BusinessIn Wales

Welsh students
Skills & Training, Technology & Innovation

Welsh students shine at WJEC Innovation Awards

Welsh students shine at WJEC Innovation Awards Welsh students shine at WJEC Innovation Awards Max Taylor – Journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  The future of creativity in Wales is shown to be in safe hands as Welsh students took centre stage in the 25th edition of WJEC’s Annual Innovation Awards last month. This event partners with the Welsh Government to showcase the new generation of Welsh innovators, celebrating and rewarding them for their endeavours in design and technology. The annual Innovation Awards continues the legacy of previous inventors that Wales has produced, including Tom Parry Jones OBE who created the electronic breathalyser (Alcolmeter) in 1974, as well as David E Hughes who advanced audio technology with the invention of the carbon microphone in 1878. The event took place at The Pierhead in Cardiff Bay and featured the designs of Welsh students that provide solutions and assistance to real world situations. Awards were given for innovative ideas such as the ‘Bike Beacon’ which solves a common problem for cyclists and the ‘Forever Flare’, an original idea into sea safety and rescue. The Overall Winner was Lewis Barnes from Brynteg Comprehensive School who received first place for the Block Start Acceleration Tracker, a tool for performance analysis embedded within an app also designed by Barnes. “Winning this prize is a real booster for me. It’s going to help with applications for university and motivate me for my upcoming A-level projects,” said Barnes on his win. “I’m a sprinter myself, so I was inspired from problems that I come across in daily training life. This design uses a reel coming from the back of the starting blocks as well as uses a speaker to start the athletes off, and then when they start, it tracks the acceleration, which then goes to an app that I also designed,” he added. Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, said:  “Congratulations to all those who have been recognised in these awards. Your achievement reflects the outstanding quality of design and technology talent we have here in Wales.  “This is a sector that inspires creativity, drives innovation, and develops the practical skills that are so vital to our economy and communities. “Design and technology education gives young people the confidence to solve real-world problems, and the ambition to shape the Wales of the future.  “I want to thank everyone involved – learners, teachers, industry partners and families – for the commitment and passion you bring to this field. “These awards are not just a celebration, but a reminder of the vital role this discipline plays in building a prosperous, dynamic and forward-looking nation.” Ian Morgan, WJEC Chief Executive, said: “The Innovation Awards are one of the most significant events in our calendar, and it is a real privilege to showcase the remarkable talent emerging from schools across Wales.  “The standard of creativity, problem-solving and technical skill on display this year has been exceptional. “I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who entered, and especially to our winners. The commitment, imagination and effort behind these projects is genuinely inspiring. “As Wales looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive world, the role of design and technology will only grow in importance.  “The ideas we have seen in these awards show just how bright the future is, and I am excited to see where these young innovators take their talents next.” Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts No Posts Found!

Cardo Group
Mergers & Acquisitions, Residential Property

Cardo Group broadens services with Gunfire asset acquisition

Cardo Group broadens services with Gunfire asset acquisition Cardo Group broadens services with Gunfire asset acquisition Max Taylor – Journalist Cardo Group have entered into an exclusive agreement that allows the social housing maintenance company to acquire the operations of Gunfire. Gunfire are a fire protection service provider specialising in solutions for complex UK infrastructure. The company operate through one of the largest field-based compliance teams in the fire prevention sector. By joining forces, Cardo will strengthen their fire protection and compliance capabilities while expanding their service offering to reach a broader geographic footprint. This agreement will also support Cardo’s ongoing growth in building safety services across the residential, commercial, and public sector. Liam Bevan, CEO of Cardo Group, addressed the new agreement: “Gunfire is a highly respected name in passive fire protection, with a proven track record and deep technical expertise. “Bringing their capabilities into Cardo expands our in-house fire safety services and supports our services across building safety and compliance.  “This acquisition allows us to expand our specialist teams and continue investing in the services our clients need, now and in the future.”  Tom Laws, Managing Director at Gunfire, also stated: “This is a really positive step for Gunfire. Cardo provides the perfect platform for our business to continue to grow, support investment in our people and expand our reach, while building on the high standards and specialist expertise our clients rely on.  “We’re proud of what we’ve built over the past 25 years, and joining Cardo creates new opportunities to strengthen our offering and deliver even greater value to clients.” Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts No Posts Found!

Construction, Public Sector & Government, Technology & Innovation

JBF Group expands Wrexham operations with new Dev Bank funding

JBF Group expands Wrexham operations with new Dev Bank funding JBF Group expands Wrexham operations with new Dev Bank funding Max Taylor – Journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Nine new jobs have been created in the specialist engineering firm, JBF Group, following their expansion which has been enabled by investment from the Development Bank of Wales and funding from Wrexham Council. JBF Group employ 82 workers spanning across three sites in Wrexham, Yorkshire, and Bromborough.  The family-ran company specialise in structural and mechanical engineering across sectors such as public and power facilities.  Wrexham council granted financial support to JBF Group through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, including a £31,890 business grant on top of £250,000 from the Sites and Premises Scheme.  The main funding package, delivered via the Wales’ Flexible Investment Fund, allows JBF Group to construct a brand-new purpose-built workshop in it’s Wrexham site.  Through this expansion, the company is now positioned to acquire new contracts under the AMP8 regulatory cycle, which is driving infrastructure upgrades across the utilities sector in the UK. JBF Group’s finance manager, Ash Jones, said “The loan from the Development Bank of Wales, and support from Wrexham council, has allowed us to increase the workforce and capacity at our Wrexham site.  “The assistance provided through the investment process meant everything got done in a timely and efficient manner. “The Development Bank offered the best fit for funding we required, which has allowed us to grow at our own pace.” Portfolio Executives at the Development Bank, Stewart Williams and Aled Roberts, said: “JBF Group is an important employer in Wrexham.  “They’re well positioned to support the AMP8 cycle as utilities companies invest in their networks. We’re pleased our funding has helped unlock new opportunities and drive local job creation.” The Wales Flexible Investment Fund is financed by the Welsh Government and is for deals between £25,000 and £10 million. Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts No Posts Found!

