Latest news with #ArwynWatkinsOBE
South Wales Argus
06-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Number of employee-owned businesses in Wales nears 100
As of now, 95 businesses in the country are employee-owned, surpassing the Welsh Government's target of reaching 74 by 2026. The announcement comes on Employee Ownership Day, celebrated for highlighting the advantages of businesses owned by their employees. Research indicates that such businesses are particularly successful, with employees showing increased engagement and commitment. The commercial benefits of this model are proving increasingly appealing to entrepreneurs, who see it as a way to attract and reward talented employees, while also fuelling business growth. One business that has transitioned to employee ownership is Cambrian Training Group. The Welshpool company, a leading provider of apprenticeship and vocational training across the country, celebrated 30 years in business by becoming employee owned earlier this year. The company was established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational and hospitality skills as part of the development of the region's tourism sector. It now employs 65 staff and has expanded its work-based learning, skills and apprenticeship programmes into a range of other sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Arwyn Watkins OBE, of Cambrian Training Group, said: "Securing Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) status is a significant step in our journey. "Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this move ensures that they have a direct stake in our continued success. "The decision to move towards an EOT rather than opting for a trade sale was motivated by the desire to sustain the company's culture, values, and commitment to quality over the long term." Welsh Government's Business Wales and Social Business Wales service offers specialist advice to support such employee buy outs. The services offer fully funded and bespoke help to business owners contemplating employee ownership and share schemes. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "By improving employee well-being and job satisfaction, the employee-ownership model plays a key part in strengthening the foundations on which every successful business is built. "I urge more businesses to explore the benefits on offer via Business Wales and Social Business Wales, to ensure Wales-based companies remain in Welsh hands."
Business News Wales
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Number of Employee-Owned Businesses in Wales Nears 100
The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales is now approaching 100 – exceeding a Welsh Government pledge to get to 74 by 2026. The Welsh Government's Business Wales and Social Business Wales service offers specialist advice to support employee buy outs, with fully funded and bespoke help available to help business owners decide if employee ownership and share schemes are the right solution for their business. The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales now stands at 95, exceeding the Programme for Government commitment to double the number in Wales and reach 74 by 2026. Research shows that employee-owned businesses perform particularly strongly, with employees demonstrating greater engagement and commitment. The commercial benefits are also becoming increasingly popular with entrepreneurs creating new businesses to help attract and reward talented employees and drive business growth. One company to receive support is Cambrian Training Group, a leading provider of apprenticeship and vocational training across Wales. The Welshpool company, which marked 30 years of business by becoming employee owned earlier this year, was established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational and hospitality skills as part of the development of the region's tourism sector. It now employs 65 staff and has expanded its work-based learning, skills and apprenticeship programmes into a range of other sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Arwyn Watkins OBE, of Cambrian Training Group, said: 'Securing Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) status is a significant step in our journey. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this move ensures that they have a direct stake in our continued success. 'The decision to move towards an EOT rather than opting for a trade sale was motivated by the desire to sustain the company's culture, values, and commitment to quality over the long term.' The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'By improving employee well-being and job satisfaction, the employee-ownership model plays a key part in strengthening the foundations on which every successful business is built. 'It's proven benefits include giving employees more control over their own destiny, and providing business owners with the peace of mind that that the future of their business is in safe hands, and that the future of their highly valued employees has been safeguarded in the community the business was fostered in. 'I urge more businesses to explore the benefits on offer via Business Wales and Social Business Wales, to ensure Wales-based companies remain in Welsh hands.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh food and drink makes impact at Asia's top hospitality event
Singapore showcase boosts exports and raises global profile WELSH food and drink producers have made a strong impression at FHA-Food & Beverage in Singapore, Asia's leading food and hospitality trade event. Held at a key strategic location for export markets, FHA provided a platform for Welsh businesses to showcase the very best of their produce to buyers from across southeast Asia, China, India, Australia and beyond. Exhibitors included Dairy Partners and Morning Foods, both proudly representing Welsh-made products on the international stage. The Welsh Government supported the trade mission under the Cymru/Wales banner, helping producers secure new opportunities across the ASEAN market. Will Bennett, Co-director at Dairy Partners, said the event had been highly valuable: 'We were delighted to be part of FHA Singapore and to demonstrate the quality and diversity of Welsh dairy products. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with interest from buyers in Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Australia, to name a few. 'The Welsh Government's support has been invaluable in increasing our visibility and opening up international markets.' Also in attendance was the Culinary Association of Wales, which delivered live cooking demonstrations using premium Welsh ingredients available in the region. Their visit also promoted the upcoming Worldchefs Congress & Expo, set to take place in Wales in 2026, which is expected to draw participants from over 100 countries. Arwyn Watkins OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales, said: 'Showcasing Welsh food in Singapore has been a fantastic opportunity. We're thrilled to use this platform to promote next year's Worldchefs Congress in Wales—an event that will spotlight our industry and welcome chefs and buyers from around the globe.' Among the products featured were Rhug Estate Organic Lamb, Hilltop Honey, Cygnet Gin, Penderyn whisky, Halen Môn sea salt, Village Bakery goods, Moose Maple Butter, and others from Dairy Partners and Morning Foods. The Welsh Government continues to offer tailored support for businesses looking to export, including access to international trade shows, financial assistance, market insights, skills training, and innovation infrastructure to help companies grow. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who holds responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: 'Welsh participation at events like FHA reflects our commitment to promoting our world-class food and drink industry. ASEAN is a key growth region for Welsh exports, and this event highlights the exciting potential for future expansion.' The global spotlight will return to Wales later this year as Blas Cymru / Taste Wales takes place on 22–23 October at ICC Wales, Newport. The 2023 event attracted 276 buyers and 122 Welsh producers, delivering strong commercial outcomes through a combination of one-to-one trade meetings, networking, and product sampling. This year's edition will feature more than 200 new product launches and a wider showcase of 3,000 products, demonstrating the strength and diversity of Welsh food and drink. For details on Welsh Government export support and upcoming trade opportunities, visit:
