Cardiff Life - Business Services Special 2019

B U S I N E S S S E R V ICE S S P ECI A L

the city AT WORK WE MEET THE PROFESSIONALS MAKING THE CITY BUZZ

F I N A N CE / R EC R U IT M E N T / P R O P E R TY / L A W / B U S I N E S S S E R V ICE S

setting the agenda

Meet the shining stars of Cardiff’s business services’ community, from patent attorneys to financial experts who help your wealth grow, and a myriad of other professions in between

ADVERTISING FEATURE One Central Square

2 I cardiff LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BUSINESS SPECIAL

C

ardiff ’s an increasingly important player on the national business playing field. It’s a centre of innovation, acumen and excellence. Just to get a sample of this professional offering – from the legal eagles to the financial wizards, the property experts to the essential business service guys – we spoke to a wide cross-section of experts and asked: So, how’s business?

FINANCE

Mulberry Wealth Management Philip Payne

Tell us a little about your business

Mulberry Wealth Management provides financial advice, predominantly to private individuals, although we cover a range of client types from first time property buyers and investors through to company directors, business owners and high net worth individuals, with more complex circumstances. We cover a full spectrum of products from all life cover options, mortgages through to investments and pensions.

What areas do you specialise in?

We have advisers that specialise in just mortgages and life and serious illness cover, representing the whole of market and then a dedicated team that focus solely on investment and pensions advice.

The pensions market has become particularly complex over the years but this is an area that Mulberry thrives in. We have half a dozen registered pension transfer specialists, with full permissions to advise on more complex final salary transfers, which continues to see strong demand.

Philip Payne

Describe your offices...

We completely renovated and extended our offices at the heart of Cyncoed in 2016. The result is a purpose-designed space, appropriate for client meetings and our growing team.

We’ve been told we have probably the nicest toilets in Cardiff, both ladies and gents. We have a Mulberry colour theme running throughout with detail in the desks, chairs ordered bespoke from Orangebox, even down to the carpet!

Did you know?

As well as a light, bright modern office space we have a growing collection of Welsh art on the walls, including five commission pieces from renowned artist Nick Holly.

029 2002 3333; www.mulberrywealth.co.uk

Uniq Family Wealth Marlene Outrim

Tell us a little about your business

UNIQ Family Wealth is true financial planning practice which helps individuals and families make the most of their assets and helping them to lead more fulfilling and financially secure lives. Our purpose is for a ‘Life Well Lived’ and everyone has their own personal plan to help them achieve the life they want to lead. The UNIQ Family Wealth programme ensures that there is a firm track to run on.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

We focus totally on the client and what he/she is trying to achieve and help them look at the bigger picture for themselves and their loved ones. Products are a means to an end and the last part of our programme that we consider, with the financial plan being the foundation

for all our recommendations. With us there are no nasty surprises in your life as we will help you plan for every eventuality.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Our clients, and the rest of the UK, are facing uncertain times ahead, not just because of Brexit, but also due to world trade wars, economic and political issues in some countries and environmental change. Not only are these outcomes unpredictable, but we have little knowledge as to when these will complete or be finalised, if ever. Our advice is to sit tight, as usually, over time, the vagaries of stock market performance are overcome.

Did You know?

Marlene Outrim the Managing Director published a book last year, Boomers: Redefining Retirement which considers the changing face of retirement and how we can plan for it. www.uniqfamilywealth.co,uk

Mulberry Wealth Management offices

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 3

CJCH Solicitors is an award winning, top 20 Welsh Law practice offering personalised services for our clients. Our Welsh offices are in Cardiff, Bridgend, Barry and Blackwood offering services across a wide variety of needs you may have in your everyday life.

Our qualified and dedicated professionals offer legal assistance with both personal and business-related matters, and we have one of the largest Legal Aid practices in Wales which includes Mental Health Law, Court of Protection and Deputyships, Criminal Law, Family and Childcare Law.

The CJCH Business Law services include: ■ Commercial Property ■ Litigation and Dispute Resolution ■ Debt Recovery ■ Intellectual Property ■ Compliance ■ Mergers and Acquisitions ■ Corporate and Contract Law ■ Employment Law and HR Services

CJCH Solicitors Offices: Cardiff (HQ), Barry, Bridgend, Blackwood, Bristol and London

Online: www.cjchsolicitors.co.uk Email: admin@cjch.co.uk Phone: 02920 483181 j www.linkedin.com/ company/10447472/admin b CJCH Solicitors a @cjch_solicitors

The CJCH Private Client services include: ■ Residential Conveyancing and Private Property ■ Landlord and Tenant matters ■ Dispute Resolution and Mediation ■ Wills, Probate and Estate Planning ■ Family and Matrimonial Law ■ Advising the elderly and vulnerable ■ Employment Law

CJCH has expanded rapidly with a core focus on providing customer service excellence across South Wales. We acquired one of the oldest legal practices in Wales, Gaskell and Walker Solicitors, which was established in 1878, and a leading Blackwood practice, Patchell Davies Solicitors, in 2017 which added to the growing CJCH network of offices and specialists to service our clients.

In 2019, CJCH Solicitors is a thriving, innovative and welcoming legal practice committed to your needs.

CJCH Solicitors – A legal advisory with global reach and local values. Dedicated to your needs.

The CJCH Executives

CJCH Consulting is a global best practice consulting firm which offers a world class business to business service to some of the world’s biggest software companies. Having been established in 2015, CJCH Consulting evolved from the Intellectual Property practice of CJCH Solicitors and now runs in partnership with its parent brand.

