Inbusiness Autumn 2014

INBUSINESS AUTUMN 2014

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WA L E S ’ P R E M I E R I N D E P E N D E N T M A G A Z I N E F O R P E O P L E I N B U S I N E S S

INSPIRED WE INTERVIEW MID WALES HOTELIER JOAN REEN PLUS WHO’S MOVING AND SHAKING THE WELSH BUSINESS WORLD

B USINESS P ROFILES , F INANCE , H UMAN R ESOURCES

PLUS D ESIGN , M ARKETING , T HERE ’ S M ORE O NLINE WWW . INBUSINESSMAG . CO . UK M ANAGEMENT AND T RAINING

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WALES’ PREMIER INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR PEOPLE IN BUSINESS

INBUSINESS Group Managing Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@inbusinessmag.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@inbusinessmag.co.uk InBusiness Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Cardiff CF63 2AW

www.inbusinessmag.co.uk 0845 180 2345 Passionate about Wales We are a small independent publisher. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. InBusiness magazine is written, designed and printed in Wales for the people of Wales.

Our philosophy We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

Caveat emptor Advertisers supply their own copy or artwork, and therefore InBusiness cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware.

Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in InBusiness magazine or on www.inbusinessmag.co.uk (or our social media streams) is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong. Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in InBusiness magazine are strictly those of the authors.

Intellectual property © Copyright InBusiness magazine 2014. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine (including adverts) may be reproduced in any shape or form (in whole or part) without the express written permission of the publishers. We take breach of copyright and theft of intellectual property extremely seriously and will sue at the drop of a croissant.

You have been warned (nicely); ignorance is no excuse.

Subscriptions To guarantee your copy, please send a cheque for £20 (four issues) made payable to InBusiness magazine. Visit www.inbusinessmag.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers.

Missed the last issue?

We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please email jennifer@inbusinessmag.co.uk.

Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing.

Yes it’s free. Priceless actually! nBusiness magazine is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Wales and is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed on, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did.

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We’re on the web! www.inbusinessmag.co.uk Like on Facebook! www.facebook.com/InBizWales Follow on Twitter! @InBizWales #InBizWales

WELCOME It would appear that the great recession wasn’t as great as we first thought, which is a bit like saying your badly broken leg wasn’t as badly broken as you thought it’s still broke and yes, it hurt like hell.

The good news is that we’re driving out of it - better than most of our European ‘partners’ but not quite as well as the US. The real question for small Welsh businesses is how we’re doing in Wales. On my travels I often ask, “Is the great recession over?”

Surprisingly, I hear that for some, it never even happened - their businesses either started in or around 2007 so have nothing to benchmark against, or they just happened to be growing strongly through the last seven years.

For most, it’s been a very bumpy and challenging ride and, for some, it’s been truly awful. I know many people who have lost not only their businesses but their livelihoods and, incredibly sadly, their homes. Each year, for the last five years I have had conversations with business people who have broken down in tears as they explain their dream of owning and running their own business has come to an end. The truth is recessions hurt, and it’s people that get hurt.

The fact is you have to be a very special kind of person to run your own business.

I’ve often thought that governments should spend less time and money encouraging people (who shouldn’t be in business) to start businesses, and give more support to those that have the entrepreneurial drive, spirit and ideas.

Yes, the great recession is over but, for many businesses, there’s still much to do to repair cash flow and return to the levels pre-crash. If you’re one of those that’s battled through and, on many occasions felt like throwing in the towel (but didn’t), I tip my hat to you.

Sometimes we need things to inspire us - to drive us. Being a boxing fan, I love Rocky’s inspirational speech from the movie Rocky Balboa. If you’re looking for inspiration closer to home then our interview with Joan Reen on page 8 is well worth a read.

See you again soon.

Mark Roberts Creative Director 07766 106 731 mark@inbusinessmag.co.uk uk.linkedin.com/in/markjohnroberts

“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows.

It is a very mean and nasty place. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you’re hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward.

That’s how winning is done!” Rocky Balboa INBUSINESS MAGAZINE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS. OUR CONTRIBUTORS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR FRIENDS (INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM INBUSINESS MAGAZINE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WE HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT WE’VE PRODUCED AND WE’LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. INBUSINESS MAGAZINE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.INBUSINESSMAG.CO.UK

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INBUSINESS NEWS CARDIFF

Cardiff Devils & Introbiz - Wales’ biggest business exhibition sponsorship Having outgrown last year’s venue, this year’s exhibition will take place at the Cardiff City House of Sport on Thursday, September 25th. The event will attract around 3,000 visitors and will house over 200 exhibitors for one day only.

The Cardiff Devils will sponsor the event alongside other international brands such as Sky, Cardiff City Football Club and Enterprise Car Rental.

CARDIFF BAY

St David’s Hotel wins awards on world stage Cardiff’s only 5 star hotel, St David’s Hotel and Spa, has been recognised among Europe’s best, winning two prestigious travel awards.

The iconic hotel, located on Cardiff Bay’s waterfront, was among only 20 hotels in the United Kingdom to be honoured at the European Gala of the World Travel Awards, which were held in Athens, Greece last weekend.

St David’s went head to head against some of Wales’ most renowned hotels and resorts, to be named ‘Wales Leading Hotel 2014’ and ‘Wales Leading Business Hotel 2014’, as voted for by industry professionals worldwide.

CARDIFF

Introbiz raises money for Pituitary Foundation

Known as the ‘Oscars of the Travel Industry’, The World Travel Awards are recognised globally for acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. The awards are considered the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which others aspire.

Kris Agland, the Cardiff Devils Marketing and Communications director said, “We are delighted to become a sponsor of this event. The Devils are a very recognisable brand within South Wales, however we need to actively engage with the local business community in order to maximise our commercial opportunities, especially now as we make the transition into Ice Arena Wales. Sponsoring the Introbiz Wales Business Exhibition was the perfect way to do just that. With the plans of the 2014 event looking even bigger and better, we are very excited and proud to be a part of it.” www.introbiz.co.uk

St David’s Hotel and Spa will now go forward to take part in the finals of the World Travels Awards, which will be held in Marrakech, Morocco in November, where they will compete against winners from the other world regions. Andreas Maszczyk, General Manager of St David’s Hotel says, “We are incredibly proud to have won not one but two awards at the European World Travel Awards. It is an honour to be recognized on an international stage, cementing our reputation as an exceptional luxury establishment.”

The team took around an hour and 15 minutes to reach the summit and we took so many pictures… well, we had to prove that they’d actually made it!

Introbiz has had a truly memorable year already, and one highlight was definitely the Net-Walking event they hosted for the Pituitary Foundation in May raising over £2,500k The Introbiz members and fellow walkers took on the Pen-Y-Fan Mountain, to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity.

It was so lovely to see so many supporters for this wonderful event, Enterprise Cars, Lexus, Severn Bay, Pure Heating Solutions, True Potential, Hero PT all joined the climb with Introbiz and Jay from The Pituitary Foundation. www.introbiz.co.uk 6

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Photographs courtesy of Tina Jones 8

INBUSINESS INTERVIEW

JOAN R EEN Y H NYSHIR

ALL

MACHYNLLETH

When did you take ownership of Ynyshir Hall?

July 1989.

How did that come about? Did you have hotel experience prior to that?

No experience whatsoever!

We were both teachers, (Rob art, Joan geography) and wanted a career change. We looked at several ideas, including running art courses. We started to look for a suitable property to use, and received several hotel details. It seemed sensible to look at a hotel, and run art courses from it.

It took several years to find the right property, and we knew the instant we saw Ynyshir it was ‘the one’ but had a long struggle to buy it. We were completely green when we came and couldn’t even work an optic! But ‘in at the deep end’ we had to make it work.

On the second day, Chef said it was his day off the next day, so I had to roll up my sleeves and cook a menu! We worked our socks off, and realised that the hotel trade was so all involving and interesting, that we didn’t really want to run the Art courses. We did them for a couple of years and then just concentrated on the Hotel. Part of the success was in fact having no formal training! We had a different perspective - looking at the business from a customer’s viewpoint, putting them first. The rest was sheer hard work and determination!

Who is involved in the business?

At first, it was just Rob and I. Now, second time round, we have financial partners, who were guests who became friends; John and Jenny Talbot.

Both times we have had finance

through Barclays Business finance. And we have nothing but praise for their support over many years and through many difficult times!

Why did you decide to sell the business to von Essen and when was that?

We met Andrew Davis through our membership of the Marketing group, Relais & Chateaux. He owned several Relais & Chateaux hotels and he loved Ynyshir and wanted it in his group, von Essen Hotels. I didn’t want to sell, as Ynyshir was so very special to me, however, he promised to finance an expansion programme, which the business needed to move forward.

He also wanted me to carry on running the Hotel, so eventually we agreed, as we knew the business needed investment to push it to the next level. By pure luck, it was at the very peak of the property price boom, September 2006, and we did get a very good price! In fact, the group invested very little in the Hotel, and although plans were drawn, they never built the planned extensions.

Ynyshir Hall then went into liquidation, what made you want to buy it back?

Actually, it was the von Essen Hotels head office was put into liquidation, not the hotels; the liquidators kept the hotels as going concerns, so they could sell them off. We had invested so many years of our life into Ynyshir, it wasn’t simply a business, and it was my life.

I couldn’t bear to see it bought by a person or company that would simply see it as an investment to exploit. Nor could I allow it to fall into disrepair.

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We had achieved so much over the years, and knew we could continue to build on the success we had. We knew we could push it up to another level to make it World class, with the right investment. We also felt a responsibility to our lovely guests, who had been staying at Ynyshir for years and loved it too!

Was it an easy transition? What difficulties did you face?

The period under the Administrators was very difficult, as many suppliers refused to supply us, and we lost several key members of staff (Head Chef, Head Receptionist, Assistant Manager and Restaurant Manager), who left en masse on 31st July. I filled in most of the gaps, helped by my loyal core of staff, most of whom had been with me for years. I had a kitchen full of relief chefs, who luckily proved to be quite good!

The worst time was when the guy came to value the property. He went round, listing all the contents, rooting through drawers and looking in cupboards. As I had never left the hotel, it was still partially my home, and full of our personal belongings.

To hear my precious ornaments being called ‘bric a brac ‘into his dictaphone blew my fuse. I told him, forcefully, my personal belongings were not part of the hotel contents, and went to cry at the bottom of the garden!

We didn’t consider a buy back at first, but so many people asked us if we would do it, we began to entertain the possibility. When Christie’s (the selling agents) themselves asked us, we pursued it in earnest.

It was then we met up with Barclays, who we had banked with throughout the years we owned Ynyshir. They decided that we were the ideal people to buy, as we knew the business inside out!

During the process of getting the bid together and negotiating with the administrators we discovered that one of our regular guests, John Talbot, once worked with the person in charge of the Administration. John contacted me and advised us throughout the process.

Near the end of the negotiations, he asked us if we wanted a business partner. He and his wife were the ideal people, as they loved Ynyshir and also had expertise in finance.

When did Ynyshir Hall become affiliated with Relais & Chateaux and what were the criteria for this?

We became members of Relais & Chateaux in 2001/2. We applied for membership through the British delegation, and had four years of inspections. In those days at least 75% of the British hotels had to vote in favour of us joining, and then we had

an inspection from head office in Paris before we were accepted. Now, hotels apply direct to head office in Paris.

To be considered, hotels have to have high accolades in all guides, AA red stars, high rating restaurant awards; then they have to be run by owners or very special managers, who show the art of hospitality above expectations.

Each hotel has to have special charm, be individual and give an experience very specific to the region and have a close connection to the ‘terroir’. The hotels are all inspected rigorously before they are accepted. Then at least once every three years, more if there are ever complaints. They are typically small, on average less than 30 bedrooms. They have a worldwide following and consist of some of the most beautiful hotels and wonderful restaurants in the World.

The organisation has a Congress every year, somewhere different in the World each year, and it is a compulsory part of the membership to attend. Over the years it builds a great friendship and family feeling amongst the hoteliers,

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who can exchange ideas, and swap problems.

How has business been since you took it back over?

For the first 18 months, we were refurbishing, building our new garden suites and treatment rooms, had rooms out of commission, and we kept the staffing quota lower to reflect this, and the turnover was limited by this. Over the last six months since we completed the first phase of all the work we have seen a rapid rise in bookings, and average room rate increase, especially now our new rooms are becoming available.

This year’s bookings are 40% up on last year. We are working on our website optimisation, and this is paying off well. We are in the process of updating our PMS System, and optimising our rate management systems, and constantly seeking ways of improving our online presence and bookings. We have appointed a brilliant PR, Peter da Silva of Boutique da Silva PR, who has secured many great journalist visits and some great articles.

We have also had a wonderful response from past guests who were so thrilled when we bought Ynyshir back, after watching the news of von Essen’s demise with trepidation. So many have returned and many more wrote to us, or telephoned us to say how happy they were. It was very emotional to realise just how many lives we have touched in our years here.

What difficulties have you faced?

The years under von Essen were very difficult at times, especially over the last few years. It was a constant fight to keep up our standards, and keep staff.

The months of Administration were pretty dire. We faced losing everything.

It was probable that any new owners would not want me to stay on. The thought of losing my lovely Ynyshir was awful.

We also lost our deferred payment, due to us after five years, in September 2011. But the banks pulled the rug in the April so we never did receive the rest of our payment, which was destined to be our pension! Buying it back was a risk, and at a time of our

lives when most people are retired, it was a decision some thought mad!

Although a great triumph, buying it back was stressful and physically very hard work, as anyone in this trade knows! Long hours and no time off is par for the course. Unfortunately, the stress of the last few years did take its toll on my health, as I was diagnosed with cancer of the bone marrow last Easter. I was rushed to hospital and stayed there for three weeks, losing two stone. Rob had to take over the reins, but I responded well to treatment and returned to the hotel very quickly.

I managed to work all through the Summer, despite my chemotherapy. I did have to have another two months away last Winter, when I had a stem cell transplant. But I have been back full time since the end of January, working harder than ever.

The place does give me energy, and it is so rewarding making people happy.

We have a great team now, our magic therapist Thomas Bucci, helped me 11

through the worst of the treatment and still helps me now. We also have a wonderful new Chef, Gareth Ward,who is one of the best young chefs in the UK, and we have built a great team of professionals in all departments.

It is so exciting to see our lovely hotel back looking better than ever before.

We have already been voted one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK, and we are hoping this is the first of many awards over the coming months.

What type of people does Ynyshir Hall attract?

