Latest news with #Cwmbran-based
South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran burger restaurant named finalist in national awards
Oceanic Awards announced the finalists for the inaugural British Burger Awards 2025 on Wednesday (July 9), with restaurants across the UK shortlisted in various categories. Categories in the British Burger Awards 2025 include: Best Burger Restaurant (by region) Best Veg/ Vegan Burger Restaurant Best Independent Burger Joint Best Street Food Burger Vendor Best Restaurant Burger Best Takeaway Burger Burger of the Year The UK's favourite takeaways The awards are a "prestigious celebration, recognising not just the best burgers in the country, but the passionate people and innovative businesses that bring them to life". The event will gather independent operators, high street chains, and street food pioneers from across the country as they compete for the coveted title of the UK's best burger. Spokesperson for the British Burger Awards, Irfan Younis, said: 'These businesses represent the very best of the UK's vibrant burger scene – from gourmet innovators to beloved independents serving up unforgettable flavours. "This celebration is all about recognising the creativity, passion and hard work behind every bun, and we can't wait to honour the outstanding talent shaping the nation's burger culture. "We would like to congratulate all of our finalists and wish them the best of luck.' Welsh restaurants shortlisted in the British Burger Awards The restaurants that will be battling it out for the title of 'The Best in Wales' at the British Burger Awards 2025 are: Burger Freakz (Swansea) Hills (Brecon) MARINA LA CUCINA (Porthmadog) Dinos Llandudno (Llandudno) BRGR (Bridgend) Burger boyz (Port Talbot) Burger Base (Cwmbran) MAG – Banwen (Neath) Hickory's (Rhos-on-Sea) Harvey's New York Bar & Grill (Llandudno) Meanwhile, the following restaurants have been shortlisted for the 'Best in Cardiff' category: eat the bird GOODBGR Hub Box The Ladz The Grazing Shed You Want Beef The Smoke Haus Fowl & Fury Cathays The New York Deli The Bagel and Burger Kitchen Two other Cardiff burger restaurants have also been named finalists in separate categories: Two Guys - Best Street Food Burger Vendor Smokin Griddle - Best Restaurant Burger The Cwmbran burger restaurant among the best in the UK Burger Base, located in Cwmbran, was one of five restaurants from the south shortlisted in the 'Best in Wales' category for the British Burger Awards 2025. It's easy to see why, with the Cwmbran-based burger restaurant coming highly recommended by visitors, boasting a 3.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor. Customers have described Burger Base as "delicious" and a "Cwmbran treasure", while another said it had the "tastiest burger and fries in the world". One person, commenting about their Burger Base experience on Tripadvisor, said: "Fantastic place to eat. This place is so underrated. "The food here is tastier than than mcdonalds, burger king and kfc put together." RECOMMENDED READING: Another customer added: "This was a great place to eat very nice and visual was amazing good customer service food was 10/10 would defiantly eat her again." While a third person commented: "I LOVE this place. There chicken supreme and bbq chicken topped fries are stunning. Don't get me started on the Oreo milkshake. "Quick service & lovely lady at the counter. Brilliant customer service. Highly recommend."
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
4-day working week brought in at Welsh company employing hundreds of staff
4-day working week brought in at Welsh company employing hundreds of staff It's one of 17 companies which took part in a national trial to test a four-day working week with no increase in hours or reduction in pay Bron Afon in Cwmbran has successfully completed a four-day working week trial (Image: Google Maps ) A Welsh company has confirmed its plans to continue with a four-day working week, following the success of a national trial. Housing association, Bron Afon, was one of 17 companies to take part in a six-month pilot, which concluded with all participants opting to extend the shorter working week. The trial, which began in November, 2024, was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation and involved nearly 1,000 workers across a range of industries. The aim was to test whether reducing the traditional working week from five days to four would impact productivity and employee wellbeing. Bron Afon, which boasts a workforce of around 400, claimed the results had been overwhelmingly positive. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The Cwmbran-based organisation shared that it had been able to maintain its performance and customer satisfaction, while also seeing significant benefits for its employees. Alan Brunt, chief executive of Bron Afon Community Housing, said: "Almost as soon as we started talking about it, our teams got together to set about making it work which was brilliant. Article continues below "We've closely monitored our performance and customer satisfaction. We're happy with the results so far and will continue to make sure we're delivering for our customers." Nearly two-thirds of workers across all companies involved in the trial reported a reduction in burnout, with 40% saying they had seen improvements in their mental health, while almost half said they felt more satisfied with life overall. Following the 100% success rate, director of 4 Day Week Foundation, Joe Ryle, commented: "With greater knowledge, expertise and experience of what it takes to successfully implement a four-day week, we're really pleased to see such a high success rate. "People are happier, businesses are thriving, and there's no turning back. "We've proved it again and again: a four-day week works and should now be implemented more widely across the economy." Having seen the benefits first hand, Bron Afon is now committed to continuing with the four-day week, with Mr Brunt adding: "I expect that most organisations will be doing this in the next 10 years or so." The campaign's success closely aligns with the results found by a group appointed by the Welsh Government last year. The group, established under the Workforce Partnership Council (WPC), spent a year studying the pros and cons of a four-day working week. The project revealed five major benefits, including: Improved work-life balance: Shorter work hours with no pay-cut help workers better balance work and personal life. Better health: Reduced hours help prevent burnout, lower stress and improve physical and mental wellbeing. Attraction and retention: Boosts recruitment and retention by offering distinctive benefit and effective pay increase (for fewer hours worked). Greater inclusivity: Supports workers with caring responsibilities, fostering a more inclusive workspace. Increased productivity and organisational performance: Due to increased feelings of wellbeing, those who are feeling well rested and happier tend to produce work more efficiently and of higher quality. Article continues below