Healthy Food Scheme in Cardiff
Farming, Food & Drink, Public Sector & Government, Sustainability & Environment

Cardiff Food Pilot Highlights Benefits Of Government-Backed Healthy Food Schemes

Cardiff Food Pilot Highlights Benefits Of Government-Backed Healthy Food Schemes Cardiff Food Pilot Highlights Benefits Of Government-Backed Healthy Food Schemes Max Taylor – Journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  A healthy food scheme in Cardiff that has helped low-income households buy organic fruit and vegetables is proving that government support with fresh food can deliver significant economic and social returns for Wales and the wider UK. A new national report from Bridging the Gap examines nine pilot schemes across the UK.  The report found that £8.78 in social value can be generated when low-income households receive locally grown organic food, for every £1 of public funding alongside £1.10 from shoppers.  The return in value includes £3.11 in improved public health, £3.94 in strengthened communities, £1.44 in local economic growth and 29p in environmental benefits. As part of the Bridging the Gap programme led by Sustain, Cardiff hosted one of the flagship pilots know as The Planet Card.  This scheme was developed by Cardiff Farmers Markets and Food Cardiff and provided eligible residents with a weekly £11 credit to purchase organic, environmentally friendly fruit and vegetables at Roath and Riverside’s farmer’s markets.  Following the success of the initial trial, the programme scaled from 20 to 120 households, reaching full capacity and giving low-income families the opportunity to shop directly with local organic growers.  Katie Palmer, Founder and Head of Food Sense Wales, said: “Through the Planet Card we’re proving that low-income households can shop with local organic farmers in a way that’s dignified, social and sustainable.  “The Bridging the Gap report shows that if government backs schemes like this at scale, the payoff in better health, thriving local businesses and climate action is huge.” The Cardiff pilot was co-designed by farmers, market operators, dietitians and community organisations to ensure it aligned with real household budgets and culture around food.   The findings show that participants are consuming more fruit and vegetables, developing stronger connections with local markets, and gaining confidence in cooking with seasonal produce. With the Welsh Government committing £3 million in funding for organic farming from 2026–27, Bridging the Gap advocates for that investment to align with schemes like the Planet Card and with the procurement of food in the public sector. This would ensure the Welsh-grown produce reaching Cardiff homes and establishments. The Welsh Government said: “The Wales Community Food Strategy aims to maximise the potential for healthier, sustainable, and locally sourced food to address challenges such as food poverty, the prevention of diet related ill-health, social inclusion, and opportunities for green growth in local economies. “This financial year, we have committed over £2m to strengthen and enhance the network of Local Food Partnerships across Wales.  “These partnerships provide strategic coordination for local food projects and create new opportunities to connect stakeholders, shorten supply chains, and build more resilient local food systems.” Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts No Posts Found!

Food & Drink, Marketing, Tourism & Travel, Transport & Infrastructure

St David’s Shopping Centre enjoying ‘unprecedented demand’ from retailers

St David’s Shopping Centre enjoying ‘unprecedented demand’ from retailers St David’s Shopping Centre enjoying ‘unprecedented demand’ from retailers Max Taylor – Journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  St David’s Dewi Saint, Wales’ largest shopping destination, has experienced “unprecedented demand” from retailers thanks to global brands launching in the country for the first time in the centre. One of which being high-profile beauty brand Sephora, placing their first Welsh store in St Davids Dewi Saint in October.  Sephora joins other brands such as Mango, PureSeoul, KENJI and Charles Tyrwhitt as new arrivals to Cardiff on top of a new JD store and Hollywood Bowl that are scheduled to open in 2026.  These all add to the current mix of 150 restaurants, cafes, and shops, giving Christmas shoppers a vast, accessible range in one area.  Helen Morgan, Centre Director at St David’s Cardiff, said: “It’s been a bumper year for us here at St David’s.  “We’ve welcomed a number of incredible new brands as well as store refreshes for some existing favourite names too, showing real confidence in the centre and Cardiff as one of the UK’s top destinations and creating an amazing day-out experience for our guests.  “We look forward to another exciting year for the City in 2026.” A key driver to Cardiff’s Christmas success is the city centre’s accessibility.  Cardiff Central Station is situated a short walk away from a diverse shopping experience that includes St David’s, the Christmas Craft Markets as well as the historic arcades that are front and centre for the annual ‘City of Arcades’ campaign. The Business Improvement District of Cardiff city centre, FOR Cardiff, annually invests over £1.5 million into the city’s additional benefits and has supported the record demand this year through various methods.  FOR Cardiff brought back its weekend Park & Ride service for the festive period, finishing on the 21st December.  As part of their ‘Very Cardiff Christmas’ campaign, FOR Cardiff have collaborated with light specialists Illuminos to transform the Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Market into festive landmarks. Executive Director at FOR Cardiff, Carolyn Bowell, said: “Cardiff boasts a great retail drink offering all year around, but what we’re seeing now is the whole City coming together as one big Christmas shopping destination.  “You can wander from indie craft markets and boutique shops into Wales’ biggest shopping centre full of huge-name brands — all within a few minutes’ walk.  “That mix of variety, quality and walkability really sets Cardiff apart at Christmas.” Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts No Posts Found!

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