We focus on the identification and investigation of incidents of software piracy where our client’s copyrights have been infringed through the illegal duplication, use and/or transfer of their software products. We then provide extensive and thorough licence compliance services which manage each case of infringement from identification through to recovery of the enforcement of licence for that product.

CJCH Consulting is a truly Welsh run global company, with an extensive operating network across 42 countries in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, and partner firms in the United States, South America and AsiaPacific regions. Our team collectively speak over 22 languages which further enhances the quality and authenticity of the service we offer our clients as we have a unique understanding and perspective of each geographic location in which we operate.

CJCH Consulting is proud to be a Cardiff based company, and in 2018 launched our bespoke graduate development program. We took on 6 top graduates from local universities, and trained them in various aspects of legal, consulting, and business acumen. Our vision is to create a workforce of thought leaders who not only bring leading thinking into the Welsh economy, but also to create a culture of knowledge transfer and innovation..

Our unique service offering is a world leader in Anti-Piracy and Licence Compliance services backed by a full-service law firm. We offer our clients in the software development and distribution industry the peace of mind of knowing their intellectual property is protected and secure.

Tim Hartland Managing Partner

CJCH CONSULTING OFFICES: CARDIFF (HQ), AND LONDON

Online: www.cjchconsulting.co.uk Email: consulting@cjch.co.uk Phone: 0333 231 6405 j www.linkedin.com/ company/cjchconsulting/ b CJCH Consulting a @cjchConsulting

OUR EXTENDED SERVICES INCLUDE: ■ Training and Development (We offer a university accredited commercial investigator training program) ■ Business Intelligence and Analysis

Stephen Clarke Senior Partner/CEO

architects BUSINESS SPECIAL recruitment

Bowen Eldridge recruitment David Bowen

Tell us a little about your company

Owned and operated by two directors, (David Bowen and Cheryl Eldridge) we worked together for seven years before setting up Bowen Eldridge Recruitment in 2016. We recruit for accountancy, human resources and marketing roles, across all sectors and at all levels. We are based in Cardiff and cover the South Wales region.

What predictions do you have for the sector in 2019?

Record high employment levels has led to increasing salaries as employers look to retain their existing staff. I see this trend continuing and I also envisage an emphasis on internal training and “upskilling” to offer progression opportunities and apprenticeship schemes to ensure success for the future. To stay competitive whilst recruiting, I have already seen employers review and enhance their existing benefits package.

However, I think the key trend will be accommodating flexible working. More frequently candidates are asking this question and it is becoming increasing important in their search criteria. In a job offer situation, I think flexibility would be more important than a higher salary.

What makes working in Cardiff special?

There is an almost tangible buzz in the city. The work at Central Square has been particularly impressive with further development of the Brains Brewery site. The “tech” sector is thriving and gaining an excellent reputation both regionally and nationally.

Did you know?

A percentage of our fees is donated to charity on behalf of our clients for all placements.

029 2002 6511; www.boweneldridge.co.uk David Bowen

The Focus Resourcing team

Natasha Di-Girolamo

Tell us about your business.

We are an independent agency, providing the best talent to our clients on the local and national markets. We are the best in recruitment, driven by passion and determination, offering a bespoke and personal approach, going above and beyond expectations.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

After 10 successful years in Cardiff, 2018 brought about our ‘big move’ into our stylish, welcoming hub at Ty Glas Road. Offering a relaxing environment for not only our tireless staff, but for candidates and clients alike to come in and find either the job of their dreams, or their next team superstar.

After a rigorous tender process, our friendly and professional approach led us to winning the contract for the Welsh Government. We were proud to deliver a recruitment package for them to supply the whole team, along with the senior management team of a brand new company. After the company’s successful launch in September, we continue to work with them closely as a partnership, to support their ongoing recruitment needs.

In 2018 we placed more than 400 people into permanent jobs and 414 people into temporary assignments.

What areas do you specialise in?

We specialise in you as a client. But for market sectors: finance and accountancy; IT and communications; HR, training and recruitment; marketing and PR; business support and admin; sales and customer services; engineering and technical.

Did you know?

One of us is closely related to Noel Edmonds (and we don’t mean Mr Blobby).

029 2267 1222; www.focusresourcing.co.uk

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Helen Lacey, managing director

Focus Resourcing

Red berry recruitment Helen Lacey

Tell us a little about your business

Red Berry Recruitment offers a refreshingly different service to the more traditional high street agencies. With our specialist expertise and in-depth knowledge of the recruitment industry, we pride ourselves in supplying high calibre temporary and permanent staff to some of the South West’s leading organisations. We are also the number one award-winning recruitment agency in Somerset, an accolade that we are extremely proud of and helps demonstrate our commitment to excellence in everything that we do.

Work/life balance- how you get it right for you and your staff?

We work hard to make sure that our staff have the right work/life balance. We offer benefits such as a day off on birthdays and a generous annual leave package so that team members get the down-time that they need. We also regularly get together for social events such as meals out and activities like

Business advisory and financial planning?

We do more than keep just your affairs in order.

Cardiff Second Floor, 14 Cathedral Road Cardiff, CF11 9LJ

London Floor 2, Room 211A, 24 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 1BS

Bromsgrove 12 The Croft, Buntsford Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 4JE

T_02920 104 111 E_enquiries@limefinance.co.uk

www.limefinance.co.uk

BUSINESS SPECIAL

We have three offices, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil and Bridgwater. Whilst each office has its own unique feel, we make sure that all three offices have a welcoming feel and a professional look. We like to display our awards and photographs around the offices as a reminder of all that we have achieved as a business and to give the offices a personal touch.

between them more than 60 years experience of recruitment in South Wales. We have long standing relationships with our existing clients, ranging from public to private sector, charitable organisations, law firms, financial companies and SMEs. Providing a comprehensive recruitment service, we supply permanent and temporary staff within all areas, from business support to executive and board level, and every specialism in-between.