We attract mainly the leisure market, although we do cater for small conferences and board meeting/ think tanks. We are a perfect size for an exclusive use venue for company meetings.

Our guests are on average 85% British, of those London and the South East is the largest percentage, and then Wales itself. The foreign market is from USA & Canada ~ 8% then the rest of Europe, with a few from Japan, Russia, and South America.

We do see mainly the A/B socio economic groups. The seasoned travellers who set great store by the personal attention of a small, owner run establishment, they love our wonderful wine list and appreciate our special food.

We get film stars (Richard Gere, Julia Ormond), rock stars, (Robert Plant is a regular), stars of TV (Alison Steadman, Eddie Izzard, Pam St Clements, Patricia Routledge, Sian Phillips), politicians (Nigel Lawson, Roy Hattersley, Jeffrey Archer) and many more of the super-rich who are only famous in their own spheres.

They do like to escape the rat race and retreat to the peace and quiet of this beautiful area.

Just as important are our guests to whom a visit is a very special treat or those who simply discover us when they pop in for a cup of tea or a simple bar snack. Ynyshir is a haven for many of our regulars!

What do you think makes Ynyshir Hall special?

Ynyshir stands out from the crowd.

Our décor is completely our own, inspired by Rob’s bold paintings, created with an artist’s eye. The situation is idyllic, the surroundings so beautiful. The welcome is very important, we try our very best to make everyone who visits Ynyshir happy. Our staff are chosen to really want to please, rather than just going through the motions!

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Then the food reflects the best the area has to offer, both wild food and local produce. The chef is cutting edge, creating stunning dishes.

What are your hopes for the future of the business?

We are moving the business to a whole new level, aiming at the very top end.

The new rooms are as good as any in the UK and our food is up there with the very best. We are also planning to rebuild the kitchen over the Winter, and to add a chef’s table and a viewing area for cookery demonstrations. We hope that Chef regains our Michelin star, but we’re aiming even higher - he really wants to be the first two Michelin Star Chef in Wales!

“Ynyshir is a haven for many of our regulars.”

Joan Reen, Ynyshir Hall

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“Wales is a fabulous location, very much undiscovered, and offers a priceless commodity - peace and tranquillity.�

Joan Reen, Ynyshir Hall

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We will look this year at the occupancy of the new garden suites, and the take up on our new treatment rooms, then make a decision as to whether to build more rooms in our courtyard or expand the Wellness centre. We won’t grow too much more in size, as this would spoil the intimacy of the place. We have always believed small is special, but obviously need to be profitable too!

What advice would you give someone considering hotel management/ownership?

First, it is a ‘lifestyle’ not a job, especially in a small establishment.

Despite appearances, it is not a glamorous job. It’s often tedious hard work and long hours, with a great attention to detail.

Living on the premises means you don’t ever seem ‘off duty’, and guests are very demanding and unforgiving.

Decide what level and style of place you want to run. A ‘trial run’ working in the business is a great way of seeing the reality before you take the plunge!

Additionally, get someone in the trade to cast an eye over a business before you decide to proceed.

However, it can be a wonderful life, meeting people from all walks of life and making amazing friends, visiting some of the best hotels in the world and tasting food and wine you would never have had the chance to, in almost any other profession.

What qualities do you think you need to make success of a business like yours?

■ You must be a ‘people person’, and enjoy meeting and mixing.

■ You have to have great stamina, so many give up because it’s very hard work!

■ Don’t forget the paperwork; many small businesses falter as they don’t find time to keep the accounts, VAT, health & safety etc. up to date – you must be meticulous.

■ Have a ‘vision’, and carry it through.

So it is hard to single out one or two from this illustrious list! But Michel Roux senior was the first person to welcome us into the wonderful family of Relais & Chateaux with a very warm embrace at our first meeting in St Petersburg. As a lifelong fan, I was overawed, and have always admired him for bringing beautiful cuisine to the masses as one of the first inspiring TV Chefs. He and his family still dominate the scene, and influence countless young chefs through the Roux Scholarship.

What have you learned in your time at Ynyshir Hall?

■ There is no such thing as a perfect member of staff. They all need nurturing to bring out the best in them. A mix of young, enthusiastic staff, bringing fresh new ideas, and more mature staff for their wisdom works for me.

■ A guest that complains can become one of your biggest fans if their complaint is sorted.

■ Wealth and fame do not necessarily bring contentment. So many rich and famous people are insecure and lonely.

■ Making other people happy is very fulfilling.

■ Believe in Karma, treat everyone well, and you will receive kindness in return - most of the time!

Raymond Blanc, of course. For his amazing passion for his hotel and for food, which still shines through.

Meeting him the first time I felt so insignificant in the presence of such a celebrity. However, with great charm he said, “Madame, remember – small is beautiful; I had just nine rooms when I started, and I wish I still had.” That made me feel better!

Who or what inspires you?

First, my parents, who ran their own business. Mum was a college graduate and trained teacher. Dad left school at 14 and together they built a fantastic business which they ran for over 50 years. I knew how hard they worked to achieve this, so had no illusions. We have also been very fortunate to meet and become friends with many of the great Chefs, and Hoteliers, especially as members of Relais & Chateaux.

“Our décor is completely our own, inspired by Rob’s bold paintings, and created with an artist’s eye.”

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Ynyshir Hall Eglwysfach,Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8TA 01654 781209 info@Ynyshirhall.co.uk www.ynyshirhall.co.uk

Starting up a new business can often be a daunting, yet exciting experience for any individual. There will be bumps along the way, but by having solid business support services in-place; the bumps can certainly be reduced in size! James Mason of The Business Centre (Cardiff) Ltd tells us more.

THE BUSINESS Over the years, at The Business Centre (Cardiff) Ltd, we have worked alongside numerous companies providing them with the business support services they need; from receptionist call answering, maintenance cover, high speed internet and business telephone numbers, right through to administration support along with excellent on-site facilities - we have a café, gymnasium and stacks of free parking.

These support services are vital to growing and developing a business and, as we iron out the potential bumps (maintenance, IT, telephone and answering, cleaning, office furniture), this gives owners more time to concentrate on what’s important actually doing the business!

If you’re not sure if you’re the right kind of business to operate in this environment, here’s a list of past and current client industries that have utilised, and benefited from, the services The Business Centre offers: ■ Accountants ■ Financial Advisers ■ Security Companies ■ IT Consultants ■ Recruitment Agencies ■ Occupational Therapists ■ Vehicle Sales/Leasing ■ Property Management/Sales ■ Health & Safety/Fire Consultants ■ Design Companies ■ Care Agencies ■ Travel Companies

M O V E I N T O D AY !

What’s available at The Business Centre Two excellent serviced office suites available. One four person office suite and a two person office suite.

T WO PERSON OFFICE ■ 150 square feet ■ Fully furnished ■ External window ■ Full air-conditioning ■ First floor office suite ■ Internet access/business number ■ Receptionist/call answering facilities ■ Free parking

Throw in very competitive monthly rentals, offices ranging from single users up to 12 person suites, flexible monthly agreements with 1 months’ notice to cancel, it really can be a match made in heaven.

FOUR PERSON OFFICE ■ 278 square feet ■ Fully furnished ■ Corridor window ■ Full air-conditioning ■ Internet access/business number ■ Receptionist/call answering facilities ■ Free parking 18

“Sebastian & St James have operated from the serviced office facilities at The Business Centre (Cardiff) Ltd for over 6 years with the location being perfectly situated 15 minutes from the M4 and 10 minutes from Cardiff Airport. Due to the nature of our business this is vital to what we do.

“After starting my business and working from home for nearly 5 years, it was a big decision to move to an office. Knowing more what I didn’t want (unknown overheads and a commitment to a long term lease), than what I did want, I was pleasantly surprised when I found The Business Centre (Cardiff) Ltd.

The professional service and environment has helped the business grow over the years with call answering, IT and telephony support all provided as part of the support package. If you also include the use of catered conference facilities, an on-site café area and plenty of free parking, we believe everything has been provided under one roof that Sebastian & St James need in order to concentrate on what’s really important to us, our business. The Business Centre (Cardiff) Ltd have given us the opportunity to solely concentrate on growing our business by taking away all the headaches that can arise when leasing business premises.”

It has ticked all the boxes for me. A quantified, affordable overhead, flexible terms and a professional environment.

In addition, it has an extremely friendly atmosphere and is very clean and well managed.

With plenty of parking, an on-site café area, meeting rooms etc, it really does have everything I need to conduct my business. All my clients have been impressed and I feel my business is growing faster since having my office.”

Helen Adams, Owner, HRA Accounting Ltd

Helen Oakes, Sebastian & St James

If you are looking for business support services ranging from a business address, call answering, conference/ meeting room hire to flexible serviced office space, give The Business Centre a call today.

01446 739911 Call free on 0800 6349920 enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk www.TheBusinessCentreOnline.co.uk Follow on twitter @BusinessCBarry 19

FESTIVE FUN AT THE VALE RESORT

The Vale Resort’s selection of festive packages start from £39 per person* and include a three course meal, live entertainment and disco to dance the night away until the early hours.

Some of the Vale Resort’s best-loved evenings are back by popular demand, with a festive sprinkling of new entertainment added this year.

■ ABBA Tribute Party – With tribute band, Bjorn Belief – three course meal, live entertainment, disco until 12.30am - £40 per person ■ West End Rocks Party – Featuring music from the 10-piece John Oliver Big Band - Cocktail reception, three course meal, live entertainment, disco until 1am - £50 per person ■ Vegas Casino Party Night – Including blackjack tables, roulette wheel and slot machines - Cocktail reception, three course meal, disco until 12.30am - £40 per person ■ John Oliver Big Band Party Night – Cocktails and canapés, four course meal, live entertainment and disco until 1am - £65 per person ■ Essential Party Nights – Bring your party to our party, with dinner and dancing to the Vale Resort’s resident DJ – cocktail reception, three course meal, half bottle of wine per person, disco until 1am – from £39 per person.

Each party guest will also receive a £10 voucher for the award-winning Vale Spa for some pre-party pampering or me-time the morning after.

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Guests can make a night of it by taking advantage of the Vale Resort’s luxury four-star accommodation from £35* per person per night, including a full Welsh breakfast. Arrive early and enjoy a round of golf on one of two championship courses, get party ready with a spray tan or nail treatment in the spa or simply make use of the extensive Health and Racquets Club facilities.

Stephanie Metson, Marketing Manager at the Vale Resort, said: “Christmas is a time to celebrate with friends, say thank you to colleagues or relax with the family, and our mix of entertainment offers something for everyone. This Christmas is looking like our busiest yet. A number of our events have already sold out, or are close to capacity.

We all live frantic lives and, in the last vestiges of summer, Christmas may feel a long time off, but preparations are already well under way at the Vale Resort in Hensol, south Wales, to ensure this year’s festivities are the best yet.

We’ve also seen an increase in the number of businesses booking private Christmas parties with us, and it’s been great to see a number of companies returning to celebrate the festive season at the Vale Resort. With ten different party suites available, we can create everything from an intimate dinner to a celebration for the whole office, and have dedicated Christmas coordinators on-hand to help with every last detail.

Families can get together for a Christmas afternoon tea or celebratory carvery lunch, complete with a visit from Santa. You could even book a festive minibreak for some real quality family time together, without having to take care of any of the planning, cooking – or the washing up.

Children can even see some of Santa’s real reindeer when they arrive on Christmas Eve.” The biggest party of the season is New Year’s Eve, and the Vale Resort is welcoming 2015 with an evening of glitz and glamour, with music from the James Williams & The Sessions Big Band.

For £150 per person guests can enjoy: ■ Overnight accommodation and brunch ■ A champagne and canapé reception and five course dinner, with live entertainment and disco ■ Full use of the Vale Resort’s extensive leisure facilities.

To see everything on offer this Christmas and New Year, visit www.vale-hotel.com/christmas

Room shots are of Christmas day

To make your reservation please telephone the Vale Resort’s Christmas coordinator on 01443 665803 or email sales@vale-hotel.com *Accommodation based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room. Golf and spa are subject to terms and conditions and are at an additional charge. The spa voucher is subject to terms and conditions.

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If you’re fortunate enough to have a little set aside to invest, and you like the finer things in life, then there could probably be no better investment than classic, pre-loved timepieces. Timeless brands such as Cartier, Frank Muller, Jaeger, Patek Philippe and Chopard will not only hold their value but will, in most cases, increase in value over time.

A TIMELY INVESTMENT

A new watch, like almost all luxury items, depreciates in value by up to 30% after you first wear it.

Pre-owned classic watches, however, will hold their value.

Over time they can be worth even more than the original purchase cost.

With due care and regular maintenance, a quality watch will last you a lifetime.

David Edwards Jewellers in Cardiff ’s Royal Arcade has many more watches to choose from. They also purchase watches and welcome part exchange.

Whether you’re a seller or a buyer of classic, pre-owned watches, there’s no reason to go anywhere else.

TOP RIGHT Corum Gents Watch RRP £25,000.00 David Edwards price NOW £10,500.00 FIRST ROW, LEFT Blue Dial Rolex RRP £8,200.00 David Edwards price NOW £5,500.00 FIRST ROW, RIGHT Gold Dial Rolex RRP £7,250.00 David Edwards price NOW £4,100.00 SECOND ROW, LEFT Omega RRP £4,750.00 David Edwards price NOW £3,250.00 SECOND ROW, RIGHT Ladies Diamond Rolex RRP £9,250.00 David Edwards price NOW £7,250.00 BOTTOM, RIGHT Franc Muller RRP £14,500.00 David Edwards price NOW £5,000.00

“The type of place you can browse without feeling obliged to buy.”

At David Edwards Jewellers in Cardiff ’s beautiful and historic Royal Arcade, Jack Cohen and Deborah Rawle are there to explain, inform and educate those of you who may be uncertain about choosing a preloved watch, jewellery or gems.

Their comprehensive knowledge is borne out of their combined fifty years’ experience and the solid reputation on which David Edwards Jewellers have always successfully traded.

David Edwards Jewellers is the type of place you can browse without feeling awkward or obliged to buy. Jack and Deborah realise that some people can be nervous about buying pre-owned watches but David Edwards guarantees the provenance of each item.

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David Edwards Jewellers 23-25 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE 029 2064 1939 www.davidedwardsjewellers.co.uk

“With due care and regular maintenance, a quality watch will last you a lifetime.�

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What a night we had at the fabulous Hensol Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan, celebrating the success of InBusiness Magazine.

We’re already working on ideas for our next Life & Soul event.

Watch this space!

