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Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Winners of the 2025 Carmarthenshire Business Awards Announced
The Carmarthenshire Business Awards returned for second year to the Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli. From innovative start-ups, and established enterprises to individuals making a real difference, the awards brought together over 250 guests to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive that power Carmarthenshire's thriving business community. Launched to shine a spotlight on the county's diverse business landscape, the Carmarthenshire Business Awards attracted nearly 200 entries this year across a wide range of categories. At the black-tie ceremony, finalists were recognised for their innovation, impact and resilience, whether leading on a global stage or driving change within their local communities. The panel of expert judges was chaired by Rupert Moon. He said: 'It was a privilege to judge the Carmarthenshire Business Awards again this year. We saw an incredible range of businesses, each bringing something unique to the region. The passion and purpose demonstrated by every finalist was inspiring. Congratulations to all who entered, and especially to the winners, for their outstanding achievements.' The Carmarthenshire Business Awards were supported by headline sponsor Castell Howell Foods, one of the UK's leading independent food wholesalers. Martin Jones, from Castell Howell, said: 'Castell Howell is proud to sponsor the second Carmarthenshire Business Awards. These awards have created a valuable platform to recognise and celebrate the incredible businesses across the region. Following the success of last year's event, we're delighted to see the awards continue to grow and gain momentum. 'At a time when businesses in Wales are facing significant challenges, it's more important than ever to highlight the resilience, talent and determination within our local economy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists, highly commended entries and, of course, the winners. Your achievements truly deserve to be celebrated.' The awards were sponsored and supported by AZETS, DPA Law, Dunbia Cross Hands, JCP Solicitors, JGHR Solutions, RNF Property Group, Prysg Gwasanaethau Laith Language Services, Stori Cymru, Blodau Blodwen Flowers, Business News Wales and Stills. The Carmarthenshire Business Awards were created by founder Liz Brookes, Director, Grapevine Event Management. She said: 'It was incredible to bring the business community together once again to celebrate the very best of Carmarthenshire. These awards are about more than trophies – they're about recognising the hard work, talent, and determination that make our region a great place to do business. Your success deserves to be celebrated – Llongyfarchiadau pawb.' The winners of the Carmarthenshire Business Awards 2025 are: Entrepreneur of the Year – Ioan Dillon, Lean Kitchen Retail Business of the Year – Rook Stores Ltd. Manufacturing Business of the Year – Dunbia Cross Hands SME of the Year – Willow Daycare Ltd Innovation & Technology Business of the Year – Gavin Griffiths Recycling Green Business of the Year – Thermal Earth Start-Up Business of the Year – Tetrim Teas Employer of the Year – LBS Builders Merchants Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year – Augustus Payroll Services Young Business Person of the Year – Lewis Thomas, Chickwood Poultry Third Sector Organisation of the Year – Cegin Hedyn Creative & Digital Business of the Year – DesignYO! Creative Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year – Y Sied Cafés and Cookery School Rural Business of the Year – The Arb Team International Business of the Year – Tinopolis Highly Commended Retail Business of the Year – Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd. Start-Up Business of the Year – Tiny Tots Town Third Sector Organisation of the Year – Sero Community Environment Centre Creative & Digital Business of the Year – Pinc Sheep Media Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year – Great Welsh Escapes Further details of The Carmarthenshire Business Awards, which will return in 2026, can be found on the website:
BBC News
12-06-2025
- BBC News
Lincolnshire probation service rated inadequate by inspectors
A probation service in Lincolnshire has been rated inadequate by East and West Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) was inspected by HM Inspectorate of Probation in included a "worrying" lack of attention paid to keeping people safe in assessments, and geographical difficulties in covering a large rural area.A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said there was currently a "strain" on the probation service, and it planned to boost funding by 45% by 2028. 'Long distances' The PDU is responsible for managing and supervising people on probation from its main offices in Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, and report stated there was "insufficient analysis of domestic abuse and safeguarding information" from said some people on probation were travelling "long distances" to attend appointments, with managers "struggling to maintain sufficient visibility" across the area it findings included a "supportive teamwork culture" as well as "engaged and motivated" in the report included ensuring effective management oversight was provided and analysing information on domestic abuse and child safeguarding to inform the quality of assessments. 'System in crisis' Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said: "Despite a positive and supportive teamwork culture, we found regional and local governance arrangements to be driving staff and managers to prioritise performance targets over delivering a quality service. "Unfortunately, the quality of work delivered to manage risk of harm was insufficient, which resulted in an overall rating of inadequate."A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, placing significant strain on the probation service."That is why we are boosting probation funding by 45%, investing up to £700m more a year by 2028, and are on track to recruit 2,300 more probation officers nationally by March next year." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Leicestershire probation service rated 'inadequate' by inspectors
