Latest news with #MenterMôn
Business News Wales
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
The Market for Green Hydrogen Is Already Taking Shape
Hydrogen has a clear role to play in the UK's net zero journey – and while its use in transport might still be emerging, it is already here and ready to scale. At Menter Mon, we're focused on producing low carbon and green hydrogen using clean electricity. Our work spans mobility, industry and energy, and we're proud to be developing the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub. The project is based on strong fundamentals: a reliable renewable energy source, space to grow, and clear local demand in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. These are the conditions in which hydrogen can thrive – and Holyhead has them in abundance. We are going to produce hydrogen using a range of sustainable sources, including wind, solar, tidal and nuclear-backed power. That means we're able to deliver hydrogen that meets the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), helping bring fuel costs closer to those of conventional diesel or petrol. From our perspective, Holyhead represents an opportunity to demonstrate how these technologies can work in practice, in a way that benefits local businesses and communities. We know there is growing urgency around reducing emissions in transport. Battery electric vehicles will play a significant part in this transition, particularly for light vehicles and short-range uses. But for heavy-duty vehicles, plant, refuse trucks and maintenance fleets, hydrogen offers a credible and low carbon alternative – one that brings longer range and shorter refuelling times. And while it may not yet be widespread, it is by no means theoretical. We are already seeing hydrogen in use today across the UK and Europe. Ground support vehicles powered by hydrogen are operating in airport settings. New vehicle models are being brought to market by OEMs. Conversion technologies, such as those developed by ULEMCo Ltd, are opening up options for fleet operators who want to transition without replacing every vehicle. From a business development perspective, what's important now is making sure potential users of hydrogen understand the opportunity ahead of them. The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub is expected to be operational around 2028 or 2029, which gives a clear lead-in time for organisations to start preparing. Whether that means investing in new vehicles, exploring retrofits, or reviewing long-term fleet strategies, there is time to act. Cost is often raised as a barrier, particularly when looking at new technologies. But focusing solely on capital expenditure misses the wider picture. When fleet operators take a long-term view – looking at total cost of ownership, operational benefits, and increasingly, their own net zero obligations – hydrogen becomes a more compelling option. Supply chains are also beginning to factor in sustainability requirements, meaning there is a growing commercial incentive for businesses to adopt low carbon transport solutions. Menter Môn brings together local knowledge and national expertise, and we want to extend that approach to fleet operators, public sector buyers, and anyone else looking to explore hydrogen as part of their decarbonisation strategy. We're not just talking about fuel production – we're talking about building a practical, functioning ecosystem that supports adoption and use. Recent signals from government, such as the Hydrogen Allocation Round, suggest a growing recognition of hydrogen's potential. We welcome that support, and we're ready to match it with delivery on the ground. The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub is one of the first steps, but we see it as part of a wider movement, and one that we want to help accelerate. Hydrogen is not a distant solution. It's already here, and the infrastructure to support it is coming. The key now is to ensure that more businesses are ready to take advantage of it when it arrives.
Rhyl Journal
25-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
What new data showed about trade in Rhyl's town centre
Menter Môn has conducted a study of consumer statistics in the town, using BT Active Intelligence data to track footfall and demographic information. Delivered by data advisor Medi Parry-Williams, they focused on four sections of Rhyl: Vale Road, the town centre, the seafront, and areas near the new Queen's Market on West Parade. Medi hopes retailers and independent traders will utilise the information and capitalise on opportunities to learn more about their customers. 'The data can tell a town centre where people are coming from, how long they stay, give a profile of customers and provide businesses with pivotal information,' said Medi. 'Traders in Rhyl can contact us for more advice and support, where we can drill down into the detail and tell them who is visiting and when, what their busiest days and times are and more. 'It is an important investment by Smart Towns Wales which is invaluable to smaller independent businesses, so we hope they will make the most of it, to strategise for the future and help boost the town's economy.' The data was recorded across a period of months, including last December, when footfall in the town centre was at its highest each day between 11am and 3pm. The 65+ and 25-34-years-old age ranges were the most represented, with the majority in the 'low income' group, which would not include retirees. International visitors on the days studied were primarily from India, Ireland, Nigeria, Malta and the Netherlands, and High Street experienced the most footfall, followed by Vale Road and the seafront. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and Smart Towns Wales will hold a workshop as part of the developing Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign, to be held at Costigan's Co-Working Space in Bodfor Street on July 17 from 6-8pm. The event will bring together businesses to gauge their feedback and provide input into a £20million regeneration strategy for Rhyl from the UK Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, a 10-year vison for the town to help revitalise areas and fight deprivation. Savills director and the board's strategic advisor, Nick Bennett, encouraged small businesses to be proactive in attending the event and utilising data that could benefit trade. 'Retailers and small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and now more than ever, they have the opportunity to thrive by leveraging one-to-one support, attending free local events, and making the most of data-driven insights into customer behaviour and footfall,' he Nick. 'These tools not only help businesses respond to current trends but also play a vital role in strengthening the local economy. 'When we support businesses to make more informed decisions, we lay the groundwork for sustainable regeneration and long-term prosperity across our high streets, so I hope we see lots of people at the event.'
