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Business News Wales
21 minutes ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Cardiff's Farmers Markets Shortlisted for UK's Organic Market
Cardiff's Farmers Markets Shortlisted for UK's Organic Market Cardiff Farmers Markets are finalists at the BOOM (Best of Organic Market) Awards 2025 – the only organic awards in the UK, celebrating excellence in organic and recognising quality and success in the organic sector. With their original Riverside Market launching in 1998, Cardiff Farmers Markets have grown to become some of the best-known farmers' markets in the U.K. They are widely recognised as key food attractions in the Welsh capital for local residents and visitors alike, with the success of the original Riverside Market enabling them to branch out into a weekly Saturday market in Roath, and a weekly Friday market in Rhiwbina. Now up against the best that the organic market has to offer, the markets faced a rigorous judging process by a professional panel of industry experts. The BOOM Awards, run by leading organic certifier Soil Association Certification in partnership with headline sponsor Ocado, honour the brands, organisations and people behind the UK's organic industry. 'We're absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist,' said Carol Adams, General Manager of Cardiff Farmers Markets. 'This reflects the dedication of our local growers, market team, and partners working together to make organic food more accessible for people across Cardiff.' Over the last year, as part of the UK-wide Bridging the Gap scheme, Cardiff Farmers Markets launched The Planet Card – a collaboration between Cardiff Farmers Markets, Food Cardiff, local organic growers, and community members. Bridging the Gap is coordinated by the food and farming charity Sustain, which is testing scalable solutions to food inequality. The Planet Card holds a value of up to £11 per week – enabling holders to switch their normal weekly shop for fruit and vegetables to organically produced versions, without being left out of pocket. Shoppers are able to use the card at a choice of organic fruit and vegetable stalls at the Roath or Riverside markets, every weekend. The initiative is helping to ensure that high-quality, sustainable and organic fruit & veg is within reach for more people, and is contributing to a fairer, more resilient local food system in Cardiff. Cardiff University is also supporting the project through research and evaluation, to better understand its impact and contribute to policy change. Soil Association Certification Commercial and Marketing Director, Georgia Phillips said: 'Demand is growing for organic as more people are looking for products that are better for them and the environment, so we are delighted to see Cardiff Farmers Markets named as a finalist.' The finalists are being announced at a time when the UK's organic market has shown exceptional growth (significantly outperforming non-organic), growing 7.3% in 2024. Total sales of £3.7bn are double what they were just 10 years ago (2014 – £1.86bn), according to Soil Association Certification's 2025 Organic Market Report. The BOOM Award winners will be announced at the BOOM Awards ceremony on Thursday, 10th July 2025 at Paintworks, Bristol (home of the Soil Association). You can view the full list of BOOM Awards finalists at:
Business News Wales
22 minutes ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Improvement Districts Mark 20 Years Supporting Welsh High Streets
Cardiff City Centre This month marks a significant milestone for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Wales – two decades since the first BID was introduced. Having now become an essential part of urban regeneration, BIDs bring together businesses, local authorities, and communities to drive economic growth, improve public spaces, and support thriving local economies. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area where local businesses collectively invest in services and initiatives that aim to improve the trading environment. Funded by a levy paid by the businesses within the district, with the goal of creating a better, more vibrant area for both businesses and the public, initiatives often include improvements to public spaces, events, marketing campaigns, street cleaning, security, and infrastructure, all aimed at enhancing the economic viability of the area. With 347 BIDs operating across the UK, collectively contributing over £153 million each year, Wales has seen its own BIDs transform Welsh cities and towns across the country with projects that foster innovation, community impact, and economic resilience. FOR Cardiff: A Model of Innovation and Resilience As the BID for Cardiff city centre, FOR Cardiff has played a transformative role in shaping the capital's urban landscape. Established in 2016, Cardiff's city centre BID has delivered more than £14 million in additional direct investment from its resident businesses into the city centre, funding a wide range of projects that have boosted footfall, supported businesses, and enhanced the city's reputation as a retail and cultural destination. Notable projects include the City of Arcades campaign, which attracted over 200,000 visitors in a single day and increased sales by 63% for participating retailers. The BID has also been instrumental in improving safety with initiatives like Night Marshals and mental health training for businesses. Additionally, FOR Cardiff has been recognised with four consecutive years of Purple Flag status for excellence in managing the night-time economy. As the BID prepares to enter its third term, it remains focused on driving inclusive growth and ensuring Cardiff's city centre remains a competitive and vibrant place to do business. 