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Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Can the Housing Industry Follow Bold Leadership?
The Welsh Government launched Tai ar y Cyd earlier this year, an ambitious initiative aimed at increasing the supply of quality, sustainable, and affordable homes. David Dwyer from window manufacturer NorDan UK, explains why he's backing Tai ar y Cyd to boost investment in quality. With plans to deliver 20,000 quality, sustainability-focused homes over five years, Tai ar y Cyd is an ambitious collaboration between Welsh social landlords, government, and industry. The initiative brings together twenty-three social landlords with the aim of delivering more 'affordable, high-quality homes for future generations' – homes that can meet the high standards of low-carbon performance and drive down resident energy bills. This will be achieved through a unique, standardised pattern book that includes layouts for fifteen house types, plus eighteen variants that range from 1-bedroom flats to 4-bedroom houses, and other features such as fully wheelchair-accessible homes. The goal is to benefit residents, communities and the environment by setting clear energy efficiency, affordability, and long-term sustainability standards from the outset. Pictures by Rob Norman HayMan Media Moving forward, these new homes will be designed to meet Welsh Development Quality Requirements and Welsh Housing Quality Standards and will embrace cutting-edge building techniques and natural materials, including timber. It marks an important step toward a more energy-efficient and unified future for social and affordable housing in Wales – one that should enhance the quality of life for future generations and give residents greater protection from the ever-looming peril of fuel poverty. It's encouraging to see the Welsh Government taking a long-term view – something both NorDan UK and I strongly support. By prioritising investment in quality and longevity, they are also disincentivising the short-term temptation of cheaper material options, which often prove to be a false economy over time. Founded in Norway almost a century ago, NorDan has established a reputation across Europe for manufacturing high-performance, low-carbon timber windows and doors with a lifespan of 60 years or more. Although demand for NorDan's products in social housing continues to grow, this level of quality will always come at a higher capital cost. Understandably, this can initially deter some social landlords who are focused on delivering as many homes as possible within tight development budgets. At the same time, Wales, like many European countries, suffers from a chronic shortage of quality affordable homes, and there is a clear need to increase supply. It's hard for people of all ages to access the housing ladder, and long waiting lists for social homes has left thousands of individuals and families languishing in temporary accommodation. Our ageing, leaky housing stock is also clear evidence of past mistakes. UK homes are the least energy efficient in Northern Europe, while domestic energy prices are among the highest on the continent. This has led to a perfect storm that has hit many of our lowest-income homes disproportionately, and something that we must avoid in the future. In other nations and markets, NorDan has witnessed and demonstrated how strong government leadership combined with collective collaboration can be crucial in setting a new, and more positive path in housing. That is certainly how I see Tai ar y Cyd. Positive leadership. By encouraging decision-makers to measure and scrutinise the whole-life value of the building products and materials they use, I'm convinced that most will understand and embrace the longer-term benefits and savings. Such is NorDan's confidence in the direction Wales is heading, that we've opened a new showroom and headquarters at Cardiff Gate Business Park. We have also invested in a new Wales-based team dedicated to addressing the specific housing needs of the nation. Finally, for those keen to experience a living example of the pioneering levels of quality and innovation we're striving for, I recommend visiting the new 144-home village at Gwynfaen, an ultra-low carbon housing development located outside Swansea. Featuring a thousand of NorDan UK's aluminium-clad timber windows and doors, this landmark project, led by Pobl housing association, has set a new benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient housing in Wales. A precursor to Tai ar y Cyd, Pobl and Stride Treglown in Cardiff as lead architects, saw Gwynfaen as an opportunity to be bold and combine future-proofed ideas – creating concepts that prioritise a healthy community. Moving forward, the emphasis now rests on the industry to embrace the principles of Tai ar y Cyd and take the time to explain how thinking longer term will reduce costs and carbon. To help meet this challenge, NorDan has created advanced digital modelling that calculates whole-life carbon and energy savings, making it easier to accurately set out the longer-term benefits. In conclusion, I'd say that the Welsh Government has shown visionary leadership, but if we are to be on the cusp of a new approach to affordable housing in Wales, then the industry also must follow.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fan Favorite Coal Battle Chasing 'Respect' In Indiana Derby
