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Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing and important local business stories happening right now…
JOLYON GOOD FELLOWS FORWARD THINKING CHRISTMAS IS COMING... ...and it’s time for a spot of reflection, says team-building guru ANDREA CALLANAN, founder of inspireMe This is generally the time of year when we look forward, but some of us are no doubt breathing a huge sigh of relief to have made it to the end of yet another year in business. I’d like you all to reflect on the year you’ve just lived through. Think of all your customers, your relationships, all the changes, challenges and joys. How do you feel about your business year? If you feel good about it, that’s great – write down why and celebrate it. Then make sure you do more of the same next year. If not, spend a few more minutes thinking about what needs to change, then make a promise to yourself to take action and make it happen. Ultimately, as the year draws to a close, it’s so important to have perspective and be grateful for our nearest and dearest, our homes and our provisions, especially with so many around us lacking those basics. My husband Matt and I founded #wemakegoodhappen this year, and we’re carrying emergency cold weather packs around with us this winter for the homeless in Cardiff city centre. Sometimes it’s good to take the focus off ourselves and look outwards. It makes us better people, which ultimately makes for better business – win-win. Merry Christmas, folks – see you in 2017, with bells on! inspireMe are a Cardiff-based engagement company that offers UK-wide creative team building and training. For more info, see andinspireme.com
Jolyon’s boutique hotel in Cardiff has been sold to a group of four investors, headed up by former Park Plaza general manager Hugh Hilary. The investors plan to rename the hotel and embark on an ambitious refurbishment programme. The investors include Hugh’s brother Michael; George Enescu, founder of Intercity Removals; and former Jolyon’s director Mervyn Joseph. “I’m very excited to be involved for the first time in my own project,” said Hugh Hilary, who has 38 years’ hotel management experience. “Jolyon’s is a great hotel with huge potential. This, combined with its proximity to the city centre, is what made it such an appealing investment. “We’re hoping to start on the refurbishments in early 2017 and give the hotel more of a luxury feel. We haven’t decided on a name yet, but the favourite at the moment is No.10, to keep an element of the existing branding.” The group has already appointed Jordan Lewis, currently operations manager at Park Plaza, as the general manager of the yet-to-be-named hotel.
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Nerys Lloyd-Pierce (Cardiff Civic Society) and Moginie James MD Nick James
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(Front) Jolyons investor Hugh Hilary with Mike Jenkins from HardingEvans, who advised on the purchase; (Back) George Enescu (Intercity Removals), general manager Jordan Lewis and investor Mervyn Joseph
TAKING ROOT Independent estate agent Moginie James has joined forces with Cardiff Civic Society in its latest campaign, ‘Canopy Cardiff’, which aims to conserve, sustain and develop the natural parts of the city. The Cardiff-based estate agent has donated funds to sponsor a tree for planting in identified ‘grey’ areas later in the year. The campaign follows a recent Natural Resources Wales study, which showed that Cardiff falls below average in terms of the number of trees within a city. “We aim to work alongside the local authority, organisations and businesses to plant scores of new trees over the next few years,” said Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, chair of Cardiff Civic Society. “There’s a growing body of evidence relating to the health and well-being benefits of trees, indicating a very strong economic case for more tree planting.” “We are passionate about preserving Cardiff,” said Moginie James MD Nick James. “By nature of what we do for a living, we want to make the city the very best that it can be. It is our pleasure to be working with Cardiff Civic Society, and to see the work they are doing to ensure the city is looked after.” For more: cardiffcivicsociety.org
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 83