'Whether it's the work we've done in helping over 460,000 people get home safely, injecting life into the independent retail scene, or delivering nationally recognised campaigns, our mission has always been to make Cardiff a city that works better for businesses and the people who use it every day. This milestone is a chance to reflect on just how much has been achieved – and to look forward with purpose.' said Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff. Swansea BID: Pioneering Regeneration in Wales Swansea BID, the first of its kind in Wales, was established in 2006, marking a pioneering step for BIDs in the region. Over the past 20 years, Swansea BID has reinvested approximately £8 million into the city's regeneration efforts, helping to improve the local environment and support businesses. Key initiatives include a successful street cleaning programme and the Billy Chip scheme, which raises awareness for mental health and homelessness. Swansea BID has also worked closely with South Wales Police to reduce crime, achieving a 48% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents and helping SWP achieve a 76% positive outcome rate for city centre incidents. Swansea BID has also been instrumental in supporting local events, with the Swansea Half Marathon and Krazy Karts—an event that brought nearly 20,000 people into the city in a single day—becoming staples of the city's events calendar. Merthyr BID: Building Community and Supporting Local Businesses Merthyr BID, known as The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil, was established in 2012 and has invested £1.9 million in the local area, funded entirely by business levy payments. Under the leadership of BID Manager Elizabeth Bedford, Merthyr has become a model of community engagement, with initiatives focused on bringing local residents and businesses together. One of the BID's standout achievements has been the successful lobbying for free parking in the run-up to Christmas, a move that proved to be a major benefit for local businesses. The BID has also focused on growing community events, including the Chilli & Chocolate Festival and Merthyr Food Festival, both of which are now among the most popular events in Wales. Merthyr BID has also made significant strides in digital marketing, growing its social media following to over 20,000 and gaining recognition through a second British BIDs Accreditation. Looking Ahead: The Future of BIDs in Wales As cities and towns face challenges from economic shifts, high street closures, and changing consumer habits, BIDs remain a crucial tool for businesses to come together and support one another, with FOR Cardiff, Swansea BID, and Merthyr BID standing as key examples of how collaboration and collective investment can make a real difference. 'The challenges facing retail and city centres are real—but so is the opportunity,' said Carolyn Brownell, 'We're optimistic, and we're ready to work with the business community to keep Welsh cities moving forward.' With regeneration projects on the horizon and a focus on inclusivity and resilience, the future of BIDs in Wales looks bright.
Time Business News
22 minutes ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Designing Seamless Packaging for Online & Retail Apparel
In today's busy fashion world, your clothes might travel in many ways to reach a customer. They could be bought from a cool website or picked up from a stylish shop. This brings a special challenge: how do you make your apparel packaging look amazing on a store shelf and also be tough enough to survive the bumps and tumbles of shipping? A simple, plain box usually can't do both jobs well. It might look good in a store but fall apart in the mail, or it might protect well but look boring in person. For example, studies show that half of all customers say they get damaged items online because the packaging wasn't good enough. This hurts their feelings about the brand and can even lead to costly returns. This article will show you how to design packaging that works perfectly everywhere, making sure your clothing brand presentation is always top-notch, no matter how customers find you. When you sell clothes online, your package goes on a long journey. It gets moved around, might get squished, and has to deal with different weather. This is why your Custom Lingerie Boxes for online orders need to be super strong. They have to protect your nice shirts, dresses, or leggings from getting squished, ripped, or wet. It's also smart to make sure the box is just the right size for your item. If the box is too big, the clothes can move around too much and get damaged. If it's too small, it might burst open. Good protection means fewer unhappy customers, fewer returns, and a better reputation for your brand online. It's the first step to making sure your customer gets their clothes in perfect condition. When someone buys clothes online, they can't touch or feel them right away. So, the moment they open the package is their first real 'hello' to your brand. This is called the unboxing experience, and it needs to be amazing! Even without a salesperson there, your package has to show off your brand's style and make the customer excited. Think about adding things like