At St David Recruitment Services, we appreciate that everybody is different and treat our candidates and clients as individuals. We are often the first port of call for candidates who know we will treat them with respect and conduct a professional career search for them. We have a reputation for providing quality candidates and developing close ties with our clients so that we can truly understand and meet their business requirements when supporting them through the recruitment process. Working on a one to one basis with our clients, we can tailor our services to meet individual needs, providing high calibre staff with the skills required, whilst supplying people who will complement the existing team.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Describe your offices...

bowling to help the team bond and have time together away from the office.

What areas do you specialise in?

As an agency Red Berry Recruitment works with a wide range of sectors including finance, legal, marketing, warehouse, construction and more. We have recently launched a new executive search and selection division as there is currently a gap in the market in this area, especially within Somerset. We have the skills and experience to provide an excellent service to clients and candidates who need help with senior level appointments and we are very excited to focus more on this area of recruitment.

Describe your offices?

Shortage of candidate skill set. Our clients have fantastic opportunities within their business to offer but finding these skill sets can be particularly hard. Candidates aren’t looking to move as often as they have been in the past. And, due to a shortage of skill set, their current employers are doing all it takes to keep them! So, my advice would be, if you like a candidate please move as fast as you can through your interview process with them.

029 2105 1007; www.redberryrecruitment.co.uk

St David Recruitment Services Sarah Learney

Tell us a little about your business

St David Recruitment Services is an independent recruitment agency set up to offer a personalised yet professional service to all our customers.

Established in February 2002, the team have

“We have recently celebrated our 17th anniversary and moved to new premises in Cardiff Gate, amalgamating the team which previously operated across two sites” 8 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

We have recently celebrated our 17th Anniversary and moved to new premises in Cardiff Gate, amalgamating the team which previously operated across 2 sites. This has invigorated the business and given us a renewed enthusiasm to drive the business forward, building upon the high standards upon which we were founded. The office has a unique sense of fun which is infectious and shared by everyone who visits our site. The team are a lively and vibrant collaboration of strong women; each one louder than the next though each one passionate about the service which they provide to colleagues, candidates and clients alike.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of proud of?

We are most proud of our staff retention in a market which is traditionally known to be somewhat transient. The team are long-standing, some of which have been with the business for 16 years or have left to see what other businesses have to offer, only to return again. We are proud to have offered internal opportunities for progression within the team, rewarding them with autonomy and a nurturing environment within which to share ideas.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

Exciting! As a business we have had an incredibly successful year, nurturing relationships with our existing clients and also launching with success into the executive search market. We have had the pleasure of working with new organisations and pushing ourselves outside the boundaries of our comfort zone.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

As a forward thinking business in a sector which is

Daniel Mason is a non-practicing solicitor and senior recruiter in the key accounts team at TSR Legal

constantly evolving, we maintain a traditional and personal approach which is somewhat unique in modern recruitment. We endeavour at all times to meet with prospective candidates, building relationships with the very people upon whom our business focusses. Whilst we benefit from a strong IT infrastructure and the ability to proactively search passive and active job seekers, our ability to sell the person behind the CV is what we enjoy most.

Did you know?

St David Recruitment Services actually opened on St David’s Day in 2002. This is a testament to our pride in our Welsh roots and accounts for both the name and logo for our business.

029 2079 7920; www.stdavid-recruitment.co.uk

TSR Legal Daniel Mason

What sets you apart from others in your sector

Having been established in 2004, we are now seen as the place to go for legal recruitment. I am part of a small team that has more than 50 years of legal recruitment experience, concentrating solely on legal – this really sets us apart from any other agency in the city.

What plans do you have for 2019

With more firms coming to the area, and indeed more firms using our services exclusively, we are moving to larger premises during the latter part of the year.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

The people we work with and the people that work with us. Watching the candidates and clients we had in 2004 work with us now in 2019 and being part of their journey.

Did you know?

TSR Legal was started in a back bedroom by one of our directors at age 22 and now has head offices in Cardiff city centre and operates in every part of the United Kingdom.

029 2038 8100; tsrlegal.co.uk

Speak To A Specialist Today:

029 2047 0909

enquiries@martynprowel.co.uk

ARCHITECTS BUSINESS SPECIAL LEGAL

Stephen Clarke

Our clients operate on a global scale and as such they face a wide variety of challenges. The nature of their international networks means they face supply chain, logistical and jurisdictional challenges in order to manage their business and distribute their products. Being software companies, they all face the intangible challenges of the cyber environment including cyber security, hacking, data privacy and intellectual property protection challenges. Our services are here to assist them in this latter issue and ease their concerns around product protection and lost revenue due to theft and misuse.

BERRY SMITH SOLICITORS Babs Anderson

Tell us a little about your business

An independent law firm, Berry Smith is primarily based in Cardiff but also has offices in Bridgend and London. We first opened our doors for business in 1986 and, since then, we have looked after the legal and business affairs of more than 20,000 clients. Our clients comprise start-up businesses, SMEs, PLCs, charities and public sector organisations and, of course, individuals.

As well as serving our local communities, we work with clients throughout the UK and overseas.

Berry Smith is an established and close knit family of talented individuals whose aim is to deliver an exceptional and value for money service.

