Radar PR

14/03/2025

Coleg Cambria and its industry partners were in medal-winning form at this year’s Skills Competition Wales.

The college, based in Wrexham, Northop, Deeside and Llysfasi, secured 11 in total - three golds, five silver and three bronze.

Gold medals were achieved by Jo Arrowsmith for CNC Milling, Oliver Evans (Aircamo Aviation Ltd) for Aeronautical Engineering, and Construction Metalwork contestant James Noller.

Also finishing on the podium were: Tomos Roberts (CNC Milling), Mark Wright (Welding), Dylan Fullard and Kyle Gray-Owen (IT Network Security), Rhys Mahoney (IT Support Technician), Harrison Sherlock and Callum Davies (Aeronautical Engineering), and Brooklyn Jones (Construction Metalwork).

Up to 30 Cambria representatives were ‘Highly Commended’ for attaining marks above the national average, and the college was ‘Best in Region’ for North Wales in CNC Milling.

Skills Competition Lead Robert Jones was proud of the learners for their “hard work and dedication” in combining academia with apprenticeships and the demands of the competition, a Welsh Government-funded initiative coordinated by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales.

More at FE News and in the news this week:

COLEG CAMBRIA and its industry partners were in medal-winning form at this year’s Skills Competition Wales. The college, based in Wrexham, Northop, Deeside and Llysfasi,…

12/03/2025

An iconic adventure attraction is celebrating a wet and wild 40 years in business.

Launched in 1985, Canolfan Tryweryn The National White Water Centre - Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol in Frongoch, Gwynedd, is one of the most popular activities in North Wales, welcoming up to 40,000 visitors annually.

Employing a team of eight full time and 40+ freelance staff, the beloved not-for-profit organisation - on the banks of Afon Tryweryn - looks set for one of its busiest seasons yet, with a series of events and activities planned to celebrate the landmark anniversary.

In addition to a wide range of white-water adventure sports, Canolfan Tryweryn has expanded to include a café, modern changing facilities, a kayak shop, a children's play area and the Tryweryn Trail, a picturesque riverside walk.

And as well as welcoming the public throughout the year – notably in the warmer summer months – Operations Manager Bledd Lloyd says they are focused on attracting more corporate clients for team-building exercises and group bookings, including stag and hen parties.

More here at Insider Media and in the news this week.

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/wales/popular-welsh-adventure-attraction-which-welcomes-up-to-40000-visitors-annually-set-for-one-of-its-busiest-seasons-yet

11/03/2025

Coleg Cambria launched a state-of-the-art new training kitchen in partnership with The Savoy Educational Trust.

The cutting-edge facility was part-funded by the Trust and is located alongside Iâl Restaurant in the college’s £21m Hafod building in Wrexham.

Officially unveiled by Vikki Howells MS, Minister for Further and Higher Education, the ‘inclusive kitchen’ reinforces Cambria’s commitment to deliver accessible opportunities for all and help train the next generation of professionals in the hospitality sector.

Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria, said: “We are proud to celebrate our partnership with the Savoy Educational Trust, a collaboration that has helped bring to life the state-of-the-art, inclusive training kitchen here at Yale.

“This exciting development marks a significant milestone in our commitment to high-quality, accessible education in hospitality and catering, ensuring all learners have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry."

More at Business News Wales and in the news this week:

Coleg Cambria launched a state-of-the-art new training kitchen in partnership with The Savoy Educational Trust. The cutting-edge facility was part-funded by the Trust and is located alongside Iâl Restaurant in the college’s £21 million Hafod building in Wrexham. Officially unveiled by Vikki Howe...

10/03/2025

The esteemed owner of an internationally acclaimed organic farm estate has won a Global Recognition Award.

Lord Robert Newborough - driving force behind the 12,500-acre Rhug Estate near Corwen in Denbighshire - was selected for his “exceptional leadership and innovative contributions” to sustainable agriculture and food production.

A panel of judges, including Anthony Spon-Smith, Creative Director at Coco Republic, and News Reporter Mae Cornes from ABS-CBN Corporation, praised his “visionary approach” and high standards, adding: “Lord Newborough's commitment to quality has elevated the Rhug Estate brand to international prominence, with its products gracing the menus of prestigious establishments worldwide.

“The Estate's organic farm has garnered industry-wide recognition while receiving a Royal Warrant confirming the exceptional environmental management standards and animal welfare practices implemented under his guidance.