colorful tissue paper that matches your brand, a nice card with a thank-you message, or even a small surprise inside. It should also be easy to open without a struggle. When your unboxing experience is truly special, customers often take pictures or videos and share them online. This creates free advertising for your brand, helping new people discover you and boosting your brand's visibility without you having to pay extra for ads. In a real store, your retail apparel packaging needs to be a superstar. It sits on a shelf with lots of other clothes, and it has to grab attention right away. This means making sure your brand's look is clear and bold. Your logo, colors, and any pictures on the box should be easy to see and attractive. Think about special touches like a matte finish (no shine) or shiny spots on just your logo. These little details can make your product look expensive or unique. When your packaging looks great, it makes people want to pick it up and learn more about your brand, even when there are many other options around. It's like your package is saying, 'Look at me!' from the shelf. After a customer chooses your item in a store, they need to get it home easily. So, apparel packaging for retail needs to be practical. Does it have a sturdy handle? Is it a good size to carry? Is it strong enough not to fall apart on the way home? These things might seem small, but they make a big difference in how customers feel about their shopping trip. Imagine buying a nice sweater, and the bag breaks before you get to your car. That's a bad experience! Thoughtful packaging makes buying easy and smooth. It shows you care about the customer's whole journey, from finding your item on the rack to taking it home, making the purchase feel convenient and special. No matter if a customer finds your brand online or in a shop, they should always recognize it. This means keeping your brand's look the same across all your packaging. Use the same colors, the same logo, and the same fonts on your e-commerce packaging as you do on your retail packaging. This consistency makes your brand easy to spot and remember. It also builds trust with your customers because they know what to expect from you. When your packaging always looks cohesive, it strengthens your overall brand, making it feel professional and reliable, whether they're clicking 'buy' or walking out of a store. You don't need totally different designs for online and retail. Think about having one main idea for your packaging that can be changed a little for different uses. For example, a cool drawing you use on your mailer box for online orders could also be used on a smaller tag for clothes in a store. You can also use parts that fit into different boxes, helping you save money and keep things looking the same. Thinking smartly about materials helps too. Some materials are strong enough for shipping but also look good for a display. This way, your packaging works hard for you in every selling place, showing off your brand perfectly. Choosing the right materials for your packaging is a clever move. You need materials that are strong enough to protect your clothes when shipped (for online orders) but also look good and feel nice when displayed in a store. For example, strong cardboard can be printed beautifully for a retail look, but it's also tough enough for the mail. There are also many eco-friendly options now that appeal to customers who care about the planet, whether they shop online or in person. Picking materials that do double duty helps you get the most out of your packaging and makes your brand look good to everyone. Spending money on good, custom packaging might seem like a lot at first. But in the long run, it can actually save you money and help your business grow. When your packaging protects your clothes well, you have fewer damaged items and fewer returns, which saves you money and hassle. When your packaging looks great, it makes customers happy and more likely to buy from you again. Working with a company that knows a lot about packaging can help you design boxes that work perfectly for both online and retail, which can lead to better prices when you order in bulk. It's a smart investment that boosts your brand and helps your bottom line. You can see now that great apparel packaging is vital for any clothing brand today, whether you sell online, in stores, or both. It's key to keeping your products safe during travel and making your customers feel special when they open their package. Making sure your packaging looks great and feels consistent everywhere is a big job that needs a skilled partner. If you're looking for a company that truly understands the unique needs of both online and retail for clothing brands, consider Affinity Custom Boxes. They specialize in creating amazing custom apparel boxes that are built tough for shipping and designed beautifully for display. They can help you create packaging solutions that make every customer interaction a win for your brand. Don't let your packaging be an afterthought; make it a powerful part of your brand's success story. Get in touch with Affinity Custom Boxes today and find out how they can help your brand shine everywhere it goes. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business News Wales
22 minutes ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Flagship Trailer Firm Launches Paid Internship Scheme with More than 50 Jobs Up for Grabs
