1. Why a boom in microbreweries is attracting attention from thirsty investors
Wales is outpacing the rest of the UK when it comes to brewery growth which is catching the attention of funders, including the British Business Bank, who have noticed a significant uptake in the number of funding applications being received from new breweries, distilleries and wineries. Over the past few years alone the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has provided loans to new breweries and distilleries in Wales, including Porthcawl Gin, Caru Spirits, Hive Drinks and Flowerhorn Brewery, among others. With this in mind we penned an op-ed on behalf of Jessica Phillips-Harris, the Bank’s Senior Manager for Wales, commenting on the trend and how the Bank is keen to support these young and vibrant brands, led by driven and passionate entrepreneurs. The resulting feature was published in this week’s Western Mail business pages, and can also be viewed online here.
2. Young entrepreneur scores exposure with Big Ideas Wales
What do Will Ferrel, Paul Rudd and Ryan Reynolds have in common? They’ve all been snapped pitch-side by young entrepreneur and photographer, Cody Froggatt. Cody’s pitch-perfect shots of Wrexham FC have been featured more than 74 times in national media titles like The Times, Daily Mail and Daily Mirror. After spending a season capturing the club’s most successful year, the 23-year-old photographer from Connah’s Quay is back at the Racecourse thanks to support from our client, Big Ideas Wales. Paired with a Business Advisor, Cody received help getting his business certified and even secured the Young Person’s Start-Up Grant. We shared Cody’s story with Welsh media, securing a feature with Wales Online and further coverage in Wales 247 and News from Wales.
3. CIPD Awards entries open for 2024
As the professional body for HR and people development, CIPD has been holding annual awards for six years now, to celebrate the very best practice across Wales. Next year’s ceremony will take place at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday 15th March, with categories including Best Wellbeing Initiative, Best Apprenticeship Scheme, Best Change Management Initiative and more. We shared the announcement of the 2024 awards with Welsh media, securing coverage in Wales 247 and News From Wales.
4. Helping people protect their future health
Did you know there is a vaccine that can help protect you against a virus that causes certain types of cancers?
We’ve been working with Public Health Wales to help raise awareness around the benefits of the HPV vaccine, which is given to young people in school year 8.
Our first ‘fact file’ film has been made with clinicians to help explain to both children and parents why the vaccine is important and how it can protect your health in the future. You can find out more here.
5. From corporate offices to humanitarian hotspots
In an op-ed we penned for The Manufacturer on behalf of Robin Bayliss, Group Enterprise Director at furniture manufacturer Bisley, he discusses how, as well as creating offices and workspaces for some of the world’s biggest brands, the company is increasingly taking orders from government agencies for products to help deal with humanitarian disasters and emergencies. Read the feature here.