“His leadership in organic farming practices has created a model operation that balances respect for natural ecosystems with productive agriculture, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and commercial success complement each other.”

Pic: Richard Prideaux

More here and in the news this week:

The esteemed owner of an internationally acclaimed organic farm estate has won a Global Recognition Award.

07/03/2025

Coleg Cambria showcased its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to “accessible education for all” on a visit from a leading politician.

Vikki Howells MS, Minister for Further and Higher Education, met with Chief Executive Yana Williams and senior leaders at Cambria’s Yale site in Wrexham.

They were joined by students, staff and Learner Voice and Social Partnership representatives for a discussion on local and national education issues, before the Minister opened a cutting-edge new training kitchen, developed in partnership with The Savoy Educational Trust.

The project was part-funded by the Trust and is located alongside Iâl Restaurant in the college’s £21m Hafod building.

The ‘inclusive kitchen’ reinforces Cambria’s commitment to deliver accessible opportunities and help train the next generation of workers in the hospitality sector.

The Minister said: “I am absolutely delighted to see all the remarkable facilities here.

“The college’s commitment to accessible learning is exactly what we need to see."

More here and in the news:

COLEG CAMBRIA showcased its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to “accessible education for all” on a...

05/03/2025

Via Wrexham.com

Coleg Cambria calls for end in student transport ‘postcode lottery’ in Wales Coleg Cambria is calling for urgent action to help end the ‘postcode lottery’ in student transport funding across Wales. An “absence of equality” is leaving many learners and their families “bearing the brunt ...

04/03/2025

A global manufacturer of brake and clutch components is driving innovation with the support of Bangor University.

Caernarfon-based Friction Technology - now part of n Industries Group Ltd (n Industries) following its acquisition in February - is testing brake samples and materials for a helicopter landing gear actuator, having been awarded a Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) by the University.

Led by Technical Director Steve Magee, the 14-strong business, launched in 2003, worked alongside Athanasios Dimitriou, a Materials Scientist at the Biocomposites Centre, to test and analyse components and the ‘friction’ process with a view to scaling-up to manufacture.

The SIV scheme offered companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey, and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.

Steve says the backing of Athanasios and the team has been “hugely beneficial” and hopes the partnership will continue in the future.

MORE HERE AND IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:

https://newsfromwales.co.uk/friction-firm-drives-brake-and-clutch-innovation-following-global-merger/

01/03/2025

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

28/02/2025

Daniel Ap Geraint will represent Wales in the final of Great British Menu.

The head chef of The Gunroom Restaurant at Plas Dinas Country House emerged victorious in the Welsh heats of the popular BBC television show following a “demanding yet incredible” week in the kitchen.

Daniel, from Prestatyn, has been with the five-star Bontnewydd country house hotel near Caernarfon, since 2018, and says making it to the top eight chefs in the competition was “amazing” and the highlight of his career so far.

He will now aim to secure a place for one of his dishes at the banquet to be held at Blenheim Palace, celebrating ‘Great Britons’ and the 20th anniversary of the hit programme, known for making chefs famous such as Tom Kerridge and Michael Caine.

Daniel was lauded by veteran chef Spencer Metzger – himself crowned Champion of Champions of the BBC 2 programme in 2022 - and presenter Andi Oliver for his menu and led the contest from canapés to dessert.

Reflecting on his victory, he said: “I didn’t ever think I would be here, I never dreamt that I would be winning the Wales region heat.

“I am just glad I’ve been able to get this far, the challenge now is the next step, but I am absolutely thrilled to get through to the final.”

More here WalesOnline and in the news today:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gwynedd-head-chef-wins-welsh-31098769

27/02/2025

A recruitment agency is celebrating 45 years at the heart of business and industry in North Wales.

Supertemps Ltd plans to mark the incredible milestone with a series of events and activities supporting clients, candidates and companies across the region.

The firm, which employs a team of 11 from its offices in Bangor and Colwyn Bay, will start with a free legal webinar in partnership with Manchester employment law specialists, JMW Solicitors.

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood FREC joins guest speakers Simon Bloch and Paul Chamberlain FRSA on Tuesday March 11 for the online session and a Q&A covering a range of topics including the Employment Rights Bill, changes to laws around sexual harassment, holiday pay updates and a case law roundup.

“The employment law landscape is always evolving so it’s important business owners and HR directors in particular are informed and up to date with developments,” said Sarah, whose mum Dorothy founded Supertemps from her Llanddulas home in 1980.

