Latest news with #Carmarthenshire-based
ITV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
Cutting deep: Welsh Rugby faces radical reform to reverse sport's decline
There is a desperate battle brewing in the proud rugby nation of Wales, with a U-turn by the Welsh Rugby Union throwing the game into chaos. ITV News Wales Reporter Rhys Williams has more Having punched above its weight for so long, Wales has worn its rugby heritage like a badge of honour. But after a string of disappointing results on the pitch, resignations in the governing body over allegations of misogyny and sexism, and a growing financial crisis, the future of Welsh rugby has never looked more months after pledging to fund the existing four professional clubs, the Welsh Rugby Union is now considering a radical and controversial restructuring of the professional game, including the possibility of halving the number of clubs from four to just two. It's a move that would reshape the sport at its highest level in Wales, but one that's already causing anger and resentment among thousands of has also created enormous uncertainty for the clubs, with the new season due to begin next would be a very bold move. No international team with fewer than four professional clubs has even finished higher than third in the Six Nations Rugby Championship, let alone win CEO Abi Tierney told ITV News today that this is a 'once-in-a-generation chance to get this right for Wales', and acknowledged the urgent need to provide stability and clarity to the game. With clubs facing challenging financial and performance issues, WRC CEO Abi Tierney explains why the reforms are being put forward But the turbulence isn't confined to the pitch. A political row has erupted after Carmarthenshire-based politicians called on the Welsh Government to block the Ospreys' planned redevelopment of the historic St Helen's Ground on Swansea MP and Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris has hit back strongly, calling their behaviour 'underhand.' Meanwhile, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley told ITV News that it's vital the clubs know what's happening 'as soon as we can,' but said short-term pain could be worth it if it leads to long-term gain for Welsh rugby.'We have to keep our eye on the prize here. What we're all aiming for is to get Welsh rugby, at both national and club level, into a much better place than it is now. That's what we're all working together to try and achieve.''Whatever happens, we're very positive about the future here at St Helen's and to be honest, we can't wait to be in.'The landscape of Welsh rugby looks set to change dramatically. The hope is that bold reform can reverse its the fear remains: cutting teams may only make things worse.
South Wales Guardian
07-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Calon Wen milk co-op marks 25 years with new products
Founded in 2000 by four farmers, Carmarthenshire-based Calon Wen has grown to become one of the UK's leading organic brands, with an annual turnover of approximately £14 million. The co-operative, based at Pantyffynnon, now consists of 25 organic dairy farmer members from across Wales, collectively producing over 20 million litres of milk each year. The company's dairy product line includes the popular Calon Wen-branded milk, butter, and cheese, which are available in both independent stores and major retailers throughout England and Wales. Calon Wen unveiled its new branding at an event attended by farmer members and representatives from the dairy industry and food sector. This occasion celebrated the co-operative's achievements over the past 25 years and provided insight into the company's latest developments as well as its future plans. The new branding features bold colours and imagery of rolling green fields, presenting a fresh and clean look while retaining key elements of Calon Wen's original branding, including the iconic 'Moula the Cow', to ensure continuity as the brand evolves. Dai Miles, Calon Wen's Managing Director and a dairy farmer, stated, "As we look to the future of Calon Wen, we want our branding to reflect this evolution. We are not changing who we are; we are sharpening our focus on what truly matters—our farmers, our customers, and our planet. "The brand refresh celebrates Calon Wen's Welsh roots while showcasing our commitment to expand and innovate without compromising our organic values." The celebration also offered a sneak peek at the cooperative's latest branded product: Calon Wen Organic Dairy Ice Cream - which will be available to the public for the first time at this month's Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd (July 21-24). Produced by the award-winning Welsh company Mario's Ice Cream, Calon Wen Organic Dairy Ice Cream comes in three delicious flavours: Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream, and Honeycomb & Honey Swirl. Dai Miles said, 'We're delighted to add ice cream to our award-winning brand. The organic milk produced by our members is perfect for creating creamy dairy ice cream, and who better to produce it than Mario's, a company just a couple of miles down the road? 'Adding ice cream to our brand portfolio will provide our dairy farmer members with another outlet for their milk, enhancing the Calon Wen brand and strengthening our position in the organic marketplace. 'It is also fitting that visitors to the Royal Welsh Show will be among the first to sample our ice cream, which will be available at our stand located below the Main Ring grandstand.'
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Ice Cream Producer Secures Food Safety Certification with HELIX Programme Support
A Carmarthenshire-based ice cream and frozen dessert company has secured globally recognised food safety certification following technical support delivered through the Welsh Government's HELIX Programme, previously named Project HELIX. Mario's Ice Cream, which was named food producer of the year at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2024, has successfully secured BRCGS Start intermediate level certification. This food safety certification, which is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, will enable the company to target a greater range of customers who require the standard. Having expanded into a second factory unit in 2023, Mario's decided to begin the process of securing BRCGS Start intermediate level certification to drive further business growth. They approached ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University in early 2024 for technical assistance through the Welsh Government funded HELIX Programme. ZERO2FIVE initially conducted a gap analysis of Mario's food safety management systems to identify the processes and paperwork that needed to be put in place to comply with BRCGS Start. An action plan was then put in place to mentor the Mario's team to implement the required changes. ZERO2FIVE supported Mario's to update a range of procedures, including traceability and recalls, site security risk assessments, new product development and good manufacturing practices. As part of the support, ZERO2FIVE also delivered a bespoke food safety culture workshop and mentoring on how to develop a food safety culture plan. Mario's successfully passed their BRCGS Start Intermediate audit in February 2025 and as a result of the support, they have safeguarded 18 jobs within the company. Riccardo Dallavalle, Director of Operations, Mario's Ice Cream, said: 'The support from ZERO2FIVE has been vital in enabling Mario's to secure BRCGS Start certification and as a result drive further business growth. We hope to take the next step to the full BRCGS Global Standard in the next few years and with the solid foundations from BRCGS Start intermediate level in place, we are well on our way.' Professor David Lloyd, Director of ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, said: 'Third party food safety certification like BRCGS and SALSA is a requirement for manufacturers to win new business with many national retailers, wholesalers and foodservice companies. If your company is looking to secure one of these standards then please get in touch with us at ZERO2FIVE to discuss the Welsh Government funded support that may be available.' The HELIX Programme is delivered by four organisations across Wales and provides a range of funded technical and innovation support to Welsh food and drink companies. To find out more about the funded support available from ZERO2FIVE through the HELIX Programme, visit:
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Ex-Wales rugby captain's business settles claim from former star
Ex-Wales rugby captain's business settles claim from former star Exclusive: A settlement has been reached in the case brought by Leigh Davies against a multimillion-pound water supplier Former Wales captain and WRU chairman David Pickering A water supplier run by ex-Welsh Rugby Union chairman David Pickering has settled a court claim from former Wales rugby international Leigh Davies. The retired centre had accused Hydro Industries of cheating him out of more than £125,000. Mr Davies, 48, earned 21 caps and played for teams including Scarlets and Ospreys. Mr Pickering, 64, was a flanker who captained Wales before managing the national team and then spending 11 years as WRU chairman. He is chairman of Hydro, a Carmarthenshire-based firm which provides drinking water in various countries and last year had more than £5.2m in net assets. In his claim, which was due to go to trial at Cardiff county court, Mr Davies accused Hydro of "deception" over Middle-Eastern business deals and said he no longer trusted Mr Pickering or the other directors. But we understand a settlement has been reached and the claim withdrawn. Hydro told WalesOnline: 'The proceedings have been stayed on the basis of confidential terms that neither party is free to disclose or discuss." The business previously made headlines in 2021 having secured millions in UK Government funding after donating £71,000 to the then-ruling Tory party. One of its directors is journalist Guto Harri, who was a top aide to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Wales centre Leigh Davies tackled by Tom Takau of the USA in 1999 (Image: David Rogers /Allsport ) Article continues below Mr Davies' claim – first revealed by WalesOnline in January – alleged that he got to know people involved in Hydro after helping one of its directors with fitness training. Mr Davies allegedly introduced the directors to a friend he knew from charity rugby events in