Latest news with #ChambersWalesSouthEast
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh firms hit by global tariff changes, survey finds
Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid's latest Quarterly Economic Survey for the second quarter of 2025 shows a mixed outlook for exporters, with 41 per cent of businesses reporting stable export sales. However, the survey also points to signs of growth. David Pena, director of international trade at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: "It has been an unpredictable period for international trade, with ever-changing tariff decisions and trade talks progressing. "Tariffs can act as a trade barrier to fostering long-term growth, and it is clear that the US' decisions have impacted businesses in Wales whether directly or through supply chains." Nearly a third of businesses said export orders and advanced bookings increased in Q2, up from 25 per cent in Q1. The report highlights the impact of US trade policy, including President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' announcement and new tariffs introduced in April. Fifteen per cent of Welsh firms reported being affected by the 10 per cent US tariff on imports, while 23 per cent said their business or supply chain felt the effects of wider global tariffs. Some firms said the tariffs had not impacted trade, but others reported a slowdown in US business, with fewer enquiries and orders. Nearly a quarter said they would reconsider the country of origin for goods to avoid tariffs. The survey also examined business conditions beyond trade. Forty-four per cent of businesses attempted to recruit in the past three months, but two-thirds faced difficulties due to a lack of suitable candidates. Gus Williams, interim CEO of Chambers Wales, said: "Despite a mixed picture in the world of international trade, it is heartening to see the positives in our survey results from increases in export orders to investment plans for training."
Business News Wales
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Economic Survey Reveals Mixed Quarter for Welsh International Trade
An evolving trade landscape produced mixed results for Welsh businesses who trade internationally in Q2 2025, according to Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid's latest Quarterly Economic Survey. 41% of businesses in Wales reported that their export sales remained constant in Q2. However, 31% stated that export orders and advanced bookings increased during the same period, compared to 25% in Q1, marking a positive shift in future custom. Following President Trump's 'Liberation Day' announcement in early April and changing tariffs throughout the quarter as a result of UK-US trade talks, businesses in Wales revealed the impact the announcements have had on their firms. 15% of businesses in Wales said they had been affected by the 10% tariffs introduced by the US on imports, while almost a quarter (23%) said that their business or supply chain had been affected by wider global tariffs that had been implemented by the US. While some businesses shared that the tariffs did not have an effect on their trade, others reported that trade with the US had slowed down, with fewer enquiries and a reduction in orders due to uncertainty. 23% of businesses in Wales indicated that they would reassess country origin of goods to avoid the impact of tariffs. David Pena, Director of International Trade David Peña, Director of International Trade at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: 'It has been an unpredictable period for international trade, with ever-changing tariff decisions and trade talks progressing. Tariffs can act as a trade barrier to fostering long-term growth, and it is clear that the US' decisions have impacted businesses in Wales whether directly or through supply chains. 'At Chambers Wales, we stand for trade, commerce and economic growth and this data will shape how we support businesses in Wales through market volatility and towards growth.' Away from trade, the Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 also revealed businesses' experiences of recruitment, plans for investment and key concerns of the last quarter. 44% of businesses in Wales attempted to recruit in the last three months, and two thirds of these businesses experienced difficulties because of a shortage of suitable applicants. Over two thirds of businesses (67%) expect their workforce to remain constant in the next quarter, with 24% increasing their investment plans for training in Q2, suggesting that firms may be turning to upskilling and staff development in lieu of recruiting. As per previous Quarterly Economic Surveys, businesses still feel under pressure to raise their prices because of labour costs and taxation remains the external factor causing the most concern. Gus Williams, interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: 'Despite a mixed picture in the world of international trade, it is heartening to see the positives in our survey results from increases in export orders to investment plans for training. 'Of course, pressures persist particularly around recruitment, labour costs and taxation. With the UK Government unveiling its Industrial Strategy and Trade Strategy, we are seeing the beginnings of a long-term coherent approach for business support which may alleviate some of the recurring concerns that businesses in Wales are sharing with us.'
