Latest news with #RobertDavies
Business News Wales
07-08-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales Construction Workloads Rise for Fifth Consecutive Quarter
Construction workloads in Wales continued to rise through the second quarter of the year according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor, underpinned by activity in both public and private housing. A net balance of 22% of surveyor respondents in Wales reported a rise in overall construction activity, which is the highest this balance has been since early 2022. This includes increases in both public and private sector housebuilding activity, with a net balance of 38% of respondents noting a rise in public housing workloads and a net balance of 24% reporting there was an increase in the private sector. Looking at the other subsectors, 'other public works' (a net balance of 13%), private commercial (a net balance of 29%) and infrastructure (a net balance of 11%) workloads saw increases in activity, whilst the private industrial sector was the only one to see a decline, with a net balance of -25% of Welsh respondents reporting a fall. Surveyors in Wales remain optimistic about future workloads, according to the survey, but less so than seen previously. A net balance of 14% of respondents expect an increase over the next year, which is down from the 20% that was reported in the first quarter of the year. When it comes to profit margins, surveyors in Wales expect that these to be fall flat over the next 12-months. Whilst this figure is subdued, it is up from the net balance of -7% that was reported in the survey previous. Welsh surveyors continue to report shortages in skilled workers. 58% report a shortage in quantity surveyors, 46% note a shortfall in other construction professionals and 47% report a deficit in bricklayers, all of which were similar figures reported in the first survey of the year. Despite the continuing growth in workloads in the sector, survey respondent Richard Blakemore of FR Consultants Ltd in Barmouth noted that there are Building Safety Regulator decision delays. Robert Davies of Penfro Consultancy Limited also said: 'A lack of clear visibility of local government expenditure and the protracted planning process are impacting release of projects to the construction delivery phase.' Sam Rees, interim head of public affairs UK&I at RICS, added: 'It's encouraging to see construction activity picking up in Wales and housing being the main driver. This was also evidenced in NHBC's most recent quarterly report which also shows a rise in the number of new homes registered in Wales. However, it is important to note that even with an uplift in activity, there is still much progress to be made in building enough homes to meet housing need. The Welsh Government has an ambitious target of creating 20,000 homes by next year, and it's hoped this momentum can continue, particularly in regard to social and affordable housing.' Commenting on the UK picture, RICS Chief Economist, Simon Rubinsohn, said: 'The underlying tone in the construction sector remains subdued according to the latest feedback from RICS members. There is a little more positivity looking forward but the indicators, at this point, are consistent with a modest rather than material uplift in development. 'Given that planning continues to be viewed as the major factor hindering the industry from upscaling its building programme, it is quite conceivable that the passing of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will in due course see industry expectations move onto a firmer footing. That said, the need to ensure the building safety regime works more smoothly is also highlighted quite widely in the survey as a factor that would likely impact the pace of development. 'The other big challenge remains around skills. While typically much of the conversation is focused of shortages of trades such as bricklayers and plumbers, the RICS survey highlights recruitment issues amongst professionals involved in the construction industry with building control surveyors and quantity surveyors in short supply.'
Business Insider
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Morgan Stanley Remains a Buy on Siemens Healthineers AG (SEMHF)
In a report released today, Robert Davies from Morgan Stanley maintained a Buy rating on Siemens Healthineers AG, with a price target of €60.00. The company's shares closed last Friday at $55.00. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. According to TipRanks, Davies is a 3-star analyst with an average return of 2.2% and a 57.98% success rate. Currently, the analyst consensus on Siemens Healthineers AG is a Strong Buy with an average price target of $70.25, representing a 27.73% upside. In a report released on July 12, TR | OpenAI – 4o also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a €51.00 price target. Based on Siemens Healthineers AG's latest earnings release for the quarter ending March 31, the company reported a quarterly revenue of $5.91 billion and a net profit of $530 million. In comparison, last year the company earned a revenue of $5.44 billion and had a net profit of $426 million Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 13 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is positive on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders buying their shares of SEMHF in relation to earlier this year.