Fan Favorite Coal Battle Chasing 'Respect' In Indiana Derby originally appeared on Paulick Report. Nine 3-year-olds will enter the starting gate Saturday, July 5, for the 31st running of the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind. First post for the 13-race card is noon, with the Indiana Derby set as Race 12 with an estimated post time of 6:33 p.m. One horse that received a lot of attention during the Kentucky Derby is Coal Battle from the barn of 72-year-old trainer Lonnie Briley. The Coal Front colt was a winner in the G3 Rebel Stakes before finishing third in the G1 Arkansas Derby and heading on to the Kentucky Derby (where he finished 11th). He comes into the Indiana Derby off a third-place finish in the G3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs. Bethany Taylor, assistant trainer to Lonnie Briley, trainer of Coal Battle said, 'Lonnie and the other owner (Rob Norman) made the decision to run him in the Indiana Derby. We needed a race between the Matt Winn and the Ellis Park Derby. He's doing great. He's very happy, bucking and playing. He's his normal self.' Advertisement Coal Battle was third by a total of 1 1/4 lengths in Churchill Downs' G3 Matt Winn behind Grade 1 winners East Avenue and Burnham Square in his last start. He's ready to go for a start in the Indiana Derby. 'It was super tough,' noted Taylor, who also serves as the colt's exercise rider. 'There wasn't quite enough pace in there for us, so he didn't show that closing kick he normally does. He's not always gotten a ton of respect in the races we've put him in. Maybe now he'll get a little more respect.' Trainer Brad Cox will attempt to win his third straight Indiana Derby title with Instant Replay, who has drawn post nine. The Maximum Security colt comes into the race off a win in the Texas Derby at Lone Star. Overall, the sophomore, owned by Mary and Gary West, has won four of eight starts in his career and is two for two at the Indiana Derby distance of one and one-sixteenth miles. 'It's a good spot for him,' noted Cox. 'Obviously, we don't have to ship quite as far. It's a solid race, but I think he fits with them. Hopefully he takes the next step. I think he ran a really good race in Texas and beat a decent group. I think the water is a little deeper here, that this is a little better group of horses.' On going for third straight win and fourth overall in the Indiana Derby, Cox noted: 'It's a race that has been good to us. We're hoping this horse can be right there and move forward to some bigger and better things down the road.' Joining Instant Replay as a contender for the Indiana Derby title is Publisher from the Steve Asmussen barn. The American Pharoah colt, who was a $600,000 purchase as a yearling, was on the Derby trail earlier this year, competing in the top three-year-old races en route to a start in the Kentucky Derby his last outing. He comes back to the track off a two-month layoff and will be ridden by Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith from post one. The field for the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby Publisher (Mike Smith); Master Controller (Chris Emigh); Coal Battle (Corey Lanerie); Shan (Evin Roman); Chunk of Gold (Jareth Loveberry); Tip Top Thomas (John Velazquez); Big Truzz (Declan Cannon); Brotha Keny (Joe Ramos); and Instant Replay (Luan Machado). Advertisement Both Evin Roman and Joseph Ramos, a two-time leading jockey at Horseshoe Indianapolis, are members of the local jockey colony at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Also on the Saturday card is the 30th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks, presented by Daily Racing Form. The race features six three-year-old fillies. Deloraine, Graded Stakes placed entry for Godolphin and trainer Eoin Harty, will begin from post three with Mike Smith aboard. The Candy Ride filly finished third in both the Grade 3 Florida Oaks and Grade 3 Gazelle at Aqueduct, her last two races before the Indiana Oaks. The Indiana Oaks will be run at approximately 5:55 p.m. as Race 11 just before the Indiana Derby. A total of eight premier races will be featured on Indiana Derby Day. The afternoon program is complemented by numerous activities including a $3,000 Derby Megabet, $2,500 Derby Legends Handicapping Contest, courtesy of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, $1,000 Derby Hat Contest, courtesy of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, cigar rolling station, strolling entertainment, food trucks and more. Free parking and general admission are available for the Indiana Derby, which is open to guests of all ages on the racing side of the property. The 23rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Frustration over delays for medieval ship discovered on banks of Welsh river