Business News Wales
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
EV Provider Wins Green Business Award at 2025 Wales Business Awards
Cardiff-based electric vehicle (EV) provider, FleetEV, has won the Green Business Award at the 2025 Wales Business Awards. Founded in 2021, FleetEV focuses on making the switch to EVs practical and efficient through comprehensive leasing, salary sacrifice, and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs, across public and private sectors. As the lead supplier on the Welsh Government Commercial Delivery (WGCD) framework for electric vehicle provision, FleetEV has delivered significant impact, saving the Welsh public sector over £1.2 million in the past year alone while pledging to generate £2.5 million in social value during 2024/25. The net zero business was recognised as the leading green business that adopted innovative and effective eco-friendly practices, leading to measurable reductions in their carbon output and a positive environmental and business impact. Jarrad Morris, Founder and CEO at FleetEV, said: 'We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Wales's leading green business. The Wales Business Awards highlight the best of Welsh business, and to be counted among them is an honour. 'From the outset, our mission has been to support businesses and public sector organisations in making the transition to electric vehicles as seamless and impactful as possible. We believe sustainability should never be a compromise – it should be an advantage. This award reinforces that belief and reflects the hard work of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the trust our clients have placed in us. 'As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that not only reduce emissions but also create measurable value, economically, environmentally, and socially. We're proud to be a green business, through and through, and this recognition is a milestone in our journey to help drive Wales toward a net zero future.' Gus Williams, Interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: 'Congratulations to FleetEV on winning the Green Business Award at this year's Wales Business Awards. In a highly competitive category filled with exceptional businesses, FleetEV stood out for their ambition, drive, rapid growth and success in a competitive market, but what really impressed us was their wider approach – the desire to have a positive impact with all their stakeholders, including their community work and support of local schools and sports, in particular.'
South Wales Argus
17-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Wales Business Awards winner from Cwmbran announced
Nanopharm, which specialises in drug product development and analytical services, took home the Innovation Award for its SmartTrack technology—an advancement in the development of orally inhaled or nasal drug products. Gemma Budd, general manager at Nanopharm, said: "We are surprised but proud to win the innovation award. "We have lots of wonderful local scientists working with us to create excellence in a niche field. "This award recognises their dedication and hard work." The Wales Business Awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, were announced on Thursday, June 12, during a ceremony held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne. 12 winners were recognised across a dozen categories, with one named Wales Business of the Year 2025 by headline sponsor Bevan Buckland LLP. Another winner from South East Wales was Safran Seats GB, which received the Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year Award. The company is one of the world's leading suppliers of aircraft seating, and its apprenticeship scheme was praised for introducing new skills to the organisation and transforming workforce development. Other winners on the night included Celtic English Academy, Concrete Canvas Ltd, Educ8 Group, FleetEV, Landsker Business Solutions, PeoplePlus, Rockwool Ltd, Simply Do Ideas, Tyre Glider Ltd, and Wales Millennium Centre. Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: "The Wales Business Awards celebrate the very best of Welsh business, recognising those leading their sectors in key areas such as trade, sustainability, and innovation, and positively contributing to the Welsh economic landscape. "We'd like to congratulate all of our incredible winners, including Nanopharm and Safran Seats GB, as well as our worthy finalists."
Business News Wales
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid Announces New Strategic Partner
Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has announced Tramshed Tech as its latest partner. The partnership reflects both organisations' commitment to contributing to economic development and shaping a thriving, forward-looking business ecosystem, Chambers said. Tramshed Tech was founded in 2016 with a mission to create connected workspaces for tech, digital and creative business owners in Wales. Originally located in Grangetown's historic Tramshed building, Tramshed Tech has expanded across south Wales with locations now in Barry, Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. In addition to providing coworking, event, meeting, office and podcast spaces, the organisation delivers a range of programmes and skills training to support founders at varying stages of growth, from idea generation and product market fit to investor readiness and international export. Tramshed Tech has chosen to become a partner of the Chamber to strengthen its connection with the wider business community and support its mission of fostering innovation and growth among startups and scaleups. Through the partnership, the organisation will support Chamber members by offering discounted access to its ecosystem of businesses and tech innovators through events, training and collaboration opportunities, bridging the gap between traditional industries and the tech sector. As a strategic partner, Tramshed Tech will also benefit from exposure to the Chamber's network of established businesses, partners and policymakers across Wales. Rich Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Tramshed Tech, said: 'We're thrilled to formalise our partnership with Chambers Wales, which represents a significant step in connecting Wales' traditional business landscape with its growing tech and digital ecosystem. At Tramshed Tech, we've built a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and shared growth across our network of spaces throughout south Wales. 'This partnership creates a valuable exchange: Chamber members gain access to our innovation ecosystem, workspace solutions, and skills development opportunities, while our tech community benefits from the Chamber's established business networks and visibility. Together, we're building bridges between sectors that will drive Welsh businesses forward.' Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships and Business Development at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Tramshed Tech on board as a partner. This partnership opens doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared initiatives that drive innovation and regional growth between their interconnected community and our members and partners.'