Tell us about your community/charity involvement…

Berry Smith has a thriving CSR (corporate social responsibility) committee whose remit it is to identify ways in which we can provide a healthy and happy work environment, support our local and global communities and fundraise for charity. In 2019, we are focusing on reducing our environmental footprint and our first success has been to virtually eliminate the use of single use plastic from our business. We have recently donated gifts and clothing to a local homeless charity and our next event is a quiz night, the proceeds of which will be divided between this year’s chosen charities, Tenovus and Cancer Research Wales. We also act as legal advisors to a number of charities.

Did You Know?

Since opening our doors for business in 1986 Berry Smith has acted for more than 20,000 clients ranging from individuals to PLCs throughout Wales, England and internationally 029 2034 5511; www.berrysmith.com

• In 2017 CJCH was awarded a Welsh Government grant of almost half a million pounds to develop Cardiff as a hub for IP protection services and create more than71 jobs in the industry, in recognition of the innovative and world class work we were doing.

• Although CJCH’s anti-piracy and licence compliance work is worldwide, we are proud to have Cardiff as our home and headquarters.

• In 2018, CJCH collaborated with the International Intellectual Property Crime Investigators College to advise on the developing the first global accredited program in combating illicit trade and copyright theft.

033 3231 6405; www.cjchconsulting.co.uk

CJCH CONSULTING

CJCH SOLICITORS

Tell us a little about your business

Tell us a little about your business:

Describe your offices...

Central, close to bus and rail links and with client parking available, and home to a team of dedicated and talented lawyers and support staff who provide a friendly and welcoming service.

Did you know?

Stephen Clarke

CJCH Consulting is a Cardiff based organisation which has evolved from within the CJCH Solicitor firm. The consultancy offers bespoke research, compliance, and enforcement services for multi-national software conglomerates in order to assist them in curbing the detrimental impact imposed on them through the unauthorised and unlawful use of their software products. We have developed best practice techniques to provide a service which helps our clients maintain control of their copyrights and to enforce compliance against those who attempt to take unauthorised advantage of their products.

What plans do you have for 2019?

Babs Anderson, Practice Director

“In 2019, we are focusing on reducing our environmental footprint” 6 10MEDIACLASH.CO.UK I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What challenges are your clients facing?

2019 will be a busy year for CJCH Consulting.

Our head office in Cardiff is expanding and we are taking on new clients, and therefore growing our team. We have made a great investment in developing a bespoke internal software system to further improve on the service we provide our global clients through increased efficiencies and pin-point accuracy. Our Firm has committed to improving employee capability development having established a specialist internal training team to focus on continuous improvement and develop a culture of a learning organisation.

Lastly, we will be reaching out to the world with extensive travel engagements as our team are set to visit the United States, Japan, Dubai, South Africa, France, Israel, Serbia, Shanghai and Spain this year, to name a few.

Jodi Winter

CJCH Solicitors is a leading Welsh legal practice dedicated to providing high quality, client-focused service. Strong expansion over the last six years has meant that CJCH is now a diverse firm with more than 130 total staff, which prides itself on offering a personalised service to meet our client’s needs.

Jodi Winter, senior partner

Areas of Expertise: Serious Crime and White Collar Crime  Regulatory Work Sports Law  Environmental Law  Road Transport Health and Safety Law  Company Act Offences

Telephone: 02920 329 645 / 07753 116 615 Philip.williams@blackfords.com  www.blackfords.com Cardiff Office: 8 St Andrews Place, Cardiff CF10 3BE  London Office: 15 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EF

architects in Wales with well-established childcare, mental health, court of protection and criminal law practice areas.

033 3231 6405; www.cjchsolicitors.co.uk

first line family law Richard Davies

Tell us a little about your business

Richard Davies, solicitor/owner

What areas do you specialise in?

CJCH specialises in a number of areas with qualified legal professionals boating decades of experiences. Our corporate law practice includes a world-leading software anti-piracy and compliance department as well as a range of commercial property, business and corporate support services. Our private and family law practice delivers high quality service across a wide range of areas including property and residential conveyancing, family and childcare law, mental health, and court of protection, criminal law, and wills and probate.

What predictions do you have for your sector in 2019?

The legal profession has already experienced a notable period of change and growth.

Technology and innovation are transforming not only the way we process legal matters, by the rate at which we can provide access to justice.

CJCH has invested a significant amount of time and money into developing new systems and technology which will provide our clients with an enhanced and refined service. We foresee an industry which is set to experience a shift in mindset. We prefer to be a trailblazer in these shifts rather than a late adopter.

Did you know?

• CJCH Acquired Gaskell & Walker Solicitors in 2014 which was founded in 1878. This means that CJCH has an extended history of 141 years.

• CJCH employs people from all over the world, with more than 20 nationalities currently represented, 21 languages spoken, and delivering services to our clients in 42 countries.

• CJCH has one of the largest legal aid practices

7 14mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

First Line Family Law is a specialist family law firm that provides practical and tailored family law advice.

The ethos of the firm is to give a professional service that fits in with the lives and commitments of my clients.

My firm has moved away from the traditional method of charging and offers fixed fees to ensure the client’s legal costs are manageable and affordable.

I provide a progressive service that is “made to measure” whilst still maintaining the personal touch that is needed to ensure that all my clients are properly supported and guided exactly when they need it most.

What areas do you specialise in?

I specialise in separation, divorce, children cases and financial settlements/ agreements. I am a resolution accredited specialist family lawyer, my specialisms being children law (private) and advanced financial provision.

I have an interest in cases involving children and have worked on complicated cases including adoption and violence towards children. I have represented parents, grandparents and extended family.

I also represent clients in complex financial matters involving property, on divorce, cohabitation disputes and cases that have included foreign assets.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

First Line Family Law provides a personal and tailored approach along with affordable fixed costs that makes no compromise on quality of service.

