Latest news with #CelticManorResort
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Top environmental award for Celtic Collection of hotels
The Celtic Collection, which includes the Celtic Manor Resort and other properties in South Wales and the West, has been awarded Level 4 of the Green Dragon Environmental Standard across seven of its hotels and the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales). This achievement marks a significant step forward in the group's sustainability journey. Fitzroy Hutchinson, energy and environment manager at The Celtic Collection, said: "With a track record of over 30 years of sustainable business practice, we are committed to making sustainability part of our everyday. "Having held the Green Dragon Environmental Standard at Level 3 at the Celtic Manor Resort for 20 years, we are delighted that our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and our environmental impact have resulted in us achieving Level 4 across The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales. "We have made significant investment in our facilities to minimise our energy and water consumption, reduce our waste and raise our recycling levels but perhaps the most pleasing aspect of Level 4 recognition is that it reflects the enthusiastic participation of our team. "More than 1,300 people have been trained to recognise and enhance our sustainability practices and we have proactive working groups in all properties and across every department. "This engagement has been instrumental in reaching the Level 4 standard." The Green Dragon Environmental Standard is a UKAS-accredited certification owned and operated by Groundwork Wales. The Celtic Collection's Level 4 accreditation places it among just 19 organisations in Wales to reach this level or higher. Katy Stevenson, chief executive of Groundwork Wales, said: "We are delighted to have worked with the Celtic Collection and ICC Wales for a number of years, accrediting their venues through the Green Dragon Environmental Standard and now uplifting to Level 4. "This demonstrates consistent improvement and progress across a large and complex business." The Celtic Collection's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its daily operations and long-term investments. All of its properties use 100 per cent REGO-backed renewable electricity, send zero waste to landfill, and convert food waste into renewable energy and waste oil into biodiesel. In 2024, the group launched Tŷ Hotel Newport, the first all-electric large hotel in Wales. The hotel features energy-efficient electric ovens and induction hobs that use 40 per cent less energy than traditional gas equipment. At the Celtic Manor Resort, a new environment and ecology stewardship manager has led the planting of 5,000 trees, the installation of 120 bird boxes, and the introduction of four beehives supporting 150,000 honeybees. ICC Wales has also taken major steps to reduce its environmental impact, including eliminating single-use plastics and focusing on locally sourced produce. The venue offsets 465 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually thanks to its 230 acres of woodland, and its smart building management system helps minimise energy use. The Celtic Collection includes Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Court Hotel, Newbridge on Usk, The Parkgate Hotel, and Tŷ Hotels in Magor, Newport, and Milford Waterfront. The group first achieved Level 3 in 2005, with the Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales reaching Level 4 in 2024. Other properties were brought up to the same standard in 2025.
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Celtic Manor owner saw wealth fall by £200m last year
Sir Terry, the owner of the Celtic Manor Resort, now has a personal wealth of £1.338 billion, according to the annual Sunday Times Rich List. The 81-year-old, who was raised in Newbridge, made his fortune in the telecoms industry. He studied electronics at Swansea University before starting out on his journey in business in Canada. There, he launched his telecommunications equipment business, Mitel, in 1973. Besides his telecoms ventures, Sir Terry owns the Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales. (Image: Newsquest) The Newport businessman was the first billionaire in Wales and was the richest man in the country until 2012. Sir Terry currently ranks 119th in the UK rich list and fourth in Wales. The annual Sunday Times Rich List has seen a significant drop in the number of billionaires this year, from 177 in 2022 to 156. Cardiff-born billionaire Sir Michael Moritz and his wife, Harriet Heyman, hold the top position on the Welsh list, despite their fortunes falling by £168 million to £4.435 billion. Flintshire technology entrepreneur Simon Nixon, co-founder of takes second place with a worth of £1.95 billion. Llanelli-based Specsavers founder Douglas Perkins and his family are in third place with an estimated fortune of £1.539 billion. The fifth spot goes to Cardiff-born property investor and West Ham United owner David Sullivan and his family, with a net worth of £1.118 billion. Meanwhile, Alex Loven has been named the wealthiest person in Wales under 40. The 37-year-old started out in business selling cricket bats to his schoolmates at the age of 13. He later founded Wrexham-based Net World Sports. His net worth has increased to £262 million from £200 million last year, making him the 18th richest person under 40 in the UK. The 2025 Sunday Times Rich List names the 350 richest people in the UK based on identifiable wealth, including land, property, and assets such as art and racehorses, and significant shares in publicly quoted companies. The figures do not include bank accounts. This year's list, which includes notable figures such as Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger, and Sir Lewis Hamilton, holds a combined wealth of £772.8 billion. This sum is larger than the annual GDP of Switzerland but is down three per cent compared with last year. Robert Watts, the compiler of the guide, said: "Our billionaire count is down, and the combined wealth of those who feature in our research is falling. "We are also finding fewer of the world's super-rich are coming to live in the UK. "The Rich List's decline in billionaire numbers is the sharpest in its 37-year history, reflecting changing economic conditions. "Despite this, the list remains a testament to the significant wealth held by a small number of individuals and families in the UK. "The list highlights the ongoing concentration of wealth in certain industries, particularly technology and telecommunications, as exemplified by figures like Sir Terry Matthews and Sir Michael Moritz. "The Rich List provides a snapshot of the shifting landscape of wealth in the UK, with the fortunes of its members reflecting broader economic trends. "Despite a decrease in the number of billionaires and a dip in their combined wealth, the list continues to highlight the significant economic influence of its members.
