Latest news with #Oseng-ReesReflectionLtd
Business News Wales
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business Owner Attends Chancellor's Small Businesses Celebration
A Swansea businesswoman has attended a special reception hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to recognise the contribution of small businesses to the economy, society and communities. Tyra Oseng-Rees, founder and director of Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, attended the event which brought together winners and finalists of The Small Awards. This annual awards showcase is organised by Small Business Britain and celebrates the UK's 'smallest and greatest' businesses. The event featured more than 40 small businesses, from micro-businesses and family businesses, to start-ups and high street heroes. Tyra was a finalist in the Small Awards' Net Hero category for best sustainability-focused business, which recognises a small business with an exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability. As a Net Hero finalist, Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd was shortlisted for its pioneering work in sustainability and circular design. The company transforms demolition materials into low-carbon, high-impact installations. Their award-winning cladding of the Grade II listed Buttermarket in Cornwall, featuring 800 recycled glass tiles, won the 2025 Surface Design Award for Exterior Surface of the Year. The company's work was also recently featured in Business News Wales, highlighting how glass from the former Newport Centre was repurposed into a new architectural installation. Tyra said: 'Getting invited to Downing Street was a real surprise, and a boost. As someone running a small business built on sustainability and creative thinking, it meant a lot to be in the room where big decisions happen. It showed me that voices like mine, focused on doing things differently and better for the planet, are starting to be noticed. I believe real change starts when we show up with honesty, ideas, and the guts to do things differently.' Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, said: 'Small businesses are the heart and soul of their communities and contribute massively to the UK economy,' 'It is fantastic to see the stellar achievements of Tyra recognised by the Chancellor and the Treasury in this way, at such a special event. It is so important that the whole nation gets behind small businesses and give them all the support they need.'
Business News Wales
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Artist to Transform Salvaged Leisure Centre Glass for City Centre Project
Glass salvaged from the former Newport Centre is set to become an integral part of the city's new leisure and wellbeing facility. Thanks to the skill and artistry of a specialist company, the waste glass will be transformed into key details in the new building in the city centre. Award-winning designer Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees explained: 'In total, around 100 square metres have been salvaged from the old leisure centre and some of the glass has already been collected and is now at the studio, where it is undergoing research and development. 'The fused recycled glass material that is made is a unique, sustainable material made entirely from waste glass. It doesn't look or behave like traditional glass—it's often compared to stone or marble. 'We're currently exploring possibilities for colours, patterns, textures for the use of it as a decorative or aesthetic application. The material could be integrated into interior features such as a backlit reception desk, privacy screens, or decorative wall cladding.' Based in Wales, Dr Oseng-Rees is known for her commitment to sustainability through innovative design using recycled glass. With a PhD in material development and the aesthetics of fused recycled glass, Tyra transforms waste glass from demolition sites, construction, and bottles into striking, sustainable artworks. She is the founder of Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, a consultancy and design studio creating bespoke fused recycled glass pieces for architectural and interior installations. Her work has received wide recognition, including being named winner of the Surface Design Award with exterior surface of the year 2025, and she was a finalist for the Net Hero Award at the 2025 Small Awards. Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council's cabinet member for culture and communications, said: 'Using former materials from the old leisure centre is fantastic for so many reasons. 'It is very fitting that the glass is being repurposed for the new centre which will be meeting very high environmental standards but it also provides a link between the new centre to the old one, which many people remember fondly. 'I'm looking forward to hearing what the glass will be used for and watching as work progresses to transform them into beautiful works that will decorate our new centre. Work began on the construction of the new centre earlier this year. Due to be opened to the public next year, the new centre will include a modern leisure pool, with elements including a 'lazy river', slides and play equipment, as well as a teaching pool for children's swimming lessons and exercise sessions. It will also have modern changing facilities, a café and relaxation area, fitness suite and large active space for community use, group activities and children's birthday parties. The new centre is expected to be among the UK's first net zero facility of its kind, powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources. More than 55 per cent of the costs are being met by external funding including the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme and from the UK Government.