Business Insider
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Sonova Holding AG (SOON) Receives a Sell from Morgan Stanley
In a report released today, Robert Davies from Morgan Stanley maintained a Sell rating on Sonova Holding AG, with a price target of CHF260.00. The company's shares closed last Friday at CHF234.90. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. According to TipRanks, Davies is ranked #3737 out of 9841 analysts. Sonova Holding AG has an analyst consensus of Moderate Sell, with a price target consensus of CHF249.89, representing a 6.38% upside. In a report released on July 3, Barclays also maintained a Sell rating on the stock with a CHF225.00 price target. The company has a one-year high of CHF337.20 and a one-year low of CHF222.40. Currently, Sonova Holding AG has an average volume of 147.8K. Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 11 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is positive on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders buying their shares of SOON in relation to earlier this year.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DVSA issues 'significant' driving test update offering lifeline to thousands
The DVSA has launched major changes to driving tests offering a lifeline to thousands of drivers. The DVSA has launched new changes to theory tests, offering more support to deaf motorists. The move from the DVSA comes in a bid to become more inclusive for all drivers. The agency has become the first Labour Party government service to integrate British Sign Language translation directly into its website. It has launched the feature for theory test bookings to support an estimated 151,000 BSL users across the UK. Robert Davies, DVSA Theory Test Digital Service Owner, noted: "DVSA's priority is to ensure the theory test is accessible to everyone. READ MORE: Drivers with cars parked on driveways at risk of £100 fine in UK crackdown READ MORE: Drivers face three points on licence over motorway rule many don't know exists READ MORE Exact date new bin rules in England start "We want learners to have the confidence and support they need to succeed. This work is a great example of collaboration and wouldn't have been possible without the expertise of the deaf community, Government Digital Service, Kainos and Signly." John Rogers, founder and CEO of Disability Driving Instructors, said: "This is a really positive response from DVSA, which will help improve communication with deaf applicants for theory tests. "The addition of a Signly BSL interpreter onto the online booking page helps explain what support is available and helps with the application process. We hope they keep the improvements coming and continue the good work that these organisations have started." Matt Kirby, Signly CEO, shared that the partnership ensures that deaf individuals get the same level of support as hearing people during the test. 'It is a significant step towards full access and equality for everyone,' he said. Andy Kemp, Public Sector Director at Kainos, also spoke out in praise of the DVSA move and said: "We're proud to support DVSA in delivering a Government first. "Through inclusive research and user-led design, we've helped make the theory test accessible with BSL proving that true innovation starts with inclusion."
Business News Wales
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Expert Support sees Cardiff Infrastructure Consultancy Reach £1m Milestone
Volos are experts in highway infrastructure design, project management, and quantity surveying Cardiff-based infrastructure consultancy, Volos is set to hit £1 million in turnover, powered by strategic guidance from Business Wales fuelling its rapid growth. Experts in highway infrastructure design, project management, and quantity surveying, Volos has quickly built a strong track record, delivering major local authority projects across South Wales and England, with key support from Business Wales. Established in 2021 by Liam Shields and Ollie Marsh, Volos is now poised to surpass £1 million in turnover for its financial year ending 2025, as it secures places on tendering frameworks that offer the potential to unlock new revenue from large-scale civil engineering and highways works. With 95% of its operations focused on the public sector, Volos' growing team of 10 professionals has significantly benefited from Business Wales' tailored support in tendering, HR, and business management. This guidance has enabled the company to secure key funding, refine its operations, expand its workforce, and win major contracts and frameworks. Business Wales has also helped Volos navigate complex procurement frameworks, allowing the company to successfully bid for and secure high-value local authority contracts. Most recently, the company has secured a place on the Specialist Consultancy Services South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework, which opens the door to major projects with Carmarthenshire County Council, Ceredigion County Council, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Powys County Council and Swansea Council. Outside of Wales, Volos has also secured a place on the Provision of Specialist Consultancy Services Framework, which allows the company to bid for projects with Surrey County Council. Commenting on the growth of Volos and the Business Wales guidance that supported it, Volos Director, Liam Shields, said: 'We're extremely proud to see the hard work of our professionals and the partnerships we've created with our clients across the public sector deliver these exceptional results. No matter the scale or complexity of our clients' goals, we've created a team with the knowledge and expertise to deliver on any project. 'However, it's important to recognise how crucial the external support we have received from Robert Davies and his colleagues at Business Wales continues to contribute towards our success and growth. The intricacies of founding and structuring a business are immense, so having their wide range of expertise available to us is truly invaluable. If you're an expert in what you do, but feel you need assistance to make your company a reality, I'd urge you to explore how Business Wales can help.' Volos first turned to Business Wales in 2024 to explore funding opportunities. Their Business Adviser, Robert Davies, identified the Cardiff Growth Fund as a potential source of financial support. With Robert's guidance to prepare a successful application, Volos secured over £10,000 in match funding to invest in a customised project management system, which now serves as the backbone of Volos' operations, streamlining client projects, HR, and billing. Business Wales' HR experts were instrumental to Volos achieving certification as a Living Wage Employer and formalising employment contracts that supported the firm's rapid expansion to a team of over 10 highly qualified specialists. The consultancy is also investing in the future, with its first graduate apprentice and several employees receiving company backing to pursue university qualifications. Recognising the significance of language and culture, Volos additionally sought assistance to develop a Welsh language policy to reinforce the company's commitment to bilingualism in its operations. The ability of Volos' growing team to compete for major contracts is further strengthened by becoming a signatory to Business Wales' Green Growth Pledge and expert guidance to develop carbon reduction plans and environmental credentials, which are key to securing places on valuable public frameworks. According to Business Wales, Volos' trajectory to sustained success demonstrates how strategic guidance can turn ambition into achievement. Business Adviser, Robert Davies, explains: 'Across Wales there are hundreds of experts who are passionate about what they do and the results they could achieve as entrepreneurs and leaders growing companies. 'Often, overcoming the hurdles holding back those ambitions simply takes external support to help access expert resources and guidance needed, and these are readily available to Welsh businesses. Volos is a perfect example of how a driven team of experts can realise that potential and unlock growth with the right assistance in place. I hope the success of Liam, Ollie and their team will inspire others to contact Business Wales to access the support that is freely at their disposal.' Business Wales is funded by Welsh Government. For more information and support to help your business discover opportunities, and to speak to a specialist adviser, contact Business Wales. Visit or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau'n Gymraeg – we welcome calls in Welsh.