South Wales Argus
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
MasterChef star Larkin Cen returns to Celtic Manor Resort
Larkin Cen, who reached the finals of MasterChef in 2013, is back at the Celtic Manor Resort, where his culinary journey began. The Cardiff-born chef, who was originally trained as a lawyer, swapped the courtroom for the kitchen after his success on the BBC show. He went on to open Cen at Celtic Manor Resort in 2016, a bold Asian dining concept that quickly earned recognition for its fusion of traditional Chinese flavours and contemporary flair. Following a successful three years at the five-star resort, Larkin expanded his culinary vision by creating his own fast casual noodle and bao bar brand chain, now called XO. He later appeared on The Great British Menu before returning to the Celtic Manor Resort in 2023 with The Monkey King, a pop-up dining experience inspired by the legendary Chinese novel Journey to the West. Nearly a decade since his first venture at Celtic Manor, Larkin returns with a fresh new vision for his residency at the resort's renamed Asian restaurant – PAD by Larkin Cen. Guests can look forward to a vibrant, refined menu, shaped by Larkin's journey from his parents' Chinese takeaway kitchen to national TV screens. A standout feature of the new menu is the Legendary Peking Duck Experience (£60 per person), an indulgent celebration of Peking duck, where the whole duck is served and cooked classically. The à la carte menu also showcases innovative Asian tapas, large plates and a Curries of Asia section plus set sharing menus offering diners the chance to sample a range of Larkin's signature dishes. Chef Larkin Cen said: "Returning to Celtic Manor Resort feels like coming full circle. "My vision has always been to take the traditional dishes I grew up with and elevate them into something beautiful, combining authenticity with creativity. "This new menu is a celebration of classic Asian flavours, presented in a fresh and exciting way and served in the wonderful surroundings of the resort. "I'm looking forward to returning to my roots and picking up where we left off." Celtic Manor Resort operations director David Griffin added: "We're delighted to welcome back such a talented and inspiring chef and look forward to this exciting new chapter in our shared culinary journey with the launch of PAD by Larkin Cen. "We know Larkin will create a truly special dining experience for our guests to enjoy." Larkin's new menu is available at PAD by Larkin Cen, with dinner service available from 6pm to 9.30pm.
Business News Wales
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Award-Winning Chef Larkin Cen Returns to Celtic Manor
Acclaimed chef Larkin Cen is returning to the Celtic Manor Resort, bringing his signature style of modern Asian cuisine back to where his culinary journey first took flight. Cardiff-born Larkin originally trained as a lawyer but swapped the courtroom for the kitchen after making his mark in the finals of MasterChef in 2013. He went on to open Cen at Celtic Manor Resort in 2016 – a bold Asian dining concept that quickly earned recognition for its fusion of traditional Chinese flavours and contemporary flair. Following a successful three years at the five-star resort, Larkin expanded his culinary vision by creating his own fast casual noodle and bao bar brand chain, now called XO. He later appeared on The Great British Menu before returning to the Celtic Manor Resort in 2023 with The Monkey King, a pop-up dining experience inspired by the legendary Chinese novel Journey to the West. Now, nearly a decade since his first venture at the Welsh resort, Larkin returns with a fresh new vision for his residency at Celtic Manor's renamed Asian restaurant – PAD by Larkin Cen. Chef Larkin Cen said: 'Returning to Celtic Manor Resort feels like coming full circle. My vision has always been to take the traditional dishes I grew up with and elevate them into something beautiful, combining authenticity with creativity. 'This new menu is a celebration of classic Asian flavours, presented in a fresh and exciting way and served in the wonderful surroundings of the resort. I'm looking forward to returning to my roots and picking up where we left off.' Celtic Manor Resort Operations Director David Griffin added: 'We're delighted to welcome back such a talented and inspiring chef and look forward to this exciting new chapter in our shared culinary journey with the launch of PAD by Larkin Cen. We know Larkin will create a truly special dining experience for our guests to enjoy.'
BBC News
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Oscars 2025 winners: Two Welsh nominees take home awards
Two out of three Welsh Oscar nominees have taken home awards in the 2025 Academy Awards. Cinematographer Lol Crawley, who grew up in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, Powys, won best cinematography for The Brutalist at the 97th edition of the special effects artist Rhys Salcombe, from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, was part of a team that won the best visual effects Oscar for work on Dune: Part his acceptance speech, Crawley thanked "all my friends back in Wales" and said he had huge affection for the country. Crawley told BBC News Breakfast it was "extraordinary" and "overwhelming" to hear his name read out when the winner was what it meant for Wales, he said he was "very, very proud". "It doesn't seem that long since I was there, to be honest, and I have a huge affection for that country," he finished audio visual studies at college in Wrexham, followed by media production at university, before moving to Los Angeles in 2019. Crawley, who was born in Shrewsbury and grew up in Powys, loved watching films with his about the film's much-discussed 15-minute intermission, he said he recalled going to the nearest cinema as a child on the Welsh-English border to see BMX Bandits which had an intermission, allowing him to buy an ice Brutalist, which was nominated for 10 Oscars and won three, tells the story of Hungarian immigrant and Holocaust survivor László Tóth, who is trying to rebuild his life in post-war America through his work as an Matthews, son of business magnate and Celtic Manor Resort owner Sir Terry Matthews, was among four producers of The Brutalist who missed out on the best picture film Anora won five awards including best picture and best actress.