LIFE & SOUL HENSOL CASTLE

InBusiness magazine launch celebration Why we were there: To celebrate the success of InBusiness Magazine.

What we ate and drank: ‘InBiz’ Cocktails, Canapes and Buffet.

Where: The fabulous Hensol Castle, Hensol.

What we enjoyed: Q&A with well-respected Welsh business leaders. Music from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Did we dance?

Oh yes, to live music with Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band.

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To be successful in anything in life you have to be passionate about it. After Welsh International rugby player Paul Young’s career was cut short by injury, he strove for excellence with a new passion - interior design and so, in 2011, So Exclusive Interiors was born.

FIELD OF DREAMS 28

Paul Young and Rebecca Fox

What is your background?

As a qualified builder, I’ve always had a keen interest in property. Throughout my time as a professional rugby player, I knew it was important to develop and sustain a business outside rugby.

I was fortunate enough to build up a portfolio of properties whilst playing and this, in turn, allowed me to hone my project management, renovation and interior design skills for future projects.

With a keen interest in property development, and an eye for interiors, it was a natural progression for me at a time when homeowners were choosing to refurbish their properties rather than moving house.

Are you still involved with rugby?

Absolutely, I love rugby. I’m still involved with coaching, as Head/ Forwards Coach to Bridgend Ravens, who play in the Principality Premiership.

I started out playing for Llanelli RFC, moved to Cardiff and then on to Newport. Newport RFC then became Newport Gwent Dragons and I received my Welsh cap whilst playing for them in August 2003. Unfortunately retirement came due to injury in 2005 and I moved to Galway, Ireland to coach Galwegians RFC. I returned to the UK in 2009 to be Director of Rugby at Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys and Wales U16s Assistant Coach.

How did you come to go into this new line of business?

While playing and coaching I realised that there were many attributes I could take from both roles and put them to good use starting up my business.

My work ethic, communication, drive, organisation and self-discipline have helped me succeed in setting up a unique interiors company that I am very passionate about.

What services do you offer?

Made-to-measure curtains, blinds and accessories using designer fabrics and textiles and designer wallcoverings.

We design and create bespoke upholstery and furniture and offer a complete interior design service from consultancy right through to project management. We provide these services for residential and commercial clients.

What areas do you cover?

South Wales mainly, covering Monmouth and Chepstow through Newport, Cardiff, The Vale of Glamorgan, Barry, Porthcawl and Bridgend.

Why would someone use you?

We love what we do and want to leave our clients loving their surroundings.

Over the years we have built up strong relationships with some fantastically unique suppliers. With a vast selection of products and the exciting news that Rebecca Fox has joined our team, we are more than confident of providing bespoke and exclusive interiors for any space. Rebecca joins us with a wealth of interior design experience and has worked for a number of high-profile interior design companies in Wales and London. We are delighted to offer her expertise to our clients as she never disappoints.

It’s exclusive relationships that set us apart. We can advise and source unique products for interiors; from restaurants to hotels, coffee shops to offices or from one room to a whole house!

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What type of projects do you enjoy working on?

I love being handed carte blanche on a project and enjoy working with themes and interiors that are unique and slightly unusual albeit for the home or a corporate space.

How would you like people to see the So Exclusive brand?

I’d like to think we’d be incomparable for interiors. I know we’re innovative, I believe we can inspire clients, but we’re friendly and approachable too and I think that is so important.

I know we’re in a tough market but we have the talent and creativity to deliver beautiful solutions for our clients.

Ultimately, I’d like clients to have the same respect for us as a brand as I enjoyed when I played professional rugby - to be the very best.

So Exclusive 36 Fields Rd, Newport NP20 5BP 01633 452986 www.so-exclusive.co.uk Find us on Facebook, follow on Twitter

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www.citywing.com 30

The Brogue Trader, in Morgan Arcade, stocks a range of fine gifts and gentleman’s footwear from eight British manufacturers (five hold a Royal Warrant). Owner, Chris Macnamara, is passionate about gentleman’s shoes but, more than that, he’s passionate about British made gentleman’s shoes.

BEST OF BRITISH

The Brogue Trader has been open less than a year and already is gaining a reputation around the UK for its selection of very best of British gentleman’s footwear. Read the testimonials on The Brogue Trader website and the comments from its 2,000 plus fans on Facebook and you’ll soon realise that this is not simply down to the quality of the shoes, but the exceptional service delivered daily by Chris and The Brogue Trader team.

England since 1886. Their shoes are still hand-crafted entirely in their original factory - from the cutting out of the leather, through stitching to final polishing.

Owner, Chris Macnamara, has personally chosen each brand he sells.

“I love shoes!”, exclaims Chris. “It gives me immense pleasure to wear a fine pair of shoes but when a customer leaves The Brogue Trader feeling great about their new pair of shoes, I couldn’t be happier. I can see the difference it makes to their lives.”

Chris says, ”At the Brogue Trader we understand that, for a true Gentlemen, well-fitting, long-lasting shoes makes a real statement. It’s like a mark of refinement and a statement of personal pride in one’s appearance. A handmade pair of quality shoes goes beyond mere apparel, they are the creation of a master craftsman, expressing the social standing of the wearer whilst simultaneously providing the delicate structure of the feet with optimum support and protection from the stresses and strains of everyday life.”

One of the great British brands Chris stocks is Joseph Cheaney and Sons. The company has been making traditional English shoes in Northamptonshire,

Their Classic range includes timeless oxfords and brogue shoes, in both black and beautiful, hand burnished brown.

Their Country and Leisure range includes shoes, loafers and boots with a choice of leather and rubber soles. This is the pinnacle of English craftsmanship.

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The UK may not be the manufacturing powerhouse it used to be but we still make shoes of exceptional quality. And yes, you pay a little more, but shoes of this quality (if you look after them) can last a lifetime. And you can’t say that about a lot of products these days.

The Brogue Trader 27a Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF Tel/Fax 0843 9032 296 enquiries@thebroguetrader.com www.thebroguetrader.com

DIESEL POWER

10 YEARS OF CRACKING PRODS Not sure what video can do for your business?

We talk to Dewi Diesel of Cracking Productions in Cardiff. Dewi is a 20 year veteran director and lighting cameraman and Dewi says if you’re business isn’t on the world’s second largest search engine, YouTube, you’re missing a trick.

Dewi may have a point. YouTube is the world’s second largest search engine after Google. It’s also owned

by Google so it makes sense that if your business is on YouTube, it’s going to be higher up the search engine rankings and more easily found by Google. We talk to Dewi to find out more about his career and his company, Cracking Productions.

What services do you offer?

We offer a full video production service for all our clients. For our broadcast clients we usually add to their team by offering our specific skills of camerawork, directing or editing.

Who are your customers?

The majority of our non-broadcast commercial customers are businesses wishing to communicate what they do or market their product or services.

Our non-commercial customers (government, charities, and educational organisations) want to communicate usually on a more specific project or to offer training or professional development. All want to show people visually what they do or how to do it, rather than just tell them.

What training have you had? Do you have any formal qualifications?

After a stint working at an aerodrome with the Ministry of Defence straight out of school, they decided I should do a degree in electronics and got me a place at Bangor with just three days’ notice. More education was not really my goal at the time. I was more about getting enough money to buy a Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico!

However, to my surprise, I loved the course and ended up getting a job as a VT engineer with S4C in Cardiff. There I discovered the wonderful world of creative video-editing and I pursued this career, adding live TV studio directing to my skillset. I moved to London and freelance edited around Soho for years (no, not those videos) - everything from Who Wants to be a Millionaire, to Panorama, to Des O’Connor - he hated anyone editing in a profile shot of him so I always avoided those and ended up doing three series... and driving a TVR, result!

I then went to ‘help out’ a friend for three weeks on The Pepsi Chart for one of the world’s biggest production

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companies, Endemol, and ended up as Head of International Production for that series setting up thirteen local productions internationally.

Wary of rearing kids that might end up sounding like Danny Dyer in Eastenders, we moved back to Cardiff at the birth of our first child and set up Cracking Productions. Our daughter now sounds more like someone from Pobol Y Cwm thankfully!

What equipment do you use?

Big broadcast cameras, that sit perfectly on your shoulder, are my first love.

They draw equally on technical and creative skills and are so quick, practical and ergonomic to operate - we never miss the shot! Their image is not the most cinematic though so we also have the current zeitgeist camera of a Canon C300 which offers extensive depth of focus control to achieve beautifully composed images. Either camera can sit on a £5k super smooth German made tripod. Editing is accomplished on our Avid Symphony 7 suite with a host of extra bells and whistles. We don’t have fancy offices or furniture – our investment is in the very best tools.

How has technology changed since you started out?

It’s changed remarkably over the years and, thankfully, made video production more accessible to all. Just ten years ago you’d have needed a £50k camera and a £50k edit suite with three tape machines costing over £100k. Now you can do all of that, in HD for around £40k. It’s liberating, and has made video communication accessible for even the smallest SME. Decent professional kit still costs money, though our radio mic kit cost £3k but hasn’t crackled or popped once in four years!

What has been your favourite project to-date?

Working on such varied material it’s difficult to pick a favourite project as they are all enjoyable, in such different ways - being at full stretch interviewing leading world scientists on complex subjects that affect peoples’ lives is immensely satisfying, as is planning and managing a ten person team for a multi-camera, live political interview. I think the showbiz career highlight was interviewing Whitney Houston in New York. The first person I ever interviewed too – how the script in my hands shook!

What type of projects do you enjoy working on?

I am a DIY fan so getting to know the people and following build projects for Channel 4’s The Restoration Man is really enjoyable. But, to be honest, getting to know a business or organisation and then generating an approach for them that will improve their business, or communication, is always very satisfying.

What are the benefits to a business of using video?

It can be a very succinct way of communicating. It can engage the viewer and bring subjects to life. And, if you make an emotional connection with the viewer in any video, you can really hit the bull’s eye. There are stats stating that people remember 30% of what they hear 40% of what they see but when you combine them they remember 70%. I think, bearing that in mind, especially in these days of inbox overload and people being time poor, it’s important to any business evaluating a communication strategy that your message is retained. There can be key social media and SEO benefits too.

Perks for the crew!

What geographical areas do you cover?

In the last few months we have filmed DJ’s in Barcelona and Ibiza, Newquay Cornwall airport from a helicopter, DJ’s in Liverpool and Birmingham, a three day science conference in York, schools ‘best practice’ in Carmarthen, Mold and Penygroes, as well as spending three days in Edinburgh filming a documentary about the Gododdin tribe and then a photoshoot with Amanda Holden.

I’ve been directing live multicamera events at the Hay Festival and I also edited the Welsh language version of the Labour Party Political Broadcast in London and then got a call from Ricky Tomlinson to online edit his Welsh version of the Socialist Labour PPB on the way home – a rather odd coincidence!

I get to meet and work with some amazing people from inspiring millionaires like Kevin Green, to primetime celebs and pop stars, through to kids that may sadly not have long to live. The variety is absolutely immense - and I sometimes get to do some real good too so the answer, honestly, is nothing.

I think, for every one of us running a business, it is important to be true to yourself and accept that others, or convention, may not always be right about everything - especially if it goes against your gut feeling. I am totally hands on. I have succinct one hour meetings with clients and the rest of the time I am making, creating and doing. And I still learn something new every single day. I love it.

What advice would you give to yourself starting out?

I always worried that I was interested in too many areas of TV - after all, I was meant, initially, to be pigeon-holed as an ‘engineer’ but I loved editing (and could build an edit suite too!).

And that’s how it continued - eclectic and varied, with many fingers in many pies. Luckily for me, that’s also how the industry panned out too multiskilling is now an absolute prerequisite for many roles. I was a ‘Shooting Director’ before the term was even coined, so I feel I stole a march whatever you are doing, learn it inside out - and then do the same with the next thing.

If you could, what would you change about your job?

I feel very lucky to be doing what I do and to be my own geek. I decide exactly what kit that we need to do a great job.

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Cracking Productions 5 Bishops Road, Whitchurch Cardiff CF14 1LT 029 2131 0131 info@crackingproductions.com www.crackingproductions.com

Close your eyes, and imagine Edna Mode, the avant-garde fashion designer and super suits seamstress in Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles saying, “Patio doors are so last season darling!”

And she’d be right, because the only doors any self-respecting conservatory or orangery designer is going to be using these days are bi-folds.

“What’s so great about bi-folds?”

I hear you ask, and, if you have to ask, please leave the room now, you clearly have no taste. Quite simply a set of bi-fold doors can change your life. How do I know this? Because I have been converted.

The first thing I love about bi-folds is the increase in light. Closed or open they increase light into a room significantly. In summer, the effect created by opening the doors completely is truly stunning. If you’re lucky enough to have a decent garden, it will be like having a twenty foot plasma television and watching the world’s best nature programme. The relationship created between the outside and inside is life changing (and I’m really not exaggerating). In winter, the significant increase in light is most welcome. I do suffer a little with SAD Syndrome in winter months, and the increase in ambient light has had a noticeably positive effect on my mood.

The next thing to consider is material. If you’re even thinking about mentioning uPVC, don’t. The material of choice here is aluminium which has two excellent properties: it’s light and it’s strong (remember you’re going to have to slide those lovely doors open and you don’t want to be breaking in to an unattractive sweat while showing off.)

The other great thing about aluminium is that it can be coloured. If you’re Katie Price, you might choose pink but, by far, the most popular colours are white, charcoal and black.

The next question is who do you entrust with the project? There are plenty of companies out there in South Wales but you’ll want to speak to someone who actually manufactures bi-fold doors. Alexander James, a family owned Welsh company, have been designing, manufacturing and installing bi-fold doors for over ten years. The company has many satisfied customers across south Wales and along the M4 corridor (they also do a lot of work in London).

Andy Farmer lives in Barry and is Sales Director at Alexander James. He prides himself on being an expert on bi-folds.

“We manufacture all our bi-fold frames and doors in-house. We only use higrade aluminium and all our frames and doors come with a guarantee,” he says, “The technology has moved forward in recent years. Doors are stronger, lighter and the colour palette available is almost unlimited. You can have tinted glass and even blinds set within the double glazing. It’s a revolutionary product.”

Cost is always a factor in any home improvement but Andy is confident that Alexander James are extremely competitive. “Yes price is important,” Andy says, “but you have to ensure that corners aren’t cut when it comes to security and safety. We’re confident our bi-fold doors are competitively priced but we won’t compromise on quality of materials or any part of the manufacturing process. We value our reputation more.”