(L/R) Rhun ap Iorwerth, party leader, Gerallt Parry – Ty'n Llidiart Nights Site Leader, Owain Wilkinson – Sandycroft Livestock Production, Joseph Smith – Design, John Williams – Managing Director, Jac Awbury and Bedwyr Pritchard – both from Ty'n Llidiart, Jak Tyrer – Sandycroft Production Site Leader and Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS. More than 50 jobs are up for grabs at a flagship trailer company that's running a paid internship scheme over the summer. The positive employment news was revealed during a visit to Ifor Wiliams Trailers by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS who described the company as a role model for other Welsh businesses. Up to 30 candidates chosen to take part in the Summer Programme at the family-owned firm – which has five sites in Deeside and Denbighshire – will be paid £380 a week. According to the company, the eight to 12-week programme would be ideal for students, graduates and people looking for work experience, either on the production line or in office based roles. Participants who achieve 100 per cent attendance and work to a high standard throughout the programme will receive a £250 bonus. Mr ap Iorwerth was accompanied on the tour of the company's Sandycroft factory, which makes livestock trailers, by Plaid's North Wales MS, Llyr Gruffydd. During the visit, they met several graduates of previous Summer Programmes who have since secured permanent jobs with the company. They also heard the company is looking to recruit between 50 and 60 people for a variety of jobs across its five sites as a result of its bulging order book. The factories manufacture and supply a wide range of trailers and genuine parts to a network of 50 UK outlets and more than 60 international distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Mr ap Iorwerth said: 'It's always a company I've admired because it's grown so much over the years but I have to say that coming here today I have learned more about them, how they've developed and their ambition to continue growing. 'What I've discovered today is that it is an even more important company than I realised. The company's story has a real wow factor about it. 'It's competing on the highest level right across the world and it's recognised as a best-in-class brand while their original values remain as important as ever, their Welsh roots, their support for local communities while making these incredible products, creating prosperity in the Welsh economy at the same time. 'It is an example of a company that's providing career opportunities for young people, some of whom we've met today. 'It's one of our most famous companies and it's the type of company we want to see more of in Wales.' It was a point echoed by Mr Gruffydd who added: 'It's our ambition as a party to encourage indigenous companies to grow and Ifor Williams Trailers is a perfect example of the type of economy we want to develop, where Welsh companies expand while they continue to have deep roots here. 'They are flying the flag for Wales right across the world and it was an eye-opener to learn they have a network of around 60 international distributors. 'Wherever they go, they are linked to Wales, whether that's through their products or Wrexham football club which they sponsor. 'At the same time, they're providing young people opportunities in terms of training and careers which are second to none and creating prosperity in the communities in which they are based. 'The Summer Programme is a great way of attracting young people who might not otherwise realise career opportunities like this existed. 'It's a story of success for both the company and the employees who've made the most of the opportunities they've been given.' Among the Summer Programme graduates the pair met was Bedwyr Pritchard, 17, who operates a robot welder at their Ty'n Llidiart factory in Corwen. He said: 'I was really pleased that I was accepted to take part in the Summer Programme and I learned a lot. 'It was great and I was very happy when I was offered a job at the end of it. I'm really enjoying my job. Everybody there is nice and very kind. I live across the road to the factory so I can even go home for dinner.' Design engineer Joe Smith, 21, from Chester, also landed a permanent job after taking part in the Summer Progamme while he was studying automotive engineering at Bristol University. He said: 'During the Summer Programme I was working making axles and once we'd made enough axles for the day I would work on the production line assembling the trailers. 'The fact that I took part in the programme has definitely helped me in what I'm doing now, knowing how things are put together on the production line. 'I am really enjoying it and I think I have integrated well, I get along with everybody here. It's interesting work and there's a good career path for me here. They do look after you.' According to Ifor Williams Trailers managing director, John Williams, he was delighted to host the visit by Mr ap Iorwerth and Mr Gruffydd. He said: 'I am grateful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to come on the visit to find out more about the company. 'They were particularly interested to hear about our Summer Programme that's been designed to bring young people into the business. 'The scheme is an opportunity to give them a great career path working for a successful indigenous Welsh company. 'We're looking for suitable candidates who have a great work ethic and a real desire to learn. 'Having the right attitude is the most important thing because we train people to make sure they have the right skills.'
