1. Making headlines with Principality’s House Price Index
Last year made for a disappointing year in the property market across Wales with average house prices continuing to drop. The last quarter of 2023 might have been the most dramatic yet, with Principality’s data showing us that house prices in Wales saw their biggest decline since 2009 following the financial crash. Every quarter, we work on sharing the exclusive scoop of Principality Building Society’s House Price Index, and this week we made headlines across the country with widespread coverage on BBC Online, ITV news, Western Mail, WalesOnline, Herald Wales, North Wales Live, Property Reporter, The Intermediary, and interviews on BBC Radio Wales.
2. Online adventure travel firm secures major British Business Bank investment
Located in the shadow of Caerphilly mountain there’s a ‘hard adventure’ travel firm that sends intrepid adventurers off on epic expeditions to the likes of Mt. Everest in Nepal, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Machu Picchu in Peru. And this firm – EverTrek – have just landed the first investment from the recently launched £130m British Business Bank Investment Fund for Wales – securing a £1.3m equity investment from fund manager, Foresight. We shared the news with media this week securing coverage in the Western Mail, Wales Business Insider, Business-Live, Business News Wales, Wales247, Caerphilly Obsever and Herald Wales.
3. Wales most senior healthcare scientist becomes Moondance Cancer Initiative’s new chief executive
From Wales’ most senior healthcare scientist to picking up the mantle to help Wales become a world leader in cancer outcomes. We announced the news that Dr Rob Orford, who has been Chief Scientific Adviser for Health for Wales since 2017, will become chief executive officer of Moondance Cancer Initiative in April 2024. Dr Orford brings with him a wealth of experience from leading the Welsh Government’s scientific and recently being recognised in the New Year Honours list 2024, receiving an OBE for services to health sciences and evidence in health policy. Find our coverage on Business News Wales, Wales 247, and the Academy for Healthcare Science, among others.
4. New Enterprise Hub in Carmarthenshire puts business in focus
Ever thought about making your business dreams a reality? Our client Business in Focus’ new Enterprise Hub in Carmarthen aims to do just that for local entrepreneurs with either existing businesses or those in the start-up stage. The Hub will provide entrepreneurs with expert advice from local in-house specialists and present opportunities for networking with other businesses. The Hub hopes to improve prospects for entrepreneurs in the region with fully-funded business support. Read more in Wales 247, Business News Wales, Herald Wales, and Insider Media.
5. The CIPD in Wales announces 2024 award finalists
It’s awards nomination season and this week we’ve lined up the nominations for the Oscars of the HR world. The CIPD Awards in Wales take place next month and will see the best of the HR and people profession recognised for their efforts to improve the working lives of people in Wales. With a record amount of entries this year, 80 businesses, teams and individuals across Wales are shortlisted across nine categories acknowledging their contributions to their respective sectors. Finalists for 2024 include Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, BBC Cymru Wales, Tiny Rebel Brewery and the Football Association of Wales. Read more about the awards at Business News Wales, Wales247 and HR News.
