Latest news with #NorthWales-based
Business News Wales
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Foreign Investment Growth Leads to Thousands More Jobs in Wales
Shotton Mill Foreign direct investment into Wales grew significantly in the last year, with large increases in projects secured and jobs created, new figures show. Wales secured 65 projects in 2024-25, a 23% increase on the previous financial year. This was the second highest increase of any nation or region of the UK. This saw 2,470 new jobs created in Wales, a 30% increase compared to 2023-24. Again, this was the second highest increase of any nation or region across the UK. The results have been published by the Department for Business and Trade in its annual report on Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the UK. A total of 1,652 jobs were also safeguarded in Wales by direct foreign investment in 2024-25 – the highest number of all nations and regions. Investments in the last year include at Shotton Mill Ltd, which is owned by Turkish corporate Eren Holdings. The North Wales-based company will become the UK's largest paper-manufacturing campus thanks to a £1 billion redevelopment. Supported by £13 million Welsh Government funding, it will see 147 jobs safeguarded and create a further 220 when fully commissioned. Elsewhere, Halton Flamgard, which is part of the Finish Halton Group, has relocated to the recently completed RYB1 unit in Ebbw Vale, following an £8.9 million investment by Welsh Government in the low carbon facility. Part of a planned expansion, it will see employee numbers increase at the company from 70 to 168 by 2028. Welsh Government works to attract foreign investment to Wales in a number of ways, from promoting core strengths at sector events to offering advice to companies on areas such potential locations, talent, business networks and links with academia. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'Despite political and economic factors impacting growth globally, Wales has again seen a significant increase in foreign investment. 'There has been a large increase in jobs created through FDI in 2024-25 and the continuing growth of 'new' investment into Wales has reached a nine-year high. 'This is proof that our proactive approach to promoting Wales globally as a great place to do business is delivering. From Delhi to San Diego we have further raised the profile of Wales as an outstanding investment destination with key sectors that boast world class capabilities.' First Minister Eluned Morgan said: 'Creating high quality jobs in key sectors is a priority for this government, and attracting overseas investment is a key part of our economic strategy. 'We are focused as a government on economic growth, and these figures highlight the confidence investors are showing in the Welsh economy. Our International Investment Summit later this year will provide a further opportunity to showcase Wales to the world and attract even more investment into Wales.'
Business News Wales
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
First Minister Visits Wrexham University to Tour Trail-Blazing Facilities and Discuss Civic Impact
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan MS paid a visit to Wrexham University to view some of the institution's ground-breaking facilities, including the soon-to-be complete Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (EEOC) building – North Wales Growth Deal's first construction project. The First Minister met students and staff from a range of subject areas to hear all about the university's newly launched 2030 Vision and Strategy and its overarching ambition to become a world-leading, modern civic university. During the visit, the First Minister toured the trail-blazing EEOC development, which will become a specialist centre for industry engagement, research, and innovation, and will provide North Wales with a centre for collaboration and skills development in sustainability, renewables, and high value manufacturing. The First Minister's tour of the EEOC came just days before International Women in Engineering Day. She spent time speaking with Selina Thomas, a final-year Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering student, who highlighted her work in supporting North Wales-based firm KnitMesh Technologies by investigating the impact strength of composites. She was also given the opportunity to view the university's Health Simulation Centre, where staff highlighted the institution's work in strengthening and developing the public sector workforce in North Wales, with Welsh language provision at the core of that. The First Minister heard how since launching 'Cyfle', the institution's Welsh Language Academic Strategy and Action Plan just under three years ago, Welsh language modules have been introduced to a number of degree courses including Speech and Language Therapy, Professional Policing, Education and more. Staff also updated the First Minister on progress relating to current works taking place on campus on the next phase of enhancing the University's Health and Education Innovation Quarter (HEIQ). She heard how the next phase will take the university's facilities to even further heights – ensuring that industry-leading technology is available to students' by creating a new immersive teaching environment, which will allow for a combination of both virtual and augmented reality. It will also include a Teaching and Learning Lab and a Hydrasimulation Suite – which is being developed in conjunction with the Hydra Foundation – that will help students with their critical decision-making skills, through simulation of emergency situations. The visit concluded with a positive discussion on the university's Civic Mission work, with a focus on how the institution is at the forefront of driving systemic change in the region through connecting partner organisations, sharing knowledge and unlocking collective action, all with the aim of helping to put an end to social inequality across North Wales by 2030. Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, said: 'We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to the university and proudly showcase our incredible facilities – in particular, our Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre, which is due to open at the start of the next academic year in September, as well as our cutting-edge Health Simulation Centre. 'The visit also provided us with a welcome opportunity to highlight our newly launched 2030 Vision and Strategy, and also shine a light on how higher education institutions have a crucial role to play in helping to shape a more resilient and prosperous Wales. Our work in building skills but also strengthening and developing a bilingual public sector workforce in North Wales, and our Civic Mission, in terms of providing systems leadership, demonstrates the positive impact our institution has on the communities we serve. 'Thank you to the First Minister for her time and engagement with us – it was a pleasure to welcome her, and showcase just some of our fantastic work.' First Minister Eluned Morgan MS added: 'I was pleased to see first-hand the facilities at Wrexham University, especially the EEOC, which will soon become a vital hub for industry collaboration and skills development across North Wales. 'Through their civic work, our higher education institutions can serve as powerful anchors in their communities, supporting business and unlocking collective action to tackle inequality while preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.'
