BusinessIn Wales

Charities Special, Manufacturing

Clogau donates diamond-set Welsh gold necklace for Cancer Research Wales 60th anniversary raffle

Clogau donates diamond-set Welsh gold necklace for Cancer Research Wales 60th anniversary raffle Clogau donates diamond-set Welsh gold necklace for Cancer Research Wales 60th anniversary raffle Daniel Bevan – Editor Image credit: Paul Fears Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Welsh jewellery brand Clogau has donated a diamond-set Welsh gold necklace to support a fundraising campaign marking the 60th anniversary of Cancer Research Wales. The necklace will serve as the top prize in the charity’s inaugural 60th Anniversary Diamond Raffle, which aims to raise funds for cancer research, diagnosis and treatment projects across Wales. The prize was officially unveiled at Clogau’s Cardiff store by Cancer Research Wales ambassador and Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams, who accepted the necklace on behalf of the charity. Cancer Research Wales, the country’s independent cancer research charity, is celebrating six decades of supporting scientific innovation and advancements in cancer care. Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Cancer Research Wales as it celebrates this remarkable 60-year milestone. “As a Welsh business with deep roots in our communities, we recognise the impact cancer has on families across the country and the importance of investing in research that can save and improve lives.  “We hope this beautiful Welsh gold necklace will help generate significant support for the raffle and encourage people to get behind the charity’s vital work.” The raffle forms part of a wider programme of anniversary fundraising activities designed to support future research projects in Wales. Millie-Mae Adams, a doctor in training and founder of youth first aid charity Exeter Street Doctors, said: “As a proud ambassador of the charity, it is my privilege to play my part in Cancer Research Wales’s 60th anniversary and be here today to unveil the first prize in the 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – a stunning, diamond-set gold necklace, generously donated by Clogau. “The gift of life and time with our loved ones is the most precious thing in the world so please show your support for Cancer Research Wales’s life-saving and life-prolonging work today by entering the 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle and you could win this stunning Clogau gold necklace while helping to fund vital cancer research here in Wales.” Adams, who promotes health education through her Medic Millie Mondays social media series, has been a supporter of Cancer Research Wales following her family’s own experiences with cancer. Since its establishment in 1966, Cancer Research Wales has invested more than £41 million in research projects aimed at improving cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes. Lisa Buckley, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Research Wales, said: “I’m very grateful to Clogau and Millie-Mae Adams for supporting us to launch our 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – our first ever raffle, as we celebrate 60 years as the independent Welsh cancer research charity and 60 years of innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment. “Since 1966, we have invested £41.68 million to push the boundaries of cancer research discoveries here in Wales and we couldn’t have done that without the kindness of the Welsh public and our fantastic business community.  “Thank you for your support over the years and together we will unite Wales against cancer.” 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

