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Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
£123m Investment Programme Delivers 'Meaningful Change' Across North Wales
A government-funded programme has delivered 'meaningful success and change' across North Wales. The region was allocated more than £123 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with 169 projects delivering tailored schemes across three priorities: communities and place; supporting local businesses; and people and skills. With the six North Wales local authorities empowered to make funding decisions, more than 15,000 people, 4,135 businesses, and more than 1,830 local groups were supported from 2022 to 2025. Key takeaways from the programme's achievements include more than 500 community facilities built or improved, many of which have upgraded facilities to support the future sustainability of much needed local services, close to 1,000 jobs safeguarded with another 686 created, more than 38,750 volunteering opportunities, and more than 10,263 events and activities run. The stats were revealed at a celebratory event held at Conwy Business Centre, with a publication launched detailing some of the success stories across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, the Isle of Anglesey, and Wrexham. North Wales Corporate Joint Committee vice chair, Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, said: 'The information to hand already paints a promising picture of meaningful success and change across North Wales. We are already witnessing the positive effects of improved local community assets and infrastructure, growth and efficiency among businesses, and progress in supporting people into employment. 'The Shared Prosperity Fund in North Wales – thanks to the flexible approach at the heart of the SPF – shows how, by empowering local areas, regional and national priorities can be efficiently and effectively addressed.' Further data revealed more than 7,600 individuals gained or were supported to gain a qualification, close to 5,300 people accessed employability support, and businesses reduced their CO2 by 456 tonnes. One beneficiary who has praised the impact the UKSPF has had on growing her business is Llanbenwch owner Sara Evans. Assisted by the Supporting Local Businesses Denbighshire Key Fund, Sara utilised £19,408 to create a new and improved kitchen at the park's café, which will also double up as a space for workshops and events. She said: 'The grant has meant that we have been able to move into the new café much quicker than anticipated and allowed us to purchase new equipment for the kitchen. 'We will be able to offer a wider menu selection, evening functions, and fresh produce.'
North Wales Live
08-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
I paid a visit to a North Wales seaside resort's unique garden centre and café
A garden centre and cafe with a difference was officially opened last month. Bryn Euryn Nursery and Café in Dinerth Road in Rhos-on-Sea had already been operating for some time - but the site may have flown under the radar for some. So what can customers expect? This garden centre and café, with an adjoining shop, provides employment mentoring to people with disabilities wanting to get into paid work. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Conwy Council's Leader, has said he is proud that investment by the local authority, with extra money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will enable the team to help people with learning disabilities to learn useful skills. The nursery and cafe are at the very bottom of Dinerth Road, before you get to the underpass, and the site is well-signposted. Around the corner, in fact, is Bron-y-Nant Cemetery by Colwyn Bay Crematorium and Mochdre Recycling Centre. You can park on Dinerth Road, although it's quite a slope. You can walk straight down a ramp or steps to the nursery itself or go through the shop into a bright, colourful cafe. There are lots of square tables in blue, green, orange, pink and yellow so there are plenty of places to sit. I went to the counter and was told meals weren't being served due to a staffing issue, I believe. But coffee and cake were available. There were lots of "homemade" scones, bara brith and other desserts. So I chose a slice of vanilla sponge cake with mixed berries, paid and sat down by the window. When the waitress came over the cake tasted light and soft. It was very pleasant although I would have liked a thicker piece. A latte washed it down which was fine. The menu shows they normally serve traditional fare with some nice touches. For breakfast you can have a breakfast bap for £6 - comprising bacon, sausage, tomato, hashbrown and an egg - or cheesey beans in a slice of bloomer toast for £4.50. For lunch there are sandwiches and lite bites, including Welsh rarebit (£5), or layered hummus (£6), topped with red onion, tomato, pomegranate and coriander with crispy bread. There is also a Speciality Ciabatta with Italian meats, mozzarella, pickles, rocket and mustard (£7). Or try a Reuben one (for £7) with thin beef, cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. The cafe itself is in a large, hangar like room. Colourful paper balls dangle above the window and ribbons are festooned across the ceiling. It looks like there's been a permanent party. I particularly liked the coffee table, cookery style books left on each table for you to peruse. On mine was Sabrina Ghayour's Persiana Everyday with recipes for dishes like Bazaar, spiced, chickpea & feta salad, and Sticky tamarind, garlic and tomato green beans. On another table was Mary Berry's "Classic" recipe book. There were lots of ideas for amateur cooks to take inspiration from: Pan-fried cauliflower steaks, anyone? But I think that the main attractions of an informal lunch or coffee break at Bryn Euryn are the purpose of this place and its setting. Not only are you supporting the staff to mentor those needing a helping hand, you can do so while enjoying the wonderful array of plants on sale. Wandering around the adjoining nursery before or after the food is a lovely thing to do. It puts you in a good mood and soothes you. In the shop are a plethora of seed packets on sale - spinach, radish, kohl rabi and so on - as well as pots of freesias and sweet peas. Outside, below a terrace, there are a range of products on display from Cordyline to orange, climbing sunblaze roses. The facts Location: Bryn Euryn Nursery and Cafe, Dinerth Road, Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy, LL28 4YN is open from 9.30pm till 4pm most days. 01492 577530.
