Latest news with #CharlieMcCoubrey
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Conwy Council Finalises Office Reduction with Bodlondeb Handover
Conwy County Borough Council has officially handed over the keys to Bodlondeb to Quidos Investments Limited. This completes the council's programme to reduce the number of its office buildings from 18 to just one, and bring all its office services and democratic functions under one roof. Council Leader, Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, said: 'It gives me great pleasure to hand over the keys to this beautiful building. We've been able to make the decision to move to one office knowing that there is a sustainable and exciting future for the Bodlondeb building – providing economic development opportunities for the town of Conwy and wider area. 'I wish Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forum every success.' Quidos Investments Limited signed a 250-year lease on Bodlondeb on 30 May 2025. Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forums, said: 'I can't say I'm not nervous taking on such a huge and magnificent building, but as the next custodian of such great heritage, I will do everything in my power to maintain its magnificence and make it a vibrant and exciting workplace. 'Bodlondeb in the future will bring many employment opportunities to the Conwy economy and I look forward to meeting and speaking to local budding entrepreneurs who look to take up space in the building – we could just find our next Welsh 'Alun' Sugar.' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Co-founder, Ideas Forums, said: 'Along with fellow directors Fran James and Nick Pritchard, I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to boost entrepreneurship in the region of my birth. Through this initiative, we'll be providing office and co-working spaces, offering free desk space for young entrepreneurs, and delivering the support and funding access that new start-ups need to succeed. 'This is more than just a new business centre, it's a significant investment in the future of North Wales, designed to retain local talent, spark innovation, and build a more sustainable and dynamic regional economy.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Conwy Council hands over historic building to new owners
Conwy County Borough Council handed over the keys on May 30 after nearly three decades. This completes the council's programme to reduce the number of its office buildings from 18 to just one, and bring all its office services and democratic functions under one roof. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'It gives me great pleasure to hand over the keys to this beautiful building. We've been able to make the decision to move to one office knowing that there is a sustainable and exciting future for the Bodlondeb building - providing economic development opportunities for the town of Conwy and wider area. 'I wish Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forum every success.' Quidos Investments Limited have signed a 250-year lease on the historic building. Bodlondeb in under new ownership (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments Limited and Ideas Forums, said: 'I can't say I'm not nervous taking on such a huge and magnificent building, but as the next custodian of such great heritage, I will do everything in my power to maintain its magnificence and make it a vibrant and exciting workplace. 'Bodlondeb in the future will bring many employment opportunities to the Conwy economy and I look forward to meeting and speaking to local budding entrepreneurs who look to take up space in the building - we could just find our next Welsh 'Alun' Sugar.' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Co-founder, Ideas Forums, said: 'Along with fellow directors Fran James and Nick Pritchard, I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to boost entrepreneurship in the region of my birth. Through this initiative, we'll be providing office and co-working spaces, offering free desk space for young entrepreneurs, and delivering the support and funding access that new start-ups need to succeed. 'This is more than just a new business centre, it's a significant investment in the future of North Wales, designed to retain local talent, spark innovation, and build a more sustainable and dynamic regional economy.' Anyone wanting to discuss potential ideas or interested in making Bodlondeb their business home, can click here. Bodlondeb Hall, described as "one of the most beautiful buildings in Wales", was the house seat of the Wood family, built by industrialist and Mayor of Conwy Albert Wood in 1877. It came into municipal ownership in 1937, its family rooms becoming the offices first of all of Conway Borough Council [Conwy was formerly known as Conway] and later, in 1974, of Aberconwy Borough Council. Conwy County Borough Council have been based in the building since its inception in 1996. The Pioneer was given a tour of the characteristical building earlier in May. The council's asset manager Bleddyn Evans, who has been Project Manager for reducing the council's office portfolio and has been overseeing the sale of Bodlondeb (method of disposal, choosing preferred bidder, instructing solicitors) and the re-modelling of Coed Pella [so staff and functions from Bodlondeb can relocate there], said: "With the post pandemic world and technology, we are a lot more agile and don't need as much floor space. "Like all organisations, we have funding challenges and are looking at way where we can be more efficient; reducing our building footprint also supports reducing our carbon emissions."
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Garden centre and cafe with a difference opens in North Wales seaside town
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A garden centre and cafe with a difference has opened this month. Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café was officially opened in Rhos-on-Sea. It is a purpose built garden centre, shop and café on Dinerth Road that is open to the public and provides employment mentoring to people with disabilities wanting to get into paid employment. The redevelopment was funded by Conwy County Borough Council with Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction as contractor. Additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has supported staff and café contract costs. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'I was delighted to officially open Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café. I'm proud that this investment by Conwy County Borough Council, with additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will enable the team here to focus on supporting people with learning disabilities to learn the skills they need to move on to paid employment.' Cllr Penny Andow, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services, said: 'This development is part of our long term vision for Conwy Social Services, helping us deliver our services in a high quality, bespoke environment. "We're proud to be leading positive change for people with disabilities wanting to begin their careers, whilst making sure our customers have the best quality experience. 'The staff and service users are excited to be working at this wonderful new site, and we hope it will become a hub for the local community - offering an open and bright space where people can meet, shop, eat and relax.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
21-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Garden centre and cafe with a difference opens in North Wales seaside town
A garden centre and cafe with a difference has opened this month. Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café was officially opened in Rhos-on-Sea. It is a purpose built garden centre, shop and café on Dinerth Road that is open to the public and provides employment mentoring to people with disabilities wanting to get into paid employment. The redevelopment was funded by Conwy County Borough Council with Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction as contractor. Additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has supported staff and café contract costs. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'I was delighted to officially open Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café. I'm proud that this investment by Conwy County Borough Council, with additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will enable the team here to focus on supporting people with learning disabilities to learn the skills they need to move on to paid employment.' Cllr Penny Andow, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services, said: 'This development is part of our long term vision for Conwy Social Services, helping us deliver our services in a high quality, bespoke environment. "We're proud to be leading positive change for people with disabilities wanting to begin their careers, whilst making sure our customers have the best quality experience. 'The staff and service users are excited to be working at this wonderful new site, and we hope it will become a hub for the local community - offering an open and bright space where people can meet, shop, eat and relax.'
Wales Online
21-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Extended Llandudno promenade parking charging zone proposed by Conwy council
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info There could be additional parking charges along Llandudno promenade under proposals. Conwy County Borough Council has put forward plans to extend the Controlled Parking Zone along The Parade. These would run between Ty'n y Ffirth Road and Nant-y-Gamar Road in the Craig y Don area of the town. If approved, between 1st May and 30th September, motorists would be required to pay £5.50 to park for up to four hours, and £7.50 for more than four hours. From 1st October and 30th April, the charges would be £2.40 for up to two hours, £3.80 for up to four hours, and £5.40 for more than four hours. The charges would only apply between 10am and 4pm. Janet Finch-Saunders, the Senedd member for Aberconwy, has written to Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, the Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, to voice concerns raised by residents and small businesses about the proposals. She said: "Craig y Don is a wonderful unique area, with bespoke businesses that attract many customers. This proposal will have an negative impact on the small business in the area. 'It will place even more strain on Craig y Don businesses, that are already facing increased pressures from the rise of employer National Insurance Contributions and business rates of 56.8p, which are the highest rates in Great Britain for small and medium sized enterprises. 'Residents are also worried that expanding the Controlled Parking Zone will encourage visitors to park on nearby residential roads for free, further complicating parking for those who already struggle to find spaces near their homes. 'This is a poor proposal from Conwy County Borough Council and I urge them to take into account the impact on local businesses and listen to the voices of residents.'