Advertorials, Charities Special

How charities can prepare for increased HMRC scrutiny

How charities can prepare for increased HMRC scrutiny How charities can prepare for increased HMRC scrutiny Lee Bradley – Tax Partner, Bevan Buckland Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Charities and not-for-profit organisations are facing increased scrutiny from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), with greater focus on financial governance, compliance procedures, and the correct application of tax reliefs. Through the introduction of Structured Risk Reviews (SRRs), HMRC is expected to examine payroll compliance, VAT returns, Corporation Tax (where applicable), and Gift Aid claims more closely. In this blog, Lee Bradley, Tax Partner at Bevan Buckland, looks at what Structured Risk Reviews could mean for charities, the potential impact of HMRC enquiries, and the practical steps trustees and finance teams should consider to strengthen compliance and reduce risk. Why HMRC Is Increasing Oversight The charity sector continues to play an important role in the UK economy, with more than 170,000 registered charities contributing billions of pounds each year. At the same time, charities are operating in an increasingly challenging environment, with tighter regulation, growing financial pressures and greater expectations around transparency and accountability. Structured Risk Reviews form part of HMRC’s wider compliance activity and are intended to assess whether charities have suitable systems, controls and governance arrangements in place. The reviews are not simply about identifying errors or unpaid tax. They are also designed to give HMRC a clearer understanding of how financial risks are managed within an organisation and the level of oversight being exercised by trustees. As part of the process, HMRC may seek detailed information on payroll procedures, VAT treatment, Gift Aid claims, and, where relevant, Corporation Tax compliance. Organisations may also be asked to demonstrate how financial decisions are reviewed, approved and documented internally. For charities with limited internal finance resources, responding to these requests can be both time-consuming and disruptive, particularly where processes have evolved over time or records are not easily accessible. Areas Charities Should Review Given the increased focus on compliance, now is a sensible time for charities to review key financial procedures and ensure appropriate controls are operating effectively. Areas worth reviewing may include: Gift Aid claims and supporting documentation – ensuring declarations remain valid, records are retained correctly, and claims are fully supported. Even relatively minor administrative errors can lead to delays, adjustments or additional enquiries. Payroll compliance and PAYE procedures – particularly where charities employ a combination of full-time staff, part-time employees and casual workers. Trustees should ensure that benefits, expenses, and pension obligations are treated appropriately. VAT treatment and partial exemption rules – reviewing whether VAT has been applied consistently across charitable and non-charitable activities, and identifying potential risks before they develop into more significant compliance concerns. Financial oversight and internal controls – considering whether reporting lines, approval procedures and internal review processes remain fit for purpose and can demonstrate strong governance if HMRC opens an enquiry. Accounting records and financial documentation – ensuring records are accurate, accessible and up to date so information can be provided efficiently if requested during a compliance review. Investigation insurance and fee protection – considering whether appropriate cover is in place to help manage the professional costs associated with HMRC enquiries and compliance investigations, and speaking with accountants or professional advisers about the options available. The Potential Impact of an HMRC Enquiry Even where no issues are ultimately identified, HMRC enquiries can place considerable pressure on internal teams. Responding to requests for information often requires significant management time, detailed reconciliations and professional support. Professional representation during an enquiry can be particularly valuable where HMRC requests extensive documentation or undertakes a more detailed compliance review. Experienced advisers can help organisations manage communication with HMRC efficiently and ensure information is presented clearly and accurately. Many accountancy firms now offer tax investigation insurance or fee protection services, which can help charities manage the potentially significant professional costs associated with HMRC enquiries and investigations. Preparing for Greater Scrutiny Early preparation can help reduce disruption and allow charities to respond more confidently should HMRC open an enquiry. Organisations that regularly review procedures, maintain accurate records, and strengthen internal controls are generally better positioned to manage compliance checks effectively. As HMRC increases its focus on governance, financial oversight, and the correct application of tax reliefs, trustees and finance teams should ensure compliance remains an ongoing priority rather than a reactive exercise. A proactive approach to payroll, VAT, Gift Aid and wider financial controls can help reduce risk, support good governance and provide reassurance to trustees, funders and stakeholders alike. If you would like to discuss HMRC compliance, charity governance or our investigation insurance, our specialist team can help. Please get in touch by emailing mail@bevanbuckland.co.uk or by calling 01792 410100 to find out more.   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

Charities Special, Food & Drink, Manufacturing

Radnor Hills hosts Prostate Cancer testing day

Radnor Hills hosts Prostate Cancer testing day Radnor Hills hosts Prostate Cancer testing day Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Welsh soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills is partnering with Prostate Cymru to host a PSA testing day aimed at improving early detection of prostate cancer among men in Powys. The event, which forms part of Prostate Cymru’s nationwide testing roadshow, will take place at Radnor Hills’ headquarters in Heartsease, Knighton, on August 1.  Men attending will be able to access a subsidised Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for £10, with advance booking required. Prostate Cymru, Wales’ leading prostate health charity, is in its second year of running the regional programme, which will visit 10 locations across Wales to provide testing for men considered at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. More than 2,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Wales each year, with almost one in five cases detected too late for curative treatment. The charity says early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. The PSA test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, with elevated levels potentially indicating a prostate condition. Prostate Cymru has highlighted concerns that many men struggle to access a free PSA test through their GP, despite prostate cancer often presenting with no symptoms. The charity’s roadshow has been designed to bring testing into community settings, including sports clubs and local businesses, following the failure of a campaign calling for a national screening programme for all men in high-risk categories. The 2026 tour builds on the success of its inaugural year, during which thousands of men across Wales received information about prostate health and access to screening. Men aged 50 and over, or 45 and over with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to take part. The charity is also urging men experiencing urinary or prostate-related symptoms, or those with concerns about their prostate health, to get tested. Tina Tew, Chief Executive of Prostate Cymru, said: “Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of our mission. In Wales, the impact of prostate cancer is significant, affecting 1 in 8 men, and 1 in 3 with a family history. “By entering our second year of this dedicated testing tour, we are establishing a consistent presence in the community. We want to normalise the conversation around prostate health and make it as easy as possible for the males of Wales to understand their risk.” Radnor Hills, which has supported Prostate Cymru for several years through fundraising and event sponsorship, will also offer testing to its own workforce. Chris Butler, Marketing Manager of Radnor Hills, said: “Radnor Hills are proud sponsors of Prostate Cymru. As a rural based business ourselves, we’re aware that our locality has lower rates of PSA testing and this can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. “We have worked with the charity for a number of years providing them with free water at their events to keep them hydrated, offering raffle prizes for their roadshows and completing big walks to raise funds for them. “As well as hosting a screening day for the public at our Knighton headquarters, we will also be inviting our own colleagues to have their PSA tested.” 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