Frustration over delays for medieval ship discovered on banks of Welsh river There was excitement that one of Wales' top attractions could soon come to fruition but more than two years on the council has so far been unable to see the project through The ship was found in the banks of the Usk in Newport in 2002 and has undergone careful restoration ever since (Image: Rob Norman/WalesOnline ) There is frustration over delays to a medieval ship in Wales becoming a premier tourist attraction. The Spanish medieval ship, discovered on the banks of the River Usk in Newport in 2002 during the construction of the city's Riverfront Theatre, remains the largest and most complete section of a 15th-century European vessel to date. After 20 years of restoration work, in 2023 archaeologists began carefully reassembling the ship, which would have travelled long-distance routes of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There was excitement then that one of Wales' top attractions could soon come to fruition, but more than two years on Newport council has so far been unable to see the project through while there are no concrete plans for the ship's base. While the council has tried to capitalise on interest around the ship by offering medieval ship themed history and craft sessions at the ship's visitor centre at the Estuary Road industrial estate, where some of the ship's timber remains are sited, Tory council opposition leader Matthew Evans told full council this week that the city needed the ship on display as soon as possible. "We shouldn't be talking about doing long term strategies 20 years later – we just need to get on with it," Cllr Evans said. "Newport needs something to bring people into the city centre." He proposed seeking support from the Welsh Government or National Lottery's heritage fund for a local project, or finding a third-party operator which could mirror the National Trust's involvement at Tredegar House. Article continues below "There are lots of potential sites – but until you find a site, you can't continue with the plans and the funding," he said. Friends of Newport Ship's Phil Cox in a climate controlled storeroom with sections from the ship (Image: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE ) Newport council responded by saying it is committed to finding a lasting location for the ship and that expert advisers have been brought on board to plan for its future. The council said the work by external specialists is almost finished and they will "consider all options for the future ownership and governance of the project" which includes identifying appropriate sites. But the council ruled out the previous suggestion of displaying the ship in the Riverfront Theatre's lower level as "the space is not suitable for the reassembly and display of the artefact". The annual cost to manage the ship's timbers, stored at the visitor centre, stands at £100,000, and the council highlighted that budget constraints would impact its ability to develop the restored ship into a permanent exhibit. Never miss a Newport story by subscribing to our newsletter here "The context of funding to local authorities being cut in real terms over the last decade and a half, and our duty to protect frontline and statutory services, means that we cannot do this alone," a spokesperson for the council explained. The opposition leader has asked Newport council's cabinet why a permanent home hasn't been identified for the ship (Image: Friends Of Newport Ship ) "We will need support from partners to take this project forward. Once we have considered the appraisal we will begin discussions with the relevant partners to determine the next steps." Originating from northern Spain around the mid-15th century, historians believe the trading vessel which likely operated between Britain and the Iberian peninsula was likely hauled into Newport for repair works but met instability before refurbishing could start. The intriguing story of the ship continues to garner fascination, made evident in 2023 as historian Dan Snow described the return of the last restored pieces to Newport as heralding a "unique" and "exciting" chapter for the city. Article continues below
Business Insider
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Google might get broken up. Behind closed doors, CMOs aren't cheering.
Google could get broken up. The response from marketers? Shrug. Google is battling separate rulings in two landmark US antitrust cases that found the company illegally monopolized the search and adtech businesses. While the exact remedies haven't yet been determined, Google is trying to avoid divesting assets like its prized Chrome browser and key parts of its under-the-hood adtech. Marketers collectively spend more than $264 billion advertising on Google properties like YouTube and search annually. So, they must be champing at the bit at the prospect of the biggest player in the market amputating limbs and losing some power, right? Right? Well, not so fast. Many of the agitators pushing for a Google breakup are those who, unsurprisingly, stand to benefit the most: owners of demand-side platforms, ad servers, and supply-side platforms that directly compete with Google's adtech, or the publishers who feel their revenues have been decimated by unfair ad auction shenanigans. But you'd be hard-pressed to find the CMO of a major brand talking about the matter publicly, or even privately putting much stock in it. For now, Google has large audiences that they desire and ads that appear to work. As Rob Norman, the former chief digital officer of ad buying giant GroupM, wryly puts it: "My feeling is advertisers enjoy a well-organized oligopoly — Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and a few others." "This is a drug people have become addicted to," said a marketer at a midsize company, who asked for anonymity to protect business relationships. "Breakup or no breakup, people keep spending in these places because there's a lack of real alternatives that deliver." That's not to say CMOs won't welcome a more marketer-friendly Google. Marketers and marketing consultants told BI that they were hopeful