Latest news with #Wales-based
South Wales Argus
15 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Welsh ambulance bosses won't commit to clarity
During his time in charge, ambulance waiting times have increased fourfold across Wales. Mr Killens said the situation had to be addressed. Mr Killens has been Wales ambulance boss for more than six years, a period which coincides with a fourfold increase in Welsh ambulance waiting times. The Argus contacted the service to ask whether Gwent and the Aneurin Bevan Health Board Area could see an improvement in ambulance services soon. However, the Service was not willing to give any assurances or openly comment or speculate on future services in the area. This week, Mr Killens told BBC news that ambulance waiting times were causing a lot of avoidable harm to patients across Wales, a situation he regrets. However, he claims the service is now in a better position after his time in charge. Speaking out this week, the departing ambulance boss said hundreds of patients come to avoidable harm because ambulances are forced to wait outside A&E departments. This service choke, which has been blamed for agonising ambulance waits, has been dubbed 'handover delays.' These delays occur when hospitals are choked and this can cause things such as long waits in ambulances for patients and a slowing down of ambulance dispatches. The situation is said to be beyond the control of ambulance services and a matter for hospital managers and policy makers. Last year's Wales-wide average monthly loss was more than 29,000 hours. In response to our questions about possible improvements in the Gwent area, the Wales Ambulance Service said: 'As Jason's already set out his position on handover delays, it doesn't make sense for us to issue a comment in response to his views when you've already had it from the horse's mouth, as it were.' Jason Killens began working for the Wales Ambulance Service in 1996 and leaves his Wales-based post in July. The South Wales Argus has approached the Welsh Government for a comment on whether ambulance delays are a matter for Welsh policy makers and hospital managers.
Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Ogi Partners with Hugh James to Improve Network Resilience Across its UK Operations
Leading UK law firm Hugh James has signed a multi-year deal with Wales-based telecoms provider Ogi, securing a high-capacity, resilient connectivity solution for its estate of UK offices, including its Cardiff HQ. Ogi said the investment reflected a broader shift in the legal sector. With legal teams increasingly reliant on real-time collaboration, AI-driven solutions, and ironclad cybersecurity, cutting-edge digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a necessity, the firm said. Ogi's bespoke connectivity packages are built to handle growing digital demands, giving businesses like Hugh James the speed, resilience, and scalability it needs to stay ahead. 'With an ever-growing demand for data-driven legal services and hybrid working environments, secure, ultra-reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity,' said Hugh James's Chief Technology Officer, Rupert Poole. 'As a firm working across multiple locations, we need fast, resilient, and secure connectivity to deliver the best service to our clients. Ogi's bespoke solution gives us exactly that – the scalability to grow and the security to protect what matters most.' Ogi's Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said: 'Hugh James is a forward-thinking firm that understands the power of robust digital connectivity. We're delighted to deliver a tailored connectivity solution that not only supports their daily operations but also positions them for future growth.' As law firms handle heavier digital workloads, rising cybersecurity threats, and complex compliance challenges, cutting-edge connectivity is a business-critical asset. Ogi said that in an ever-competitive landscape this investment strengthens Hugh James's ability to handle data-intensive workloads, cloud-based legal systems, and hybrid working, making operations remains seamless and secure across multiple jurisdictions. Wales-based Ogi is committed to powering Wales's business landscape with next-generation digital solutions, making sure firms like Hugh James can operate securely, efficiently, and without limits in an increasingly digital-first world.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks announces innovative product to replace iconic takeaway cup: 'The first introduction of this emerging technology'
Coffee lovers in Europe are about to sip a little more sustainably. Starbucks just unveiled a new cup design that could be a game-changer for reducing waste stemming from to-go beverages, and it's already rolling out across 10 countries on the continent. "Our hot cup solution is the first introduction of this emerging technology," said Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), in an early-May press release. The company says the new cup swaps the traditional plastic lining and lid for a mineral-based coating that makes the container both home-compostable and fully recyclable — something that hasn't been possible with typical takeaways. Instead of petroleum-based plastic, the lid is made from fiber and coated with the same innovative material. According to the coffee giant, the coating comes from Italy-based Qwarzo, while the cup's paperboard is sourced from responsibly managed forests in Northern Europe. Wales-based Transcend Packaging assembles the cups. Ostensibly, this means the product is not just eco-friendlier but also local to the European market. Moir said, "I am really proud of the team that has worked to develop this innovative solution, and I am so excited to see it in the hands of our customers in Europe as they enjoy their coffee." This isn't the first time Starbucks has explored greener alternatives. The company recently reintroduced ceramic mugs and free refills in some stores to reduce single-use waste. Other moves have included more plant-based menu options. But the company has also been accused of greenwashing. Critics have called out the company's massive carbon footprint in the past. And prior investigations into its recycling claims have revealed that there is still room for improvement. This new cup, meanwhile, may be one step in the right direction. Environmentally, the shift could help cut down on billions of hard-to-recycle cups that clog waste systems every year. This could amount to a not insignificant improvement, as global plastic pollution and single-use waste continue to grow. While it's not a complete fix, it could represent tangible progress toward more sustainable habits for consumers and a cleaner planet for all, particularly if the cup is not only an environmental success for Starbucks but for improved container standards across the industry. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a refillable product? Saving money Reducing plastic waste Using less shelf space at home Getting easy refill deliveries Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