Charities Special

Bereavement charity marks support milestone as services expand across UK

Bereavement charity marks support milestone as services expand across UK Bereavement charity marks support milestone as services expand across UK max taylor – journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Bereavement charity 2wish has announced that, over the past 14 years, they have supported over 10,000 people affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person. Founded in 2012 by Rhian Mannings MBE following the tragic passing of her baby son, George, 2wish was established from personal experience of loss to ensure that no family faces the trauma of sudden tragedy without support. Just five days after George’s death, Rhian’s husband, Paul, also shockingly passed away after becoming overwhelmed by grief. Left to navigate the devastating aftermath while raising her two young children, Rhian realised there was a lack of immediate support available to families experiencing unexpected bereavement. That experience became the foundation for 2wish, which now delivers specialist support to those affected by the sudden death of a child or young adult. Since October 2025, the charity from Llantrisant has extended its reach beyond Wales, expanding into  areas like Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Merseyside. 2wish works closely with the NHS, police forces and hospital trusts and has developed immediate referral pathways across Emergency and Critical Care Units within its new regions. The approach enables bereaved families to be identified quickly and connected with specialist support in tragic circumstances, helping to ensure no family is left to face their grief alone. Rhian Mannings MBE said: “While the number of people we have helped is heartbreaking, because every single figure represents a family experiencing unimaginable pain, I am incredibly proud of what the 2wish team has achieved over the last 14 years. “When George died and then Paul passed away just days later, there was no support available for families like mine. I know how isolating and devastating that experience can be. “Today, because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, supporters, and the courage of the families we work alongside every day, thousands of people are no longer facing that journey alone. That is something incredibly powerful, and we remain committed to ensuring every bereaved family receives the care, compassion, and specialist support they deserve.” 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

Charities Special

Dŵr Cymru highlights fundraising efforts during 42nd year of Volunteers’ Week

Dŵr Cymru highlights fundraising efforts during 42nd year of Volunteers’ Week Dŵr Cymru highlights fundraising efforts during 42nd year of Volunteers’ Week rhodri evans – senior journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Over the past year, employees of Dŵr Cymru – Welsh Water – have spent over 685 hours volunteering in support of 24 charities, groups, and organisations in the local community. Volunteers’ Week runs this week from Monday 1st June to Sunday 7th and Welsh Water have joined thousands of other organisations in recognising the contributions that volunteers make across Wales. Volunteers’ Week is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, a partnership between Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland. Like many companies across the UK, Welsh Water encourage their employees to dedicate one day per year to volunteering activities in their local area. In North Wales, Dŵr Cymru employees will be embarking on a 15-kilometre sponsored walk, while litter picking, along the coastal path running alongside the Menai Strait. Their effort will be in aid of Ty Gobaith and the Hope House Hospice. The Welsh Water team in the Southeast of Wales will be supporting business in the community by volunteering at LLwynypia Boys and Girls club, doing gardening and helping with maintenance work. “We’re proud to be supporting so many incredible causes during Volunteering Week, and over the last 12 months,” Danielle Thomas, Senior Community & Campaigns Manager for Welsh Water, said. “As a not-for-profit organisation, customers are at the heart of everything we do. “We already play a key role in our communities by providing the most essential of services – clean drinking water and treating wastewater before returning it back to the environment and we’re delighted to support local charities and organisations in this way. ”     In West Wales, the Dŵr Cymru team will be supporting Faith in Families, a Swansea-based charity dedicated to helping children and families facing challenging times. The company’s volunteers will be helping pack and prepare supplies for the charity’s Cwtch Mawr multibank, that provides essential items for families, bringing comfort, dignity, and practical help to those that need it. “We’ve also partnered with Keep Wales Tidy to set up official Keep Wales Tidy hubs and litter free zones at our offices in Kinmel Park,” Thomas continued. “This location serves as central storage point for litter picking equipment, readily available for community groups and enthusiastic volunteers to embark on litter picks across North Wales and in their local community.    “This inspiring initiative not only enhances our local environment but also presents a tremendous opportunity for colleagues to come together and prioritise their well-being.”  “Volunteers bring a richness to organisations across the country,” a spokesperson for the UK Volunteering Forum added. “There is no better time to recognise the diversity of our volunteers and celebrate the difference that volunteering makes than during Volunteers’ Week. “Without volunteers many charities just simply could not function, with so many people giving up their time and going above and beyond. The week is a chance for all of us to show just how vital they are to charities and communities everywhere.”  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

