Neath Port Talbot

02/12/2015 16:18

DAVID DAVIES DAVID MADEAXIOM WINS AT WALES IN 23 PAGE www.walesbusinessinsider.com DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY JAMES HUGHES SPHERE EXPANDING 16 PAGE GLASS TECH RECYCLINGGLASS HOW KAREN JOHN ENERGISED KAREN JOHN HOW FLIP OVER FOR: NEATH PORT TALBOT SPECIAL REPORT TALBOT PORT NEATH FLIP OVER FOR: GLASS ACT BRIAN STAPLES UTILITY IN THE PLAYER GAME HEALTHCARE 4 PAGE WALES INSIDER BUSINESS VOL.11 NO.7 £9.00

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WBI December cover 2015.indd 2 02/12/2015 16:18 NEATH PORT TALBOT INTRODUCTION

A REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION

hat does Neath Port Talbot mean down. But Neath Port Talbot retains its mighty to you? Is it the gateway between steelworks and associated businesses, while WSwansea and South East Wales? welcoming newer industries. The home of the Welsh steel Industry? Or They should all get along ﬁne. Manufacturing a paradise of waterfalls and mountain bike is a high-tech business these days. It’s trails? Well, it’s all of those things, but there likely that academics, software companies, are big changes in the area. designers and engineers will have plenty As we show in this report, Neath Port Talbot to co-operate on. And if they can do so in a is modernising fast. New, technologically well-connected, smarter area with improved advanced companies are setting up. Town facilities, so much the better. centres and former industrial areas have But no area can stand on its own. Neath been improved for shoppers and business. Port Talbot is part of the Swansea Bay City Road links have been improved, and Port Region, and if it’s successful, neighbouring Talbot’s station is being upgraded. University areas should beneﬁt too. What’s good for students are moving in. Neath Port Talbot is very likely to be good for There is something remarkable about the whole of Wales. this transformation. Areas associated with industry usually only go for redevelopment on Douglas Friedli, editor this kind of scale if the main industry closed @DouglasInsider

IN THIS REPORT

2 Overview 13 Vizolution 3 Top 40 companies 15 Development 7 Netalogue interview 17 Neath’s BID plans 9 Growing businesses: Wernick Buildings, Magor Designs 11 and Pebble Engineering

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 1 NEATH PORT TALBOT OVERVIEW

W There’s a lot packed into Neath Port Talbot. Here are some of the key sites and biggest companies based in the area

MAIN RAIL LINE

GLYNNEATH TATA STEELWORKS 1

BAGLAN ENERGY PARK 2 A465 HARBOURSIDE 3 PONTARDAWE

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY 4

COED DARCY 5

M4 PORT TALBOT PARKWAY STATION 6

NEATH 5

4 2 3

6 PORT TALBOT 1 M4

I POPULATION Sectors with the biggest increase in 140,490 (2014 estimate) projected gross value added to 2030: EMPLOYEES 54,300 (2013 estimate; forecast 56,100 by 2030) 1 Real Estate (+£220.8m)

AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS 2 Metals and metal products (+£94.1m) 3 Construction (+£55.1m) £537 (2014; Wales average also £537) 4 Health (+£34.9m) ACTIVE BUSINESSES 5 Retail (+£28.6m ) 2,985 (in 2013)

Sources: Welsh Government; Cambridge Econometrics; South West & Central Wales Regional Learning Partnership

2 insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT NEATH PORT TALBOT TOP COMPANIES

