welcome News 2% A cap on business rates at 2% has been announced by the Since then, rates have increased annually in Welsh Government. The new measure will come into effect on line with inflation, leading to a situation in April 1st for the financial year 2014 – 2015. Rates will no longer which some companies ended up paying equal amounts in be tied to the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation, thus rates and rent. The Welsh Government anticipate the cap will avoiding a rise of 3.2%. The measure was adopted following help businesses remain competitive, especially in light of the unanimous approval of the National Assembly for Wales of similar measures having already been introduced in England a non-domestic rates multiplier set at 0.473. Local Authority and Scotland. budgets are not affected since the Government will fund the shortfall in revenue. In further good news for small businesses, First Minister Carwyn Jones announced the extension of the Small Business Rate Business rates have traditionally been approximately half the Relief Scheme in Wales until March 2015. cost of a property’s rent. The rates were last set in 2008 at the peak of the property market, before the recession led to a www.tinyurl.com/ratecapwales downturn in trading.

02 www.gwyneddbusnes. net Action in Digital Gwynedd

A series of workshops have been helping Gwynedd-based The ‘Inspire Action’ workshops have been funded by the Welsh companies gain maximum benefit from Superfast Government and Gwynedd Council, through the ‘Digital Broadband and digital technology. Designed specifically for Gwynedd: Superfast Business Programme’. Delivered by small and micro businesses, the ‘Inspire Action’ workshops Annog, the workshops started in January of this year and are offer one-to-one support, and participants are guided just coming to an end. They have proved very popular with through the process of producing their own digital business owners and feedback has been positive. strategies and action plans. To access the online guides: For optimum relevance and to encourage networking www.business.wales.gov.uk/digital-gwynedd-superfast-business opportunities, workshops are themed by industry sector including tourism, farming, retail and artisan. Topics covered To find out about the availability of superfast fibre optic include: how to reach new markets through the use of social broadband in your area: www.superfast-cymru.com media; developing a digital strategy; using ‘cloud based’ technology; data protection and security, and customer relationship management. Communities to Benefit Free online guides are available, via Business Wales, to from Pub Hubs supplement the course content. These cover subjects such as: using voice technology; accessing new markets; employing Helen Roberts supply chain software; increasing workforce flexibility; and Cadwyn Clwyd, creating a website and online shop. Malcolm Harrison Pub Is The Hub With over half of Gwynedd’s forty-six exchanges already Adviser for Wales, upgraded, it is anticipated that the vast majority will be part Wyn Roberts of the superfast network by the end of 2014. Miles of fibre Aqua Marketing optic cables have now been laid, enabling businesses to access broadband at speeds in excess of 30Mbps. Gwynedd Council A new scheme which aims to put the pub at the heart of rural have pledged their commitment to the Digital Gwynedd towns and villages is being rolled out across Gwynedd, project over the next three years, continuing to drive the Anglesey and Conwy. Pub Is The Hub, the brainchild of Prince uptake of the new services among businesses and households. Charles, is being administered by rural development agency Cadwyn Clwyd. Project co-ordinator Wyn Roberts of Aqua Marketing says: “We’re here to help pubs offer new community services such as post offices, grocer’s shops and newsagents, as well as collection points for prescriptions or venues for crèches.” Licensees and communities who are eligible can benefit from practical support and financial assistance. A Success Story Across the County For more information contact Wyn on 0845 8127181 or [email protected] / www.pubisthehub.org.uk Since its launch at the start of 2013, the Business Wales support service has helped Gwynedd companies secure over £7.5 million in new contracts. 828 businesses were given impartial support and advice, leading to 166 jobs being safeguarded and the creation of four new ones. Apportioning some of the figures, 191 enterprises were advised on how to successfully tender for new work, 23 on exporting, 30 on equality and diversity within the workplace, and 21 received environmental guidance.

Jayne Jones, Business Wales advisor for Gwynedd, said: “We’ve had a really busy year and I’m pleased to have been able to work with a diverse range of enterprises across the county. These figures go to show just how valuable expert advice and assistance is to businesses of all sizes. We look forward to giving more support and advice in 2014, as we work together to further safeguard, develop and invest in local businesses within the county.”

All Business Wales support services are delivered bilingually, in Welsh and English, as another measure to ensure that individuals have access to the widest range of options. To find out more call: 03000 6 03000 or visit www.business.wales.gov.uk www.gwyneddbusnes. net 03 Expansion Plans for Food Wholesaler

Since a £2.5 million relocation from their original premises at Y Ffôr in 2010, Foodservice has enjoyed a period of rapid growth. The business provides a free, next-day delivery service throughout North and Mid Wales, Chester, Wirral and the borders. More than 3,000 wholesale product lines are delivered direct to the catering industry, six days a week. Adding to the client offer and acquired in 2011, Bwydlyn now forms part of the Harlech Foodservice Ltd Group, offering caterers a wholesale butchery range.