So if your patio doors are a little tired and you’d like to let a little more light into your life, perhaps reading this will be an eye-opener. I can, with all honesty, say that installing bi-fold doors has changed my life. And, as Edna from The Incredibles might say, “It will be bold. Dramatic! Heroic!”

“In summer, the effect created by opening the doors completely is truly stunning.”

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THE Alexander James Beautiful Bespoke Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors Unit 3A Ashmount Business Park Upper Forest Way Swansea SA6 8QR 01792 794 549 Like on Facebook, follow on Twitter www.alexanderjamesbifold.co.uk

LIGHT FANTASTIC

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If you’re in business and you want to get your message out to thousands of potential customers, perhaps you really should be at one of Wales’ biggest business events. Yes, we’re talking about the Introbiz Business Show at Cardiff City House of Sport on 25th September.

INTROBIZ EXPO 2014

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We chat to exhibition organisers Paul and Tracey Smolinski to find out what’s in store for us in this year’s Introbiz Exhibition.

The show is now in its third year.

How many attended last year?

We were delighted to have over a thousand visitors through the doors.

What types of businesses were there?

We had over 130 companies exhibit: from banking, car dealerships, web and graphic designers, accountants, solicitors, venues, jewellers and the Welsh FA. From small owner-managed businesses to blue-chip corporate companies.

Are there spaces available?

No I m afraid, we’re sold out but you can attend free as a visitor.

Where’s the event being held?

Cardiff City FC House of Sport, Cardiff - next to Cardiff City Football Club’s stadium.

What companies will be there?

With over 200 to visit, we are delighted to announce that Google will be there, Barclays Bank, Cardiff City FC, The Vale Hotel, Cardiff Council, PA Promotions, Queen B Boutique, Sinclair Dealership, Lexus and Toyota, The Word, plus many more.

“Were delighted to announce that Wales Football Manager Chris Coleman will be attending the exhibition at the Welsh FA stand and the celebrity VIP after party.”

Will there be an after event?

Yes, at Cardiff’s top restaurant Maddison DC, 8pm til late with only 500 tickets going on sale. VIP ticket prices are £100 for a black tie charity event for FA Wales Level Playing Field and Cardiff City FC Community Foundation.

Who are this year’s sponsors?

We’re delighted to have Cardiff City FC, Sky TV, Enterprise Cars, Genero Productions, Spiros Caterering, Maddisons Cardiff, Creo Interactive, Just Cashflow, Ricoh Wales, Ottimo Digital, Mr Producer, Capital FM Radio, Cardiff Devils, Millfield Capital, Horizon Digital and Good Life Publishing.

Is there still time to sponsor the event?

Yes, we’re always open to building new relationships.

“It’s the biggest show in Wales, with many brands that are not normally seen at a business show.”

If I’m not exhibiting, why should I attend?

This is going to be Wales’ biggest business exhibition seen in Cardiff ever – the biggest brands in the UK will be on show. This will be a great networking opportunity to meet new potential clients and build business partnerships.

What can we expect at the exhibition?

There will be 7 top entrepreneur speakers; over 200 exhibitors in a 30,000 sq ft venue; 14 free seminars and workshops; free speed networking sessions; 10,000 sq ft networking hub; 1000’s of free prizes to be won and 2,500 free car parking spaces.

What makes this exhibition different?

It’s the biggest show in Wales with many brands that are not normally seen at a business show. We will inspire and motivate with fantastic keynote speakers with some of the UK s successful entrepreneurs, we will connect and introduce many people to new people and it s the biggest day for new business connections in Wales.

Who are your keynote speakers?

Kevin Green, Daniel Priestley, Darshana Ubl, Tracey Smolinski, Iestyn Davies Shed Simove and Thomas Power. The exhibition and VIP afterparty will be compered by Stifyn Parri.

Introbiz Expo 2014 25th September 2014 Parking The parking is free at Cardiff City Stadium for 2,500 spaces.

Free entry Free entry from 10am to 5pm.

Introbiz (UK) Ltd 07581 564371 or 029 2029 1002 www.introbiz.co.uk Follow @paulintrobiz @introbiz @WalesNo1BizShow @CardiffBizShow #introbizshow Book your free tickets today on www.introbiz.co.uk business show page

Networking breakfast sponsored

by Just Cashflow Join us at Wales’ largest networking breakfast event with all the exhibitors, sponsors and entrepreneurs.

8am to 10am £12 per person to include buffet breakfast with teas and coffees.

To book via Eventbrite.

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CREATIVE ENGINEERING Bottle fed on code, Corey Hearne is part of a new breed of web developers - a generation that has been brought up on HTML, Wordpress and SEO. Corey thinks differently and, as his clients are ďŹ nding out, he knows a thing or two about website design.

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enjoy working with people who are passionate about their business or service. We’ve built up a varied client base and with that an exciting portfolio. From recruitment agencies and local hairdressers to physiotherapy clinics and even a local builder - we’re really trying to reach out into as many sectors as possible. It’s really about people - if we like you, we’ll work with you.

Why is the company called Cog? There’s a few of us involved in the business and when we were deciding about branding, we had a brainstorm about the company name. We batted a few names around and we whittled it down to three possible options. We each then drew a possible logo to go with the names and Cog eventually came out on top. That’s also how we came up with the logo. It’s simple, we’re part of the machine - the client’s machine. We work better together.

Describe what you do/offer…

We’re a full service digital design agency. We try to offer businesses, or individuals, the complete package when it comes to any branding, web design or social media. It can become quite a mess when you’ve got one company doing one job and another doing something else. We keep everything in-house and that really helps us promote a brand in a coordinated and coherent way.

Are you formally trained?

My background is website development and there’s no formal qualification for that. Anybody can get into developing websites, you just need to be a little bit crazy because there’s a lot of code involved! Our Creative Director has over 30 years of experience working at some of the world’s best design and advertising agencies. We know what we’re doing. We’re no mugs.

be a lot more work involved when developing an eCommerce website but the companies who we have worked with so far have had fresh ideas about how to market their products and that’s really satisfying.

Describe your approach to business?

Just be open and honest. Whether it’s when you’re having a quick chat with someone you’re working with or giving a presentation to a potential new client. We’ve found the types of clients who we enjoy working with are those who are open and honest too and that helps us build trust with them. I think we have the right approach – people seem to like it.

What mistakes do people/businesses commonly make with their websites?

We’ve seen websites where the company hasn’t put any of their contact information, where links for news articles are broken and text that’s so small it can’t read. The worst website mistake a business can make is not having a responsive site that’s compatible on all mobile devices.

With 1.2 billion people across the world accessing the web through their phones, it’s a no brainer for a website to be mobile and tablet friendly.

Why would a business come to you?

We’re always open and honest about the whole process. No design speak, no fluff, no nonsense – we believe our approach is a refreshing change to the ‘usual’.

What other services do you offer?

We predominately offer branding, graphics and website creation.

We also offer SEO (search engine optimisation) and content management for websites and social media.

We’re also branching out into app development, with the way people are using mobile technology, it only seems right for businesses to offer a mobile application.

Do you offer eCommerce?

Yes certainly! With businesses looking to offer their services through the web with minimal fuss and online stores popping up ten to the dozen, it would be silly for us not to! There tends to

Are you busy? What kinds of businesses are you working with?

Cog started properly at the beginning of this year and we’re getting busier.

We’re always looking to take on exciting new projects and really 39

Are you expensive?

Good branding or a great website doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We have clients who have literally junked their old websites after talking to us. Why spend money trying to fix something that’s so awful when, for a third of the cost, you can have a brand new one?

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in business?

Try to get as much help as possible from those who have experienced starting their own business.

Are you happy working for yourself?

What do you like about it?

Yes, definitely! There’s something extremely satisfying about running your business. It’s not for everyone.

You have to be driven. Waking up every morning knowing that you are your own boss is pretty cool.

What have you learned so far in business?

When running your own business always take time to work ‘on’ it and not just ‘in’ it.

Sum yourself up in three words…

Honest. Determined. Jokester.

Cog Creative Cardiff London Sydney (hopefully) corey@cogcreative.co.uk www.cogcreative.co.uk

BBC series Atlantis, produced in Wales

TIME FOR CHANGE 40

If Welsh businesses are going to take on the world through export or by encouraging inward investment, they’ll need good government to have their backs. As we emerge from the meltdown of the recession perhaps we need to take a focussed approach.

The Welsh winners of the 2014 Queen’s Award for international trade are a good example with some reporting increased sales of between 332% and 495% over the last three years – quite an impressive figure.

What’s the Welsh Government’s strategy for the next five years?

The Welsh Government is committed to supporting business growth in order to create jobs, spread wealth and grow the Welsh economy. We do this in a number of ways – by providing business advice, supporting business start ups, offering funding opportunities to stimulate growth, encouraging collaboration between industry and academia, helping companies to trade internationally, providing property solutions for businesses and supporting R&D investment.

We have also created Enterprise Zones across Wales to support business growth; we are supporting the development of City Regions while also finding solutions for the rural areas of Wales through initiatives like the Powys Local Growth Zone. Meanwhile we continue to invest heavily in our infrastructure, in our roads and rail and Cardiff International Airport.

expand or invest in new equipment or machinery have found it extremely difficult to access finance to fund that growth. This is why the Welsh Government launched the Economic Growth Fund. It has provided grants to enable businesses to invest, to remain competitive, to increase efficiencies and take advantage of market opportunities as they arise.

Where do you think the opportunities are?

International trade offers great opportunities for businesses of all sizes which is why the Welsh Government offers a very comprehensive package of support to help companies access new markets overseas. We have an extensive programme of international trade missions for Welsh businesses and can provide in-market advice and support.

Trading internationally can open doors into new markets and new opportunities.

Where do you see the opportunities for Wales?

We have identified key industry sectors with high growth potential where we are prioritising our support.

Independent sector panels have advised on developing strategies for the individual sectors to maximise growth opportunities which in turn will create jobs.

Should Wales be ‘thinking big’?

We are thinking big and achieving results. For example we have ambitious growth plans for the financial and professional services sector which has its own dedicated enterprise zone in Cardiff where Welsh Government investment is stimulating private sector investment.

Wales is doing incredibly well in attracting investment in high end film and TV productions. Da Vinci’s Demons is now filming its third series; Hinterland which is filmed in mid Wales is another huge international success, as is Atlantis. Meanwhile Pinewood Studios is creating a world-class new studio – Pinewood Studio Wales – in Cardiff. All of these have been supported by the Welsh Government.

The Life Sciences sector is another example of where we are thinking big.

The £100million Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund is bringing world class companies to Wales while the Ser Cymru project is attracting some of the world’s most renowned scientists to work in Wales.

Edwina Hart AM CStJ MBE Minister for Economy, Science and Transport Economy Minister Edwina Hart with Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive Officer, Pinewood Shepperton plc visit the facility that will be home to Pinewood Studio Wales

What do you think that businesses could be doing better?

The Welsh Government can only create an environment that is conducive for business growth and support companies take forward opportunities they have identified. Businesses of all sizes have had to face extremely difficult trading conditions over the past few years and those that want to 41

Every successful business is reliant on having the right people and the right tools for the job.

We chat to Emma del Torto, HR and Business Support Expert, on why we need to hire the right people for the job.

OUTSOURCING APPROPRIATELY WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY It may sound like common sense but, as Emma can testify with a really simple home hair dye analogy, even the brightest of people can make mistakes. We’ll let Emma clarify.

Between the ages of 15 and 17 (so, assume no money and not much sense) I dyed my hair a vivid array of colours in an attempt to achieve the perfect blonde. I learned that applying brown henna over already Sun-Inned tresses can achieve a rather natty shade of green.

When I bought my first property, aged 25, and heavily under the very dangerous influence of Laurence Llewellyn Bowen (so, assume not much money and possibly even less sense), I did some serious DIY decorative damage in my Cardiff Bay flat. Painting the bathroom tiles with tile paint and then dark lilac, with gold stencilled cupids that somehow looked better when Laurence did it. Quelle surprise.

Over the years of home ownership, I have had the good sense to know that any building, electrical or plumbing works are best left to the experts. After all, if done incorrectly it could result in serious injury or worse. I learned the value of calling in the experts and not attempting to be a cowgirl (or boy) builder myself.

It took me a little while to realise that this knowledge, gained in the domestic arena, can be transferred to tackling tasks in business. I say it took me a while because I started by trying to do most things myself; branding, website design and marketing were all outsourced from the beginning.

However, in the first year of trading I did the finances myself. I was late filing my first three VAT returns (HMRC forgave me, bless them). My first year end invoice from my accountants reflected the time they had to spend correcting my numerous accounting errors. I justified this to myself during

that first year because I felt that I could not afford a bookkeeper as I was a start-up. In year 2 we outsourced a little bit of the bookkeeping and the data entry. In year 3 we outsourced all the invoicing and accounts. Gross turnover for year 3 was four times that of year 1, but my accountant’s invoice was 50% less. Finally, the business finances were maintained by someone who actually knew what they were doing and we saved money. Obviously it also saved a significant amount of my time. I had removed the cowgirl accountant (with the green hair) from the business.

I met with a prospective new business client in Cardiff recently. We discussed their resourcing problems.

It is a seasonal business and basically Christmas, and the run up to it, is their busiest period. They are a pretty traditional family business (as so many of our clients are) and they wanted to keep everything in-house. They wanted to put videos of their products on their website “but we have not got time because we are so busy”. They wanted to recruit two new people, but they hadn’t “because we are so busy”. I told them my hairdressing and bookkeeping story. I hope they can be persuaded to let us recruit some people for them, whilst they get on with their highly skilled trade.

Once a month I entrust my precious head of hair to Charlotte at Charizma in Pontyclun www.charizmahairdesign. co.uk. Getting my hair coloured by a qualified and experienced professional is not that dissimilar to outsourcing a key function of your business to someone you trust. If I’d known this earlier it would have meant that I could have achieved the perfect colour for my barnet so much earlier in life and I could have saved myself from going through years of teenage ‘Sun-In’ hell. I also might have saved myself some handfuls of hair which I (metaphorically) tore out whilst trying to balance my books and run the VAT return in year one.

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If you think you need extra resourcing in your business, why not ask yourself some important questions first before you make any panic purchases and do any panicked recruitment (or even manage to dye your hair green)?

■ Have you identified the need for more resource in your business?

■ What tasks could be done by others?

■ Put in writing what that role would look like, and what the responsibilities would be ■ What would the cost of outsourcing those tasks look like? Perhaps you should even do an employee vs outsource cost analysis ■ Would recruiting an employee be more cost-effective?