Business News Wales
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Cwmbran Care Organisation Makes Key Acquisitions with Funding Deal
Ellis Jenkins – Expanding Horizons Cwmbran-based care service organisation Expanding Horizons has acquired Enable Care Services (South Wales) Ltd to expand its support service capabilities. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Expanding Horizons provides a range of personalised support services for individuals living with learning disabilities and severe mental illnesses (SMIs) so they can lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. The firm has used a portion of £3.25 million of funding from NatWest to support the acquisition of Enable Care Services, which provides support for residents at three care homes in South Wales – two in Cwmbran and one in Argoed. They will now join the Expanding Horizons portfolio. The remaining funds will be allocated towards broader refinancing efforts as well as ensuring that Expanding Horizons and Enable Care have the necessary infrastructure in place to meet regulatory requirements. In Wales, approximately 900,000 people live with a disability, representing 27% of the population, as reported by Public Health Network Cymru. This exceeds the UK average of 22%. Ellis Jenkins, Director at Expanding Horizons, said: 'At Expanding Horizons, we care deeply about the quality of care our service users receive. We seek to not only support individuals but empower them to be the best versions of themselves. 'The fact that so many people in Wales are living with disabilities and severe mental illness underscores the critical need for tailored support which helps them gain or rebuild their independence. Residents of South Wales deserve the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Enable Care Services as we continue to grow and expand our network. 'NatWest has been exceptional throughout the process, demonstrating a deep understanding of our industry and our goals and we are incredibly grateful for their support.' Neil Williams, Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: 'The work that Expanding Horizons does is absolutely invaluable to its service users and is the exact sort of community benefit that we look to support at NatWest. 'We look forward to continuing our partnership and are excited to witness Expanding Horizon's continued growth and evolution.'
South Wales Argus
21-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Expanding Horizons acquires three South Wales care homes
Cwmbran-based Expanding Horizons secured the homes following its takeover of Enable Care Services (South Wales) Ltd. The acquisition was funded by a £3.25 million investment from NatWest. Ellis Jenkins, director at Expanding Horizons, said: "At Expanding Horizons, we care deeply about the quality of care our service users receive. "We seek to not only support individuals but empower them to be the best versions of themselves. "The fact that so many people in Wales are living with disabilities and severe mental illness underscores the critical need for tailored support which helps them gain or rebuild their independence. "Residents of South Wales deserve the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Enable Care Services as we continue to grow and expand our network. "NatWest has been exceptional throughout the process, demonstrating a deep understanding of our industry and our goals and we are incredibly grateful for their support." The deal includes two care homes in Cwmbran and one in Argoed. Expanding Horizons provides personalised support for people with learning disabilities and severe mental illnesses. The company marks its 20th anniversary this year. Part of the funding will go towards the acquisition, while the remainder will support refinancing and infrastructure improvements to ensure regulatory compliance. The expansion is aimed at meeting the rising demand for residential and supported living services across South Wales. According to Public Health Network Cymru, around 900,000 people in Wales live with a disability. This represents 27 per cent of the population, compared to the UK average of 22 per cent. Neil Williams, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said: "The work that Expanding Horizons does is absolutely invaluable to its service users and is the exact sort of community benefit that we look to support at NatWest. "We look forward to continuing our partnership and are excited to witness Expanding Horizon's continued growth and evolution." Expanding Horizons said the acquisition will improve its ability to deliver high-quality care across the region. The company currently operates a portfolio of care homes and supported living services in South Wales.
South Wales Argus
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Monmouth Concert Orchestra to host 'Animal Magic' concert
The event, titled "Animal Magic," is set for Sunday, June 15, at St Mary's Priory Church, Monmouth, from 4pm to 6pm. The audience can expect a programme featuring music from Bach, Handel, and Saint-Saëns. Tickets are priced at £8, with free entry for under-16s, and are available from orchestra members or at the door. The orchestra will be raising funds for Cwmbran-based charity, All Creatures Great and Small, which rescues and rehabilitates animals. The Monmouth Concert Orchestra is made up of amateur musicians from Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, and the Forest of Dean. They meet fortnightly during term time and are always open to new players, provided they are of Grade V standard or above. There are no auditions.