Business News Wales
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Conwy Council Finalises Office Reduction with Bodlondeb Handover
Conwy County Borough Council has officially handed over the keys to Bodlondeb to Quidos Investments Limited. This completes the council's programme to reduce the number of its office buildings from 18 to just one, and bring all its office services and democratic functions under one roof. Council Leader, Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, said: 'It gives me great pleasure to hand over the keys to this beautiful building. We've been able to make the decision to move to one office knowing that there is a sustainable and exciting future for the Bodlondeb building – providing economic development opportunities for the town of Conwy and wider area. 'I wish Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forum every success.' Quidos Investments Limited signed a 250-year lease on Bodlondeb on 30 May 2025. Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forums, said: 'I can't say I'm not nervous taking on such a huge and magnificent building, but as the next custodian of such great heritage, I will do everything in my power to maintain its magnificence and make it a vibrant and exciting workplace. 'Bodlondeb in the future will bring many employment opportunities to the Conwy economy and I look forward to meeting and speaking to local budding entrepreneurs who look to take up space in the building – we could just find our next Welsh 'Alun' Sugar.' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Co-founder, Ideas Forums, said: 'Along with fellow directors Fran James and Nick Pritchard, I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to boost entrepreneurship in the region of my birth. Through this initiative, we'll be providing office and co-working spaces, offering free desk space for young entrepreneurs, and delivering the support and funding access that new start-ups need to succeed. 'This is more than just a new business centre, it's a significant investment in the future of North Wales, designed to retain local talent, spark innovation, and build a more sustainable and dynamic regional economy.'
Rhyl Journal
02-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Conwy Council hands over historic building to new owners
Conwy County Borough Council handed over the keys on May 30 after nearly three decades. This completes the council's programme to reduce the number of its office buildings from 18 to just one, and bring all its office services and democratic functions under one roof. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'It gives me great pleasure to hand over the keys to this beautiful building. We've been able to make the decision to move to one office knowing that there is a sustainable and exciting future for the Bodlondeb building - providing economic development opportunities for the town of Conwy and wider area. 'I wish Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forum every success.' Quidos Investments Limited have signed a 250-year lease on the historic building. Bodlondeb in under new ownership (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forums, said: 'I can't say I'm not nervous taking on such a huge and magnificent building, but as the next custodian of such great heritage, I will do everything in my power to maintain its magnificence and make it a vibrant and exciting workplace. 'Bodlondeb in the future will bring many employment opportunities to the Conwy economy and I look forward to meeting and speaking to local budding entrepreneurs who look to take up space in the building - we could just find our next Welsh 'Alun' Sugar.' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Co-founder, Ideas Forums, said: 'Along with fellow directors Fran James and Nick Pritchard, I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to boost entrepreneurship in the region of my birth. Through this initiative, we'll be providing office and co-working spaces, offering free desk space for young entrepreneurs, and delivering the support and funding access that new start-ups need to succeed. 'This is more than just a new business centre, it's a significant investment in the future of North Wales, designed to retain local talent, spark innovation, and build a more sustainable and dynamic regional economy.' Anyone wanting to discuss potential ideas or interested in making Bodlondeb their business home, can click here. Bodlondeb Hall, described as "one of the most beautiful buildings in Wales", was the house seat of the Wood family, built by industrialist and Mayor of Conwy Albert Wood in 1877. It came into municipal ownership in 1937, its family rooms becoming the offices first of all of Conway Borough Council [Conwy was formerly known as Conway] and later, in 1974, of Aberconwy Borough Council. Conwy County Borough Council have been based in the building since its inception in 1996. The Pioneer was given a tour of the characteristical building earlier in May. The council's asset manager Bleddyn Evans, who has been Project Manager for reducing the council's office portfolio and has been overseeing the sale of Bodlondeb (method of disposal, choosing preferred bidder, instructing solicitors) and the re-modelling of Coed Pella [so staff and functions from Bodlondeb can relocate there], said: "With the post pandemic world and technology, we are a lot more agile and don't need as much floor space. "Like all organisations, we have funding challenges and are looking at way where we can be more efficient; reducing our building footprint also supports reducing our carbon emissions."
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Garden centre and cafe with a difference opens in North Wales seaside town
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A garden centre and cafe with a difference has opened this month. Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café was officially opened in Rhos-on-Sea. It is a purpose built garden centre, shop and café on Dinerth Road that is open to the public and provides employment mentoring to people with disabilities wanting to get into paid employment. The redevelopment was funded by Conwy County Borough Council with Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction as contractor. Additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has supported staff and café contract costs. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'I was delighted to officially open Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café. I'm proud that this investment by Conwy County Borough Council, with additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will enable the team here to focus on supporting people with learning disabilities to learn the skills they need to move on to paid employment.' Cllr Penny Andow, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services, said: 'This development is part of our long term vision for Conwy Social Services, helping us deliver our services in a high quality, bespoke environment. "We're proud to be leading positive change for people with disabilities wanting to begin their careers, whilst making sure our customers have the best quality experience. 'The staff and service users are excited to be working at this wonderful new site, and we hope it will become a hub for the local community - offering an open and bright space where people can meet, shop, eat and relax.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