■ Think about getting some help with the recruitment ■ Cast your recruitment net ■ Plan the interview. Plan your questions based on competencies as well as ‘fit’ ■ When you offer the job to a candidate give them an employment contract to clearly set out terms ■ Never forget that recruitment is the beginning of the relationship - so getting it right from the beginning is really vital.

Emma del Torto is the Managing Director of Effective HRM, a business that specialises in providing businesses with outsourced HR & Business Support. www.effective-hrm.co.uk 029 2009 0500

Ajuda provides companies with affordable health and safety courses such as first aid training, manual handling, food hygiene, fire safety and many more related courses throughout Wales and the rest of the UK. We spoke to business owner, Dawn Evans to find out more.

AJUDA

Why did you set up Ajuda?

About eight years ago, my daughter choked on a sweet whilst we were at a local playgroup. Luckily, I was trained in first aid and applied the choking protocol that I had learnt during my training. However, most of the other mums that day approached me and said that if it was their child that was choking, they wouldn’t know what to do, so I offered to teach them. Then I was asked to teach local nurseries, colleges, schools and then the training not only expanded into local business and local authorities but the subjects that I offered grew too.

Why the name Ajuda?

Ajuda is Spanish (Catalan for “help”) that is what Ajuda is about. We help people to save lives. I want one word that described what I was trying to achieve and out popped Ajuda!

How long has the company been established?

I set up as a freelance trainer in 2006, and formed Ajuda as a Limited company in 2009.

How many people do you employ?

There are four of us in the office (contracted) in addition to this I employ around thirty freelance professional trainers.

What does Ajuda offer?

Ajuda offers a full range of Health and Safety related courses. These can all be found at www.ajuda.org.uk Who are your customers?

We work with anyone who requires first aid/health and safety training either for their families or workplace.

Our customers range from parents wanting to learn skills, to large corporate blue chip companies. Our clients include local authorities, a number of charities, SME’s, community

groups, care homes, schools, and sport clubs - a very diverse client base.

What geographical areas do you cover?

We started in Wales, but now cover the whole of the UK. We have one international client, and recently had a few enquiries from the Middle East.

How has the business developed?

I started offering first aid training eight years ago. Now, Ajuda offers fifty different health and safety related subjects, with our exam papers offered in fourteen different languages. We have bilingual tutors, so can offer first aid and food hygiene courses through the medium of welsh.

Training raises awareness and prevents accidents both in the workplace and home life. I would like to continue to grow the brand throughout the UK, but mainly I have a passion for helping others and plan to grown Ajuda Cadets, a social enterprise that I set up earlier this year. My vision is to get first aid training compulsory in schools as I strongly believe that first aid training should be part of the national curriculum, and equip children with the skills that can really save lives.

I am in a position where I am able to help others. Last year Ajuda teamed up with Cardiff Met University to offer work placements to their students, and we’ve done this again this year. We have also worked closely with local charities such as Ty Hafan, Shaw Trust, The Princes Trust and Cancer Research UK. In 2012 we were awarded our Investors in People award which was a great achievement for me and my team. In 2013 we won the Welsh business Awards, and most recently won the IWA Inspire Wales Award, (Educator category).

Where do you see the company in five years’ time?

I want people to recognise the brand ‘Ajuda’ and relate it to good quality, customer focused training. I would like to ensure that the educational needs of both companies and individuals are met through gaining good quality training. We currently work with five awarding bodies. I plan to open an additional three training centres in Wales and expand the range of training courses that we currently offer.

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Ajuda Head Office Ajuda Training Academy 15 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5DP 02920 576883 Regional Office Bryn Banad School Room Ruthin LL15 2RD 07854 278767 info@ajuda.org.uk www.ajuda.org.uk

ALDERMORE - A DIFFERENT WAY OF THINKING Aldermore is a British bank providing awardwinning savings, mortgages and commercial finance to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), homeowners and savers. Aldermore opened its doors for business in the midst of the credit crisis in 2009. They wanted to create a forward looking bank that does things differently.

We chat to Chris Meldrum, Regional Sales Director, South West and Wales to find out more.

What’s your role within the company?

I am the Regional Director working with the team to get cash flowing for SMEs across the region. As a relatively new bank a considerable part of that is working with the professional community to share with them our journey and proposition.

Through working closely with both SMEs and their advisors we have been able to build our presence within the region.

What did you do before you joined Aldermore?

I was the Director of Client Relations for RBS Invoice Finance for the South of England and Wales for three years and I was responsible for the teams managing the existing client portfolios across the region. Prior to that I ran the Business Development and Client Relations teams across the South West and South Wales and, additionally, I was also a Business Development Manager.

Why did you join Aldermore?

Aldermore has a great reputation for customer service which is why I thought it would be a good place to work. Additionally, I knew the invoice finance team was a strong one which works with dynamism. There is a genuine desire to constantly challenge the way we do things in order to provide the best possible service.

What products does Aldermore offer?

We offer a multitude of products and services for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), homeowners and savers across the UK, including savings, commercial and residential mortgages, asset finance and invoice finance.

Within invoice finance we provide invoice discounting, factoring and asset based lending for a range of different sectors. We’ve also just created a specialist finance team that will be launching a range of invoice finance products for a broader range of sectors which may have previously struggled to get the funding they need to grow.

Are you part of a larger group?

No. Aldermore is backed by funds advised by AnaCap Financial Partners LLP, a specialist private equity investor in the financial services sector, and other institutional investors.

What makes Aldermore different to the high street banks?

Many people think that banks have simply lost touch with their customers.

Unlike traditional banks we truly understand the customers we service.

We share common ground with many of our invoice finance customers as we have only been established for five years so we very much identify with the challenges that growing businesses are faced with.

We are small enough to listen and react quickly to our customers’ needs, and our own people share the ambitious and entrepreneurial outlook of the businesses that we support.

“We share common ground with many of our invoice finance customers as we have only been established for five years so we very much identify with the challenges that growing businesses are faced with.”

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What are your predictions for the Welsh and UK economy over the next five years?

The economy as a whole is on the up with many SMEs growing as a result of the low interest rate environment we’ve benefitted from over the last five years.

Wales is no different; business is good amongst the SMEs we speak to. Whilst interest rates will inevitably rise over the next five years, bringing with it its own challenges for businesses, we must remember that increased interest rates are a sign of a strengthening economy, benefitting all aspects of business.

Are you able to help a business start?

Yes. We work with early stage businesses through encouraging entrepreneurs to play a big part in supporting the growth of the economy.

We have welcomed an increase in enquiries for funding for new start businesses this year.

“Aldermore prides itself on helping businesses who may struggle to get finance from traditional lenders... we get to know the firms we lend to personally.”

Are you able to help a business that has had problems getting finance?

Aldermore prides itself on helping businesses who may struggle to get finance from traditional lenders. We put great importance on personal relationships, we get to know the firms we lend to personally and pride ourselves on the strong relationships we build. By taking the time to get to know each and every business that comes to us for help we’re able to make well informed and accurate risk assessments.

Who do you lend to predominantly?

Small and medium sized businesses but not exclusively. We will try to help any company that comes to us for help, small, medium or large. www.aldermore.co.uk @AldermoreBank www.facebook.com/AldermoreBank

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Black Sheep specialise in loft conversions and building solutions. We met Head of Construction, Keith Davies, at St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay to find out why this particular building business wants to stand out from the crowd.

BLACK SHEEP

a job is started and left untouched for weeks on end, or where emails or calls are left unanswered for days on end.

We take pride in our work.

We’re confident that the small details will add up to a big difference – whether it is cleaning up at the end of every day, to decorating your loft conversion so that all you need to choose are is the furniture/fixtures; you will be surprised at how many quotations do not include this.

How’s the building business?

Spring and summer is traditionally busy.

The expense of Christmas is, hopefully, in the past and, with the weather turning, people are generally more optimistic - so work on larger projects such as a loft conversion, extension or remodelling is beginning. With drier weather on the way, we are also finding that our carpentry skills are in demand for external projects like decking.

Why did you call yourselves Black Sheep?

Well, we’re not the black sheep of our families but, when we created the brand, we did want an a-typical identity for a building company and one that showcases our Welsh roots.

We also hope that Black Sheep makes people pause for thought and consider what their expectations are from a building company.

What inspired you to create the Black Sheep brand?

A good tradesperson is hard to find.

We have brought together a workforce, with decades of experience to create a building company that, we believe, is second to none. We wanted to make the process of finding a good builder easier. It’s all come about because, as professionals, we have the same problems as private customers when they’re looking for good trades-people so we decided to do it ourselves.

How did Black Sheep come about?

We created the Black Sheep pen through personal experiences with certain unreliable builders. When we eventually found Keith, our Head of Construction, we immediately noticed the difference the simple things made to our customer experience – regular and clear communication, confidence to test our expressions of what we wanted and to suggest changes where the end product would benefit from them, and of course we noted the quality of an end product that was on time and on budget.

Vale Life readers will see our vans around the Vale and, if they do, please pop in to our sites to see the quality and type of work that we are undertaking.

How do you retain good trades-people?

By looking after them. We treat our workforce better. We pay them more.

We look after them. That way you hold on to good people – they want to work for us and they work better because of that. Our workforce have worked in London and internationally. They are among the very best in the industry.

We felt that we could bring corporate values and experience to the business to take it to the next level; and leave Keith to do what he is best at in delivering an end product that customers are delighted with. And so the Black Sheep pen was born.

What makes Black Sheep different?

We apply a customer focussed experience to what is a traditionally ‘hit and miss’ relationship - we have all had experiences where builders do not turn up when they are expected to, or where 46

The directors, and driving force, behind Black Sheep have experience working for in the corporate sector which means we bring that management style to our projects. Black Sheep have put together a highly experienced team who have bought into the corporate culture.

Our ethos is Quality: Reliable: Design: We aim not only to meet, but to exceed our customers’ expectations.

What next for Black Sheep?

We have recently secured the services of Rebecca Lewis-Chapman, our Retained Architect to ensure that we can provide an end-to-end design to construction service. We are delighted to be exploring new opportunities with the support of Rebecca and her team.

We are always looking to broaden and deepen our pool of talent and would love to hear from skilled trades-people within South Wales - or complimentary businesses such as architects and surveyors. The economy is certainly beginning to grow and Black Sheep wants to ensure that customers who want to build, renovate or repair their homes have a company on hand that they can depend on.

Black Sheep Loft & Building Solutions Kenilworth House Westgate Street Cardiff CF10 1DJ 0800 689 0067 enquiries@blacksheep-online.co.uk www.blacksheeplbs.co.uk

“Our workforce have worked in London and internationally. They are among the very best in the industry.�

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If you love to travel, and love food (especially Indian), then Sue Tasher of The Pickled Pepper, Penarth might just just have what you’re looking for. We chat to Sue to find out more.

THE SPICE OF LIFE How long have you been in business?

I have been in the food business for fourteen years, but I have been selfemployed for 38 years.

Indian chefs over the past ten years, in various locations, and have always been fascinated with the use of fresh spices, where they originated from, and their medicinal properties.

Please give a brief synopsis of your business history…

My business history began in 1975.

I have been involved in various business and companies from wholesale fashion, to a group of fashion retail shops, to publishing, and owning a contemporary art gallery including a bistro. I worked for the Welsh Assembly and I have also been involved with many food festivals.

When did you open The Pickled Pepper, Penarth?

I opened the Pickled Pepper Penarth in association with multi-award winning Chef Anand George on 16th December 2013. I worked alongside Chef George many years ago when we ran master classes together.

Where did your passion for food come from?

I have always been very passionate about food, especially Italian and Indian. I learnt to cook Italian cuisine in Italy and worked with the head of catering at Florence University. I have worked alongside many first class

Meeting Anand introduced me to a whole new culinary experience and a new level of Indian nouvelle cuisine.

Chef Anand hails from Kerala, which has reinforced my love of Keralan cuisine and especially the freshness of the spices, fish and techniques which I have not been able to find anywhere but Kerala - that is until now. I was impressed that Anand could bring this fantastic authentic taste to Cardiff.

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I have lived in Penarth my whole life and often visited Anand’s award winning Purple Poppadom restaurant in Cardiff so I was keen to offer this type of special cuisine to the residents of Penarth. I knew it would be a wellreceived, so I approached Anand and Pickled Pepper was born.

How is business?

Business has grown rapidly, and the demand is so high, that we now deliver from Penarth to a radius of 10 miles. We have a great following and good news travels fast so now we’re delivering to Barry, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

We have a great following on Twitter and on our Facebook page. We have an easy to use online ordering site at www.pickledpepperpenarth.com and most of our customers now use that to order.

Are you the sole owner?

My husband Peter is my business partner and is an integral part of the company, often sourcing our fresh products, serving customers, delivering and managing the business with me.

I don’t know how I would manage without him.

What is Kerala Connections and how did this come about?

I have been travelling to Kerala for the past ten years, and have tasted some of the finest spices, herbs, fish and rice all an integral part of Kerala’s cuisine.

I wanted other people to share my experiences, and what better way than to personally accompany people on a culinary tour.

I approached a tour company based in Kent, Kerala Connections, that have been taking people to Kerala for many years. They are a well-established and trusted tour company (ABTA and ATOL bonded) and although they have worked with hundreds of guests, helping them to make the journey to Kerala they did not offer specific group tours.

Kerala is still a reasonably unknown area of India based in the South known as ‘God’s own country’ and if you travel there you’ll see that it lives up to its reputation! It is so beautiful, has wonderful landscapes, and is very diverse, from the backwaters of Kumarakom with the coconut plantations, to the hill stations and tea plantations of Munnar, right down to the Arabian Sea. It has it all, and I show my guests every aspect of this beautiful and safe part of India.

This is a 14 night 15 day culinary holiday, but as well as the cookery angle we have some great experiences there is the opportunity to explore and visit elephant orphanages, ride and bathe elephants, tour the tiger reserve in Thekkady, jungle walks with Naturalists, visit the tea museums, visit the spice gardens featured on the Monty Don special ‘Around The World In 80 Gardens’. This really is a trip of a life time.

I only take two tours per year, with a minimum of four to a maximum of twelve guests, departing twice yearly, in March and October just after the monsoons, when the waterfalls in the hills are beautiful and the scenery is lusciously green. We can book flights travelling from Heathrow via Dubai with Emirates Airlines. I even accompany my guests on the outbound and inbound flights.