“These online sessions are always popular and given there are significant legislative updates on the horizon, it is essential organisations are compliant.”

She added: “It’s great to have Simon and Paul with us once again as they are two of the most knowledgeable and experienced voices in the employment law arena, and I’m sure the webinar will be well received by those who join us – early booking is advised as allocated spaces will fill quickly and there is demand already.”

More here North.Wales and in the news this week:

Recruiters celebrating 45 years at heart of business and industry in North Wales A recruitment agency is celebrating 45 years at the heart of business and industry in North Wales. Supertemps plans to mark the incredible milestone with a series of events and activities supporting clients, candidates....

26/02/2025

The author of a book written in memory of her baby boy is planning a series of new stories and will appear in a TV documentary on child loss.

The positive response to Theo Bear – A Midnight Wish was of “great comfort” to Ellie Harley-Jones, whose son Theo sadly died at birth almost four years ago.

Ellie – co-owner of Catch 22 Anglesey in Valley, Anglesey – says writing and illustrating the book initially provided a focus and helped her to cope with the tragedy, before she later realised it could also help to raise awareness and funds for stillbirth and child loss organisations, including UK-wide charity 4Louis.

A raft of sales over the Christmas period, five-star reviews and the feedback of readers inspired her to create further adventures for the title character and his trusty friend Rolo the cockapoo, with the support of Anglesey-based Redstart Publishing.

“For me this was never about trying to sell books, it’s the message behind it and to get more people talking about child loss as it is still a subject people are hesitant to discuss,” said Ellie.

“The more awareness there is the more people will feel comfortable talking about these issues, which is my aim with these stories.”

More here at Wales 247 and in the news this week:

THE author of a book written in memory of her baby boy is planning a series of new stories and will appear in a TV documentary on child loss. The positive response to Theo Bear – A Midnight Wish was of “great comfort” to Ellie Harley-Jones, whose son Theo sadly died at birth almost four […]

25/02/2025

Thanks to our friends at FTAdviser for this one on the launch of Fincate, a new financial education website which aims to plug the widening “advice gap” in the UK.

Fincate was launched TODAY and is the creation of Robert Lewis, managing director and founder of a multiple award-winning financial planning business based in Mold, St Asaph, and London.

An amalgamation of the words ‘Financial’ and ‘Education’, the site offers a series of videos and bitesize content as part of an affordable monthly subscription service.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Rob says there is significant demand for an online platform offering workshops, guidance, quizzes, downloadable materials and training for individuals and businesses.

More here and in the news this week:

https://www.ftadviser.com/advice-businesses/2025/2/25/adviser-launches-financial-education-website-to-plug-advice-gap/

25/02/2025

The elite of Welsh baking will rise to the occasion at an inaugural college conference.

Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham will host the Wales Bakery Conference 2025 on Wednesday (February 26) from 10am-3pm.

The Hafod building is to welcome the very best of the industry for the one-day expo, which will feature trade stands, networking opportunities and guest speakers.

Among them will be Simon Penson from ADM Milling Company, discussing Regenerative Farming and its Benefits; Matt Loughrey from The Burnt Chef Project on Mental Health Support in the Food Industry, and awarding body FDQ Ltd CEO Terry Fennell on Bakery Apprenticeships in Wales – Features, Benefits, and Incentives.

Cambria’s Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman said: “We have bakery experts coming from all over the country, so the conference offers an unmissable opportunity for the baking sector in Wales to connect, collaborate, and grow."

More here Leader Live and in the news today:

THE elite of Welsh baking will rise to the occasion at an inaugural college conference.

24/02/2025

A Member of the Senedd has backed a historic attraction’s bid to become one of the top 10 destinations in North Wales.

Greenfield Valley Museum Heritage Park is aiming to attract more than 100,000 people a year to its green spaces, buildings, activities and events.

On a visit to the 70-acre site, near Holywell, Hannah Blythyn MS, Member of the Senedd for Delyn, showed her support for the heritage park, having visited herself many times over the years.

“It was good to spend time with Trust members, to not only hear more about the fantastic plans for the local attraction but to also see first-hand the transformative change they could bring to the area, in a way that both supports the local community and promotes this destination on our doorstep,” said Hannah.

“We have a proud heritage, and I look forward to doing all I can to advocate on the ambition for the attraction.”

The Trust has a vision to capitalise upon 2,000 years of history and sensitively and sustainably transform areas around the Valley’s picturesque lakes, streams, parks, tearoom, ancient monuments, museum and woodland walks.