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE BEAUTY PRODUCTS 20 MAKER BASED AT BAGLAN ENERGY PARK

Rank Company Location Activity Turnover £m Pre-tax Employees Year end proﬁt £m

1 SINCLAIR MOTOR Port Talbot Motor dealer 325.9 3.1 587 Dec 14 2 INTERTISSUE Neath Soft tissue products 149.4 9.7 447 Dec 14 3 EXPRESS REINFORCEMENTS Neath Reinforcement bar, pre fabrication, rollmat and mesh 78.7 0.7 132 Dec 14 4 MTR BAILEY TRADING Neath Motor dealer 57.0 5.4 109 Nov 14 5 FREUDENBERG OIL & GAS TECHNOLOGIES Port Talbot Pipe clam and ﬂange connectors 55.7 12.8 266 Dec 14 6 CUDDY DEMOLITION & DISMANTLING Neath Demolition, asbestos removal and civil engineering 35.4 0.7 292 Jul 14 7 WALL COLMONOY Swansea Hard surfacing and brazing materials 33.2 0.3 232 Dec 13 8 ANDREW SCOTT Port Talbot Building and civil engineering 31.2 0.3 160 Jun 14 9 JTEKT AUTOMOTIVE UK Neath Automotive components 28.1 1.1 76 Mar 14 10 SANDVIK OSPREY Neath Metal powders and controlled expansion aluminium alloys 22.2 4.1 132 Dec 14 11 WERNICK BUILDINGS Port Talbot Modular and portable buildings 21.8 0.9 138 Dec 14 12 ENVASES (UK) Port Talbot Aerosol cans and bottles 20.4 2.1 89 Sep 14 13 NSJL Port Talbot Health food supplements and distribution of pharmaceuticals 18.4 0.8 143 Dec 13 14 VIZOR TEMPERED GLASS * Swansea Glass tempering 17.2 2.4 160 Dec 13 15 HI-LEX CABLE SYSTEM Port Talbot Automotive control cables and window regulators 17.1 0.4 159 Sep 14 16 HALE DEVELOPMENTS * Neath Housebuilder and developer 15.6 0.5 93 Dec 14 17 PUMP SUPPLIES Port Talbot Maintenance and hire of pumping equipment 14.7 1.4 62 Jul 14 18 FAIRWOOD Neath Metal structures and plant hire 14.4 0.1 243 Aug 14 19 UNITBIRWELCO * Swansea Engineering, fabrication and construction services 13.8 0.1 194 Dec 14 20 MONTAGNE JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL Port Talbot Face packs 13.0 1.3 50 Dec 14 21 GENQUIP Port Talbot Mobile and static welfare accommodation 11.6 1.0 5 Jun 14 22 TONGFANG GLOBAL (UK) Port Talbot TVs 10.8 (1.5) 35 Dec 14 23 NEATH PORT TALBOT (RECYCLING) Swansea Waste recycling and disposal 10.5 (0.1) 69 Mar 14 24 MONOLITHIC REFRACTORIES Neath Pre-cast refractory shapes and materials 10.4 0.5 131 Dec 14 25 CORNELIUS Port Talbot Cable assemblies 10.1 0.2 208 Jun 14 26 TROJAN ELECTRONICS Swansea Repair, refurbishment and manufacturing of electronic products 9.7 0.6 - Mar 14 27 GROUNDHOG Neath Secure containers 9.1 2.1 86 Dec 13 28 WEARTECH INTERNATIONAL Port Talbot Wear-resistant alloy consumables and components 8.8 0.7 66 Dec 13 29 RUNTECH Port Talbot Vehicle and plant hire 7.7 0.1 69 Jul 14 30 ROTOTHERM Port Talbot Temperature, humidity and pressure instrumentation 7.6 0.4 137 Dec 14 31 EG LEWIS Neath Industrial painters, signs and engineering contracts 7.5 0.3 76 Jan 14 32 SR BAILEY Neath Pharmacists 7.0 0.2 63 Aug 14 33 THYSSENKRUPP UHDE ENERGY & POWER CONSULTANTS Port Talbot Engineering and project management consultancy 6.9 0.3 22 Sep 14 34 JES (PORT TALBOT) Port Talbot Pipe work fabrication and mechanical installation 6.5 0.5 71 Dec 14 35 DAVIES CHEMISTS (BRITON FERRY) Swansea retail pharmacies in south wales 6.1 0.2 55 Dec 14 36 CONTRACT SERVICES (SOUTH WALES) Port Talbot General construction and civil engineering 5.9 0.4 - Dec 14 37 AFAN LANDSCAPES Port Talbot Landscaping and minor civil engineering 5.7 0.2 67 Jan 14 38 TEXTURING TECHNOLOGY Port Talbot Grinding, texturing and chroming of components 5.3 0.3 64 Mar 14 39 LANGUAGE SPECIALISTS (INTERNATIONAL) Neath English and foreign language tuition services 4.8 0.4 104 Jul 14 40 WESTWARD ENERGY SERVICES Pontardawe heating and ventilation installation, service and maintenance 4.0 0.2 - Mar 15

* accounts adjusted to 52 weeks Source Insider research, Experian MIQ 2015

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 3 ADVERTISING FEATURE ADVERTISING FEATURE

Delivering the Vision, Aberavon Seafront Fabian Way Over recent years, considerable progress Fabian Way is evolving into an important has been made in Regenerating the seafront, business corridor just off the M4 motorway. and the levels of private sector investment It is the location for Swansea University’s creating Opportunities show a renewed commercial confi dence Bay Campus, a £450m development, which in the area. is one of the top fi ve knowledge economy projects in Europe. The Vision for Neath Port Talbot is fi rmly set in driving forward The new £13.6m leisure centre positive and lasting change. From the Waterfront to the Valleys, is nearing completion and work on a The research institutes based at the new the Council has set Regeneration Strategies in place which are new adventure golf course will start in the Bay Campus include Swansea Materials and already taking eff ect and creating opportunities. New Year. Other commercial investments Research Testing (SMaRT), a research facility include new restaurants, an ice cream that includes Rolls Royce, the Welsh Centre parlour, a private extra care housing complex for Printing and Coating, and the Energy Improving transport, connectivity and infrastructure and encouraging and residential developments at Mariner’s Investing in our town centres Safety Research Institute which is supported innovation are some of the key priorities for the Swansea Bay City Region. Baglan Bay Point, Mariner’s Quay and Jersey Quay. Investment in Neath and Port Talbot by BP and other industry partners. Baglan Bay has excellent facilities for large-scale, In Neath Port Talbot, the Council is already working to improve transport and town centres through multi-million pound established businesses from both the UK and There are also plans to extend and develop The area is also fast-developing into a communications links and to deliver new investment sites and premises Regeneration programmes are helping abroad. the Reel Cinema at their existing site at creative hub, with major and independent in key locations at the gateway to the City Region. transform living and working environments Hollywood Park to include a new cafe TV and fi lm companies favouring the region We fi rmly believe that a ‘can do’ attitude and partnership working will ensure that This £500m future employment site, spanning over and attract further investment. and restaurant, a leisure unit and a family as the backdrop for international and globally we continue to create new opportunities in business, housing, education and 1,000 acres, is being delivered in phases over a entertainment centre. Neath was the only town to benefi t from renowned productions. The Bay Studios at leisure for the County Borough and its communities. 25 year period. When complete it will comprise £13m to redevelop the town centre through Fabian Way opened in 2012 and has the of up to 4 million sq.ft of new employment More than £5m has been invested in the Regeneration Investment Fund for Wales potential to become one of Europe’s largest accommodation. additional infrastructure improvements, Harbourside which provides funding to stimulate and such as new seating and signage, children’s indoor fi lm facilities. The fi rst phase of the development, Baglan Energy support urban development projects. There is now real momentum Port Talbot’s impressive Harbourside project play areas and car parks. With its dramatic and diverse landscape, behind our Regeneration Strategy, involves the Regeneration of more than 100 acres Park has already attracted world class investment The fi rst phase has now been completed ‘ Together with the Regeneration the area has already been the chosen fi lming building a better future for the of the town’s former docks quarter. It will transform from a range of manufacturing, energy, IT and and the new retail space and the multi storey programme underway in Port Talbot and location for a number of critically acclaimed County Borough as the gateway the area into a knowledge-focused commercial software development companies. car park is providing the right environment the developments at Harbourside, Aberavon TV series and fi lms, including Dr Who, to Swansea Bay City Region. hub providing skilled jobs and inward investment The site also includes a £15m solar energy for businesses to grow. seafront is shaping up to become a The Sarah Jane Adventures and US hit series We are working with our partners opportunities. project, one of the largest photovoltaic parks on a In Port Talbot, a £30m housing led year-round destination with a bright future Da Vinci’s Demons. in the public and private sector to brownfi eld site in Wales. It is also the location for regeneration programme is underway Harbourside Business Park is a 42,000 sq.ft and much to welcome visitors with. provide the right environment R&D Village that is already home to leading global the Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Centre supported by the Welsh Government’s There are a number of opportunities available for businesses to invest, companies such as TWI Technology Centre for Wales and home to the only Innovation and Vibrant and Viable Place Programme. at Aberavon Seafront for residential and relocate and grow. (Wales), Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp. Knowledge Centre in Wales. The programme is set to deliver over 140 commercial developments. new homes, new commercial space, an Councillor Ali Thomas OBE,’ Strategic Regeneration projects such as Current opportunities are available for research Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Integrated Transport Hub at the Port Talbot Harbour Way, the multi million pound road which and development, light industrial/manufacturing Parkway Station and new linkage projects delivers a direct link from the M4, and the £11m and offi ce developments. to connect residential areas to areas of redevelopment of Port Talbot Parkway train employment and commerce. station is making Harbourside a key location for further commercial Investment. Development opportunities adjacent to the R&D Village are available. There are also proposals for future residential and leisure developments.

