by Andrew Guilford | Jul 26, 2021 | Buy Regional, News
Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, Bevan Buckland LLP, has partnered with Tech-Wales Ltd to create a unique one-stop-shop for accounting and IT services for its clients.
Bevan Buckland LLP, which is headquartered in Swansea, has launched a partnership with Tech-Wales Ltd, a Port Talbot based IT outsourcing and consultancy firm, to deliver technology advice and solutions to clients investing in technology advancements.
Harri Lloyd-Davies, Bevan Buckland LLP Partner, says “We have known Mike Price and Adrian Williams, who set up Tech Wales Ltd, for many years and are working closely with them to develop our own in-house technology platform. We have several mutual clients, and we serve the same demographic of owner-managed SMEs across South Wales, as well as larger organisations and individuals. Many of our major clients have been investing in enhancing their IT capabilities and we want to support our clients in their endeavours. Automation and technology are transforming the accounting industry and we remain at the forefront of this change. Partnering with Tech-Wales has allowed us to be pioneers in our own IT agenda and we are already seeing the benefits with improved controls and productivity.”
Adrian Williams, Tech Wales Ltd co-founder says “Bevan Buckland LLP are uniquely placed to help us understand their clients and their technology needs, so we are excited to be partnering together. Our highly experienced technology consultants can bring necessary improvements quickly and efficiently to businesses. Like Bevan Buckland LLP, we are very client focused so we look forward to partnering closely with the practice.”
Gus Williams, Bevan Buckland LLP Chief Operating Officer, adds: “Technology services can be difficult for businesses to navigate, especially in such a rapidly changing environment. From partnering with Tech-Wales, Bevan Buckland LLP has developed a much more coherent long-term IT strategy, avoiding risks around signing onto services that may become obsolete in a few years. We know our clients would benefit from the same productivity gains, automated workflows and improved collaboration, and we are excited to be offering these services to our clients.”
As a key part of the partnership, Bevan Buckland LLP and Tech-Wales will invest in a Technology Graduate Recruitment and Training programme, building on the success of Bevan Buckland LLP’s own Training Academy for graduate accountants. The Bevan Buckland/Tech-Wales Technology Graduate Programme will be welcoming applications for the first cohort of trainees shortly, another step in both firms’ ambitions to support job creation within the region.
Bevan Buckland LLP is the largest independent accountancy firm in Wales providing accountancy services, tax compliance and advisory services and other strategic advice for small to medium-sized businesses. Headquartered in Swansea, the practice has offices in Carmarthen, Pembroke, Haverfordwest and St David’s.
MGB Communications
by Andrew Guilford | Jun 20, 2021 | Buy Regional, Circular Economy, Creative Economy, Development Investment, News, Travel Transport Tourism, Well-being Region
Business Swansea, Swansea Council’s Business Support Service, is launching a new monthly Start-Up Enterprise Club for individuals starting a new business in Swansea.
Rebecca Wade, of Purple Dog, who will present a session on social media at Swansea’s first Start-up Enterprise Club meeting
The first session, “Launch your business using Social Media” will take place on July 8th from 10 to 11.30am. If you’d like to attend please click here to register.
This session will be delivered by Rebecca Wade, a Social Media Expert at Purple Dog with over seven years experience. She helps businesses to utilise social media and increase brand awareness by successfully building engagement and drive organic growth. Her training sessions will empower you to take control of your own social media success.
Rebecca Wade said: “Billions of people visit social media every day – and it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow a business.
“I’m looking forward to helping new Swansea businesses use social media to attract new customers and connect with key audiences.
“It’s a wise move for the council to launch the Start-up Enterprise Club as starting a business can be a daunting experience so it’s good to share knowledge and inspiration in this way.”
So you can get your business off to a great start on the right social media platforms for you, this beginner’s session will cover:
- What is the best platform to use?
- What tactics should you use to be seen by the most people?
- Are there certain types of content that perform better than others?
- How can you regularly post content?
- What etiquette rules do you need to follow?
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “We have a strong record in helping and advising local business before and during the pandemic – and that will continue as Swansea’s £1bn regeneration story develops.
“The Start-up Enterprise Club is aimed specifically at start-up or pre-start businesses – and it will feature regular events full of short, sharp briefings allowing businesses to implement their learning straight away.
“I encourage anybody starting a business here – or thinking seriously about doing so – to attend the event on July 8 and to continue playing a part in the club. We want to help them get off to a great start.”
The club will have its own Facebook group, allowing businesses to share ideas, solve problems and feel a sense of community.