Now celebrating over forty years in business, the award winning family business prides itself on having customer service at the heart of its ethos. Having established strong relationships with clients, it continues to supply a diverse variety of product lines Delsol Co-Director, Tony Parry from a range of quality suppliers. The company recognises the importance of supporting local businesses and local Welsh Following a successful move to its Parc Bwyd premises in produce is sourced, wherever possible. , Harlech Foodservice has just announced expansion plans. In order to accommodate their growing Marketing Director Laura Foskett says: “With constant product product range, the wholesalers have applied for Planning development and review, our range is continually expanding Permission to extend the premises. Increasing the size of the to meet customer demands and changing trends. We pride operation will entail the construction of new warehousing ourselves on the service that we offer to all of our customers facilities to provide storage for frozen food, dry goods and and the commitment of our team to deliver quality, consistency chilled products. This will also allow more space for product and great customer care.” packing, assembly and the newly launched chilled fruit & vegetable range dispatch area. Shortlisted for the 2013 Daily Post ‘Business of the Year’ award, having already won it in 2011, Harlech were delighted to be It is hoped that the move will lead to the creation of new highly commended by the judges last November. A planning jobs, whilst also providing improved facilities for existing decision from Gwynedd Council is anticipated shortly, with the staff. Expansion of the premises will assist in achieving the expansion set to go ahead later in the year. company’s objectives to develop new product areas and create new markets. www.harlech.co.uk

New Studio for Chocolate Lovers Everywhere

Based at Craft Centre in Mid Wales, a new studio selling hand-crafted chocolates and truffles has just opened its doors. Chocablock is the brainchild of chocolatier Jenny Hanratty who prepares her delicious treats using the finest Belgian chocolate. Jenny, a former design and technology teacher from the West Midlands is looking forward to the new challenge. She plans to produce a variety of chocolates, truffles, fudges, sweet bouquets and sweet trees. A special Valentine’s Day range marked the February launch, with further seasonal selections planned throughout the year.

www.chocablockcorris.co.uk Chocablock - Jenny Hanratty

04 www.gwyneddbusnes. net Said Glyn: “It goes without saying that it would not be possible for us to be doing what we do if it was not for the work of many others. As always with open-source, it feels like we are standing on the shoulders of lots of other projects. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the project in some way.”

Other shortlisted Gwynedd companies included Harlech Foodservice, who were highly commended in the ‘Business of the Year (over 50 employees)’ category (see page 4), as was The Royal Victoria Hotel, , in the ‘Tourism Partnership North Wales Award’ category. The main sponsor for the event was the Welsh Government, which acts to support business entrepreneurship across Wales. The gala evening was Delsol Co-Director, Tony Parry hosted by newsreader Nicholas Owen, and saw £3,000 Award Winners in Gwynedd raised for local charity Ty Gobaith. www.deliverysolutions.uk.com Two Gwynedd companies were among those chosen as worthy www.megni.co.uk winners in the Daily Post’s Achievement Wales Business Awards 2013. based Delivery Solutions (Delsol) Ltd were named ‘Business of the Year (over 50 employees)’, Railway Scoops up Top and Megni, Parc Menai, beat off tough competition in the ‘Green Award’ category. Regional Award

Delsol’s award marked cause for a double celebration, coming just days after their announcement of a £1 million investment in warehousing and storage to double the size of their Deeside site. Established in 1999, the rapidly growing pallet and parcel specialist currently operate a fleet of more than seventy vehicles across 300 depots and have over 1,000 customers.

Said Director Tony Parry: “My co-director Simon Walker and I would like to thank our customers and staff for helping us grow the business to where it is today. Without them we would have nothing. Customer service is everything to The and Welsh Highland Railway enjoyed a successful us and why we have been successful. We will go the extra evening at the annual National Tourism Awards for 2013, mile where our competitors won’t. We are very proud of this where they were named winners in the Regional Tourism category award and very proud to be an expanding Welsh business, for North Wales. The judges praised the Railway’s first class employing local people, investing in our community and tourism offer, singling out its achievements in the fields of serving local businesses and families.” quality, customer care, sense of place and unique visitor experience. The annual awards event, celebrating the success of regional businesses, took place at Venue Cymru last December. It also The Railway’s 40 miles of track make it the longest heritage saw Megni triumph in the Windpower Wales Green Award railway in the UK. 85 full-time employees and 1,000 volunteers category. Operating a hardware and software energy take part in its operation and maintenance. Rebuilding work monitoring platform, Megni runs the www.openenergymonitor.org on the Welsh Highland Railway cost £28m over a period shop, a collaborative open-source project. Partners Trystan of ten years, reinstating a rail link lost for 70 years. Some Lea and Glyn Hudson were thrilled to have recognition of 300,000 passengers a year travel on the Railway’s two lines, their achievements. passing through stunning scenery in this most beautiful part of Wales.