To ﬁ nd out more about development opportunities in Neath Port Talbot, please email: [email protected] Better connected, better for business and a better place to live. ADVERTISING FEATURE ADVERTISING FEATURE

To ﬁ nd out more about development opportunities in Neath Port Talbot, please email: [email protected] Better connected, better for business and a better place to live. ADVERTISING PROFILE

Local advice for over 100 years

Sound, professional advice to businesses and individuals in the Neath Port Talbot area for over 100 years

With over 100 years of experience providing with accountancy firm W. R. King & Co. which was accountancy and professional advisory services established in Neath in 1952. to individuals and businesses, Broomfield & The merger served to significantly increase the Alexander are an established name in South West breadth and scale of our operations across South Wales. West Wales, notably in the Neath Port Talbot area. The firm has over 100 members of staff The appointment of two new equity dedicated to serving the South Wales market Partners place and has specialist teams who are experts James Dobson and Sarah Curzon have both in their field that work to meet individual client joined Matthew Thomas to co-lead the office, needs. as equity partners during the past fifteen months. Working with us, you will find that we are about They have specific responsibility for helping to much more, than just audit, accounts and tax grow and develop the range of services that we services. Everything we do is designed and offer our clients in South West Wales. tailored to meet your needs, to help grow your James, who was born and lives in Neath, is well business and protect your wealth. known in the South Wales market place and We are registered with the Institute of provides a diverse range of services to a client Chartered Accountants in England & Wales base ranging from owner managed businesses (ICAEW), founder members of MHA and through to listed entities. our Association, independent members of Baker Sarah heads our Tax team in South West Wales Tilly International. and specialises in the provision of tax services to James Dobson individuals and corporate entities. Refurbishment of our office premises We work with a wide and varied client base During 2015, we have undertaken a complete including sole traders, partnerships, limited refurbishment of our office premises in the region companies, listed companies, charities and public creating a first class modern environment for the sector organisations, across a diverse range of benefit of our clients and staff. sectors. Significant recruitment The practice has particular experience of Over the past fifteen months we have added working with clients in the following areas: a significant number of new personnel to all • Agriculture Sarah Curzon our core departments covering tax, payroll and • Charities and not for profit Over the course of the past fifteen months we accounts so as to cater for growing client • Healthcare have invested heavily in our business in South numbers. • Tourism and Hospitality West Wales, reflecting our desire to be the We offer our clients a wide range of • Legal leading independent firm in the area offering professional services including: • Life Sciences clients the same range of specialist services as • Audit • Manufacturing and Engineering national firms but with a strong local delivery. • Accounts preparation & business services • Media Key highlights include: • Corporate finance • Motor Industry Our merger with long established • Tax • Property and Construction accountancy firm W. R. King & Co. • Wealth management • Retail In October 2014, we announced our merger • Payroll services • Waste Management and Recycling

CONTACT DETAILS: To ﬁnd how we could assist you/your business, please contact us for a free initial meeting on: 01639 642691 or visit our website: www.broomﬁeld.co.uk