Business News Wales
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Menter Môn Launches Podcast on Landmark Anniversary
Not-for-profit social enterprise Menter Môn is launching a new podcast designed to celebrate a landmark anniversary and spotlight a pioneering clean energy project. Menter Môn delivers a range of schemes throughout Wales, with a primary focus on Ynys Môn and Gwynedd. The series kicks off with an inaugural episode, Unlocking Net Zero Transport Through Green Energy, which focuses on Holyhead Hydrogen Hub. Using renewable electricity from its sister project, the Morlais tidal energy scheme, the Hub will be a major step toward reducing emissions in sectors that are harder to decarbonise, including transport. The first episode is available now on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also listen to the podcast here The podcast is produced in collaboration with Business News Wales as part of the media firm's podcast production service. Editor Gemma Casey is the podcast host. A second episode will showcase the social enterprise's achievements as it marks its 30th anniversary. Menter Môn Director Gerallt Llewelyn Jones said: 'We're aiming to deliver the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub as part of our growing energy portfolio, driven by a vision to create local jobs, boost the region's economy, and ensure that the transition to clean energy delivers long-term benefit for our communities. 'In this podcast we discuss the potential benefits of a low-carbon economy in North Wales, and how we can contribute to the wider decarbonisation agenda across Wales. 'It's also a great opportunity to reflect on everything that Menter Môn has achieved over the past three decades in unlocking the potential of our people and resources to secure the future of our communities – and the ambitious plans we have going forward.'
North Wales Chronicle
30-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey communities urged to apply for £5k project support
Following the success of Balchder Bro led by Menter Môn last year, the scheme is back, with the aim of giving people the confidence to put forward ideas that celebrate what makes their area unique. Funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, the emphasis will be on celebrating the Welsh language and the island's identity through events and projects that promote local pride. With just over a week until the closing date, Catrin Jones, language and community manager at Menter Môn, has a clear message: "This is a great opportunity for communities and groups to take advantage of support to realise ideas that can bring different groups together. "With the deadline on the 8th of June, I would urge people to get in touch with us to apply. "We can provide support for events or to create something that celebrates communities across the island. "We hope to stimulate discussions about what makes people proud of their community and enable them to bring ideas to life. "Menter Môn has considerable track record of working at a community level, and our aim is to use this experience to help deliver worthwhile projects." One of the schemes that received support last year was Gŵyl Gogogoch, Llanfairpwll. Bethan Môn, one of the organisers, said: "For the first time in a long while, we had a community event in the village which was an opportunity for us to bring everyone together, celebrate our Welsh identity and raise money for a community project. "Without the support this would not have been possible." To apply for support an application form to declare an interest is available by contacting Sioned McGuigan at Metner Môn on sionedmc@ Sioned can help communities move the process forward.
North Wales Chronicle
10-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Morlais scheme highlights expansion at national conference
Ambition North Wales welcomed the recognition given to its Cydnerth project at the Marine Energy Wales conference. The project is an investment in the Morlais tidal energy scheme, which is run by social enterprise Menter Môn. It forms part of the North Wales Growth Deal and aims to support the expansion of Morlais, which is located off the northwest coast of Ynys Cybi (Holy Island), Anglesey. (Image: Supplied) The project will deliver benefits such as driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and ensuring North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and the generation of clean electricity. The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: "I'm pleased to announce that Ambition North Wales and Menter Môn Morlais have agreed funding terms in principle for the Cydnerth project. "This £8.9 million investment through the North Wales Growth Deal, which is funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, will futureproof Morlais. "The North Wales Growth Deal investment will now enable the scheme's 18 megawatts grid capacity to increase over time to 240 megawatts." The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, also backed the project saying: "The UK Government is supportive of the Morlais project, which promises to harness tidal energy and generate high-quality jobs in our coastal communities. "As part of our clean energy mission, we have increased the tidal stream ringfenced budget by 50 per cent which will maximise the opportunities for tidal energy in North Wales and drive economic growth." (Image: Supplied) Councillor Mark Pritchard, chair of Ambition North Wales and leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "The significance of Cydnerth can't be understated. "As the largest consented tidal scheme in Europe, the positive impact and benefits it will bring are substantial, and it will cement our region's place as a leader in tidal energy." Councillor Gary Pritchard, lead member for Ambition North Wales' Low Carbon Energy Programme and leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, said: "Cydnerth is very positive news for the marine energy sector in Wales and reinforces our region's commitment to a sustainable future – creating the right kind of jobs alongside environmental benefits." Dafydd Gruffydd, managing director of Menter Môn, said: "We are grateful to Ambition North Wales for their investment and continued support through the Cydnerth project. "Through this support from the North Wales Growth Deal we can now take the next step in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme, bringing benefits to our communities, creating local jobs, local supply chain opportunities and contributing to the region's sustainable growth."