Did you know?

My album Close Enough to Touch is on iTunes.

02920 660 163; www.firstlinefamilylaw.com

hcb solicitors Janine Edwards

Tell us a little about your business

HCB Cardiff provides legal advice in various areas of law whereby we can help both private individuals and corporate clients. Our focus is on developing lifelong partnerships with our clients so that we can provide timely, relevant advice as it is needed.

What plans do you have for 2019

I have recently been employed as head of commercial property (Wales). Our plan is to

“Our focus is on developing lifelong partnerships with our clients so that we can provide timely, relevant advice as it is needed” grow this new arm of the property department in order that we can provide a full service to all our clients who require property advice, whether it be residential or commercial.

Work / life balance – how do you get it right for you and your staff

The directors at HCB realise that in order to fully achieve the best outcome, staff should be valued and should also be encouraged to enjoy life outside the office walls. In our profession, it is easy to lose track of what is important because our day to day jobs are extremely demanding on our time and commitments. HCB value its staff by giving bonus days to all staff, irrespective of role and level if the targets are met each month. This has meant for the Cardiff office, each member of staff receiving an extra holiday day per month for the last two and half years - therefore increasing annual leave for staff by an extra 12 days per year.

The day to day culture is 9 – 5pm.

Can you tell us a surprising or little known fact about the firm

We have been in existence since 1859.

029 2029 1704; www.hcbgroup.com

Janine Edwards, assistant director head of commercial property

BUSINESS SPECIAL Loosemores’ Partners

when things are not going quite right for them.

It is important that we are understanding and professional.

Tell us about your community/ charity involvement

Is important for us to be involved in the community. We have close links with the charity Bullies Out and sponsor them whenever we have the opportunity, be it bake sales or quiz nights or something larger. For example, five of our staff undertook the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge and raised more than £2,000 for Bullies Out. Our most recent venture for them is a sky dive. Three of our intrepid staff are going to undertake a tandem skydive with all sponsorship monies being provided to Bullies Out. Please check out our Just Giving page. We are also involved with a number of other charities. The head of our family department, Luke Dixon, is on the committee of the Seren Trust and we regularly give advice at Dyfrig House. We undertake each year the Legal Walk.

loosemores solicitors Mark Loosemore

Tell us a little about your business

Loosemores is a boutique law firm, based in Cardiff and with a second office in central London. We have a strong heritage built up over more than 50 successful years. This is allied with a fresh and modern outlook, a commitment to bespoke personalised service and a determination to add real value for our clients. The firm provides a range of legal advisory services to both business and individual clients. Our services for business clients include advising on corporate, commercial, property, litigation and employment matters.

Our specialist industry sectors are sport, media and entertainment, charities and technology. For individual clients, we focus on residential property together with probate, wills and trusts.

Tell us about your community/charity involvement - Loosemores was established in

Cardiff city centre in the 1960s and our current team still enjoys being based there today. We are actively involved with numerous Cardiffbased organisations and networks. In addition, we provide some pro bono advice to charities and community interest companies. We also undertake fundraising activities for local charities

“The firm provides a range of legal advisory services to both business and individual clients”

and choose a local partner charity each year. Last year, we supported the Kaleidoscope Project, which provides help to people with alcohol or drug addiction. This year, we are supporting Llamau, whose mission is to end homelessness amongst young people and women.

Tell us something about you people might find surprising?

I was nominated for Woman Lawyer of the Year at the Law Society Excellence Awards in 2015.

029 2047 0909; www.martynprowel.co.uk www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-flying-prowelshannah-michelle-and-natalia

What sets you apart from others in the sector?

We try to focus less on what other law firms might be doing and instead more on making sure we create an environment in which our people flourish and our clients receive outstanding value.

Did you know?

In the current edition of The Legal 500 UK directory, Loosemores is the only law firm in Wales which has both the team and leading individual lawyers ranked in tier 1 for both sport, and media and entertainment.

029 2022 4433; www.loosemores.co.uk

martyn prowell solicitors Caron Rockey

Tell us something about your business that you’re particularly proud of..

We are proud of the way that we deliver our service. We have been in business for some 22 years and feel that the service delivered to our customers is exceptional.

Tell us a little about your business

We are a high street firm working out of the city centre. We moved to our new premises next to Queen Street Station on Queen Street some three years ago. We offer our clients a “cradle to grave” service with understanding and compassion. Often our clients come to us

Caron Rockey

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BUSINESS SPECIAL

“Out of the top 25 overseas rugby stars to grace the Welsh game Xavier Rush was listed as number one”

Claire Farren

We also want to override all competitors by making it affordable, offering celebrity-style hair transplants with various finance and payment options available.

Did you know?

A fact that very few people know about me is that my sister Annaleah Rush and I both debuted for New Zealand Rugby on the same day.

0800 193 3888; www.hqhairtransplants.com

BUSINESS SERVICES FARRENS

Claire Farren

Tell us a little about your business

Farrens is a highly skilled team of outsourced assistants who offer executive business support with a difference.

Being a team of highly specialised outsourced assistants, we can offer a bespoke package to any company to solve every pain point and problem they have. Each member of the Farrens team comes to the world of outsourced assistance from a very different background. Our combined skillset is impressive and vast. We are commercially aware, creative and strategic and we understand that every business is different, and every entrepreneur works differently. In fact, we ourselves all work differently, but that is what makes us unique.

We offer 360-degree business support, from executive PA service, managing social media, HR systems, accounting processes, sales forecasts and strategies, event coordination and project management – the list is endless. We make a difference to every business we work with. Hire Farrens today, to grow your business tomorrow.