Broomfield & Alexander 65182.indd 1 24/11/2015 11:31 NEATH PORT TALBOT INTERVIEW

ince starting up in 2001, Netalogue has seen big changes in its sector, Richard Condon, managing director of Netalogue, tells Sand in the town it calls home. And Kristian Dando how his software company’s growth has gone the e-commerce software company has hand-in-hand with the development of its home town played a role in the transformation of both. It’s brought highly skilled jobs to an area diversifying from its traditional heavy industry, to the business-to-consumer online market are looking for and means we have to do the while helping to change the way businesses that Amazon, which has a distribution centre same diligences that larger companies have buy and sell products to each other. nearby at Jersey Marine, dominates. to follow. And it’s raised our profile – having a Managing director Richard Condon is one “There’s a big distinction between the retail London listing certainly helps.” of three founders, all software professionals and business-to-business markets,” says Most of Netalogue’s business comes from born in Port Talbot, and has witnessed the Condon. “A much more complex series of outside Wales. But Condon reckons its home changes to Netalogue’s home patch first- arrangements need to be in place.” patch provides affordability and accessibility. hand. “You’ve only got to look around to see Business-to-business e-commerce needs “The road and rail links have been particularly the sort of businesses here are changing,” a greater set of checks and measures important,” says Condon. “We’re 500 yards he says, pointing to energy companies and than the relatively simple processes required from the M4, and the planned train station other technology businesses which have set for consumers to shop online, he says. will be good for bringing down from the up shop nearby. “It’s always, hopefully, going But Condon believes the habits of people South East (of England.) We’re in some of the to be a steel town, but a variety of other buying on behalf of companies don’t change best offices in Wales, but we’re not paying businesses are adding colour to the area. dramatically when they’re in the office. London prices. And there’s definitely a bit of Port Talbot is definitely a more pleasant place Netalogue’s software has been developed allure with the Gower coastline.” than it was 14 years ago.” with this in mind: “Business buyers want an For Netalogue to keep improving its service, Netalogue has achieved some notable easier life – when people come to work they it needs talent. It employs 18 people at its successes from its base at Baglan Bay, working don’t become a different person to when headquarters. “It’s a mix of highly talented for companies includ- they’re buying young technologists,” says Condon. “We can ing distribution and online at home.” get people from every point of the compass services specialist “ There’s a lot of very bright Shares in Neta- – Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, the Valleys. We Bunzl, security and technologists and individuals logue are listed on provide an opportunity to work and grow, and safety outfit Chubb, the equity market for are dealing with successful companies.” and Transport for in Wales – they’ve just got to small and medium As Netalogue looks to the future, further London. Netalogue’s sized companies, developing and investing in its intellectual products are used see that it can be done.” now known as ISDX property, Condon believes there’s an oppor- by wholesalers, Richard Condon (ICAP Securities tunity for Wales to repeat the trick pulled off manufactures and & Derivatives around Reading and London. “The software distributors to sell Exchange). That has sector in Wales isn’t as developed,” says products online, streamlining the process helped Netalogue’s growth, says Condon. Condon. “There’s been plenty of success fur- and making it easier for sellers and buyers. The decision was made to be listed not long ther down the M4 corridor. We hope we can It’s a sector in relative infancy, and one in after the company was set up. “It’s made us have a better extension of that here,” he says. which Netalogue has been part of it since credible and transparent,” he adds. “It’s given “There are lots of bright individuals in Wales – its early days. It has very different demands us the credibility that companies we’re targeting they’ve just got to see that it can be done.”

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 7 ADVERTISING PROFILE

Established 1870

145 YEAR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELSH BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND STILL GOING STRONG

Established in 1870 Andrew Scott Ltd is one of Wales’ oldest independent construction companies, with a respected name in the civil engineering and construction markets

“Local employment has always been key to our success. We have an excellent Apprentice and Graduate programme, which is currently developing the skills of 22 young people. Our aim is to support each person in achieving the qualification they require for a sustainable career in the construction industry “I truly believe this to be an exciting time for the Neath Port Talbot area, with new infrastructure schemes around transportation and major education building projects. To support this Andrew Scott Ltd continue to go from strength to strength supporting, attracting and retaining talented young people. Mark Bowen, Managing Director As a true Welsh Medium Size indigenous business, we have a strong balance sheet, an In the late nineteenth century the Company was enterprises, start-up businesses and community effective business plan and excellent civil and located at the Dockside at Port Talbot and carried groups. Over 70% of the construction work was building sector prospects. out work for the original Port Talbot Steel awarded to local suppliers and businesses. We have an exceptional safety culture Company. Their involvement with the steel plant Looking to the future the Company has which proves to be invaluable to our clients continues, due to a strong working relationship invested in 3D technology for design, construction and their safety critical projects. with Tata. This has provided long-term and surveying. Working with the Neath Port Talbot Myself and the other Directors are employment for second, third and fourth College Group, the Company is supporting the committed to growing the business generations of families from Margam, Port Talbot needs of local students in the application of 3D responsibly and in doing so, adding value to and the wider area. technology within the construction process. our customers and the communities we are In more recent times the Company has worked A long-term commitment to the Neath Port part of, through the reinvestment of the local in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Talbot area is reflected in the Company’s plans to pound spent in Wales, as part of our Borough Council in the successful delivery of the develop their land on Baglan Energy Park, construction services.” Croeserw Community Centre. The building providing a mixed-use development of offices and provides much needed accommodation for; local retail units, which will provide long-term Mark Bowen, Managing Director employment opportunity for the local area.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANDREW SCOTT LTD: Visit: www.andrewscott.co.uk Email: [email protected] Follow on Twitter: @AndrewScottLtd

The Grange, Margam, Neath Port Talbot SA13 2SP Tel: 01639 889800 Established 1870

Andrew Scott profile.indd 1 27/11/2015 16:46 NEATH PORT TALBOT GROWING COMPANIES

■ Wernick Buildings WERNICK BUILDINGS Wernick has been producing modular and portable buildings in the area since 1989, when it bought a factory at Neath Abbey from Taylor Woodrow. This year it moved to a new factory at Kenﬁg Industrial Estate near Mar- gam, after investing £3m in the site. Chair- F man David Wernick told Insider the latest.

What innovative products or processes are you introducing? We are always looking for ways to increase the efficiency of our buildings. All waste, Three growing, innovative companies from around Neath Port Talbot tell including steel, aluminium and timber, is separated for recycling with almost nothing Douglas Friedli about their plans and how they come up with new ideas ending up as landfill. Wernick Buildings is launching a new fast-track modular building system, Swiftplan, that can rise up to four storeys in height, one floor higher than our existing system. On the portable building hire side of our business, we are upgrading our stock with systems which use a range of environmentally friendly options to help reduce our carbon footprint.

How do you develop ideas? By listening to clients and employees. We will tailor a project to suit our client’s requirements. Our management systems encourage continual feedback from our staff to help us improve processes. We have a lot of trust in MAGOR DESIGNS our staff and their ideas. We are still a privately owned business and have a structure that is not overly corporate. EWAN McCONNELL ■ Magor Designs

What external factors help your What’s next? Magor is a precision engineering, toolmaking business to grow? We are projecting a 20 per cent increase in and design company in Resolven, near Government expenditure is a big factor, with 2016 in growth and proﬁt in all our companies Neath. It drew up an integrated design, engi- much of our business coming from education, via internal growth and acquisitions. Wernick neering, automation and installation strategy healthcare, police and even military sectors. Buildings is already seeing the beneﬁts from in 2013 and has since seen its strongest Cost and environmental conditions also drive moving to the larger manufacturing base. period of growth in more than 50 years. Turn- business. When compared with traditional Turnover will hit £26m this year, with an over has topped £3m and the business now construction methods, our modular buildings increase to more than £30m expected for employs 54 staff, an increase of more than can greatly reduce costs due to a shorter 2016. We expect this expansion to lead 30 one third in the past year. Managing director build programme. to 50 jobs in South Wales. Ewan McConnell set the scene.