www.festrail.co.uk www.gwyneddbusnes. net 05 In Brief

Dolgellau Strikes Gold Commendation for CCI Gold Award winners have just been announced by Visit Wales for There was good news for CCI Legal Services Ltd at the Institute of 2014 and has fared exceptionally well. No less than four Welsh Affairs Business Awards last November, when the - of the town’s establishments have been selected to gain the highest based firm received the award for ‘Best Use of Foreign Languages award on offer. in Business’. The award, sponsored by CILT Cymru (The National Centre for Languages) and judged by PricewaterhouseCoopers, The judges found that four serviced sector operators had reached recognises their achievement in setting up an International Call the required optimum standard to win the coveted accolade. Centre. Celebrating the best that Wales has to offer in terms of accommodation, www.ccilegal.co.uk the Gold Award recognises outstanding quality, exceptional comfort and hospitality. Success in a Mystery Shopper exercise, where Mark the Dates in Your Diary! customer interaction skills are tested, also forms part of the judging criteria. Be sure to leave some free space in your diary for Gwynedd Business Week, which starts this year on Monday 19th May. This popular Congratulations go out to the owners of Bryn Mair, Ffynnon, Pandy annual event aims to recognise the achievements of local companies Isaf Country House Bed & Breakfast, and Y Meirionnydd, together and the contribution they make to the economy of Gwynedd. with Afon Rhaiadr Country House and Cross Foxes in the surrounding Various informative workshops, seminars and networking events area. Nearby Penmaenuchaf Hall also received Gold status in the will take place across the county so be sure to watch out for email hotel category. updates. Undoubtedly, one of the week’s highlights is the Gwynedd Business Week Gala Dinner which will take place, once again, at the There was good news too for Bala with three of their smaller Management Centre Bangor on operators – Abercelyn Country House, Bryn Tegid Country House Thursday 22nd of May. The evening and Bryniau Golau – also scoring Golds, alongside Palé Hall culminates in an award being situated just outside town. presented to Gwynedd Business www.tinyurl.com/goldawards13 Person of the year, recognising the significant contribution made by an individual to the region’s business Regional Engagement sector. Visit Wales have been seeking the views of the tourism industry on how to shape regional engagement and partnership structures. Emlyn Williams, ’s Last November’s joint GBN / Coleg Enterprise Manager, with Steve Lee, Following the introduction of the Welsh Government’s Strategy Menai networking event took General Manager, for Tourism 2013 – 2020, a number of options for debate were place at the Celtic Royal Hotel, The Royal Victoria Hotel identified by the Tourism Advisory Board. The process of Caernarfon, with the support of consultation concluded at the end of February and Visit Wales the Federation of Small Businesses. The lucky Prize Draw winner was are now set to evaluate the findings. It is hoped that the process Steve Lee (pictured), General Manager of the Royal Victoria Hotel, as a whole will help to reduce duplication of effort, while Llanberis, who was presented with a BlackBerry smartphone. strengthening regional collaboration across the sector. www.gwyneddbusnes.net www.tinyurl.com/VWConsultation

New Owners for Country House Hotel Any Comments Recently named among the We hope you have enjoyed this, our latest Gwynedd Business top 25 B&Bs / Inns in the Network Newsletter. We would greatly appreciate your input. world by TripAdvisor, Plas If you have any comments, or ideas on ways in which we can Dinas Country House in improve it, then please don’t hesitate to let us know. Bontnewydd is under new management. Former owners E-mail Editor Jacquie Knowles on: Andy and Julian Banner-Price handed over the reins in [email protected] February to experienced hoteliers Neil Baines & Marco- To join (membership is FREE) or to find David Soares. Neil and Marco, who have worked in exotic out more about the Network visit: locations including Kenya, South Africa, Zanzibar and Cyprus, www.gwyneddbusnes.net plan to build on the last seven years of service excellence. www.plasdinas.co.uk © 2014 Gwynedd Business Network Written and edited by: Jacquie Knowles Design by: Please note that the publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions therein. www.gwyneddbusnes. net 06