the outcome of both antitrust cases could force — or at least encourage — Google to be more transparent about its data and open up its systems to operate with other third-party tools. There's also a somewhat optimistic theory that any weakening of Google could make it less powerful when it comes to the table on negotiating major ad deals. The rulings might be monumental in some corners of the ad industry, but at a time when CMOs face the prospect of a recession, tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, DEI rollbacks, and major advertising budget cuts, dealing with the fallout of a potential Google breakup lies somewhere near the bottom of a marketer's to-do list. "For enterprise CMOs, this is an issue to delegate," said Steve Boehler, founder of the marketing consulting firm Mercer Island Group. It's also a precarious time for CMOs to take a public stand on any hot-button issue. Google didn't provide a comment for this story. Major marketers may not immediately react, but the two cases still have the potential to shake up search and online advertising. Let's quickly get you up to speed. Last summer, a judge ruled that Google violated US antitrust law by maintaining a monopoly with its online search business. The case returned to court again this week to decide what remedies could be imposed on Google. Those could include forcing it to sell Chrome, ending exclusive deals with the likes of Apple to be the default search engine on smartphones, or breaking off its Android mobile operating system. And last week, another judge ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in certain adtech markets. Google owns an ad server that publishers use to manage their inventory, buying tools that advertisers use to purchase ads, and an ad exchange that connects the two. This dynamic was akin, according to a Google manager cited in the ruling, to "Goldman or Citibank owning the NYSE." The judge will set a hearing later to determine the remedies in that case, which industry experts believe could include the forced disposal of Google's publisher-side adtech business. The huge caveat in both cases is that Google has said it plans to appeal, which could push back the implementation of any proposed remedy by years. For some in the ad industry, the finer details are irrelevant because the Schadenfreude of seeing Google lose two successive antitrust cases in court is victory enough. "Agencies, advertisers all understand that they are paying a premium for some lack of competitive advantage," said Dave Helmreich, CEO of the adtech company Triplelift. "There is a desire that I've heard from some people in the industry for Google to just get punished for something," he added. And remedies aside, some industry insiders are hopeful that the ongoing antitrust scrutiny, both in the US and abroad, will mean Google will be more open to ceding to some long-asked-for demands. Could it finally let advertisers use their own preferred adtech to buy ads on YouTube, rather than having to go through Google directly? Might Google become less precious about letting advertisers audit their Google ad campaigns with third-party measurement tools rather than simply using Google's ad server? "Advertisers want interoperability to foster competition and independence to allow accountability," said Gerry D'Angelo, senior advisor at McKinsey and former vice president of global media at Procter & Gamble. Such changes could raise the bar for the entire adtech industry, said Arielle Garcia, a former agency executive now serving as chief operating officer of the nonprofit ad watchdog Check My Ads. "Given Google's dominance in adtech, they have been able to establish the norms," said Garcia, who used the example of Google not enforcing "know your customer" requirements on the publishers it monetizes on its ad network. "Why would a smaller player invest in quality or policy enforcement in a way a larger player has not?" As search evolves, Google's dominance is wobbling As the Google search and adtech cases continue to wind their way through the lengthy court process, CMOs are monitoring broader changes in consumer behavior and how they should adapt their marketing budgets in response. Competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT, TikTok, and Amazon are gaining on Google's search dominance. Research firm EMARKETER, a sister company of Business Insider, predicts Google will fall below a 50% share of the US search ad market in 2025, for the first time since it started tracking the space in 2008. This is partly due to competition from retail media platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay, in addition to new players in the general search market. "Google will be forced to compete harder and evolve one way or another, perhaps faster than it would have done anyway through the natural pace of change taking place in the market," said Andrew Warner, a marketing consultant and former CMO at brands such as Sony, LG, Monster, and Expedia. "That in itself is probably a plus for marketers and the consumers they serve," Warner added. For better or for worse, many marketers are OK with the status quo for now. "There is not a common feeling that advertisers want Google to become less powerful because, in exchange for Google's seeming omnipresence, advertisers get peerless signals for efficient and effective media planning, buying, and optimization," said Nikhil Lai, senior analyst at the research firm Forrester.