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 9 RHP leads way with new speculative industrial development in Port Talbot Richard Hayward Properties (RHP) which is currently undergoing a £11m Spectrum development will offer a vibrant continues to be at the forefront of redevelopment to include a new car park environment with a sense of individuality to regeneration in Neath Port Talbot with for commuters and improved facilities and each of the units. their latest project Spectrum, a new transport links. Letting agents for the development are industrial build in Port Talbot aimed at Once completed, the Spectrum Jason Thorne at Lambert Smith Hampton small start-up businesses. development will include up 45,000 sq ft in Swansea and Kane Athay at RHP. Construction is due to start on a six of fl oorspace in three buildings, providing Elsewhere in Neath Port Talbot, RHP is acre site in Cramic Way, an area opened 27 high quality units ranging from behind the regeneration of part of the up by the completion of Harbour Way, 1,250 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft. With on-site former Visteon works in Fabian Way, the new link road that provides easy access parking for over 100 cars and the fl exibility known as Swansea Gateway area. to the M4. to combine units if needed, the building In what is believed to have been the largest The site also benefi ts from being is suitable for offi ces, research and letting in South Wales in 2014, RHP leased adjacent to Port Talbot railway station, development, high-tech and light industry. 156,000 sq ft in the Kings Dock Building RHP is already receiving to Trojan Electronics to relocate their enquiries from occupiers headquarters and production facility. Trojan interested in the units because of subsequently took the remaining space in their distinctive design, created by the 180,000 sq ft building in early 2015. Cardiff architects Downs Merrifi eld. RHP is now working with Neath With bright, stand out coloured Port Talbot Council on a series of panels and unexpected angles, the other projects.

Buildings as power stations

Every day we get enough energy from the sun to power our planet for 27 years Based at Baglan Bay Innovation Centre on From concept to commercialisation A culture of partnership Baglan Energy Park, the SPECIFIC Innovation SPECIFIC’s facilities in Neath Port Talbot include SPECIFIC’s culture is built on partnership, and Knowledge Centre aims to transform state of the art research laboratories at Swansea working with a large range of organisations at all buildings into power stations by enabling University’s new £450m Bay Campus and a stages to scale-up new technologies, develop them to generate, store and release their own dedicated demonstrator building in Margam, supply chains and identify routes to market. solar energy. east of Port Talbot. “We are very good at what we do, but we can’t Buildings as Power Stations At Baglan Energy Park, SPECIFIC’s pilot do everything ourselves. That’s why we are SPECIFIC is a consortium formed of four strategic production lines enable demonstration of full actively looking to collaborate with innovative partners – Swansea University, Tata Steel, BASF scale manufacture of up to 1.2m2 printed and organisations that share our vision and want to and NSG Pilkington – and more than 40 other coated sheet steel, glass and polymer products work with us to commercialise smart coatings.” partners from academia and industry. as well as a coil line for continuous processing of Jan Bell, Commercial Engagement Director Together we are working to develop, prove and flexible materials up to 300mm wide. Staged development and release of new enable commercialisation of functional coatings The Energy Park is also home to a team of technology means that there is always a for applications in the construction industry. commercial and business development constant buzz at the innovation centre. specialists who support and enable a There is always something new on the cards, progressive approach to commercialising an appetite for discovery and the commitment to and demonstrating technologies. carry ideas through. Here’s where concepts are transferred from the scientist’s notebook to the real world; where true innovation is inspired, and where it begins to make its mark.