It’s a great time to be an entrepreneur in Swansea. At 4theRegion we want to see more businesses start up and thrive in our region, so in April we hosted our Swansea Start Up & Business Owners Forum for entrepreneurs, small businesses and potential start-ups interested in being part of that “diverse and creative mix” that makes Swansea great. It was great to have people come and share ideas and perspectives on how we can make sure Swansea is an entrepreneurial city with a flourishing independent economy.
We believe that Swansea can be the perfect place to start and build a business. For us, it’s not big brands and major corporates that make a city great – it’s a diverse mix of independent firms, lifestyle businesses, trades, makers, creative start-ups and cultural entrepreneurs – all doing our best to make good things happen.
by Andrew Guilford | Jun 19, 2021 | Buy Regional, Circular Economy, Creative Economy, Development Investment, News, Travel Transport Tourism, Well-being Region
Gower College Swansea is encouraging businesses in Southwest Wales to enrol their staff onto fully funded digital training to ensure they have the skills to take advantage of the latest technologies and tools.
With nearly 40% of the UK’s working population lacking digital skills, the College is urging businesses to sign up staff to their suite of fully-funded work-based learning qualifications to help bridge the skills gaps in this area.
It is widely reported that the COVID19 pandemic has expedited and inspired long-term digital transformation plans, however, the widening digital skills gap is threatening to hold back businesses.
80 per cent of UK business leaders believe that investment in digital skills will be needed in order to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
Gower College Swansea is urging businesses in the region to invest in their staff’s digital skills so that they can ensure they have a competitive edge in the evolving digital landscape.
Recently announced as a national finalist in the Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year category at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards, the College’s portfolio of qualifications includes Digital Application Support, Digital Learning Design, Social Media and Digital Marketing, Data Analytics and Information Security Professionals. The courses can be used to upskill existing staff or to bring on new talent. There are also financial incentives of up to £4000 if recruiting through apprenticeships.
Learners will be allocated a dedicated tutor/assessor who work closely with both learner and employer to ensure the level and units selected are most suited to their role, ambitions and organisational priorities.
Paul Kift, Director at Gower College Swansea, said: “Companies not investing in the digital skills of their staff risk losing relevance and their competitive edge as we emerge from the pandemic.
“When COVID19 struck last year, for most businesses digital transformation projects were initially seen as a means of ensuring business continuity in a time of crisis.
“However, over the last year, ways of working digitally have become the norm. To stay ahead and emerge in a strong position, businesses must continue to embrace new tools and technologies. Crucially, this means investing in the digital skills of their staff.
“Reverting back to old habits will leave businesses lagging behind and so to survive in a competitive, digital-first future, we’re encouraging businesses in South Wales to take advantage of our fully-funded digital qualifications.”
Gower College Swansea offer a range of work-based learning qualifications covering topics including Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Housing and Customer Service.
For more information visit www.gcs.ac.uk/digital
Gower College Swansea
by Andrew Guilford | May 13, 2021 | Buy Regional, News
Regional law firm Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors are delighted to announce the promotion of three top lawyers to Partner level.
Greg George, Charlotte Hewins and Rebecca Jackson
Rebecca Jackson, Greg George and Charlotte Hewins will join the leadership team of the firm as they continue to expand throughout Wales over the coming years.
The three promotions are all from the Residential Conveyancing department within the firm and all three manage their teams in Morriston (Rebecca Jackson), Llanelli (Greg George) and Mumbles (Charlotte Hewins).
“I am thrilled to appoint these talented lawyers to our partnership team,” said Peter Lynn, “and am looking forward to their input, drive and passion as we implement our growth strategy for 2021 and beyond.”
As one of the fastest-growing legal practices in Wales, the team at Peter Lynn and Partners includes over 75 lawyers, trainees and support staff, and cover all aspects of the law.
They are one of the few firms to not only retain a high-street presence but are actively looking to increase their network of offices, as Peter explained.
“We opened a new office in Llanelli last year,” said Peter, “and then a further acquisition gave us a second office in the town,” said Peter, “and as we come out of the lockdown, we have ambitious plans to continue our growth – something the new partners will play a key role in achieving.”
MJR Marketing
by Andrew Guilford | May 10, 2021 | Buy Regional, News, Travel Transport Tourism
Swansea hospitality businesses are benefiting with hundreds of thousands of pounds in council assistance to help outdoor trading.
Outdoor hospitality in Swansea city centre. Photo: Swansea Council
This includes around £1.2m committed by Swansea Council to grants for outdoor furniture.
Other assistance for business has included the suspension of fees for pavement trading licences, saving traders more than £57,000.
Those running beer gardens on private land have been among those to benefit from council help.