Rhyl Journal
14-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
ClwydAlyn retains 'A' credit rating from S&P Global
The social housing provider, which owns and operates more than 6,800 homes, had its rating reaffirmed by credit reference agency S&P Global. The review, part of an annual credit check, was published on June 3, 2025, and stated: "We expect North Wales-based social housing provider ClwydAlyn Housing Ltd.'s financial metrics to remain steady." The not-for-profit organisation's stable finances are based on a long-term plan to build more homes across North and Mid Wales, providing affordable housing for families and individuals. Sandy Murray, executive director of resources at ClwydAlyn, said: "Confirmation of our 'A' credit rating reflects our ability to meet our long-term financial commitments. "We're pleased that S&P Global has recognised our ongoing strengths and strategic direction. "And, as we enter into a new five-year period, we are as focused as ever on delivering safe, warm, affordable homes to the communities we work alongside." ClwydAlyn employs more than 800 staff and offers a variety of tenancy options for those in need of affordable housing. S&P Global provides data-driven insights, research, and analysis to assess the creditworthiness of organisations. The rating reflects the 'stable financial footing' upon which the organisation plans to increase its housing stock. More information is available on the S&P Global website.
North Wales Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey ice cream company Red Boat to serve Denbighshire
Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) has announced a new partnership with Anglesey-based artisan ice cream company Red Boat. The partnership will see Red Boat's ice cream served at DLL's attractions this summer. Red Boat offers a range of gelato products with flavours including Rocky Road, Salted Caramel, and Strawberries & Cream. The ice cream will be available at DLL's attractions, including SC2 Rhyl, Nova Prestatyn, Beach Hut Nova, 1891 Restaurant and Bar, and the Shack. Jamie Groves, managing director of DLL, said: "DLL is delighted to be working with yet another North Wales-based company, and we can't wait to bring the taste of Red Boat to our customers. "Like DLL, Red Boat only use the very best ingredients and are passionate about what they do, resulting in the highest quality experience for DLL customers." Red Boat's range also caters for dietary requirements. Tony Green, founder of Red Boat, said: "My team and I are a very creative group of ex-chefs and enjoy working with others in the hospitality sector in creating delicious handmade gelato flavours for restaurants and visitor attractions. "I personally trained in the Carpigiani Gelato University, Bologna, Italy, working with and being inspired by some of the finest gelato chefs in the world. "It is the above passion and creativity that Red Boat will bring to our exciting new working relationship with DLL and its stable of fantastic visitor attractions, in delivering a fantastic gelato taste experience for their visitors, which will complement the great time they have had with DLL." For more information, visit
Rhyl Journal
21-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Anglesey ice cream company Red Boat to serve Denbighshire
Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) has announced a new partnership with Anglesey-based artisan ice cream company Red Boat. The partnership will see Red Boat's ice cream served at DLL's attractions this summer. Red Boat offers a range of gelato products with flavours including Rocky Road, Salted Caramel, and Strawberries & Cream. The ice cream will be available at DLL's attractions, including SC2 Rhyl, Nova Prestatyn, Beach Hut Nova, 1891 Restaurant and Bar, and the Shack. Jamie Groves, managing director of DLL, said: "DLL is delighted to be working with yet another North Wales-based company, and we can't wait to bring the taste of Red Boat to our customers. "Like DLL, Red Boat only use the very best ingredients and are passionate about what they do, resulting in the highest quality experience for DLL customers." Red Boat's range also caters for dietary requirements. Tony Green, founder of Red Boat, said: "My team and I are a very creative group of ex-chefs and enjoy working with others in the hospitality sector in creating delicious handmade gelato flavours for restaurants and visitor attractions. "I personally trained in the Carpigiani Gelato University, Bologna, Italy, working with and being inspired by some of the finest gelato chefs in the world. "It is the above passion and creativity that Red Boat will bring to our exciting new working relationship with DLL and its stable of fantastic visitor attractions, in delivering a fantastic gelato taste experience for their visitors, which will complement the great time they have had with DLL." For more information, visit