North Wales Chronicle
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Claire Hughes MP was gifted ticket to the BAFTA Games Awards
Ms Hughes, who was elected last July, has declared the ticket on her register of financial interests. This states that, on April 8, the UK Interactive Entertainment Association Ltd gifted the ticket, valued at £700, which she accepted the same day. The BAFTA Games Awards, which were this year held on April 8 and hosted by comedian Phil Wang, celebrates achievements in the video game industry in the last 12 months. Ms Hughes' Labour colleague, Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, was also gifted hospitality at the event, also worth £700. Ms Nichols stated in her own register of financial interests that this was 'in my capacity as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on video games and e-sports". Ms Hughes is not a member of this APPG. All of the other items on Ms Hughes' register of financial interests date back to last year. These include a £10,000 donation from Labour Together Ltd, which was 'to support campaign activities leading up to the general election'. Ms Hughes was approached for further comment by the Pioneer. She posted on her Facebook page this afternoon: "Wales is starting to become a significant player in the global gaming landscape. But I want North Wales to have a much bigger slice of the pie. "At the start of Easter recess, I attended the BAFTA Games Awards celebrating the best of the UK games industry with UK Interactive Entertainment. "I'm not a gamer myself. As someone who previously worked in the sector, though, I recognise the massive value of the sector and opportunity for growth; the video games sector is bigger than the music and film sectors combined, contributing almost £7bn a year to UK GVA. "Recent growth in video games in Wales is thanks partly to support from Welsh Government including the Games Scale Up Fund for Wales, which last week announced a total of £850,000 funding support for Wales-based developers via Creative Wales. "But with the creative industries highlighted as one of the key growth areas in the UK Government's upcoming Industrial Strategy, we could be doing much more to encourage young people to consider a career in immersive entertainment, and to support up-and-coming businesses to thrive. "We have brilliant opportunities for people to gain the skills to build a career in the industry in our area - Coleg Llandrillo have long offered highly respected courses in 3D arts and games development, and the recent investment in a state-of-the-art new campus in Bangor makes it clear the Welsh Government is serious about putting pounds behind promises. "I hope that in future years, we will see games made in Wales featured at the gaming BAFTAs. More than that, though - I want more young people in Bangor Aberconwy knowing that a career in video games is up for grabs. "I'll be doing more on this over the summer, including workshops for school-leavers and an industry roundtable. If this is something you're interested in being part of, get in touch."
Business News Wales
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Games Companies Share £850,000 Funding Boost
Six Welsh games development companies are set to receive an £850,000 funding boost from the Welsh Government. The Games Scale Up Fund for Wales is the first scheme of its kind. It was launched earlier this year by Creative Wales in partnership with UK Games Fund, who managed the applications. Its aim is to help Wales-based developers take their games projects from a pilot to a more substantial and self-sustaining model, by allowing for growth in scope, reach and impact. A total of £850,000 in funding support has been awarded to six companies: Cloth Cat COPA Gaming Goldborough Studios Rocket Science Sugar Creative Wales Interactive The announcement follows a successful trade mission to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco in March, where five out of the six awarded companies joined the Cymru Wales stand to showcase their projects, meet major industry leaders and build new connections. Osian Williams, Director of COPA Gaming, said: 'Being backed by the Welsh Government through this scale-up funding isn't just a headline for us, it's a true game changer. 'It gives our team the confidence and resources to move forward, grow sustainably and to proudly create uniquely Welsh games for a global audience.' Paul Durrant, CEO at UK Games Fund, said: 'The Games Scale Up Fund for Wales has been a fabulous opportunity for us to see the breadth and depth of games development talent in Wales. It's been an honour to manage the application process for Creative Wales.' Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: 'Wales has an incredibly talented and ambitious video games industry that's making its mark on the global stage. This investment is about giving our homegrown studios the financial backing to level up their operations and reach new audiences worldwide. 'I had the privilege of meeting several Welsh developers at GDC in San Francisco, and I was deeply impressed by their creativity and innovation. The feedback they received from international publishers confirms what we already know – Wales is becoming a significant player in the global gaming landscape.' Creative Wales currently has another fund open for applications. The Games Development Fund, closing on Thursday 5 June, offers between £10,000 to £50,000 to Wales-based businesses developing video and immersive games projects for commercial release. For more information and to apply visit