www.specific.eu.com NEATH PORT TALBOT GROWING COMPANIES

What innovative products an international engineering PEBBLE ENGINEERING (L-R) RHYS WILLIAMS, or processes are you DAVE OLLIER, HUW HOWELL, KEN ROGERS consultancy decided to close its introducing? Swansea office. In 2013, we re-engineered the Two of the directors, Ken business from its traditional Rogers and Huw Howell, had toolmaking roots to provide an worked together there. The third, integrated service from design Dave Ollier, had worked with and project management to Rogers and Howell. They per- manufacture, automation and suaded a further colleague, Rhys electrical controls to installation. Williams, to join. The business This required substantial invest- hit its first-year targets within the ment in the Magor team. first nine months of trading, work In 2014, we recognised that is growing steadily and the direc- robotics were a natural extension tors are starting to plan its future of the capabilities we offer and direction. Insider caught up with became a systems partner to Huw Howell. KUKA Robotics, Europe’s largest robotic manufacturer. Innovation What innovative products is about combining the most or processes are you relevant technologies at the introducing? right level for the customers’ After many years within the requirements and budget. In this corporate world, we are working respect we perhaps shy away hardest at being more innovative from cutting edge technology. Clients rarely asset. As is the expertise of Neath Port Talbot in how we undertake our work. Being a small show an appetite for new technology that is College and Swansea University. Access company, we can be flexible in the way in perhaps not fully proven. to funding to support working capital and which we serve clients and we try and instil investment in capital equipment is perhaps a sense of enjoyment into what we do and How do you develop new ideas? the biggest challenge facing small and medi- how we do it. We follow two mantras: there is no such um-sized manufacturers. thing as a daft question and nobody has How do you develop new ideas? exclusivity on good ideas. Being around for What’s next? No two projects are ever the same and we more than 50 years and a third of the team We see the opportunity for continued con- are forever striving to find unique solutions to having 15 years or more service, there is a trolled growth. Our target is to grow by more new challenges. Much of our idea develop- wealth of traditional engineering experience than 25 per cent over the next two years. ment comes from open discussion between which has blended well with the new skills Recognising turnover can be flattery, there team members and from feedback from and sector experience we have brought are two more important measures for us. We clients, developers, constructors and end in over the past 12 months. We canvass must ensure the business remains healthy users. Client involvement in the design appropriate input from all areas, including and profitable, and we must balance the process is vital. Teamwork will lead to the engineering and operator teams in our client; opportunities we can see with our capability best technical, aesthetic, environmentally the Magor folks that are going to man- to deliver a quality product from a skilled sensitive and cost-effective solutions. ufacture and assemble it; and our team. Growing and developing that suppliers. Now we must get closer team is mission critical to under- What external factors help your to the universities and colleges See Made pinning growth aspirations. That business to grow? of South Wales. in Wales is not a five-minute job. A buoyant economy. There are exciting Awards, Our roots lie in the automotive infrastructure opportunities happening across What external factors help p25 sector and we see this remaining the UK which will hopefully increase over the your business to grow? at the core of our business. How- coming years. We also see our client base as A confident and investing manu- ever, our capability to offer integrated a way of growing our business. facturing sector. Many of our clients are in-house design to installation facilities multinationals. Certainty regarding a strong for automation projects is strengthening our What’s next? UK position within the EU will increase the position in other sectors. We are confident that we will double our confidence for long-term investment. first year’s trading with our current workforce The ability to pull on a relevantly skilled and assets within the next 12 months. Our and experienced labour pool. Magor invests ■ Pebble Engineering challenge is to exceed this target, which we heavily in staff, however, the availability of will only manage with more staff. This may suitable skills will slow our ability to grow. We A design consultancy specialising in civil prove difficult given the shortage of qualified won’t be able to home-grow everything we and structural engineering, Pebble’s projects engineers. We are looking to take on suitably could deploy. The Neath Port Talbot economic range from small building schemes to qualified and creative engineering gradu- development team, the Welsh Automotive construction developments worth more ates who wish to follow a career in civil and Forum and the Welsh Government is a great than £100m. The idea started in 2014, when structural design.

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 11 ThyssenKrupp commits to Neath Port Talbot

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions This international reputation was the key Government has been hugely positive, Oil & Gas (TKISOG), formally Energy driver in the decision in 2012, to make from start up to current expansion. & Power, established an offi ce at the South Wales offi ce the headquarters They have a positive approach and have Baglan Bay Innovation Centre in Port and centre of excellence in oil and gas helped us facilitate developments as we Talbot eight years ago when it was engineering for ThyssenKrupp. have grown.” looking to expand into engineering In 2015, the TKISOG made a further TKISOG hope to further expand over for energy, petrochemicals and commitment to the area by acquiring the next 5 years, moving from the early Liquefi ed Natural Gas projects. South new larger offi ce space at Harbourside project phases into full execution of Wales was selected for its wealth of Business Park on a 10 year lease major international energy projects. experienced and qualifi ed personnel agreement to allow for continued growth This will be achieved through and the opportunities to develop close becoming the centre of excellence continuing with the recruitment of relationships with international clients, for the Oil & Gas industry within the talented engineers in South Wales and the universities and local communities. ThyssenKrupp group. leveraging the experience of the wider The company grew to over 60 staff, the David Ryan, Managing Director ThyssenKrupp group. majority being Professional Engineers commented “We will continue our model as they quickly secured signifi cant of training and mentoring new talent project work in both home and export from the local area and the lease of markets building up a client base within the new offi ce in Port Talbot shows our Wales, UK and internationally with continued support and the faith that companies such as EDF Energy, Sasol ThyssenKrupp has in the skill sets Petroleum, South Hook LNG and Dragon and opportunities available within LNG. This led to the winning of the 2012 South Wales. Our experience of Queens Award for International Trade. Neath Port Talbot Council and Welsh

Welsh engineering innovation providing real‐world solutions TWI Technology Centre (Wales), established in South Wales in 2003 From its new facility TWI harnesses both existing engineering by international research and technology organisation TWI Ltd, technologies and those developed in-house to oer a complete specialises in developing, applying and leading research into non‐ NDT service, providing real‐world solutions to some of the world’s destructive testing (NDT) methods for companies across the world. biggest companies in industries including nuclear, oshore oil and Technical expertise gas, marine shipping, aerospace, renewable energy and defence. TWI Technology Centre (Wales) specialises in advanced NDT The Centre’s teams of technologists regularly participate in solutions, harnessing the latest advancements in technology sector‐specic EU‐funded research programmes, as well as leading to carry out accurate, detailed inspections. Technical expertise joint industry and consultancy projects for engineering companies includes the following: in both the UK and overseas. ■ Robotic and automated inspection of complex geometries Welsh engineering innovation ■ Bespoke application software development Over the last 12 years the Centre has built a global reputation ■ Composite inspection for research excellence, expanding its workforce and assembling an experienced team of NDT specialists. To meet high levels of ■ Advanced ultrasonic testing demand, TWI is currently in the business-planning stage for a 33% ■ Radiographic testing – digital and lm expansion of its Port Talbot base, enabling it to carry out even ■ Computed tomography – 3D imaging including microfocus more industry-funded research. In July 2013, the company moved to modern, purpose-built www.twi-global.com premises in Port Talbot. This state-of-the-art facility is located on the new multimillion-pound R&D development village at For more information contact: Harbourside Business Park, an area being transformed into a new Philip Wallace, Group Manager 01639 873100 knowledge-focused business hub helping to create skilled jobs. [email protected] NEATH PORT TALBOT BUSINESS NEWS