Dubai. That friend was a "close business partner and friend with the royal family in the United Arab Emirates", the filing alleged. According to Mr Davies' claim his friend was "looking for a water purification company to assist with numerous projects in the UAE, Gulf states, and surrounding countries". It added: "Following my initial introduction the potential for business grew and it became clear early on that there was massive potential for large contracts." The Neath-born star claimed he signed an agreement with Hydro's directors in 2013 that would secure him 5% commission on any orders he introduced or helped negotiate. The following year Hydro announced what it described as a "£20m joint-venture deal" with Abu Dhabi business group M Partners for a water treatment project in the UAE. Mr Davies saw himself as an "essential and continuing" link between Hydro and companies in the Gulf states. He said he represented Hydro at meetings and at corporate and charity events. "Hydro could not have existed, searched for new business opportunities, or entered into any new business contracts without my introductions," the filing alleged. It continued: "In 2016 Hydro wanted me to sign a new and different contract. This new contract would reduce my commission from 5% to 1%. Naturally this concerned me a little so I arranged to meet Wayne Preece [the chief executive officer of Hydro]." Mr Davies and Mr Preece allegedly met at the Morgans Hotel in Swansea. "We discussed the new agreement and discussed all the new business opportunities that had been presented to Hydro since my introductions," the claim read, adding that "lots" of potential contracts were mentioned including one with UAE waste management company Bee'ah. "I did not write any of them down as I took Wayne at his word that my interests and commission would be protected. I also believed I had some legal protection at that stage pursuant to the 2013 sales agreement. "On that evening Wayne Preece provided me with a 'forecast document' which suggested I would be receiving significant commission payments that would steadily increase over the next five years and then settle out resulting in a significant annual amount that would be life-changing for me. Even though my commission would be reducing from 5% to 1% even at 1% the forecast suggested I would be earning around £250,000 a year for the next 20 years from my commission payments. Naturally I now deeply regret trusting Wayne Preece on that night. "A few months later I signed the new 1% commission agreement in good faith. Unbeknown to me at the time negotiations were already ongoing and close to conclusion on the Bee'ah contract. I now know that the Bee'ah contract was signed on June 26, 2016, only a few weeks after I signed the 1% agreement. Had I still been entitled under my old contract at 5% I would have been entitled to a payment in excess of £125,000. I feel I was misled at the time but was not troubled as I had been assured that my 1% agreement would still bring me huge dividends. "Knowing what I now know it is clear that Hydro were becoming well aware of the potential for business in the UAE and Gulf states and wider and wanted to reduce my commission from 5% to 1% and then actually had no intention to pay any commission, in fact wanted to remove me completely." The claim accuses Hydro of "deception" in allegedly failing to disclose the Bee'ah contract. "I was told by Wayne Preece that there were lots of contracts 'in the pipeline' but nothing had actually been signed yet and that no monies had been received by Hydro as yet. This clearly was not the case and Bee'ah was close to signing and monies were about to be received, some of which I was entitled to." The claim was for £28,000 based on Hydro's alleged failures to pay 1% commission on deals after Mr Davies signed the 2016 contract but it also called for a ruling on whether he was entitled to 5%. When we inquired about the settlement Mr Davies declined to comment. Hydro, based in Llangennech, had net assets of £5,248,577 last year, £10,523,965 the preceding year, and £12,647,257 the year before that. The firm specialises in water purification technology and in recent years has won contracts in Ecuador, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Article continues below
Pembrokeshire Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Plea to lift agricultural occupancy condition rejected