With new trustees joining in past months – they are still looking to recruit Board members, notably with experience in heritage, law and conservation – the location will be redeveloped and rebranded as part of 10-year strategy.

More here Deeside.com and in the news this week:

Senedd member backs historic Flintshire attraction campaign to become top 10 North Wales destination A member of the Senedd has backed a historic attraction’s bid to become one of the top 10 destinations in North Wales. Greenfield Valley is aiming to attract more than 100,000 people a year to its ...

21/02/2025

The head chef of an acclaimed five-star hotel and restaurant is to appear in one of TV's most prestigious culinary competitions.

Daniel Ap Geraint of The Gunroom Restaurant at Plas Dinas Country House will represent Wales on the 20th series of Great British Menu.

This year’s theme is ‘Great Britons’ and the show itself is renowned for having made household names of some of the nation’s top chefs over the last two decades, including Marcus Wareing, Tom Kerridge, and Simon Rogan.

Daniel, from Prestatyn, has been a mainstay at the picturesque, 17th century Bontnewydd venue, near Caernarfon, since 2018, and looks forward to participating in the Welsh heats next week.

If successful, he will compete in the final against the ‘Best of British’ with the aim of preparing a dish for a banquet to be held at Blenheim Palace.

“I am honoured to be representing The Gunroom Restaurant and Wales in the 20th Anniversary series of Great British Menu, a programme that has showcased culinary excellence to the world for over 20 years,” he said.

“What an experience to be part of a programme that so many aspirational chefs hold in such high regard.”

More here and in the news today:

https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/24950991.head-chef-gwynedd-restaurant-appear-bbcs-great-british-menu/

20/02/2025

Hundreds of start-ups and small businesses have been transformed with the support of an innovative business hub.

A staggering 258 new and existing companies in Gwynedd and Anglesey received backing from Menter Môn Enterprise Hub (Hwb Menter// Enterprise Hub) in the last 18 months.

The organisation has two main locations, M-SParc in Gaerwen and Hwb Arloesi, Porthmadog, and facilitated a £2,500 'start-up support package' which included access to one-to-one advice and information, technology, financial guidance and more.

They also welcomed up to 500 people for a series of online and in-person networking and training events across the year.

Menter Môn – which according to an external evaluation report made an “important contribution to the entrepreneurial landscape in Gwynedd and Anglesey” – was praised for the “seamless support experience” it provided participants.

More here North Wales Chronicle and in the news this week:

“It is truly amazing how far we have reached."

20/02/2025

Business is bubbling at a luxurious spa complex following a healthy start to the year.

Ial Spa was launched by Coleg Cambria in November, the focal point of its £14m Health and Wellbeing Centre at Yale in Wrexham.

An “incredibly busy” Winter has seen the state-of-the-art facility – which features a sauna, steam room, whirlpool bath and health food bar – far surpass expectations and targets within the first three months of trading.

Cambria’s Head of Commercial Operations Maria Stevens revealed they will now look to recruit more industry-qualified staff and an apprentice to keep up with demand for commercial services including facials, massages, body treatments, and more.

There has also been huge interest in ‘pamper parties’ – or Spa-ties - for children and teenagers, and there are plans to eventually employ students at weekends and in the evenings.

“The demand has been huge since day one, all of the treatments and facilities have been popular with the public – there is already a waiting list for memberships - and as a result we will look to provide further resources to ensure our offering remains first-class,” said Maria.

More at Business News Wales and in the news this week:

Business is bubbling at a luxurious spa complex following a healthy start to the year. Iâl Spa was launched by Coleg Cambria in November, the focal point

18/02/2025

SF Parks plans to build luxurious multi-million pound 'treehouse' accommodation at one of its most popular holiday resorts.

The proposals for WhiteHouse Leisure Park in Towyn would complement a recently constructed climbing wall, 'The Jump' and a high-ropes course at the award-winning site, in addition to a planned upgrade to the existing Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play, along with the creation of a spa and gym.

This latest development comes after directors Jonathan Seldon and Oliver Seldon were given the green light last week for a six-lane bowling alley, rooftop bar, extended amusement arcade and new reception at neighbouring Golden Gate Holiday Centre on Towyn Road.

Both schemes were designed by Conwy-based AK Architects, and Jonathan is confident the new sustainable treehouse accommodation – which, if approved, will feature three landscaped treehouses complete with private swimming pools, fire pits, sauna pods and more – will be unlike anything else in the region.

More here Rhyl Journal and in the news this week:

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