Work/life balance – how do you get it right for you and your staff?

That’s easy – there is one thing the Farrens team all have in common, we are all passionate about being organised!

On a serious note there are a few things to ensure you get work/life balance right; have an optimistic attitude, take care of your wellbeing and nurture your relationships. As a team we ensure we do this, and we encourage our clients to do the same.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

We are incredibly proud to have built a great reputation and are known for delivering a high-

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level service as this takes a lot of hard work and dedication. We are also proud to have made it as a finalist for the Cardiff Life Awards! We are a young business with drive and ambition to give all businesses the same level of executive service.

Did you know

The meaning of the name Farren is Adventure.

Our business owner is Claire Farren, the meaning of these two names are Bright Adventure, summing up the business and its journey perfectly!

07929 359781; www.farrens.co.uk

HEAD QUARTERS HAIR TRANSPLANT Xavier Rush

What plans do you have for 2019

The core project for 2019 is Head Quarters Hair Transplants clinic – a beautifully designed and built hair transplant clinic in the heart of Cardiff with a world-class hair transplant surgeon leading the project. We are aiming to restore men’s confidence and deliver the platinum standard of transplant, patient experience and after care service.

The brand name and image is about making hair transplants less “medical”– in the off-putting sense – to men, particularly those that rarely frequent doctors or hospitals, don’t talk about their health, avoid medical environments and don’t relate well to clinic terminology.

Therefore we want to make hair transplants more accessible to men, making it more high street and like a “normal day at the office” – hence the name “Head Quarters /HQ”.

Xavier Rush

THE MEDIA ANGEL Alison Debono

Tell us a little about your business

The Media Angel is an award-winning advertising agency based in Penarth. We help a variety of clients with their marketing campaigns across both the public and private sectors.

Tell us about something exciting that has happened at The Media Angel this year

We’ve just found out we’re finalists in the National Marketing Awards alongside brands such as Vodaphone, Samsung and Sky. We are the only Welsh agency shortlisted in not one but two categories; media planning

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BUSINESS SPECIAL Swansea University which utilised a broad range of media to engage with 18-21-year olds including; TV, digital and various outdoor platforms to name a few.

The award ceremony will be held in London in April where the winners will be announced.

029 2132 0200; www.themediaangel.co.uk

sian gunney consulting Tell us a little bit about your business

13fields

Sian Gunney Consulting is a 1.1 digital marketing and PR consultancy service. I work with a small and expert selection of digital marketeers and together we form a powerhouse that helps my clients’ businesses achieve their goals. I work with start-ups, reputable well established SME’s and larger organisations.

and buying and advertising campaign both for our work with Swansea University for their June Open Day Campaign 2018. The campaign generated a 30% increase in open day registrations in 2018 exceeding the 10% target, over delivering by 200%.

The Drum Marketing Awards celebrate the best marketers and campaigns both nationally and internationally. Open to advertising agencies, in-house marketing teams, design consultancies, digital agencies, PR companies and integrated agencies, The Media Angel is proud to represent Wales against some of the UK’s largest brands.

The Drum Marketing Awards are one of the industry’s most sought after accolades and have many prestigious judges such as Sarah Kiefer (Director of Business Marketing at Spotify), Tatiana Piccolo (VP of global fragrance at Avon UK), Victoria Needs (director of international marketing at Sony) and Charles Allen (head of marketing at Arsenal Football Club).

In the advertising category we are nominated alongside campaigns for Vodaphone, Swinton Insurance, Sky Betting & Gaming and Samsung. In the media planning or buying category we are nominated alongside Fox Sports for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and Volkswagen UK. We created a multi-faceted campaign for

Did you know?

I am listed as 48 in the top 100 influencers worldwide for Digital Marketing. www.instagram.com/siangunneyconsulting

Sian Gunney

Alison Debono

often get referred to me.

I also guest lecture at Cardiff Business School and the University of South Wales on digital marketing and experiential marketing.

What sets you apart from other people in your sector?

I’m a very hands-on consultant, often working in client’s offices becoming part of their senior management team. I create a unified marketing and PR system that works like a well-oiled machine. I pride myself on helping make brands last. A lot of the brands I have worked with are still going strong 13 years later.

Jamie McCallion

Tell us a little about your business

We’re a new kid on the block, old heads on youngish shoulders, Splunk big data, security, and cloud consultancy – but we like to do things a little bit differently. We’re about time to value and return on investment – getting our clients visible results quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

We automate the basics to skip to the good bit, using the data to unleash insights into business performance. Our founders have more than 30 years of experience in the enterprise IT world across a diverse range of technologies.

What areas do you specialise in?

I work with a variety of industries from manufacturing, automotive, finance, government, sports, media, leisure and tourism, FMCG, food and drink, aesthetic medicine and beauty.

What makes working in Cardiff special?

It’s the difference you can make to brands in a short space of time that excites me the most. I love transforming people’s lives and their business profitability. I always say if it doesn’t affect the bottom line positively then it’s not working.

I understand the Cardiff market intrinsically and I know where social media community marketing can fly over traditional social media marketing.

