Latest news with #PeterRichards
Trade Arabia
02-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Gulftainer appoints Farid Belbouab as Group CEO
Gulftainer, the UAE-headquartered global port and logistics solutions provider, has appointed Farid Belbouab as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1. Belbouab is a seasoned supply chain and logistics leader with over 20 years of international experience. He joins Gulftainer from Meratus Group, one of Southeast Asia's leading maritime and logistics companies, where he served as CEO. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at CMA CGM, driving business growth across Africa and Asia. In his new role, Belbouab will focus on advancing Gulftainer's transformation agenda by leveraging innovation and technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. He will work closely with the Board, partners, and clients to expand the company's global footprint and solidify its position as a forward-thinking, customer-centric logistics provider. Belbouab succeeds Peter Richards, who steps down as Group CEO after an exceptional 38-year tenure, including nearly 20 years at the helm. Richards joined Gulftainer in 1987 and has been instrumental in guiding the company's evolution from a local UAE terminal operator to an internationally recognised name in port and logistics services. While retiring from day-to-day management, Peter will continue to support Gulftainer in an advisory capacity and as a member of the Executive Board. Reflecting on his journey, Richards said: 'Over the years, I have often been asked what makes Gulftainer special. My answer has always been the same — it's our people, and the pride they take in doing their best for their families and their Gulftainer family. As we continue to focus on delivering long-term value to our customers, I extend my best wishes to Farid and look forward to supporting him in this next chapter.' Commenting on his appointment, Belbouab said: 'It is an honour to take on the role of Group CEO at Gulftainer, especially as the company approaches its 50th anniversary. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Peter and the team, and to working closely with all our stakeholders to drive future growth and excellence.'
Belfast Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Council announces plans to turn historic NI home at park into ‘cultural visitor experience'
Golden Thread Gallery has secured £83,270 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake a feasibility study in partnership with Belfast City Council, which owns Wilmont House, which is a Grade B+ listed building, with the council also saying it is carrying out a condition assessment of the property to inform the study. The feasibility work will explore the viability of transforming Wilmont House into 'a community and arts space' that 'celebrates the building's built, cultural, and environmental heritage.' It also aims to make the most of its distinctive open space setting with a consultation among park users and community groups planned for the summer. Footage of historic building - Potential restoration of Wilmont House moves a step close Once complete, the findings from both the feasibility study and the condition assessment will be brought before councillors to decide how to progress any future works, including exploring a range of funding options. Peter Richards and Sarah McAvera, Co-Directors with Golden Thread Gallery, said it will hopefully offer a 'unique experience for visitors.' 'We are thrilled to be working along with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Belfast City Council on the feasibility of restoring Wilmont House as a cultural venue,' they said. 'The gallery has been developing a collection of Northern Irish Art and Northern Ireland's first Visual Arts Research Library and Archive since 2019. This project will assess whether Wilmont House is an appropriate home for these and other collections to be seen and enjoyed by the residents of and visitors to Belfast. 'Wilmont House offers the perfect opportunity to blend art, culture and the environment and create a unique experience for visitors that could include sculpture trails, art activities, exhibitions and reading rooms.' The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, also celebrated the work and added: 'This is just the first step in a lengthy process and, while it isn't a guarantee that Wilmont House can be returned to its former glory any time soon, it's still a moment worth marking. 'Previous expressions of interest processes have not secured an economically viable use for this beautiful building, but we recognise its significance to the city, and the park, and we want to find a way of bringing it back into use that really works. 'Golden Thread Gallery approached the council last year with a vision for Wilmont House which reflects the amazing work they have done at Queen Street in Belfast city centre, transforming the former Craftworld premises into a vibrant gallery space with a strong community engagement ethos. 'Thanks to National Lottery players, our council has been able to access funding to breathe new life into other historic buildings, most recently at the Strand Cinema and Templemore Baths. We value the Heritage Fund's support to Golden Thread Gallery to undertake this feasibility study. 'This is an opportunity worth exploring and, while the concept of a community and arts space may grow and change as both these pieces of work progress, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Wilmont House.' Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 'Finding a sustainable future for Wilmont House is of great public interest and we are committed to strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient so that it contributes to communities and economies. 'We are pleased to be able to support Golden Thread Gallery with funding to provide capacity and expertise to develop their long-term organisational and financial plans and consider the role that Wilmont House could play in realising them.'