Charities Special

Tŷ Hafan All Stars set to compete in new ice hockey tournament this weekend

Tŷ Hafan All Stars set to compete in new ice hockey tournament this weekend Tŷ Hafan All Stars set to compete in new ice hockey tournament this weekend rhodri evans – senior journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  All Stars Cymru is coming to Cardiff this Saturday June 6th, with Welsh charity Tŷ Hafan set to compete. UK Charity All Stars’ annual charity ice hockey tournament has raised over £1 million since 2008 and is back for another year this weekend. The main competition is held in Cardiff and Sheffield, with the 2026 edition hosted in the Steel City, and a new mini-tournament – All Stars Cymru – is also being held in Cardiff with four teams taking part in the one-day tournament on Saturday. The Tŷ Hafan team, comprised of team members from all over Wales and further afield, will take on three other teams from Wales Hospice, Kidney Wales, and the Barbarians at the Vindico Ice Arena, Cardiff. Tŷ Hafan are one of only two children’s hospices in Wales and supports around 300 children with life-shortening conditions and around 3,000 family members each year. Last financial year, it cost Tŷ Hafan £7.7m to provide care services to children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families at their hospice in Sully and in homes and community settings across Wales. Tickets for the day are £5 or just £2 for under 16s and there is no need to buy tickets in advance. “It’s fantastic to welcome this tournament to Cardiff this year, while the main tournament is taking place in Sheffield,” Helen Morgan, senior regional fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan, said. “Many thanks to our wonderful team who have been very busy preparing and training for the games, while also raising lots of money for Tŷ Hafan! “We can’t wait to cheer them on! The All Stars have raised more than £100,000 since they started supporting Tŷ Hafan ten years ago.”  “This is my fifth time in All Stars representing Tŷ Hafan and I’ve really enjoyed being captain of the Tŷ Hafan team this year,” Matt Knight, captain of this year’s All Stars Cymru Tŷ Hafan team, added. “It’s been a privilege to be part of such a great group of people supporting an amazing cause. “I’m really looking forward to the tournament and seeing everyone come together again for another brilliant weekend of hockey and fundraising.”  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

Charities Special, Residential Property

Savills new fundraising event raises significant funds for neonatal care charity

Savills new fundraising event raises significant funds for neonatal care charity Savills new fundraising event raises significant funds for neonatal care charity max taylor – journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Savills Cardiff has raised nearly £3,000 at a padel fundraising event for Special Care Infant Parents Support (SCIPS). Around 40 clients joined Savills employees at Smash Padel in Llandaff Fields, bringing together experienced players and newcomers for an afternoon of competition and networking. The event featured a tournament for regular players alongside a more informal competition for beginners, followed by a prize presentation and charity raffle supported by donations from local businesses as well as Savills. Funds raised will be donated to SCIPS, a charity who supports families at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University Hospital of Wales, and one that holds personal significance for Ross Griffin, head of Investment for Savills Cardiff, and his family. Griffin said: “Last year, my wife Bertie and I welcomed our son, Ted Morgan Griffin. Ted needed specialist care following his birth and the dedication, professionalism, and compassion shown by every member of staff was truly outstanding. In addition to excellent medical skill, their commitment to kindness and reassurance through every step makes a life-changing difference to families during incredibly difficult and emotional times. “By fundraising we would like to help support the amazing staff, provide vital resources, and ensure that other families continue to receive the same exceptional care that Ted did.” Jonathan Latham, head of Savills Cardiff, said: “We are hugely grateful to our clients for taking the time out to support this fundraiser, and for their generous donations. It was a fantastic afternoon and I am very proud of the total we have raised for SCIPS.” 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

Cabinet Minister
Charities Special, Commercial Property, Construction, Energy, Farming, Finance, Food & Drink, HR & Culture, Legal, Manufacturing, Marketing, Mergers & Acquisitions, Public Sector & Government, Recruitment, Residential Property, Skills & Training, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Innovation, Tourism & Travel, Transport & Infrastructure