Every business needs social media marketing, but not every business understands why or how to optimise their strategy to cut through the noise and get traction and the best results. This is why a lot of big brands or celebrities and influencers looking to hit the Cardiff and Welsh market will

Sian Gunney

WE’LL FIND THE PERFECT MATCH PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES FINANCE & ACCOUNTANCY • IT & COMMUNICATIONS HR, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT • MARKETING & PR SALES & CUSTOMER SERVICE • ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL BUSINESS SUPPORT & ADMIN

1 Ty Glas Road, Llanishen, Cardiff. CF14 5EB

Whether you’re a client looking for the best talent on the local market, or a candidate looking for the next exciting chapter in your career, our friendly team will be happy to help!

www.focusresourcing.co.uk

Telephone: 02922671222 fal

BUSINESS SPECIAL lime finance

Tom O’Brien

Tom O’Brien

Tell us a little about your business

We offer business advisory and accountancy solutions. In addition to performing the traditional roles of an accountant we can also advise on the commercial viability of your business and offer support with preparing your business for investment, mergers and acquisitions.

What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?

“We love it when clients consider us an extension of their team”

Our work with national brand, Fitness Space – we’ve worked closely with the directors to financially prepare the business for a roll out comprising more than 30 franchisees in the last 24 months. Many of the franchisees have since become clients which I believe is a testament to our good work!

What predictions do you have for the sector in 2019?

The increased use of apps and automation will be adopted within the accountancy and finance sector. Lime is committed to staying abreast of innovations – we’d rather a computer do the compliance so we can focus on providing the insight and expertise.

What areas do you specialise in?

Advisory – my highly experienced team is used to working with all types of businesses from SM’s to blue chips. Although we are all accountants by profession we consider ourselves business consultants more so. We can support with forecasting, planning, budgeting and fundraising while ensuring the client ticks all the compliance boxes too. We love it when clients consider us an extension of their team.

What makes working in Cardiff special?

Our clients are based across the U.K mainly in London and Ascot, but for me Cardiff stands out for its “scratch back” values, which you usually find in small towns not in a vibrant city like Cardiff. So many businesses are happy to support each other to ensure growth and achieve goals.

Did You Know?

We invested in leading digital agency 11:59 meaning we not only offer accountancy but we can now recommend digital strategy and plans.

029 2010 4111; www.limefinance.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPORT

FINANCE AND INSURANCE

INDUSTRIAL

LEGAL

SALES AND MARKETING

EXECUTIVE

ST DAVID RECRUITMENT SERVICES A PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT CONSULTANCY A PERSONAL, BESPOKE SERVICE TO RECRUITMENT CANDIDATES AND CLIENTS Since 2002, St David Recruitment Services Ltd has grown from strength to strength to become one of the most reputable independent recruitment agencies in Wales.

Due to consistent growth, St David Recruitment Services Ltd continue in an exciting phase of expansion. We are proud to have achieved success within our business which has extended its reach across Wales, valuing opportunities to work with new clients and candidates in the Bridgend, Neath, Port Talbot and West Wales area, as well as Cardiff, Newport, Cwmbran and the East.

Having recently relocated to new offices in Cardiff Gate, our expanding team of experienced consultants are on hand to assist with your recruitment needs.

Our recruitment professionals provide a first-class service to clients and candidates alike, with customers who appreciate our honesty, integrity and commitment to matching the right candidate to the right role. Our consultative approach, on a one to one basis, provides our clients with a tailored service to supply new personnel who complement their existing culture.

All candidates are thoroughly interviewed and assessed prior to commencing employment, ensuring we consistently supply staff who enhance our established reputation, and that of our clients.

Similarly, our candidates appreciate that we listen to their individual recruitment needs, maintain regular contact, and treat them with the respect which they deserve.

St David Recruitment Services specialise in the following areas: Administration/Data entry l Call Centre l Customer Service l Sales & Marketing l Secretaries & PAs l Switchboard Operators l Receptionist l Medical Secretaries l Welsh Speakers l Housing Officers & Advisors l PR & Communications l Senior Managers l Project Managers l Human Resources l Trainers l Accounts & Finance l IFAs l IT Specialists l Solicitors l Conveyancers l Legal Assistants/Paralegals l Underwriters l Industrial l Manufacturing & Production l Warehouse & Distribution l Freight & Logistics l Transport l Drivers l Health & Safety l Technical & Engineering l Security l Housekeepers & Cleaners

WE ARE UNIQUELY PLACED TO BE ABLE TO PUT OUR EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS PROFESSIONAL, FRIENDLY AND FASTING-MOVING. CARDIFF OFFICE 1st Floor, Seven Oak Tree Court, Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RS. Tel: 02920 797920 info@stdavid-recruitment.co.uk

Visit us online: www.stdavid-recruitment.co.uk ba

BUSINESS SPECIAL Jamie McCallion

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our focus is firmly B2B and more specifically in the construction, engineering, manufacturing and technology sectors. This specialism enables us to provide expert guidance to our clients using the benefit of experience when it comes to what works best (or not) in relation to communications campaigns.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Like most companies, Brexit is a general major challenge – particularly for our manufacturing clients. Across the board, GDPR has had a noticeable impact on marketing strategies, with many now turning to more traditional techniques such as PR in a bid to raise brand awareness and generate in-bound enquiries.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

What challenges are you clients facing?

Our clients have oodles of data – from computers, devices, tills, cameras, the cloud and more. We help them get business value from the data, re-using it in multiple contexts. Door entry data juxtaposed with HR holiday schedules for example, is someone entering the building when they’re meant to be at the rugby? Is the CFO accessing the company bank accounts from a computer in North Korea? They’re probably security incidents.

What areas do you specialise in?

IT monitoring, machine learning, and cyber security, using Splunk as the tool, on-prem or in the cloud. We automate everything it makes sense to automate, so we can spend more time doing the things that add value to our clients’ businesses.

It’s been a phenomenal year for us. We’ve relocated to new offices in Penarth, welcomed new team members, significantly grown our client base and were named as finalists in the CIPR Cymru awards for Outstanding Small Consultancy of the Year. We’re going from strength to strength, with all of our new business coming from referrals.