The Pickled Pepper 7 Glebe Street, Penarth Vale of Glamorgen CF64 1ED 029 2070 4705 www.pickledpepperpenarth.com purplepoppadom.com 029 2022 0026 Kerala Connections For more information please visit www.keralaconnections.co.uk or email Sue@tasher.co.uk 49

In recent years, corporate hospitality has come a long way and is now an integral part of building business relationships. We may have seen a bit of a dip in spending but now that the economy is on the up, corporate hospitality is back on the agenda. One venue that is seeing a substantial uptake is Fonmon Castle. We chat to Aliki Currimjee, daughter of Sir Brooke Boothby, to find out more.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

Tell us a little bit about the history of Fonmon Castle.

Fonmon Castle, in the Vale of Glamorgan, was originally built in the 12th Century and has since only been owned by two families. My family, who are the current owners, acquired the property in 1656 and it is still our family home today.

The building reflects its long and varied history but has had many alterations over time, the most significant being to the beautiful Georgian interior. With glorious stucco ceilings and gilded fireplaces in the library, and the dramatic double-height galleried Hall.

What type of events do you hold at the Castle?

Despite its historic nature, Fonmon is an adaptable and flexible venue and hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. It is open to the public two days a week as a visitor attraction during the summer and the Castle is also a very popular venue for afternoon group tours and our delicious homemade teas.

Referred to as a ‘hidden gem’, the Castle is perhaps best known as a wedding venue though we also host concerts, parties, charity events, family fun days and even International Polo. Our biggest crowds come from major events held annually in the show field: The Game & Country Fair, the Dog & Family Fun Day in spring, and the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show in August.

We can offer a platform for everything you’ll need (both indoors and outside) - from meetings and small conferences, champagne receptions and fine dining to activity team building days in the extensive gardens or on the show field.

Fonmon can also be a unique venue for product launches and exhibitions with plenty of space to add marquees for larger events.

What does the Castle offer Corporate and business clients?

Fonmon Castle’s magnificent setting, excellent catering and first class service combine to create an inspiring location for any corporate event.

Tell us about your Corporate Showcase in October?

Fonmon Castle is delighted to announce our launch into the corporate market and to invite businesses to attend a special showcase on Tuesday 7th October 2014.

We welcome all interested parties to come and visit the Castle and experience all Fonmon can offer businesses. There’ll be an opportunity to meet the events team for coffee and enjoy a homemade brownie. Visitors will be able to enjoy a short tour of the historic building to see how we can help you with your event requirements and finally taste some delicious canapés from our catering partners with a glass of Prosecco.

Fonmon is the perfect place to bring your team or your customers, whether to encourage creative thinking, brainstorming or celebrate success.

We’re just 25 minutes from Cardiff and the M4and we only offer exclusive use, so no matter the size of your group, or the style of your event, your visitors will feel completely at home for the day in luxurious surroundings. The Castle is set on a beautiful private estate with ample parking spaces available.

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All you need to do is RSVP at: www.fonmoncastle.com/corporate/ showcase by Monday 29th September.

Is Fonmon Castle available for hire at Christmas?

The family celebrates Christmas at the Castle each year so we are not open during the festive week itself, but we are very much available for group bookings in the run up throughout December. With a wide range of bespoke dining options and a suite of stunning spaces, a group Christmas celebration at the Castle promises to be a great one.

Fonmon can cater for parties from 18 to 80 for sit down meals and up to 150 for drinks receptions, we can provide wines and cocktail receptions and, for larger groups, open our fully licensed bar.

With exclusive use of the Castle with every booking, you can take your time and really enjoy the season, a few ideas for a celebration could include: ■ An evening reception of Christmas canapés and mulled wine ■ A sumptuous home cooked, midweek Christmas lunch in the Old Kitchen ■ Dinner and dancing under the spectacular 20 foot tree ■ A luxurious and festive afternoon tea with a roaring open fire.

The team are really happy to work with customers to create any type of Christmas celebration and we will always go the extra mile to make your event really special.

“You guys are great!

I wish every venue was as accommodating as Fonmon Castle.”

Event Organiser, Family Fun Day 2014

Fonmon Castle Fonmon, Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF62 3ZN 01446 710 206 fonmon_castle@msn.com www.fonmoncastle.com Find us on Facebook, follow on Twitter 51

creative engineering

hands up who’s run out of ideas to promote their business?

02

01

WEBSITES Website looking dated?

BRANDING Do you need a new logo?

03

PRINTING Business cards to brochures

04

05

ADVERTISING

MARKETING

We can get you noticed

Profit through promotion

www.cogcreative.co.uk

014 46 711 811 52 10

hello@cogcreative.co.uk

WIN! Win an overnight stay in a luxurious suite courtesy of Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa Cardiff.

Worth over £500.*

To coincide with the major refurbishment of the John Charles suite, the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa Cardiff is offering one lucky reader the chance to win an overnight stay for up to four people, what’s more full welsh breakfast and dinner in their stylish restaurant is also included.

Nestled on the 15th floor of the four-star city centre hotel, The John Charles Suite wouldn’t look out of place in Vegas you’ll feel like a king or queen as you relax in the sumptuous space! The suite boasts two large en-suite bedrooms, open plan living and dining space, a private kitchen area and unparalleled panoramic views of the city.

Renowned as one of the city’s leading hotel’s, the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa Cardiff offers 165 bedrooms, luxury spa facilities and 15 fully equipped meeting and conference rooms, including the recently refurbished Calon, the largest meeting and event facility in the city. The modern hotel offers a range of flexible accommodation, meeting, events and conference packages and this Christmas they’ll be back with their popular party nights. The theme for 2014 is Mistletoe and Masquarade, Christmas party packages start from £25pp.

Entering is easy. Just answer the question below and either email your entry to mark@inbusinessmag.co.uk or post to our address at the front of the magazine.

* Subject to availability.

Valid from November 2014 – February 2015.

Q

What is the theme for the 2014 Christmas party?

Answer

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email If you do not wish to receive details of special offers from Good Life Publishing please, tick here.

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If you’re in business there are two types of customer. You’re either B2B, which means you’re selling primarily to business people, or you’re B2C, which means selling to consumers.

But how do you connect with potential customers? Social Media?

Direct Marketing? Advertising?

What works?

SELL! SELL! T H E VA L E O F G L A M O RG A N

Vale Life magazine The Vogue of The Vale

Vale Life is distributed right across Wales’ most southerly county including Barry, Cowbridge, Penarth, Porthcawl, Talbot Green, Pontyclun, Llantrisant and many of the Vale’s smaller villages.

VALE LIFE SUMMER 2011

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I N D E P E N D E N T

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Vale Life has a new responsive website www.valelifemag.com

“We’re a Welsh family-run publisher. At least 95% of our revenue is reinvested in the Welsh economy and we’re passionate about the shop-local ethos.”

SUMMER TREATS LLANTWIT’S MAJOR INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE SPA STRUCK, LIGHT HOUSES AND CURVACEOUS CREATIONS

RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

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Over 9,000

After creating Superman inspired jewellery and an unbreakable wedding ring for Laurence Fishburne, Cardiff jewellery designer Neil Rayment really is flying high.

STAR STRUCK Neil designed and made your wedding rings. That’s a high pressure assignment - how was he to work with?

He was terrific. The basic design was worked out between Neil and my wife.

We’re delighted with the result.

What better way to commemorate the cinematic release of Man Of Steel than with a stunning jewellery creation inspired by Superman himself? As a fan of the superhero and friend of the film’s star Laurence Fishburne, award-winning goldsmith Neil Rayment wanted to create an out of the ordinary tribute in the shape of Kal-El’s Crystal - an homage to Superman’s birthplace, a timeless classic, expertly crafted in platinum and diamonds.

“I was looking for something spectacular, I’m a huge fan of Superman and the franchise featured heavily in my childhood,” says Neil, owner and artistic director at Advanced Jewel Craft. “What better place to seek inspiration than the birth place of Superman?”

Advanced Jewel Craft attracts clientele as sparkling as its bespoke pieces. The iconic brand has slowly blossomed since its inception in 2004 and is now a firm favourite amongst A-listers from LA to Abu Dhabi. Oscar-nominated actor Laurence Fishburne is one of Neil’s most prestigious clients. The pair met when Neil briefly switched jewellerymaking for acting and appeared alongside him in The Matrix sequels.

Neil was honoured to be tasked with designing and creating Laurence and his wife Gina Torres’ wedding rings.

VA L E L I F E I N T E RVI E W

One of Hollywood’s real diamonds Laurence kindly took time out of his busy schedule to explain more about his experience of working with Neil.

How did your friendship with Neil come about?

We worked on The Matrix sequels together. We became friends on set and then I found out that Neil’s passion was for jewellery design.

Have you kept in touch? Have you been over to Wales to visit him?

Yes we’ve kept up with each other but still have not made it to Wales I’m sorry to say. I’ve heard that it’s a very beautiful country.

W E B S I T E S TAT I S T I C S Unique visitors

10,687 Unique page views

13,952

Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the design?

Gina wanted something that would be unbreakable for me. I’m a would-be drummer, so I’m always beating things to hell. The platinum band and three diamonds are all a reflection of my personality and style.

How involved were you in the design process?

I’m very creative but I really felt it was best to trust both Neil and Gina on this one. It was our first custom jewellery experience.

Neil often takes inspiration from films. If you could challenge Neil to design jewellery based on one of your previous films, which would it be?

Probably King Of New York. I think that would be an interesting challenge for Neil but one I’m confident he could rise to.

Created in his Cardiff Bay studio, Advanced Jewel Craft’s pieces are beautiful and exclusive. Neil adopts a personal approach, forging firm relationships with his customers. And while he works with A-list clients, his feet are firmly on the ground. “Jewellery is something that needs personal attention,” Neil says. “You can get entangled in the glamour, the parties, the shows, but the most rewarding thing is to see someone wearing one of my pieces and the pleasure it brings.”

Advanced Jewel Craft 103 Bute Street, Cardiff CF10 5AD 029 2132 8114 www.advancedjc.com

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Vale Life reaches my target audience.

I rarely advertise in any other publication these days.

Russell Scott-Lawson Owner, Hawkes

If you’d like to target aspirational consumers across South Wales and West Wales, perhaps it’s time to consider one of our high quality lifestyle publications.

If your market is business to business across Wales and beyond, then InBusiness magazine might be the right choice for you.

SELL! CARDIFF

City Life magazine Reflecting Cardiff life City Life is the City Of Cardiff’s premier lifestyle magazine.

CITY L IFE P R O U D

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C A R D I F F ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

City Life is distributed right across Wales’ capital city covering Rhiwbina, Whitchurch, Canton, Roath, Llandaff, Radyr, Llanishen, Cyncoed, Pentwyn, Llanederyn, Fairwater, St Mellons, Grangetown, and Cardiff Bay.

“Good Life Publishing provides businesses with an integrated marketing facility that seamlessly combines social media and tried and trusted print advertising.”

LUSH CHIC

FESTIVE MAKEOVERS, BESPOKE JEWELLERY BUMPER SOCIAL LIFE AND OUR ESSENTIAL WEDDING LIST

RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S

MORE ONLINE

CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK

PLUS A RT , M USIC , S TYLE , HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND MORE

After considering various local magazines to market the business in I decided to place an ad in both Vale and City Life to promote our wares, the only thing I can say is ‘WOW’. The response I’ve had from both publications has been staggering, literally staggering and now both publications are a permanent marketing expense within our strategy.

If you haven’t tried it, you must!

Chris Macnamara MD The Brogue Trader

C I T Y L I F E S TAT I S T I C S When it comes to price, versatility and finish, no other material can match it, which might explain why, for windows, doors and conservatories, aluminium is fast becoming the material of choice for the seriously savvy.

E S T I M AT E D R E A D E R S H I P

Over 35,000

THE LIGHT

FANTASTIC

FACEBOOK LIKES www.facebook.com/citylifecardiff

Vellacine have been manufacturing aluminium double glazing windows and conservatories in South Wales since 1978. We spoke to Managing Director, Mark Nayler about the resurgence of aluminium for windows and conservatories.

Over 3,400

Vellacine has a solid reputation for supplying uPVC products. Why are you promoting aluminium?

Aluminium went out of fashion simply because of problems with heat transfer between glass and frame. However, technological advances over the last ten years have meant that aluminium’s benefits of lightness and strength are making a serious comeback among consumers. We’re definitely noticing more enquiries, with customers asking us to cost a project alongside uPVC.

T WITTER FOLLOWERS @CityLifeCardiff #CityLifeCardiff

Over 11,800

What are the benefits of aluminium?

A warmer house, lower energy bills and less outside noise are just some of the benefits that our aluminium windows bring to the table. Increased security is important to customers. Our superstrong aluminium windows and superior locks help customers feel safer in their homes.

“The materials that we use are environmentally friendly, robust and durable. Our aluminium windows last for years without maintenance.”

Is aluminium eco-friendly?

The materials that we use are environmentally friendly, robust and durable. Our aluminium windows last for years without maintenance.

What about colour?

Our aluminium products can be custom-made for each property and come in almost any colour or style.

They look great and our designs are highly attractive and certainly improve the look and value of a home. In addition to manufacturing aluminium products of the highest standard, we pride ourselves on the high standard of service we offer. Vellacine customers return to us time after time and most of our work is generated through word of mouth recommendation. We’re extremely proud of that.

Why should customers buy aluminium windows and conservatories from Vellacine?

They’ll be dealing with a financially strong, well established and highly regarded local company. Vellacine has been around a long time and we provide a fully comprehensive ten year guarantee with all our aluminium windows.

W E B S I T E S TAT I S T I C S Unique visitors

As well as a full installation service, Vellacine offer an aluminium window replacement and repair service should any existing aluminium windows be damaged, show misting or just simply need a facelift.

25,363

Vellacine Limited The Window and Conservatory Centre Hadfield Road Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AQ 029 2022 8578 enquiries@vellacine.com www.vellacine.com

Unique page views

44,217

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How does a dairy farmer become one of Wales’ most respected residential property landlords, a motivational speaker and business coach?

We chat to Kevin Green on how he made it to...

“My biggest measurement of my success is in my ability to help and empower others to achieve their wishes.”

PASTURES GREEN Please describe what you do...

I am one of the UK’s largest residential property landlords and a multi-business owner. I am also involved in business coaching under my own brand of Kevin Green Wealth (KGW). I am in demand as a business and motivational speaker.

I take pride in being a social entrepreneur, helping others succeed in business and life. I spend time helping selected charities and helping to develop the young entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Can you tell us what your first experience of business was?

Picking mushrooms from farmers’ fields, exchanging the mushrooms for sweets at a local shop, then selling the sweets in the schoolyard. It was an early lesson in finding a market to make money.