FUNDING BOOST HELPS VIZOLUTION EXPAND

izolution, the contact centre software UK insurance providers. The company now talent to our technology centre in Port Talbot.” company in Port Talbot, plans to plans to sell to sectors including telecoms, Vizolution was set up by Safran and Huw Vrecruit 20 staff after winning £275,000 utilities, media and pharmaceuticals. Rees in 2012. The business started from from the Welsh Government. The funding Bill Safran, chief executive of Vizolution, a hot-desking facility at the Baglan Bay package, which includes grant support and said: “It has been a hugely exciting 12 Innovation Centre, moved to bigger premises repayable business finance, will allow it to months for the company with record sales. at Baglan Energy Park in 2014, and now expand into new markets in the UK and As such it is vital to expand the team to employs more than 20 staff. internationally and recruit IT developers. ensure that we can support existing and new Vizolution was advised by Broomfield & Vizolution’s technology is used by four of clients over the coming years. This injection Alexander and by Neath Port Talbot Council’s the top five UK banks and two of the top five of funds will enable us attract the very best business development team. NEATH PORT TALBOT IN BUSINESS

■ The owners of Neath’s Borough Arms ■ Formagrind, a precision engineering year it is expected to employ 20 extra staff. pub have launched their own range of company, has doubled its space by moving Franco’s has operated for more than 30 bottled beers. Mandy Draper and Kevin to a base at Milland Road Industrial Estate, years and serves 75,000 customers. Ray Di Davies started brewing small amounts of Neath. The company makes replacement Francesco, co-owner, said: “With the invest- real ale as a hobby. Then they converted an parts for the aerospace, defence, semicon- ment being pumped into the area these are old brick shed at the back of the pub into a ductor, medical and automotive sectors. It exciting times for Aberavon. We expect our microbrewery. Now they make ales named moved from the nearby Llandarcy Estate footfall to grow signiﬁcantly, so this funding after departments and processes in the and plans to invest £50,000 to modernise package has come at the right time.” steelworks where Davies worked – such as and alter its new 10,933 sq ft base. The site Full Blast, Iron Runner, Triple Bleeder and was sold through Hutchings and Thomas. ■ Port Talbot-based Pump Supplies re- Pithead Porter. The pair set up the brewery Managing director Mike Couser said the cruited Simon Wright as managing director. with a Welsh Government SME Capital facility would allow the company to grow. Wright joins from Imtech, where he spent Investment Grant worth £11,000 after taking the past three years working on water and advice from Business Wales. Draper said: ■ Franco’s ﬁsh and chip shop on Aberavon sewage projects. Wright has also run his “Having the microbrewery on site means seafront is to be transformed into a 100- own utilities infrastructure business, and we can reduce our outgoings to suppliers seat restaurant, backed by a £400,000 loan was a senior project manager at Bovis and, although we will still use some local from Finance Wales, £275,000 from Lloyds Lend Lease, where he helped to deliver suppliers, we’re now in a great position to Bank and personal investment from the the St David’s shopping centre extension grow the business.” business. When the restaurant opens this in Cardiff.

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 13 Rated BREEAM Excellent, BAGLAN BAY the Baglan Bay Innovation Centre provides modern INNOVATION CENTRE quality oﬃ ces: Located adjacent to the M4 on Baglan Energy Park, ■ Fibre Connectivity one of the region’s premier business locations. ■ Car parking ■ Easy access to M4, road and rail networks ■ Swipe card security access system ■ Conference facilities, meetings rooms and reception services

Contact Nathan Davies MRICS 01639 686987 [email protected]

Chartered Surveyors, Commercial Agents & Auctioneers Tel: 01792 479 860 www.astleys.net/commercial

SALES & ACQUISITIONS AUCTIONS SURVEYS VALUATIONS RATING APPEALS RENT REVIEWS DILAPIDATIONS

Established since 1863, Astleys is a member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and one of South West Wales’ leading firms of Chartered Surveyors. Dealing with all property related matters. The expert property professionals. NEATH PORT TALBOT DEVELOPMENT

MAKE THE CONNECTION New roads and a railway station are opening up Neath Port Talbot for redevelopment and investment, writes Dave Jenkins

BAGLAN ENERGY PARK

y Harbour Way from the east and funding from the Welsh Government and Fabian Way from the west, whichever EU’s Regeneration Investment Fund for Wales Bcoastal route you take into Neath Port – has also secured funding for a Business Talbot, regeneration is hard to miss. Improvement District. The steelworks dominate the Port Talbot Howell Edwards, director at estate agency skyline, but heavy industry is no longer the HRT in Neath, says confidence is up in the overwhelming characteristic. Manufacturing commercial, industrial and residential sectors, is complemented with new buildings, insti- with a return to 2007 prices. He says: “This tutions and transport facilities. Port Talbot’s year the market is encouragingly active.” Harbour Way is the area’s ambassador, its Mark Dacey, principal of the Neath Port wide sweep curling around the coast past Talbot College (NPTC) Group says the devel- the Harbourside docks redevelopment. That’s opments are reflected and complemented a £6.5m research and development village by the changing educational institutions. He with occupants including Tata Steel and TWI cites the Swansea University campus, the UK. Further on you hit the clean sands of the new Bae Baglan school, which is set to have Aberavon seafront and Baglan Bay, which are places for more than 1,000 pupils when it the sites of further regeneration projects. ABERAVON LEISURE CENTRE opens 2018, and NPTC Group itself as factors Fabian Way is home to Swansea Uni- which will attract and keep businesses here. versity’s £450m science and engineering “We can pre-plan the curriculum to meet campus. Further north is the Coed Darcy “ The potential for real the needs of local employers,” he says. estate, a redevelopment of BP’s old Llandar- economic impact for the “For example, if Tata Steel need multi-skilled cy oil refinery that will eventually be home to operatives then we can apply that to our 4,000 homes over the next 20 years. Public entire area over the years is engineering curriculum. The top ten in de- transport is also getting a makeover, with mand jobs today didn’t exist ten years ago, an £11.4m upgrade to Port Talbot Parkway enormous.” so our role is to train for the future as best station that should provide a more cheerful Rupert Joseland we can and not only deliver what employers and convenient way into the area. want and attract those type of businesses too.” Meanwhile, the new Baglan Bridge could Swansea University’s Bay Campus opened open up more development. Crossing So the £13.5m Aberavon leisure centre is in September, and work will continue until the railway lines between Brunel Way and expected to be completed by the end of the 2020. Rupert Joseland, regional director of Central Avenue, it creates new routes through year, and will complement other commercial developer St Modwen, reckons the real ben- the area, reducing driving time to and from investments along the seafront such as efits won’t really be felt for decades. He says: Baglan Energy Park, a £500m development restaurants and the Reel Cinema complex. “When we speak to engineering professors, that’s home to companies such as RWE, Last year £25m was secured under the it’s just the beginning. It’s taken us six years Montagne Jeunesse and Netalogue. Neath Welsh Government’s Vibrant & Viable Places to open up the campus but they’ve got dec- Port Talbot Council leader Ali Thomas says programme to redevelop Port Talbot town ades of research and investment ahead of the plan is to create “a place we can be centre and create more homes and commer- them. The potential for real economic impact proud of and that people want to live in.” cial space. Neath – the first location to enjoy for the entire area is enormous.”