A NEW co-operative formed between West Wales pig farmers and a meat supplier is allowing pork from herds born and reared within the region to be transported for processing just a short distance in a low-throughput abattoir – reducing stress on the animals, providing low food miles meat for consumers and improving producer margins. The eight Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire-based farmers were brought together by the Farming Connect Agrisgôp initiative after the idea was discussed by Fishguard meat supplier and butcher Martyn Lloyd and Agrisgôp leader Lilwen Joynson. Martyn had been a member of another Agrisgôp group where Lilwen had helped him to develop his idea for a new processing facility and later, at a Farming Connect mentoring meeting, the idea for the Red Dragon Porc Cyf co-operative was established. Martyn and his wife, Danielle, had been unable to source low food miles pork for their customers. 'We could get beef and lamb and we have our own poultry but what we were missing was pork, we did our best to find Welsh pork for customers but that pork came with a lot of food miles and that doesn't fit with our business ethos,'' Martyn explains. Developing an abattoir on their farm at Cilshafe presented a solution. 'We wanted to get some pork producers on board, to help them advance their businesses,'' says Martyn. 'There are a lot of small pig producers in west Wales and many were struggling to work out how best to get their meat to the market but with an existing customer base we could help. We looked to Agrisgôp to help to bring that to life.'' After the first Agrisgôp meeting, facilitated by Lilwen, the idea took shape. Agrisgôp is a fully-funded management development programme that encourages eligible farmers to get together to not only develop their businesses, but to personally gain confidence and skills through action learning. And this is what happened for the Red Dragon Porc Cyf members. Farmers had been receiving inconsistent prices for their pigs when they marketed as individual businesses and their ability to supply a butcher directly was constrained as meeting supply volume requirements was tricky. 'The farmers shared a mission and were guided on putting their ideas into action,'' Lilwen explains. Building trust and confidence was crucial to the process of forming a cooperative. 'Collaboration and open sharing are definitely key,'' says Lilwen. 'Differences of opinion and thinking had to be overcome and a set of rules and values adopted with individuals accepting that it had to work for the majority since they were no longer operating as individual businesses.'' For some it even meant changing breeding patterns and breed type to accommodate market demands. At the end of 2024, Red Dragon Porc Cyf had already marketed £43,000 worth of pork, including sausages which captured awards at last year's Royal Welsh Winter Fair. In April, the missing part of the local pork jigsaw slotted into position when the Lloyds started processing pork at their own Food Standards Agency-approved abattoir. Until then, co-operative members including Will Kerr had to transport their pigs further to be processed. 'We didn't have any control over prices, the margins were very small,'' Will admits. 'Martyn opening the abattoir in Fishguard has been the catalyst we needed.'' Will has six Welsh pig breeding sows, which he runs alongside suckler beef and sheep enterprises at his family's farm, Blaenawen, at Glanrhyd. He had long been frustrated at the perception of pork being, in his words 'the cheap cousin'' of beef and lamb. While it has become commonplace for butchers to display the full history of the beef and lamb they are selling, Will points out that this is rarely applied to pork because it is largely sourced wholesale or has been imported. 'We too are now in a position to tell the exciting story of our pork,'' says Will, who farms with his parents, Mark and Kip. He sees a major advantage in being part of a co-operative. 'As a group we are more powerful, it gives us many advantages, we are already getting a better price for our pigs. 'Without Agrisgôp we would never have come together so we are grateful to Martyn for initiating it with Farming Connect and to Lilwen for pulling us all together.'' Another member of the group, Ed Walker, also sees big value in collective marketing, that 'strength in numbers''. 'As eight producers we are on a par with commercial farmers as we can offer consistency of supply but we are still individual small producers too.'' The businessman-turned-farmer produces around 600 pigs a year on an outdoor system at 46-acre Model Farm near Tenby. His 22 breeding sows are a mixture of Large Whites crossed with a Welsh boar and Oxford Sandy and Blacks which he crosses to a Large White. Keeping pigs started as hobby, alongside running his own civil engineering business, but it is now more or less a full-time job, with a part-time helper too. Almost all his sales are through Red Dragon Porc Cyf although he is also licenced to sell meat from the farm as Tenby Woodland Pork. Before the abattoir was established at Cilshafe, he would need to make a 150-mile round trip to the facility at Maesteg. The next stage for the co-operative could be to establish a meat box scheme. The throughput of pigs through the Lloyds' abattoir, which also processes other livestock, will be small initially but that is projected to increase as sales gain momentum. The facility has so far has created four full-time jobs and more could follow. Picture caption: Collaborating on pork marketing: Pictured from the left are Tom Young, Nic Caine, Martyn Lloyd, Ed Walker, Will Kerr and Lilwen Joynson