‘Wales means business’: Cabinet Minister’s message in first speech since election

‘Wales means business’: Cabinet Minister’s message in first speech since election ‘Wales means business’: Cabinet Minister’s message in first speech since election Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Wales’ new economy minister has pledged to make the country “one of the easiest places in the United Kingdom to start, grow and invest in a business”, promising a more joined-up approach to government and a renewed focus on infrastructure, energy and investment. In his first public speech since joining the Welsh Government, Adam Price MS, the newly appointed Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said businesses across Wales had too often been held back by fragmented decision-making, delayed infrastructure and poor coordination between government departments. Addressing business leaders at a lunch organised by CBI Wales, the minister opened with an unexpected reference to former US President Ronald Reagan. “These are my first public remarks as a minister, and I thought long and hard about what to say,” he said. “So — slightly incongruously, perhaps, for a Plaid Cymru politician — I’m going to start by quoting Ronald Reagan. “Reagan used to tell audiences like this one that the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’ “Well, I’m from the government. And I intend to spend the next few years proving him wrong.” “Wales means business,” he said. “Not as a slogan — as a statement of intent.” The minister highlighted several areas of industrial strength across the country, including aerospace manufacturing in north Wales, the semiconductor cluster in the south-east, the industrial transition underway in Port Talbot and the emerging floating offshore wind opportunities in the Celtic Sea. Price also pointed to the strength of Welsh universities and major employers, naming companies including Airbus, Admiral, Shotton Mill and Vishay as examples of existing industrial capability. But he warned that economic success depended not simply on individual assets, but on how effectively those strengths are connected together. “Prosperity is not a collection of assets,” he said. “It’s the way those assets connect — whether knowledge flows between firms, whether a site is ready when the investment comes, whether energy and planning and skills and infrastructure arrive in the right order. “When that works, growth follows. When it doesn’t, the potential just sits there.” The speech focused heavily on the frustrations businesses face when attempting to expand or invest in Wales, with the minister arguing that delays to planning, energy connections and finance were collectively undermining growth. “A good project stalls — not for want of demand, not for want of ambition, but because the pieces don’t arrive together,” he said. “The grid connection is years off. The planning decision drifts. The finance isn’t there when you need it. “Any one of those, on its own, you could manage. Together, they become a reason not to invest in Wales.” He added: “That is not a failure of Welsh business. It’s a failure to join things up. And it’s ours to fix — collectively, as a government.” The minister said the structure of his portfolio had been designed specifically to address those issues by bringing together enterprise, infrastructure and energy policy under one department. “A firm looking to grow doesn’t think in departmental terms,” he said. “It needs a site, power, people, finance and a route to market. If any one of those is missing, the opportunity is lost.” He promised businesses a simpler relationship with government and said ministers should ultimately be held to account on how accessible and responsive the system becomes. “When you want to grow, you should know exactly which door to knock on,” he said. “And when something blocks you, you should know exactly who picks up the phone. “Those sound like small things. They are not. They are the difference between an economy that works and one that doesn’t.” Over the coming months, the minister said he would travel across Wales meeting businesses, investors, employers and trade unions to identify both long-term priorities and smaller operational barriers affecting firms on a daily basis. “I want the big ideas for the long term,” he said. “But I also want the small, practical changes that would make a difference on Monday morning — where a process is slowing you down, where the same form is asked for twice, where we could help you most by doing less, not more.” While improving the ease of doing business in Wales would be important, the minister stressed that long-term prosperity would depend on building domestic capability rather than relying solely on inward investment. “Inward investment still matters, and it always will,” he said. “We should compete hard for it — and we will. “The real question is what it leaves behind: whether it brings supply chains, high-value skills and innovation that take root here, or whether it lands and stays isolated.” He argued that Wales had previously demonstrated its ability to develop successful industrial clusters through long-term collaboration between government, research institutions and industry. “Aerospace and semiconductors didn’t happen by accident,” he said. “They were built over decades, by industry, research and government pulling the same way. “Our job now is to make that deliberate — and to do it again.” Energy security formed a central theme of the speech, particularly in light of recent global instability and rising gas prices. “Energy is fast becoming the first question an investor asks, not the last,” the minister said. “Every business in this room has watched its energy bills move this year. The conflict in Iran has pushed gas prices up sharply, and it is manufacturers, food producers, anyone running a plant or a cold store, who feel it first and feel it hardest.” The minister also linked economic growth to transport and digital connectivity, arguing that Wales must function as a single connected economy if opportunities are to be shared more evenly across the country. “Connectivity isn’t a list of individual transport projects,” he