Did You Know?

We don’t just work locally… we deliver PR campaigns internationally with a team member on the ground to service Australia and New Zealand.

029 2166 0639; www.technicalmarketing-pr.com

Did you know...?

We own a woods near Pontypridd for community benefit. Community engagement is really important to all of us at 13Fields. We also support young people and women in technology events, and we’ve spoken in schools, donated IT equipment, and sponsored events. www.13fields.co.uk

Technical Marketing & PR Louise Matthews, Managing Director Tell us a little about your business

We’re a boutique PR and marketing agency based in Penarth offering marketing and PR services to clients of all shapes and sizes – from start-ups through to FTSE 250 and global companies.

“Community engagement is really important to all of us at 13Fields” 28 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Technical Marketing & PR

Ubiquity

Tell us a little about your business

With firm, established Welsh roots, we have recently moved to a new office in Cardiff and opened an office in Liverpool to reflect our continued expansion.

Offering digital creative, media and PR services nationally and internationally, here at Ubiquity we continue to win contracts and develop our diverse client base.

In 2019, we are aiming to make a difference in many ways …

What makes Ubiquity proud to make a difference?

Over the past 12 months, there are many things that we, as an agency, are extremely proud of.

From winning new work, to maintaining fantastic relationships with our clients, and most recently, the expansion into Liverpool. However, other work with local colleges and universities has made the past year, a year to remember. As well as offering student placements, members of the agency have actively been working with students across South Wales through lectures, portfolio reviews and end of year projects.

Ubiquity is proud to say that 30% of our new recruits this year have been from our work-based placements – this a real way in which we have made a difference.

Have you made a difference through any charity work?

Ubiquity’s charity of choice for 2019 is Stroke of Luck. This charity was started by Craig

architects BUSINESS SPECIAL Ubiquity’s chairman, Ian Ayre

many changes to itself and its surroundings over the years, but still stands proud in the heart of Cardiff as its oldest hotel. Styling ourselves as a four star boutique hotel, we offer an informal, relaxed and comfortable night’s stay, ideally situated just minutes walk away from the Principality Stadium and the shopping and nightlife centres of Cardiff.

our underground car park was also sold off.

Despite these challenges, the hotel has continued evolving and innovating and we have consistently excellent reviews for our customer service and offerings – regularly challenging big brand rival hotels.

029 2055 0755; www.royalhotelcardiff.com

Did you know?

Alison Whistance

In 2013, the hotel installed two rooftop beehives – the honey harvested can be bought (and tasted) at the hotel and the beeswax is used to make natural soaps and candles. In 2018, we managed to harvest a crop of 130 jars of honey!

Pankhurst, a stroke survivor who is not only passionate about supporting fellow stroke survivors but also about offering help and support to the survivors’ nearest and dearest. The charity believes that the journey to a fuller life after a stroke is born out of positive communities.

Introducing physical activity into a survivor’s daily life increases the sense of wellbeing and by connecting stroke survivors and personal trainers, Stroke of Luck promotes working together to developing a healthier body and mind. Ubiquity has made the difference to Stroke of Luck and the people this charity supports, by developing a free of charge website and social media plan.

We’ve heard you are also making a difference in America? Can you tell us a bit about that?

Ubiquity’s chairman, Ian Ayre is currently making a difference to American sport. Currently residing in the vibrant and inclusive city of Nashville, Ian’s responsibility is for the creation of the MLS league in Nashville from the ground up. It’s certainly a challenge, but one Ian is fully ready to take in order to launch the league in March 2020. It will be a massive year stateside for Ian, who now has the opportunity to sit on both sides of the marketing table but remains fully committed to Ubiquity Group.

029 2043 6573; www.ubiquitygroup.co.uk

The Royal Hotel Cardiff Scott Frankton

Tell us about your business

Built in 1866, the Royal Hotel Cardiff has seen

12 mediaclash.co.uk

Tell us about your community/charity involvement?

Several years ago, the Hotel partnered with Tros Gynnal Plant (TGP), a local charity which provides an advocacy service for vulnerable children and young people. We regularly hold curry and quiz nights, raising money for a worthy cause (and everyone has a great time too)! We also donate all lost property left in the hotel to their Swansea-based charity shop.

What achievements are you most proud of?

The hotel has changed guise many times over the years, with the original downstairs buildings being sold to private bars. Not only that, but

Alison Whistance

Thincats

Tell us a little bit about your business

ThinCats is an established fintech lender dedicated to funding SMEs with business loans up to £15million using pioneering data, personal relationships and a pragmatic lending process enabled through proprietary technology.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Some 46% of SMEs have experienced barriers in accessing finance; with reasons given including that lenders either do not understand the sector (12%) or do not understand the borrower’s individual needs (10%), according to research from Close Brothers. The main reasons SMEs have their applications rejected include: cash flow not considered strong enough, business wasn’t considered to have enough capital, or simply that their banks were not lending to SMEs at the time.

What areas do you specialise in?

ThinCats provides UK SMEs with funding up to £15million through senior secured loan facilities.

Our entire ethos is based around providing our clients with certainty of deal execution. Our through-the-lifecycle funding experience enables us to fund a variety of scenarios; from organic growth to acquisitions, management buy-outs and buy ins, refinancing and restructures.

What sets you apart from other in your sector?

ThinCats’ progressive approach has already enabled UK SMEs to borrow more than £400million. We care about the success of the businesses we fund. We take the time to listen, to gain a close understanding of the business strategy, the challenges and opportunities. Our ability to access multiple sources of patient capital allows us to do the deals that others can’t.

07814 139523; www.thincats.com