The assistance has been delivered over the past 10 months. It helped businesses set up and trade quickly during the pandemic and through government restrictions – and it will help the city lead the way out of pandemic.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We awarded street furniture grants of up to £8,000 to more than 200 businesses – and suspended outdoor trading fees at more than 100 premises.
“We know how important the hospitality business is to the people and economy of Swansea and we’re confident that this assistance will see our restaurants, bars and cafés help the city to lead the way out of pandemic.”
The council offered outdoor furniture grants from July for several months. They were snapped up by businesses across Swansea, including in local district trading centres.
Grants of up to £8,000 were available, with businesses required to cover 20% of the total spend. The funding was available through the Welsh Government Transforming Towns initiative and its Valleys Taskforce grant.
Swansea BID – the Business Improvement District – offered businesses advice on furniture such as tables, chairs, large planters, awnings, large umbrellas, café-style barriers and heaters.
Other items acquired included canopies, igloo bubbles, barriers, litter bins, servery facilities and seating areas for public spaces.
The removal of licensing costs for tables and chairs on city centre pavement cafes has so far saved businesses around £57,900.
The move is helping businesses as they battle back from lockdown – and helps bring added life to city centre streets.
It was welcomed by BID which has been working with members to help them secure licenses for offering services on paved areas adjoining their premises.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Whilst keeping people safe, we continue to help business as best we can at this challenging time.
“By offering grants and removing costs since last summer we have given them a better chance of thriving in our post-lockdown city.”
David Hopkins, the council’s cabinet member for delivery and operations – and joint deputy leader, said: “Our work with hospitality businesses is helping keep people in work and giving residents more safe options for eating and drinking away from their homes.
“It gives businesses more incentive to invest in customer safety, helping towards avoiding another lockdown situation.”
BID chief executive Russell Greenslade said: “We’re glad to be working with the council and others to help businesses serve the public as best they can in our new-look city centre.
“The priority is to keep people safe and guard against another coronavirus spike – but we also want to give the local economy the best chance of succeeding in these difficult times.
“We’ve worked hard with the council and others to boost business opportunities – and businesses have responded positively throughout the pandemic.”
Thanks to the Welsh Government’s easing of restrictions, hospitality businesses have been able open outdoors since April 26 and could open indoors from May 17.
Social distancing still applies and customers are being asked to book ahead and understand that measures such as screens and track and trace are in place.
Swansea Council
by Andrew Guilford | May 6, 2021 | Buy Regional, News
Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, Bevan Buckland LLP, continues to focus upon ambitious and steady growth, with six promotions among its ranks in recent weeks.
L-R: Jessica Lewis, Sonia Kaur, Alex Powell, Matthew Denney, Alan Eckley, Angharad Rogers, Sara Hussey
The firm, headquartered in Swansea, has seen Alan Eckley, Alex Powell, Angharad Rogers, Jessica Lewis, Sara Hussey and Sonia Kaur being promoted to Associate Executives while Kimberley Bone and Jessica Hann are now Senior Associates, Andrew Davies and Callum Mylan are Associates within Technical Services. Also, Natalie Owen and Georgia King are now Senior Associates in Payroll Bureau Services.
These successes come in a month that sees Bevan Buckland LLP receive hundreds of applications from young people across Wales keen to join the firm’s Training Academy for graduates and school leavers, which has set scores of young people on a successful career path over the past three years.
Matthew Denney, Tax Partner at Bevan Buckland LLP says: “We are delighted to see our very dedicated staff continue to reach for and to achieve success within their field. The past year has, of course, been a testing one for everyone in the workplace across all sectors and industries, and we are very proud of the way our colleagues have stepped up to continue to provide the kind of professional service our clients expect, despite the pandemic, but also to develop and grow their expertise.
“Bevan Buckland LLP continues to focus very sharply upon steady, managed growth, despite the prevailing circumstances that the wider economy in Wales finds itself in.
“We continue to grow our team, making 15 new hires over the last 12 months and interviews are due to take place for the 2021 graduate and school leaver hires, so we will continue to grow into the new financial year. We feel very strongly that home-grown firms like ours are one of the keys to ensuring the economy here in Wales bounces back from the deeply-felt effects of the pandemic, and that it goes on to thrive. We will always work hard to play our part in this.”
The company has offices throughout South West Wales, and it is the largest independent accountancy firm in Wales providing accountancy services, tax compliance and advisory services and other strategic advice for small to medium-sized businesses. Headquartered in Swansea, the firm has offices in Carmarthen, Pembroke, Haverfordwest and St David’s.
MGB Communications