Charities Special, Finance

Swansea Building Society chief marks 25 years with £25,000 charity pledge

Swansea Building Society chief marks 25 years with £25,000 charity pledge Swansea Building Society chief marks 25 years with £25,000 charity pledge Daniel Bevan – Editor Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Swansea Building Society chief executive Alun Williams has marked 25 years leading the mutual with the launch of a £25,000 charitable fund and the release of an interview reflecting on his tenure. Williams, believed to be the UK’s longest-serving building society chief executive, said the funding would support charities and community organisations across Wales during 2026.  The initiative is in addition to the Society’s existing charitable activity, including its partnership with Prostate Cymru, its official charity partner for 2026. The announcement comes as Swansea Building Society reports continued long-term growth, with total assets reaching £715 million at the end of December 2025, compared with £34 million when Williams joined the Society in 2001. Appointed chief executive at the age of 36, Williams was one of the youngest building society CEOs in the UK at the time.  During his tenure, the Society has expanded its branch network across Wales while also investing in digital services, including the launch of a mobile banking app in 2025. Alongside its financial performance, Swansea Building Society has increased its profile through sponsorships and partnerships across Wales, including backing for organisations such as Swansea City AFC, the Ospreys, Swansea RFC and Glamorgan County Cricket Club.  Its naming rights agreement for the Swansea Building Society Arena has also strengthened its visibility in the city. The newly announced £25,000 fund follows previous community initiatives, including a £100,000 charity and community programme during the Society’s centenary year. To mark the milestone, Williams took part in a filmed interview with Swansea-born broadcaster and musician Mal Pope, discussing the Society’s development and challenges including the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said: “It has been a privilege to lead Swansea Building Society over the past 25 years.  “When I joined, the priority was clear, to grow the Society in a sustainable way while staying true to its purpose as a mutual organisation. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as a team. Our success is built on the trust of our members, the dedication of our staff, and our commitment to the communities we serve. Ensuring the Society remains strong for future generations has always been at the heart of every decision we’ve made. “As we mark this milestone, it felt important to recognise the communities that have supported the Society throughout its history. The additional £25,000 charitable fund is a way of giving something back and supporting organisations that make a genuine difference to people’s lives across Wales.” 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

Charities Special, Finance

Monmouthshire Building Society Launches Fundraising Challenges for St David’s Hospice Care

Monmouthshire Building Society Launches Fundraising Challenges for St David’s Hospice Care Monmouthshire Building Society Launches Fundraising Challenges for St David’s Hospice Care max taylor – journalist Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Monmouthshire Building Society has launched a series of challenges in support of its charity partner St David’s Hospice Care. Teams from across the organisation will compete against one another in a bid to surpass their fundraising target. The fundraising initiative forms part of the Society’s year-long charity partnership with St David’s Hospice Care and will see colleagues take part in a Dragon Boat Race and the South Wales Three Peaks Challenge. The first event will see the “Mon BS Savings Slayers” team take part in the hospice’s Dragon Boat Race at Llandegfedd Lake on 27 June. The team, made up of employees from departments across the business, will compete in a 250m race with prizes awarded for race performance, team spirit and best dressed crew. Participants include Adam Grey, Beata Michaliszyn-Wasiak, Clare Brown, Gareth Downward, Hristina Winstanley, Katalin Klein, Kristy Maloney, Marli Miller, Mat Llewelyn, Mel Barts and Richard Connor, with the team aiming to raise £1,000 for the charity. In July, a second team made up of senior leadership and executive team members will take on the South Wales Three Peaks Challenge. Will Carroll, Julian Bill, Martyn Jenkins and Richard Thomas will walk Pen y Fan, Sugarloaf and Twmbarlwn within 10 hours, supported by Iestyn Evans, with a fundraising target of £800. Kristy Maloney, Head of Savings at Monmouthshire Building Society and a member of the Dragon Boat team, said: “We have had such a great time preparing and training for the Dragon Boat Race and it’s so wonderful to get different people from around the Society to take part in these challenges. “Adding a bit of internal competition, has also helped with our fundraising efforts. It’s been such great fun seeing the Peaks team doing all they can to drum up donations – while we do the same for our challenge. It’s all for a wonderful cause, so let the donating commence.” 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

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