Why the switch from dairy farmer?

During my Nuffield agricultural scholarship world tour, I became enthused with property. The people I met and interviewed were either directly or indirectly involved in residential and commercial property investment. I could see how other people made it work.

Being something of a self-confessed control freak, owning and controlling such a business excited me. I did not like being in primary production as a dairy farmer and wished to become involved in ‘middle man’ business

Who do you think is an inspiration in business and why?

Virgin boss Richard Branson. He has a humanistic approach, with a focus on fun. He has a passion for life and loves creating win/win businesses.

What frustrates you?

People who do not carry out tasks and work on the time and date they said they would. I suppose that I expect everybody to be like me and deliver the goods on time and in a satisfactory manner. The cows on the dairy farm used to listen, people often don’t!

How do you achieve a successful work/life balance?

By placing my children first when planning my time. It’s quite easy for me being divorced as they are with me every other week. I work harder at business the week they are not with me but I am always there for them when it’s a kids week. It’s one of the joys of not having a proper job! Family and friends come first. Proper delegation of tasks and a great team around me helps me maximise quality life time.

What’s the one thing you don’t leave the house without?

A digital voice recorder. “Trust everyone but tie up your camels!”

My biggest measurement of my success is in my ability to help and empower others to achieve their wishes.

What advice would Kevin Green now give to Kevin Green aged 20?

Follow your heart, not your head!

What has your success in business given you?

Security for my family and a huge sense of achievement. I will be sitting in my rocking chair at the end of my life knowing I have given my best effort to all I wished for.

Where would you like to be in ten years’ time?

Not on a beach in the Cayman Islands, for certain. I tried that one and became bored very quickly. I don’t see myself retiring. I enjoy what I do. I will be facing death with four wheels spinning and smoke coming off my tyres, shouting, ‘yahoo!’

Describe yourself in three words...

Friendly, fair, funny.

Is philanthropy important to you?

Hugely important. I have reaped some rich rewards through hard work and effort. My financial support of the Make A Wish Foundation UK (of which I am an ambassador) is hugely important to me.

At what point in your career did you think ‘I’m a success’?

When my residual income matched my basic expenses per month. I knew at that time I had the choice of never having to work again.

We have choices in life, some of the kids I meet who are suffering from lifethreatening illness don’t have the same choices. It’s my pleasure to help them and their families where I can.

Please give us your five tips for business.

■ Identify what you are really passionate

about.

■ Make sure the idea is commercially

sensible.

■ Learn more about that sector than

anyone else.

■ Serve your customers better than any

competition.

■ Always plan, monitor and hold

“Follow your heart, not your head.”

yourself accountable.

Kevin Green - Wealth Coach To book Kevin Green please contact 01554 833330 wealth@mooving.org www.kevingreen.co.uk

Kevin Green, Wealth Coach www.kevingreen.com WES T WALES

West Life magazine The best of the West West Life is West Wales and Cardigan Bay’s premier lifestyle magazine.

Follow Kevin Green on Facebook and Twitter

Sian Owen Photography info@sian-owen.co.uk www.sian-owen.co.uk 07587 049949

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C A R D I G A N B AY’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

The magazine covers Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Cardigan Bay. Reach readers in Tenby, St David’s, Cardigan, Narberth, Carmarthen, Llandeilo, Aberystwyth, Llandovery, Ammanford, Laugharne and Aberaeron.

“There are generous discounts for promoting in multiple publications and loyalty is certainly rewarded.”

BUZZING!

GORGEOUS INTERIORS, MAGICAL IMAGERY, RISING STARS PLUS BUSY BEES, BOOKS AND BUSINESS AT ITS BEST

RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

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MORE ONLINE

WESTLIFEWALES .CO.UK

PLUS A RT , M USIC , S TYLE , HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE

The experience I have had with these magazines has restored my faith in advertising. Gauci Organic Candles is a small business and we have to make every pound count, and that’s what we get with Good Life’s magazines.

Spiro Gauci www.gaucicandles.co.uk

W E S T L I F E S TAT I S T I C S E S T I M AT E D R E A D E R S H I P

Over 35,000

When Mr and Mrs Churchill wanted to update their kitchen and put in an en-suite, there was only one company they were going to call GW of St Clears. West Life visits the couple at their lovely home just outside Carmarthen.

“We are thrilled with both the kitchen and en-suite and cannot compliment GW enough.”

TRIED & TESTED THE D E S I G N PRO C E S S

Design challenge small spaces

FACEBOOK LIKES www.facebook.com/westlifemag

While the kitchen makeover was a relative walk in the park for GW of St Clears’ designer, Adriana, the en-suite was an altogether more challenging task. John Mycroft rose to the occasion, designing an ensuite in the least amount of space.

Over 340 T WITTER FOLLOWERS @WestLifeMag #WestLifeMag

Over 3,500 WEST LIFE ON THE WEB The West Life website is relatively new but are already seeing growing visitor numbers in line with its sister publications. If you would like to advertise in the next edition please email mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

John was asked to design and construct an en-suite bathroom in their bedroom similar to one he’d recently completed in Carmarthen for a friend of the couple.

What made you choose GW of St Clears to undertake your work?

GW’s installed a bathroom for us a few years ago and we were so pleased with the work we naturally thought of them when we decided to update our kitchen.

Did you talk to other companies before choosing GW? GW was the only company that we spoke to.

What work did GW carry out?

GW installed a new kitchen and they also installed an en-suite bathroom in our bedroom.

Did you have an input into the design or did you leave it to GW? Adriana gave us two designs for the kitchen to consider after she visited us and discussed our requirements. We decided on the one we preferred and met up with her at the showroom and finalised the details. She has a great eye for colour and design and was able to help us choose the worktops and the radiator that would best complement the units and the flooring. There was also a great choice of fabrics for the window blind and a fabulous selection of mirrors in the show room so we were really spoilt for choice.

John made a brilliant job of designing the en-suite which had to be very compact because of space constraints in the bedroom. He helped us select the tiles on floor and walls from the quite vast range available at GW. Were you happy with the work GW carried out?

We are thrilled with both the kitchen and en-suite and cannot compliment them enough. The men who installed them were excellent. They are all craftsmen and it was a real pleasure to keep them going with cups of tea.

John said, “After visiting the couple’s home and carrying out a site survey, I returned to GW of St Clears and set about drawing the bedroom to scale.

I incorporated their existing bed and bedroom furniture on my plan and found that there was sufficient space to incorporate an en-suite bathroom with a sliding door. The Clients visited the showroom, examined my plans over a coffee, chose wall and floor tiles and approved my design and choices, at which point I was able to give an accurate cost for the job.

The work took the anticipated two weeks and the clients were delighted.”

Was the project completed on time and on budget?

Both kitchen and bathroom were completed to the timescale set out, and on budget.

Would you recommend GW to family and friends?

We already have recommended GW of St. Clears to our friends. No hesitation!

“John made a brilliant job of designing the en-suite which had to be very compact.” ❧ 26 ❧

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TRIED & TRUSTED GW of St Clears Bridge Works, Pentre Road St. Clears SA33 4AA 01994 230384 sales@gwofstclears.co.uk www.gwofstclears.co.uk Twitter @gwofstclears www.facebook.com/gwofstclears

Lydia Seymour

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH

The Cardiff Pointe development has to be one of the most exciting developments in South Wales for a decade. With plans for over 600 residential properties bordering the Cardiff Sports Village and views across the bay and Penarth Marina, Cardiff Pointe will no doubt be one of the city’s most sought after locations.

To advertise in several publications jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk “Cardiff Pointe is helping to create a new destination in Cardiff - one that underlines Cardiff's status as a world-class city.”

TO THE POINTE InBusiness met with Lydia Seymour at the marketing suite to find out more about this exciting project.

What type of housing is being built?

There is a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments and four and five bedroom houses being built within this first phase. All are contemporary new designs from Cardiff-based architects Scott Brownrigg.

Who do you think the properties will appeal to?

There is a diverse range of homes so there is something for everyone.

Prices range from £175,000 for the two bedroom Caravel apartment right through to £750,000 for the impressive five/six bedroom spacious water-fronted Brigantine executive family home.

Will there be any social housing involved in the project?

The development will bring many social benefits to the area including the provision of significant off-site affordable and split-tenure property.

Who will be marketing the properties?

The launch of Cardiff Pointe and initial sales are being handled by a select team that includes agents Allen & Harris (part of the Sequence Group nationwide). The on-site Marketing Suite is open Thursday to Monday, 10am until 5pm.

The developer has invested in higher specification fixtures and fittings, can you tell us more about this?

To quote from the brochure, “Great care and attention to detail has been taken in ensuring the new homes at Cardiff Pointe are finished to the highest possible standards of specification and designed exclusively

by Figurehead Homes and Scott Brownrigg.”

German Rational kitchens designed

by Cardiff based Spacefittingfurniture, contemporary bathrooms designed by Porcelanosa, energy-efficient windows plus hi-tech security mean that buyers will enjoy a level of finish and design to match the stunning location.

How many homes and being built and what type?

Phases one and two feature 98 homes Plots 1 to 99 (there’s no number 13!).

There is a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments and four and five bedroom houses being built within this first phase. All are beautiful new designs from Scott Brownrigg architects.

What facilities will be on site and when are these planned?

There are already a range of incredible facilities on site, including the worldclass Cardiff International White Water Rafting Centre, the international pool with its fantastic fitness suite, Cardiff Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay Yacht Club plus food and retail shopping, restaurants and pubs right on the doorstep.

In future, these facilities will be complemented by two Olympicstandard ice pads, the snow dome, retail, restaurants and leisure facilities and a six-star hotel.

Have any been sold so far?

Interest in the properties has been excellent - a stunning waterfront Barque five bedroom home was reserved within an hour of launching Cardiff Pointe.

We’ve had considerable interest in the full range of available properties already.

The on-site Marketing Suite is open from Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm.

What impact do you think this development mean to Cardiff and specifically Cardiff Bay? What benefits will it bring?

Cardiff Pointe is helping to create a new destination in Cardiff - one that underlines Cardiff's status as a worldclass city and reinforces the importance of Cardiff Bay as an integral part of that.

For more information please contact Allen & Harris on 0845 340 3927 www.cardiffpointe.co.uk

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Good Life Publishing GLPP Ltd, The Business Centre Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2AW 0845 180 2345 www.goodlifepublishing.co.uk

SUM/AUT 2013 PRICELESS

Valleys Life magazine The heart of the Valleys Valleys Life is the South Wales Valleys’ premier lifestyle magazine.

If you’d like to promote your business in a specific magazine, please email directly.

To advertise in Vale Life chris@goodlifepublishing.co.uk To advertise in City Life lewis@goodlifepublishing.co.uk To advertise in Valleys Life joanne@goodlifepublishing.co.uk To advertise in West Life mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk To advertise in InBusiness mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

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THE SOUTH WALES VALLEY’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Distributed across the Valleys from Pyle and Maesteg in the west to Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran in the east; from Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare in the north to Bridgend, Llantrisant and Caerphilly in the south.

“The digital editions have received over 1.8 million page views. The magazines are available to a regional audience and also nationally and internationally.”

STEPPING OUT

NATHAN CLEVERLY - WE INTERVIEW THE CLEVER ONE HIRAETH - A PHOTOGRAPHIC LEGACY RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE

WWW.VALLEYSLIFE.CO.UK

PLUS ART, MUSIC, STYLE HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE

At Gren, we try as hard as possible to use local suppliers for our products.

I know Valleys Life shares the same belief as us. It’s also a brilliant magazine - so positive about the Valleys and I like that.

Darryl Jones Gren Cartoons

VA L L E YS L I F E S TAT I S T I C S E S T I M AT E D R E A D E R S H I P

Over 35,000

While Jon Pountney was working on a photography project in the Rhondda, he didn’t realise that a chance discovery would have such a huge impact in his life.

H IRAETH A PHOTOGR APHIC LEGACY Harold Wilson in Ebbw Vale

FACEBOOK LIKES www.facebook.com/valleyslife

Over 1,170 T WITTER FOLLOWERS @ValleysLife #ValleysLife

Over 6,100

After a conversation working in Cwmparc, Jon was introduced to a local photographers work that has inspired him to preserve and promote a huge collection of images of Valleys life. Jon tells us more…

How did you come to be in possession of the photographs?

I’ve been a professional photographer for thirteen years. I’m also a multi-discipline artist - I use video, painting, photography and sculpture to create my work. I was working on a personal photography project on the Valleys in my favourite locations Cwmparc and Treorchy.

I got chatting to someone about photography and was told about a local photographer, David Thickins, who had worked in the area for many years.

After a little detective work, I was very surprised to be united with his work in Treorchy Library.

David sadly passed away a couple of years ago. I’m still not sure whether he was an amateur or pro, as the quality of the work is so good. He lived in Cwmparc, but covered all of the Valleys.

I’m still finding out information about him so if anyone has anything they’d like to share, I’d love to hear more.

What time period do they cover?

I reckon we are looking at 1963 to 1976.

Interestingly the images start in medium format film, and then move into 35mm.

The quality of the medium format negatives is particularly impressive.

How many images are there?

I think we could be looking at more than 15,000!

“I’m keen for as many people as possible to see these pictures”

W E B S I T E S TAT I S T I C S Unique visitors

Why has this collection inspired you?

The forensic detail and coverage of the area is extremely interesting. The work ethic behind such a large body of work is very inspiring, especially when you consider that David was working in film.

Digital is so much easier these days.

What are your aspirations for the collection?

I’m keen for as many people as possible to see these pictures, in the way that the Vivian Maier archive has brought film photography to life for so many people. It’s a unique journal on a time of huge change in south Wales, as well as containing some spine-tinglingly good single pictures.

Of all the images you have looked at so far, which is your favourite?

The lady holding a drawing of a UFO is exceptional I think.

Are there any images that you find particularly moving?

I have found a number of pictures of Aberfan that, so far, I haven’t had the heart to look at.

Will there be an exhibition in the future?

I hope to create a traveling show that will visit towns across the Valleys.

2,256 Unique page views

Over 5,000

Unknown lady with UFO drawing

TV camera over Merthyr

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Petula Clark in Abercanaid

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Welcome to InBusiness Magazine’s social life section, a veritable who’s who in and around the capital.

MOVERS AND CARDIFF

Cardiff celebrates the St David’s Hotel’s 15th year The five star St David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff celebrated its 15 year anniversary in style with a spectacular evening gala event for more than160 guests.