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 15 NEATH PORT TALBOT DEVELOPMENT

NEATH PORT TALBOT DEVELOPMENT NEWS

■ An “innovation corridor” could be created the area. It is part of Neath Port Talbot on Fabian Way, targeting research, devel- Council’s regeneration plans, is identified opment and high-tech companies looking in the regional joint local transport plan and to locate close to Swansea’s universities endorsed by the Swansea Bay city region and the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. A draft Board. It would include stops for buses and document being considered by Swansea taxis with easy access to the train station. Council and Neath Port Talbot Council is calling for a more integrated approach to ■ Grp Gwalia has submitted a planning planning along the route. The Fabian Way application to Neath Port Talbot Council corridor follows the A483 Fabian Way from to redevelop the former Port Talbot Police the Amazon roundabout in Neath Port Station for flats and commercial space. If Talbot to the eastern bank of Swansea’s River approved, the police station will be demol- Tawe. The draft joint planning guidance ished and a new three-storey building will document was prepared by both councils. ■ Plans for an integrated transport hub next be built. The proposals are for 30 flats on It aims to support the development of a to Port Talbot Parkway Station were shown two upper floors and commercial space on knowledge economy cluster along Fabian in November. The station is undergoing the ground floor. The project was designed Way that would boost economic prosperity a redevelopment, which is scheduled for by Stride Treglown in consultation with the across the Swansea Bay city region. It completion in the new year. The hub has Design Commission for Wales. If approved, also aims to support the potential future been proposed to provide easier access the 15-month contract is expected to start expansion of universities and companies. to employment and residential areas in early in 2016.

SPECTRUM

CRAMIC WAY, PORT TALBOT

For further information contact: • Flexible units 1,250 sq ft - 3,000 sq ft • Suitable for high tech, light industrial, R&D, office uses Richard Hayward properties • Adjacent Port Talbot Parkway station 01792 702800 www.lsh.co.uk 01633 682882

• Easy access to M4 Jason Thorne Kane Athay

16 insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT NEATH PORT TALBOT BUSINESS NEWS

NEATH TO NEATH PORT TALBOT GET BID IN BUSINESS STATUS

usinesses in Neath have voted in favour of a business improvement Bdistrict (BID) that could provide an additional £500,000 to support town centre improvements over the next five years. Sixty-four per cent of businesses that voted supported establishing a BID in the town centre. The votes in favour represented 70 per cent of the rateable value of all business properties in the town. ■ Port Talbot retailers are set to receive often say I should open a cafe. I love cooking An independent company, Neath Inspired, the greatest reduction in rateable values in and eventually decided to try a new will be set up in April 2016. Businesses will the UK, according to figures calculated by challenge and open a cafe.” Neath Port pay a 1.25 per cent levy on top of their standard Colliers International. And Neath retailers Talbot Council leader Ali Thomas said: “The business rates, generating approximately will get the UK’s third-biggest reduction thriving market plays a big part in attracting £100,000 per year for town centre improve- when new rateable values are introduced people to Neath town centre. I’m sure the ments. on 1 April 2017. Colliers found that shops new cafe will add even more variety.” Neath Port Talbot Council previously secured in Port Talbot would enjoy an average rates £25,000 from the Welsh Government and reduction of 63.51 per cent, and those in ■ Contract Services, a Port Talbot-based appointed a consultant to develop the BID Neath would get a 55.67 per cent reduction. construction contractor, has appointed concept, aims, vision and outline implemen- Colliers’ calculations are based on the Simon Jones as finance director. Jones tation strategy. prime locations in retail centres. held roles with Merthyr Tydfil Housing There are more than 200 BIDs in the UK, Association as director of finance, and including Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil and ■ Neath’s market has a new outlet selling Parsons Brinkerhoff as financial controller. Newport. The Welsh Government is supporting Thai food, opened by former Swansea Uni- Most recently, he spent 13 years working the development of additional BIDs in versity student and social worker Orawan with the Seren Group housing association, Wales to encourage economic development Jones. She said: “When I was a social as group resources director. Managing and to deliver its new regeneration framework, worker I used to bring in traditional Thai director Peter Thomas said: “Having Vibrant and Viable Places. curries for my colleagues and they would secured a number of key contracts, Simon will ensure that Contract Services continues to progress with sound financial governance.”

■ The £13.4m Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre should be completed by the end of the year. The centre, next to Reel Cinema, was started in June by Corban Invest- ments and its contractor Heron Bros. It will include a pool with moveable floor, gym/ fitness suite, spin room, dance studio, four court sports hall, cafe and community rooms. The former Afan Lido and overflow car park sites will now be marketed as a development opportunity.

■ Neath’s new multi-storey car park opened in October 2015. Contractor Kier started work in July 2014 on the 600-space car park and a 24,000 sq ft Wilko shop. The car park has been designed to be more user friendly, with wider parking bays and energy efﬁcient lighting. THAI CAFÉ

insider NEATH PORT TALBOT: SPECIAL REPORT 17