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Long-serving Welsh councillor dies suddenly as colleagues pay tribute
Long-serving Welsh councillor dies suddenly as colleagues pay tribute He was described as 'a true gentleman, a devoted colleague, and a cherished friend' Councillor Peter Richards of Neath Port Talbot (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council ) Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Neath Port Talbot councillor who died suddenly. Councillor Peter Richards of the Baglan ward died on April 9 at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. He was first elected to Neath Port Talbot Council in June 2004 and had served continuously as one of the Baglan ward members until the time of his death. Speaking at the annual general meeting of council held on May 8 a number of members paid tribute to Cllr Richards before a minute's silence was observed for him in the chamber. Speaking at the meeting the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: "I first met Peter when I was elected in 2008 and it was clear from the outset that he was a person of exceptional kindness and unwavering support. "Our friendship blossomed as we worked together on behalf of all our communities and I will always remember and be grateful for his guidance and encouragement at that time. "Peter's commitment went far beyond his own ward. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the welfare of everyone living in Neath Port Talbot. Article continues below "As a cabinet member of the Labour administration he approached his duties with both professionalism and dignity, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. "His work with the Co-operative movement exemplified his passion for community and services. "Peter was a true gentleman, a devoted colleague, and a cherished friend. "His absence will be felt deeply by us all but his legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire our work." Labour representative for Gwaun-cae-Gurwen and Lower Brynaman Cllr Sonia Reynolds added: "Peter was loved in his community, valued within our group, and respected across this council. He will be deeply missed." For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here. The tributes came at the annual general meeting of the council where a new mayor and deputy mayor were sworn to their roles alongside the returning leader. Article continues below They also came after another councillor announced his decision to leave the current governing coalition over disputes over major plans for Neath town centre. You can read more about that here.
Telegraph
21-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Wine tastes just as good from a can, experts claim
Canned wine is just as good as when it comes in bottles, experts have said. Do not be snobby about drinking win e from a tin because it is just an inert vessel and does not spoil the taste, according to Masters of Wine Susie Barrie and Peter Richards. They said that it is a 'myth' metal containers leave a tinny taste in the mouth and said drinkers can trust cans. The canned wine industry was estimated to be worth £1billion in 2024, according to the latest figures. In 2023, Waitrose switched from mini glass bottles to aluminium cans to halve its carbon footprint per drink. Speaking on their Wine Blast podcast, the married couple said that purists should not turn their noses up. They carried out a blind test and found the difference in taste was negligible. They also spoke to other wine experts who reached the same conclusion. Master of Wine Richard Kelley told the podcast: 'Aluminium is like glass, it's a vessel. 'There's no reason why anybody should view cans differently to buying wine in a glass.' He described the 25cl cans as the perfect size at 'two decent glasses of wine', adding: 'It just works.' Mr Kelley said he sometimes swigs straight from the tin or uses a straw. He added: 'There's no reason why you shouldn't do it.' Louisa Payne, founder of online subscription service Brixton Wine Club said only people under 45 currently drink wine from a can. She added: 'Generally it is the younger crowd. I think that the younger generation is used to everything being in a can now. 'We drink canned water, everything comes in a tin, and I think they are so much more predisposed to trying that versus some people who would look at it and say, 'I would never drink wine in a can.' 'But they probably drink Coca-Cola, water and beer and don't think anything of it.' Peter Richards added that cans 'if done well, should not make any appreciable difference to your wine than bottles'. He added: 'In short, you can trust cans, there's no reason to be scared of them. 'We would definitely not agree, for example, as one wine writer recently put it, that the flavours skew tinny. That's a myth.' He said 'it absolutely can be delicious' although this isn't guaranteed. 'Some wine purists turn up their nose at wine in a can. One sommelier is quoted as saying 'Drinking canned wine is like drinking out of a trashcan.' 'But we completely disagree. We definitely champion good canned wine, maybe with a good glass to hand. 'It makes wine more accessible, it makes wine more convenient, more fun, frankly.'
