University

named as a leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employer

Wrexham Glyndŵr University (WGU) has been named in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List for its’ work in supporting LGBTQ+ staff to be themselves at work. The university has also secured a Gold Award, due to its Workplace Equality Index ranking rising from a placement of 47th to 41st , which now means the institution has been placed sixth in the UK education sector. It has increased its ranking by a phenomenal 374 places since its original submission in 2018.

Over the past year, WGU has made significant strides towards fostering an inclusive working environment by increasing community engagement and highlighting the institution’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community by hosting stands at Pride events in both Wrexham and Chester, and forming collaborative working partnerships with local groups, including North Wales Fire Service and Unique Transgender Network.

New coffee shop and barista school opens in Chester

Independent coffee roaster 200 Degrees has opened in the former Patisserie Valerie premises on Bridge Street in Chester this May. The Grade II listed premises will be able to seat around 90 customers and will even offer a barista school for coffee fans to learn how to perfect the art of the perfect cup of coffee, to make one at home too. It will be decked out in the roaster's signature interior design, including its classic fireplace and cosy armchairs, and brings 15 new full-time and part-jobs to the city.

Alison Bloomfield, Head of Organisational Development and Diversity at WGU, said: “Fostering inclusive environments makes workplaces safer and better for all – not just LGBTQ+ people – and I’m immensely proud of the progress we have made as a university in the past year with regard to this.

“In the last 12 months, we have supported and implemented a range of initiatives within the university and in tandem with the local community, including hosting stands at Pride events in both Wrexham and Chester, co-ordinating a number of awareness days to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, as well as forming strong partnerships with a number of local groups.

“A huge congratulations to everyone at WGU for helping to make the university such a special and inclusive place to work and study, in particular the LGBTQ+ Staff Network.”

Stephen Fern, managing director at 200 Degrees, said: “Chester is an incredible city with heritage and culture in abundance, and if it’s good enough for Hollyoaks, then it’s good enough for us! It’s really exciting that we’re also bringing one of our Barista Schools to Chester, which are incredibly popular in the six other cities they’re in.

"This is the place for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike to enjoy fun, hands-on courses on how to make a truly great coffee. We also offer teambuilding sessions, for groups to learn and have fun together. But whether in a group or on your own, our aim is to always create a unique and memorable learning experience.”

Educating the next generation of hospitality leaders

Carden Park, the Cheshire-based estate – which includes an awardwinning hotel, spa, and golf course – is working in partnership with Coleg Cambria, as part of its innovative Management Trainee Programme. Apprentices can achieve Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in Licenced Hospitality Operations with the college – based in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi –while gaining valuable experience, a competitive salary, professional support and mentoring and accommodation if required.

Among the first learners to have joined the scheme are: Elliot Scragg, 19, from Wrexham; Lauren Nicholls, 18, from Wrexham; Oscar Boulton, 20, from Chester; Niamh Roberts, 25, from Ellesmere Port; Harry Walsh, 23, from Chester, and Laura Thickens, 24, from Wrexham.

As a group they are enjoying the two-year placement and are confident it will provide a springboard to successful careers.