Scotsman
22 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Andermatt Switzerland: An alpine haven which should be on all foodies bucket lists
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and modern luxury. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Travelling to Switzerland has always been on my bucket list. However, I hadn't imagined that my first trip would be Andermatt, one of Europe's fastest-growing, most sustainable, and luxurious alpine villages. Situated in the centre of Europe's north-south axis makes it predestined to bring together different cultures, people and music. Landing in Zurich, I was a bit apprehensive about navigating the Swiss rail system. Especially coming from the chaotic UK trains. However, the SBB Mobile app made the process seamless. I was guided every step of the way, even down to small details like the route from one platform to another. The trains were punctual, clean and offered unbeatable panoramic views of the Swiss countryside. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The festival was definitely the highlight of my trip to Andermatt | NW Andermatt itself greeted me with a charming blend of classic architecture and modern developments. It's a uniquely modern Alpine resort with a refreshingly forward-thinking approach. Once a quiet, secluded military outpost, Andermatt has been reimagined as a world-class destination, thanks to significant investment by Egyptian developer Samih Sawiris. Uniquely cosmopolitan yet deeply rooted in heritage, it's where tradition and innovation come together. In the old town you can look out for traditional houses adorned with fish-scale like exteriors. I was surprised to find out that each scale is individually nailed into place! Andermatt offers premium curated experiences, ensuring all guests enjoy a memorable experience, filled with emotions and warm hospitality. The highlight of my trip was attending the inaugural High Peak Festival - a unique opportunity for hip-hop fans to convene at 1,444m altitude for the first time in Switzerland in a breathtaking location. The set up was intimate, with a single main tent. With an impressive line-up, featuring hip-hop legends like Eve, Timbaland, Busta Rhymes and Xzibit, it was amazing to get so close to the stage. The crowd were respectful yet enthusiastic, a refreshing change from the often rowdy UK festival scenes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Autumn brings another Andermatt festival with a twist. The Bash is an annual festival that blends classic music with contrasting genres. This year this will be a collaboration between Swiss hip-hop artist Bligg and the Swiss Orchestra, conducted by Dr Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer, Director of Andermatt Music. The event will be hosted at the state-of-the-art 650-seater Andermatt Concert Hall - the only one of its kind in an Alpine resort. Known for its exceptional acoustics and modern design, it's an ideal location for such innovative performances as few venues allow the audience to get as close to the musicians. I had the pleasure of spending my stay at The Chedi Andermatt, a five-star hotel that seamlessly blends Asian-inspired design with Alpine charm. I was greeted at the front desk with a hot towel, tea and delightful ice-cream bite. Staying in a deluxe room I relished the spacious balcony and its stunning mountain views. With a state-of-the-art sound system, rainfall shower and room service breakfast all included, I looked forward to returning almost as much as I did heading to the festival. Everything at The Chedi is well thought out and of impeccable quality. From the many lounge areas to the stellar cocktails and ski butlers. It certainly had an air of quiet privacy. The hotel's award-winning mountain spa provided the perfect space to relax and unwind. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The beautiful pool area | NW The recent opening of IGNIV, Swiss chef Andreas Caminada's latest venture, adds to the destination's rapidly emerging culinary scene. Andermatt boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants: The Japanese (1*); Gütsch by Markus Neff (1*), which is located 2,344m above sea level; and The Japanese at The Chedi Hotel (2*), run by twin brothers, Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon. The place that captured my heart was Biselli. A cosy restaurant in the heart of the new town. The head chef, Mohammad from Senegal, brings a unique fusion of French and Caribbean influences to the menu. The beef tenderloin was succulent, paired with airy mashed potato and a harmonious blend of flavours. It's a real talent to create dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. Beyond the festival and good food, Andermatt offers a plethora of activities. It offers a refreshingly cool climate in summer, making it a dream destination for outdoor activities. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks and eight alpine passes, it's a paradise for cyclists, with scenic routes throughout. Hikers can explore roughly 30 miles of well-maintained trails, each offering a new perspective of the stunning Ursern Valley. For golf enthusiasts, the Andermatt Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course set against the region's rugged beauty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The locals talked fondly of the recent investment in Andermatt and the endless activities available. They shared their favourite takes of hikes following local folklore, golfing and historical sites that offer insight into the region's past. It's worth a visit just to wander along the river Reuss that flows through the village. Reflecting on my trip, Andermatt stands out as a versatile destination that caters to a diverse range of interests. Whether you prefer classical music or contemporary, taking on the great outdoors or appreciating the view from a heated pool, this village is for you. It truly is an alpine haven.