The probation service in Leicestershire and Rutland has been rated "inadequate" for the second time in three years following visits by Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) was inspected by HM Inspectorate of Probation in inspection found the delivery of services to reduce the risk of harm posed by people on probation "insufficient" in most Jones, chief inspector of probation said there had been "encouraging signs of improvement" since the 2022 inspection which concluded that services in the area were "inadequate". The HM Inspectorate report said the PDU was one of the "largest" by overall caseload in England and Wales, with offices in Leicester, Coalville and Loughborough. 'Lack of liaison' Mr Jones said: "Since the previous inspection in 2022 the PDU has faced ongoing challenges including high staff turnover, elevated sickness rates and, like all PDUs and regions, a prolonged period of significant and frequent changes linked to early prison releases."Only in the past six months has there been a noticeable shift towards improvement."The inspection found the leadership team at the PDU was "well-respected" and staff across all grades said they felt able to provide feedback to senior according to the report there was "a lack of professional curiosity" with practitioners not responding to new information when they received it as well as a "lack of liaison" with other inspection also found in 24% of cases where child safeguarding information should have been requested it had not been, and in 15% of cases no request had been made for domestic abuse information when it should have report made six recommendations to the PDU, including to improve the quality of work to assess and review risk of harm, and to develop practitioners' confidence and skills in the use of professional Ministry of Justice, which has overall control of the probation service, said the government is "on track" to recruit 2,300 more probation officers nationally by March next year.A spokesperson said: "This will help ensure offenders receive robust supervision and improve the work probation does to keep the public safe."
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘I'm here to survive': WWII vet celebrates turning 100 years old
The Edmonton Veterans Association Food Bank celebrated volunteer Martin Jones ahead of his 100th birthday on Friday. 'The gun barrels got so hot you had to bury them in sand.' Marty Jones told a few stories about his time in the Second World War to people at his 100th birthday celebration, hosted by the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), on Tuesday morning. Martin (Marty) Jones birthday celebration Martin (Marty) Jones shares stories with people at this 100th birthday celebration hosted by the Veterans Association Food Bank Edmonton on May 27, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) He was born in Lamont, Alta., and grew up in Lashburn, Sask. - serving with his brothers as a volunteer reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy, where he was involved in the Juno Beach landings in 1944. 'We just got the job done as fast as we could and got out,' Jones said, remembering how they made it out of the war. Lindsay Mac, food program manager at VAFB, said taking the time to celebrate one of their oldest members is 'big and meaningful.' 'Marty and his family sacrificed a lot for us during their career in the military … and it's really nice to take the time to celebrate him,' she told CTV News Edmonton during the festivities. 'Something huge like turning 100 – this doesn't happen every day.' Old picture of war veteran Martin Jones An old photo of Martin (Marty) Jones was on display at the birthday celebration hosted by Veterans Association Food Bank Edmonton on May 27, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) Mac said a colleague asked Jones how he made it to the centennial milestone and his answer was to be kind to everyone. 'To be able to take a moment and recognize somebody who sacrificed so much and can still come in here and put a big smile on his face and bring a smile to all of us, it's really touching memories,' she described of the occasion. The VAFB helps Canadian Forces veterans, RCMP veterans, and active military members by providing food and emergency financial assistance if they need help making ends meet. 'We really try to do everything we can to support Canadian veterans and give back for what they've given for us,' Mac said, adding the VAFB is always in need of cash donations and non-perishable food for their hamper program. According to Mac, about 70 people attended the birthday party and a blanket was presented to Jones through the Quilts of Valour program. Jones said he doesn't bear any grudges to his former opponents in the war. 'We're all in the seniors place I'm in now,' Jones said. 'Some older people, they're from Germany and I said, 'Well, the war is over now. You people are my friends.'' 'You know I'm here to survive.' He added that the celebration with other veterans and current military members is a special reminder as they celebrate his 100th birthday a few days early. 'We're all in the same leaky boat. We patch each other's water holes. We work together and we bring the young people up with us in love and caring.' With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Klippenstein
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Celebrating food bank volunteer's 100th birthday
Edmonton Watch The Edmonton Veterans Association Food Bank celebrated volunteer Martin Jones ahead of his 100th birthday on Friday.
