Latest news with #Cardiff-based
Business News Wales
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
EV Provider Wins Green Business Award at 2025 Wales Business Awards
Cardiff-based electric vehicle (EV) provider, FleetEV, has won the Green Business Award at the 2025 Wales Business Awards. Founded in 2021, FleetEV focuses on making the switch to EVs practical and efficient through comprehensive leasing, salary sacrifice, and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs, across public and private sectors. As the lead supplier on the Welsh Government Commercial Delivery (WGCD) framework for electric vehicle provision, FleetEV has delivered significant impact, saving the Welsh public sector over £1.2 million in the past year alone while pledging to generate £2.5 million in social value during 2024/25. The net zero business was recognised as the leading green business that adopted innovative and effective eco-friendly practices, leading to measurable reductions in their carbon output and a positive environmental and business impact. Jarrad Morris, Founder and CEO at FleetEV, said: 'We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Wales's leading green business. The Wales Business Awards highlight the best of Welsh business, and to be counted among them is an honour. 'From the outset, our mission has been to support businesses and public sector organisations in making the transition to electric vehicles as seamless and impactful as possible. We believe sustainability should never be a compromise – it should be an advantage. This award reinforces that belief and reflects the hard work of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the trust our clients have placed in us. 'As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that not only reduce emissions but also create measurable value, economically, environmentally, and socially. We're proud to be a green business, through and through, and this recognition is a milestone in our journey to help drive Wales toward a net zero future.' Gus Williams, Interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: 'Congratulations to FleetEV on winning the Green Business Award at this year's Wales Business Awards. In a highly competitive category filled with exceptional businesses, FleetEV stood out for their ambition, drive, rapid growth and success in a competitive market, but what really impressed us was their wider approach – the desire to have a positive impact with all their stakeholders, including their community work and support of local schools and sports, in particular.'
Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Period Care Brand Launches in Waitrose Stores Across the UK
The UK's leading organic period-care brand, TOTM, has announced its launch into British supermarket, Waitrose. The Cardiff-based firm said the collaboration marks a big step in TOTM's trajectory, as it strives to lead the menstrual health agenda with its range of 100% certified organic cotton products. Chair at TOTM, Ruby Parmar, said: 'Access to better period-care should be non-negotiable. We are incredibly proud to be launching into Waitrose, bringing our market-leading range to a discerning new demographic. 'At TOTM we offer period-care solutions with the promise of quality and comfort without compromise, building customer relationships on trust and transparency. Being part of the Waitrose portfolio feels like a natural next step; one that will expand TOTM's reach exponentially and elevate our proposition among conscientious shoppers.' Rachel Gill, Sanitary Care Buyer at Waitrose, said: 'Our customers are increasingly looking for high-quality and ethical options across our products, and period-care is no different. We're delighted to make sustainable choices easier than ever with the launch of TOTM.' TOTM will be stocked in selected Waitrose stores across the UK, with product prices ranging from £3 to £3.75. The brand will debut with an introductory month-long offer of 25% off all its products for Waitrose customers.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
GP receptionist advises key phrase to beat 8am doctor appointment scramble
Cuppas have gone cold and breakfasts gone uneaten as we all attempt to time our morning call for an appointment bang on that 8am time slot - but there are secret ways you can beat the system We've all been there, feeling under the weather or concerned for a loved one and yet you have to contend with clock watching as you attempt to time the second perfectly for calling your GP surgery. Beliefs that the closer you get to the elusive 8am slot the better chance you have of connecting have us all hovering over the call button just as the clock turns from 7:59 to 8am on the dot. Now though, those in the know - the actual GP receptionists - have revealed a top secret that most don't know, that can help you avoid the early morning scramble and panic. The medical receptionists are often seen as the grim-faced gatekeepers of overstretched NHS appointments, but often they're the ones who bare the brunt of disgruntled and unwell patients calling to secure some time with a doctor or nurse. Many deem them unhelpful or intrusive, with many patients not keen to give away their health problems to the voice on the phone, and with new official figures suggesting 2.8 million people a month struggle to contact their local GP practice, receptionists are now fighting back, and showing how willing they are to help you find an appointment. One of the ways they're doing this is with top insider tips that might just help. Instead of calling up to wait through massive virtual queues to discover all appointments for the day are gone, they suggest turning up in person. 