Guests were invited to enjoy a grand evening of dining and entertainment including a performance from the Tenovus Sing for Life Choir in the hotel Atrium, entertainment from the Nigel Hart Big Band and a unique, classical repertoire during the three course dinner from the Three Waiters.

Recently appointed General Manager of St David’s Hotel, Mr Andreas Maszczyk welcomed guests upon arrival. West End Actress Connie Fisher, and Welsh weather presenter and broadcaster Sian Lloyd were just some of the guests in attendance.

The hotel selected two local charities to support during the evening’s celebrations and throughout 2014.

Approximately £1,260 was raised during last night’s anniversary party for nominated charities Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and Tenovus. www.thestdavidshotel.com

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SHAKERS CARDIFF

Launch of Make Me Amazing at Crystal Boutique Lounge and Bar An amazing evening was had recently at the launch of Make Me Amazing at Crystal Boutique Lounge and Bar. Owners Rachel and Nicola welcomed guests from the beauty industry as well as beauty bloggers and representatives from PR and marketing agencies.

Rachael Wheeler, Owner and Beauty Tech and Wales Hair & Beauty Awards Finalist of Gelisy Salon Cardiff, along with Paige Nurse offered Nail Gel and Nail Art throughout the evening which went down very well. Craig Bellamy made a surprise appearance and Rachel Kennedy of Rachel Kennedy Cardiff Semi Permanent Cosmetics & Make-Up was also present. A butler from Excalibur handed champagne to the ladies during the evening. All in all a very fun evening. www.makemeamazing.co.uk Images courtesy of Rob Matthews

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CARDIFF

Cardiff Finance Professionals There was a really good buzz around the room at the Fuel Bar, Cardiff as the Cardiff Finance Professionals got together to discuss all things finance.

This friendly and approachable group meets regularly at this popular venue.

If you’re in the world of finance and would like to get together with likeminded people, then this is the group for you.

Enquiries to Steve White, Thornbury Collections 01443 224407

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C A R D I F F B AY

Introbiz meets at Duchess of Delhi Lots more great introductions made at one of Introbiz regular events.

This time the Duchess of Dehli restaurant played host as members mingled, made new contacts, shared business ideas and, more importantly, business cards.

For more information please visit www.introbiz.co.uk

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Thistle management and James Sommerin with headline sponsors The Skill Group , Kristian James, Anne Miles, Ben Underwood, James Sommerin, Emily Sjamsul, Nathan Brew

CARDIFF

The Parc – 130th Anniversary celebration Cardiff’s oldest luxury hotel, The Parc invited guests to celebrate the launch of their 130th anniversary campaign.

Guests were treated to champagne and canapés to give them ‘taster of what to expect’ from the grand ball which will be held in partnership with Michelin chef, James Sommerin. The Parc Hotel presents the 130th Anniversary Ball in association with the Skill Group is set to take place this October.

Prof Brian Morgan Robert Llewellyn Jones and Chris Sutton

If you have a memory of The Parc or sponsorship enquiries contact parc130@thistle.co.uk Steve Sulley, Zoe Westerman and Jon Hollins

Tanya Jones & Ann Bertie

www.thistle.com/hotels/united_kingdom/ cardiff/thistle_cardiff_city_centre

Sharon Owen, Anne McCormach, Amanda Morgan and Kay Evans

Anne Mile and Ben Underwood ‘raise a toast’

Anne Miles with guests

Cardiff Historian, Brian Lee cuts the cake 62

CARDIFF

Paramount Interiors celebrates 25th year A great time was had by all at the Paramount Interiors White Party as they celebrated 25 years in business.

The party, which was held in the marquee at the Cardiff Golf Club in Cyncoed, was preceded by a golf day.

L-R Matthew Lloyd-Lewis, David Manhatten, Chris Dagley, Nick Clissold, Rupert Moore, Joseph Zammit

Rebecca Roberts and Michelle Davies

Everyone joined in the spirit of the day by dressing in white.

Paramount Interiors 029 2083 9800 www.paramountinteriors.com

Alison and Gareth Jones

Nigel and Bridget Robert, Paramount

Lisa and Matt Newman

Lauren Clarke and Gareth Davies

Jade Baker and Bethan Smale

Andrew and Caroline O’Flaherty

Ceri Bowden and Chris Jenkins

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L AV E R N O C K

St Lawrence’s Church Out for a walk with the dog and came upon an open day at St Lawrence’s commemorating the First World War. I found the displays quite moving. Congratulations to all who volunteered and gave their time.

This is a beautiful little church in an equally gorgeous location. It’s undergoing renovation as funds become available so any donations are sure to be welcome. If there are any tradespeople out there who might like to donate their services, I’m sure the church would be grateful (and you’ll be certain of a mention in Vale Life and City Life).

St Lawrence’s Church Lavernock

LLANDAFF

Former Cardiff graduates open their own premises Two former graduates from Cardiff University and the University Hospital School of Dental Hygiene, have realised their dream by opening the doors on their first business premises in Cardiff.

Skin and Face Clinics Limited, owned

by Annie Cartwright, and Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene, started by experienced dental hygienist Lucy Reed, will share space in the newly refurbished Coach House Clinics off Llandaff High Street.

One of Annie Cartwright’s clients, the former Miss Wales, glamour model, and online TV presenter, Sophia Cahill, attended the opening. The two local businesswomen have completely renovated the Coach House Clinics to a very high standard with a chrome and glass finish, complete with a chandelier in reception.

Debbie Evans, Lucy Reed, Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene, Julia Morgan, Rachel Gould, Vision In Print

Linda Norton, Norton Estate Agents, Annie Cartwright, Skin and Face Clinics Ltd, Sophia Cahill Former Miss Wales and online TV presenter

Julia Morgan, Rachel Gould, Annie Cartwright, Sophia Cahill, Debbie Evans, Marilyn Collard

Annie Cartwright, Skin and Face Clinics Limited, Ann Dalton, M3 ACS

Annie Cartwright Skin and Face Clinics Ltd, Sophia Cahill, former Miss Wales and online TV Presenter, Lucy Reed, Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene

Kiera Lewis, Rhianon Lewis, Annie Cartwright, Skin and Face Clinics Limited, Lucy Reed, Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene

Lucy Reed, Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene, Kerry Shoesmith-Dean, Dental Hygienist

Susan Corsi and Lucy Reed

Annie Cartwright at Skin and Face Clinics Limited 029 2056 7096 Lucy Reed Dental Hygiene 029 2056 7824

Claire Millard, Liberty Tax Solutions LLP, Annie Cartwright, Skin and Face Clinics Limited, Alexandra Cartwright, Launch Coordinator

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Back Left to right: Elgan Rees, Andrew Harding, Paul Boardman, Matthew Tossell, Andrew Morris Front Left to right: Gareth Williams, Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Robert Jones, Carolyn Hitt

CARDIFF

Lunch raises £21,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre Hugh James Solicitors recently hosted a rugby lunch at the Millennium Stadium, raising more than £21,000 in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre.

Tredegar Town Band

Andy Moore, Joe Purcell, Brynmor Williams

Guy Jones, David Thomas, Matthew Tossell

Nicola Watkins, Carolyn Hitt, Francesca Schubert

Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Carolyn Hitt, Dan Langford

Andrew Harding, Matthew Tossell, Joe Purcell (all Hugh James), Andrew Morris (head of fundraising at Velindre)

The lunch was organised as part of a year of fundraising activity Hugh James is undertaking for Velindre which culminates in the East Coast Bike Challenge in September. Matthew Tossell, Andrew Harding and Joe Purcell, all from Hugh James, will be cycling 550km from Boston to New York along with 50 other riders who are all raising vital funds for Velindre.

More than 250 representatives from South Wales’s top businesses attended the lunch to hear from former Welsh rugby internationals Robert Jones and Huw Bennett reflect on this year’s Six Nations tournament.

Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton was a late withdrawal from the panel, undergoing surgery on his damaged shoulder, but was ably replaced by Ospreys and Wales prop Ryan Bevington who was able to give a fascinating insight in to life in the Wales camp. The players were quizzed

by Western Mail columnist Carolyn Hitt, who compèred a question and answer session.

Hugh James Hodge House, 114 - 116 St. Mary Street Cardiff CF10 1DY 029 2022 4871 www.hughjames.com Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter

Simon Cox, Louise Price, Andrea Wallbank, Emma Burns, Amanda Stewart, Rebecca Mather, Rhys Oakley 65

THE LAST WORD Ever wondered what drives portrait, wedding, corporate and event photographer, Sian Owen?

We find out.

Do your clients have their own ideas or do they leave it to you?

Clients commission me because they’ve been recommended, they’ve seen my work and like my style of photography.

We talk before the wedding/portrait/ commercial session to plan a brief that is unique to their way of life, their hobbies and interests so I can create a set of images that tell their story.

I love to hear my clients’ ideas too.

But I’m happy to work either way; some people would rather have no involvement with the creative ideas and leave it to me, which is great.

Tell us a bit about what you do I’m a creative photographer that loves to capture moments in time and create long lasting memories. I photograph weddings, portraits and commercial photography. Portrait sessions take place on location at beaches or parks giving my clients a choice of beautiful backdrops for their family portraits.

Where do you live?

I live in the Docks area of Barry with my six year old daughter.

Describe your home The best thing about our home is the view of the Bristol Channel from the living room. We can see Flat Holm and Steep Holm and, on a clear day, right across to Weston. Seeing the sunrise across the channel is beautiful, even the rainiest of storms are wonderful to watch from the living room window.

What makes Sian Owen Photography special?

There are many reasons why what I do stands out from other photographers.

I build a relationship with my client whether it is for their business or wedding or family portrait. Getting to know people and how they work means I can offer a personal service. I am always pushing myself creatively, learning new techniques and expanding my technical knowledge.

I aim to produce one off images that are unique to each client.

What is your background?

I had a passion for taking photographs from a very early age; my parents bought me a camera for my 10th birthday as I was always using theirs.

Twelve years ago I left school with a GCSE and A level in photography and immediately started work with a local well established wedding photographer in Cardiff. I photographed my first wedding with a Hassleblad medium format camera with only twelve shots per film; things have changed a lot since then!

What do you think a female brings to what is predominately a male profession?

Gone are the days of photographers mainly being old men in suits. Good quality professional photography is created by understanding people, knowing your subject, and of course your camera.

And believe it or not your personality, being approachable as a photographer makes the client feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera, resulting in images that my clients love.

Where do you shop?

I love to support local businesses so shop in Barry and Penarth as much as possible.

What makes you happy?

Quality time spent with my daughter and partner. Family and friends are so precious to me. It’s important to get that work/life balance right.

Sum yourself up in three words Happy, creative, determined.

I then went on to work for a lifestyle portrait studio where I’d photograph new born babies, toddlers to teens creating unique stylish memories for their home. I was there for eight years, then set up my business two years ago.

Where do your clients come from?

My clients are mainly in the South Wales area. I occasionally travel to Bristol to photograph weddings and have had the pleasure of photographing a wedding in Europe.

I also have corporate clients in the west of England.

66

Sian Owen Photography 07587 049949 www.sian-owen.co.uk Find on Facebook, follow on Twitter

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From Essential Parties, a Vegas Party Night, West End Rocks, Abba Tribute Party and the John Oliver Night to Magical Mini-Breaks and a Glamorous New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, getting you into the Christmas spirit at the Vale Resort is never a problem.

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THANK YOU Thanks for taking the time to read the autumn edition of InBusiness magazine.

InBusiness is Wales’ premier independent business magazine.

We print 10,000 copies of each edition and cut no corners on design, production and the quality of our print.

Talking about printing, we source pretty much everything locally, and over 95% of InBusiness magazine’s turnover is reinvested back into the community of south Wales.

If you have a business and are interested in promoting your goods or services to an aspirational audience in south Wales then InBusiness magazine is almost certainly right for you.

Mark Roberts Creative Director mark@inbusinessmag.co.uk

“Follow your heart, not your head.”

Kevin Green, Wealth Coach www.kevingreen.com

PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS We value our advertisers. We appreciate the trust they place in us by promoting their businesses in our magazines.

With our local partners, we currently publish a range of high quality quarterly titles across Wales.

You can advertise your business from as little as £35 per season in this magazine.

Pick-up-ability!

Our magazines aren’t like other magazines. They have real pick-up appeal - in fact, they really do go like hot cakes.

Quality comes first... along with the environment.

We’re passionate about quality. The magazines are beautifully written and designed, and printed locally in South Wales on high quality paper (and no nasty varnishes or lamination - we’re as green as green can be).

Quality distribution to an affluent, aspirational audience...

We distribute our magazines to over 1,000 carefully selected outlets across South Wales.

We’d love to have your business on board.

If you’d like to promote your business or service in our magazines, please get in touch, we’d love the opportunity to work with you.

OUR T ITLES We proudly publish four Life-style magazines and one business to business title.

Vale Life (our first magazine).

This covers the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan - the most southerly county in Wales and deemed to be the most affluent. Vale Life was the first magazine we published.

City Life The premier lifestyle magazine for Cardiff, Wales’ capital city. The magazine is delivered to all areas of Cardiff.

Valleys Life At the heart of the South Wales Valleys. From the Neath Valley in the West to Blaenau Gwent and Pontypool in the East.

West Life Covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and coastal Ceredigion, West Life is in touch with the relaxed lifestyle of this very special part of Wales.

In Business Wales’ premier magazine for people in business. This is the kind of publication people in business want to read; interesting, inspirational and aspirational.

WHAT ADVERTISERS SAY “The best advertising we’ve ever done!”

Andy Bradshaw, Partner, Hamptons, Penarth.

“Honestly, the best response I’ve ever had.”

Matt Mullooly, Owner, Northern Star, Penarth.

“At last, advertising that really delivers.”

Ann Bryl, Owner, Bryl’s Boutique, Barry.

“A truly astonishing response.”

Russell Scott-Lawson, Owner, Hawkes, Cardiff.

“The experience I have had with this magazine has restored my faith in advertising. Gauci Organic Candles is a small business with an equally small advertising budget. We have to make every pound count and that’s what we get with Vale Life, City Life and Valleys Life. It’s refreshing to find a magazine that really understands my business. They are never short of ideas.

I recommend them whenever I can.”

Spiro Gauci, Owner, Gauci Organic Candles, Cardiff www.gaucicandles.co.uk “These are beautiful publications. We love working with people who are passionate about what they do.”

Spiro Borg, Spiros Caterers, www.spiros.co.uk We’d love the opportunity to show you what a truly effective campaign in our publications can achieve.

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