61 year old Tracey Jetts, a receptionist at Doncaster GP surgery admits you're far "more likely to get an appointment that way." "We may still send you to the pharmacy, or make a non-urgent appointment on another day, as we still have to prioritise patients according to need. But you'll have been able to speak to someone and won't have been hanging around on hold," she told the Daily Mail. Another agreed and said that if you're prepared to wait in person, appointments can free up. She also added that being 'seen' as ill can help. "We're not doctors, but we can tell when someone is struggling." Another tip from the experts was to all in the afternoon, on a Tuesday. Once the initial 8am rush has calmed, it's easier to get through and occasionally cancellations happen or more appointments are released if the doctor has more time. A Cardiff-based GP admitted that once they had a patient who rang in the afternoon for blood tests. He secured an appointment straight away because the surgery had just had a cancellation, but the receptionist admitted had he called in the morning "he'd likely be turned away." Also, avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can - mid-week is much quieter, "especially Tuesdays," said one GP receptionist from Gloucester. And remember, don't raise your voice. Lots of receptionists admitted that some patients believe that pushing harder or more aggressively will help secure an appointment but that simply "won't work." Explaining why you need a doctor is one of the biggest complaints about receptionists but it's a requirement and can help you be seen more quickly. Aware that they're seen as "being nosey", one Welsh receptionist admitted she needs to know the urgency and it also might require a double slot. Also, consider explaining how your health issue is affecting you, not just stating the problem itself. "Saying how something is affecting you, rather than just the problem itself, is often a good way of showing us how urgent it is. So if you're not sleeping well and if you say it's affecting your ability to work, or drive, or look after your children, then that needs to be dealt with quickly. If you're bleeding, that's another red flag, or any problem that has got worse since the doctor last saw you," said Mrs Jetts. Another receptionist recommends the phrase 'this is not normal for me' which highlights a new issue that a GP will want to check out. Children will almost always been seen quickly, but parents should be reminded to make clear things like rashes, fevers not eating or drinking and any sleep issues, and don't be frightened to raise if something feels like an emergency. Often there are only 'emergency' appointments left and one receptionist revealed that she just "needs to hear you say it's an emergency" and it's yours. Make sure not to underplay your symptoms either, 'not making a fuss' can cost you precious time with your GP and the receptionists warned they often get patients like this who think they're doing them a favour. Remember that being sent to your pharmacy isn't a cop-out or 'downgrade' either, sometimes you simply don't need to see a GP. Conditions like UTI s, ear problems, sore throats and insect bites can all be effectively cared for at your local pharmacy - and quickly, too.
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff restaurant named among UK's best at national awards
The National Restaurant Awards took place on Monday (June 9), celebrating "the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK restaurant scene, honouring the best chefs and operators across the country". Awards handed out at the annual event included: National Restaurant of the Year Gastropub of the Year Chef of the Year Cocktail List of the Year Wine List of the Year Opening of the Year Best Restaurant in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (four individual awards) A list of the UK's top 100 restaurants was also revealed, featuring one Cardiff-based restaurant - Gorse. The best restaurants in the UK The best restaurants in the UK, according to the National Restaurant Awards, are: Why Gorse is among the UK's best restaurants Gorse was ranked the 56th best restaurant in the country at the National Restaurant Awards. It has been described as a "tiny yet brilliant modern Welsh restaurant" and made history in 2025 by bagging Cardiff its first ever Michelin star. The National Restaurant Awards said: "Not bad going given that Gorse is the chef's debut restaurant and had been open for less than 12 months." Gorse: Cardiff's First MICHELIN Star, As Seen By Our Inspectors@gorserestaurant #Cardiff #MICHELINStar Dive deep into the latest MICHELIN Star in Wales, and the first in its capital, with this Inspector's-eye view of a truly wonderful dining experiencehttps:// — The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 11, 2025 The "unassuming" Pontcanna restaurant (named after the shrub) is focused on seasonal Welsh produce and is fronted by chef Tom Waters. The awards website continues: "Gorse is one of the most accessible fine dining restaurants on this list offering tasting menus from as little as £60 per head. "But the longer tasting menu is where the kitchen's ambition shines, with standout dishes including the likes of Pembrokeshire mackerel with horseradish, lovage and apple; roasted kelp custard with N25 Kaluga Hybrid caviar; and a clever dish of rhubarb partnered with toasted hay cream, egg yolk jam and lavender. "Service is polished but relaxed with the minimalist Nordic-inspired 22-cover interior keeping the focus firmly on the food. "Striking a balance between classic and new wave winemakers, Gorse's wine list complements Waters' cooking beautifully but don't miss out on the restaurant's signature Martini, which is flavoured with local seaweed." Customers agree Michelin star Gorse is "exquisite" It's not just the experts who love Gorse, but customers as well, with it boasting a 4.8 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 25 reviews. Surpurlatives used to describe the Pontcanna restaurant by visitors include "exquisite", "unbelievable" and "outstanding". One person, commenting about their experience at the restaurant, said: "I had the 10 course menu with wine pairings - each course was delicious and the wine was paired perfectly. "The staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Well deserving of a Michelin star." RECOMMENDED READING: Another customer added: "Exquisite just about covers it.... sublime food, fantastic atmosphere, open kitchen and prep areas makes for an enhanced experience watching the meticulous detail from Tom and his team. "Matched with really interesting and very reasonably priced wine (especially the 5% Contero Moscat meaning I could enjoy the dessert even more). "Pontcanna continues to shine in the food universe."
Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Major update issued on plans for £100m Cardiff tram network
Major update issued on plans for £100m Cardiff tram network Cardiff Council said that following a public consultation it has implemented a number of changes to the scheme Artist impressions showing what the new tram route from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay could look like at Callaghan Square. (Image: The Urbanists ) The first phase of the ambitious Cardiff Crossrail project, with a new tram link running from Cardiff Central Station to Cardiff Bay, is on track to become operational by the summer of 2028. Phase one, for which enabling work will commence this summer, will deliver a dedicated Crossrail station on the southside of Cardiff Central Station with the route running through Callaghan Square, before meeting the existing rail line that runs from Queen Street Station and alongside Bute Street down to the Bay. Following a public consultation on the £100m project from Cardiff Council, for which it secured levelling up funding from the former Westminster Government of Boris Johnson with £50m match funding from the Welsh Government, a number of changes have been confirmed. They council said these include: The north section of Bute Street, travelling towards Cardiff Bay will remain open to traffic to ensure better road access between Butetown and Cardiff Bay A commitment to access and inclusion groups to continue to engage through the detailed design process More planting and green infrastructure on Callaghan Square Improved bus movements on Custom House Street and a replacement bus layover bay on Park Street. The council, which is working on the project with Transport for Wales, said tram-trains are scheduled to become operational on the route ahead of football matches being staged at the Principality Stadium for the UEFA 2028 European Championships. Article continues below How the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail from Cardiff Central Station to Cardiff could look. Image by Cardiff-based architectrual firm The Urbanists. (Image: The Urbanists ) As part of the wider Cardiff Crossrail transport vision, and subject to funding, the aim is for it to be extended to Pierhead Street to support redevelopment plans at Atlantic Wharf alongside the new indoor arena. It is then planned to move eastwards to link up with proposed new stations on South Wales Mainline at Newport Road and the Cardiff Parkway station at St Mellons, integrated in a new 900,000 sq ft business park. Longer-term schemes for Crossrail include it reaching Plasdwr in the north west of the city. Dan De'Ath, Cardiff council cabinet member for strategic planning, transport and climate change, said: 'Cardiff Crossrail is a bold and ambitious plan to deliver a new tram system for the city - one that will eventually stretch from the northwest to the east, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station. "With further investment, we aim to create a reliable, affordable cross-city tram service that links some of Cardiff's most underserved communities to the rail network for the first time. "This is a long-term investment in Cardiff's public transport infrastructure - designed not just to move people, but to transform how they move. While the cost of this section reflects the scale of the work, some of the funding will go towards improving public spaces and integrating walking and cycling routes. "This is about building a greener, more sustainable transport system - like those already operating in cities such as Manchester, Nottingham and Edinburgh.' As part of the delivery process Cardiff Council is seeking an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to authorise the construction and operation of phase one of Crossrail. A decision to approve the making of an application for an order must first be endorsed by Cardiff Council before being submitted to Welsh Ministers via Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). If approved by the council an application for the order is programmed to be submitted in July. The application process is likely to take around 12 months and if the order is made by Welsh ministers, tram services should be operational by 2028. The council's milestones for the projects are: This summer commence some enabling ground and site investigation works. Late this year completion of detailed design. Spring 2026 commence some enabling highway and public realm works; Late 2026 commence construction of the tram track and the associated platforms at Cardiff Central: 2028 completion of all infrastructure works and the summer of 2028 becoming operational. Ian Tipper, Transport for Wales' chief infrastructure officer, said: 'We're continuing to work in partnership with Cardiff Council on exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station. These plans align with the delivery of the Cardiff Bay line transformation, which will allow faster and more frequent services using brand-new tram-trains. 'Our ambition is that the new tramway will contribute towards a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, which will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel. 'We're grateful for the contributions we received from our communities in the public consultation which was held back in autumn. This feedback will be vital in helping us shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.' UK Government Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'This project marks real progress in delivering better, greener transport for Cardiff. Crossrail will make it easier for people to get around the city and open up new opportunities for jobs, business and growth. Article continues below 'We're serious about improving transport in every corner of the UK as part of our Plan for Change which is why we're investing at least £445m into rail projects alone in north and south Wales. With phase one set to complete in 2028, Cardiff is on track for a stronger, better-connected future.' Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: 'Cardiff Cross Rail is an ambitious and innovative project connecting the city centre with the Bay. I am pleased that Cardiff Council are now pressing ahead with the legal orders to make the scheme a reality.'
