Latest news with #WelshGovernment-funded
Business News Wales
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Government Project Delivers More Than £676 Million Impact to the Food and Drink Industry
A Welsh Government-funded project that provides technical support to food and drink manufacturers has delivered more than £676 million in its total impact. Project HELIX has been one of the Welsh Government's key programmes for supporting the Welsh food and drink industry over the last decade, providing a range of assistance, including help with food safety certification scheme compliance, innovative new product development, and improving process efficiencies. The announcement of Project HELIX's total impact coincides with the launch of the Project HELIX Annual Report 2024-25, which focuses on the period 1st July 2023 – 31st March 2025. Since 1st July 2023, Project HELIX has: Delivered over £303 million impact to the Welsh food and drink industry Supported the creation of 188 jobs and safeguarded a further 6,131 Helped companies develop 533 new products and gain 149 third-party certifications Worked with 199 companies, including 103 start-ups As a result of the success of Project HELIX, the Welsh Government has announced further funding for the project, which has relaunched as the HELIX Programme. One company to have benefited from Project HELIX support is Pembrokeshire Gold, a family run rapeseed oil manufacturer, who were helped with factory design, new product development and labelling. Harry Thomas, Co-owner, Pembrokeshire Gold, said: 'The support from Project HELIX has been a huge help in developing our product range. Their expertise in new product development gave us the knowledge and belief to turn our cold pressed rapeseed oil into something more – and something we're really proud of.' Through Project HELIX, Llanfairpwll Distillery, a craft distillery based in Anglesey, were assisted to convert the waste liquid left over from their rum distillation into animal feed, which they now sell to local farmers. Robert Laming, Owner of Llanfairpwll Distillery, said: 'Project HELIX support has enabled us to manufacture our rum with zero waste, which helps to reduce pollution and preserve resources whilst saving money for both the farmer and us.' Meanwhile, Carmarthenshire based Mario's Ice Cream were helped to secure BRCGS Start intermediate level, a globally recognised food safety certification for small to medium-sized businesses. Riccardo Dallavalle, Director of Operations, Mario's Ice Cream, said: 'The support from Project HELIX has been vital in enabling Mario's to secure BRCGS Start certification and as a result drive further business growth.' Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: 'The remarkable £676 million impact delivered by Project HELIX demonstrates how strategic government investment can transform an industry. This initiative has been a cornerstone of our support for Welsh food and drink manufacturers, creating jobs, driving innovation, and helping businesses thrive in competitive markets. The success stories from companies like Pembrokeshire Gold, Llanfairpwll Distillery, and Mario's Ice Cream highlight the practical benefits this technical support brings to businesses of all sizes across Wales. 'I'm delighted to announce continued funding through the HELIX Programme, which will build on this success by bringing together industry, government and academia to support sustainable growth in one of Wales' most important sectors. This renewed commitment reflects our confidence in Welsh food and drink producers and our determination to see them continue to innovate, expand, and showcase Welsh quality on the global stage.' Professor David Lloyd, on behalf of the HELIX Programme, said: 'The impact of Project HELIX both financially and in terms of employment, is a testament to the effectiveness of the knowledge that has been shared between industry, government and academia through the project. 'With the launch of the HELIX Programme, the Welsh Government has further demonstrated its commitment to encouraging sustainable growth in the Welsh food and drink foundation sector through a strong emphasis on productivity improvement, innovation and attaining industry leading standards.' Project HELIX was delivered by three food centres across Wales – Food Centre Wales in Ceredigion, Food Technology Centre in Anglesey, and ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University. As part of the HELIX Programme relaunch, AberInnovation in Ceredigion will provide pan-Wales academic research support.
Rhyl Journal
01-07-2025
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales councils urged to install more 20mph speed cameras
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel met for their June meeting at Conwy's Coed Pella HQ and heard how drivers had been caught driving at 51mph, 61mph, and 83mph in 20mph zones. The panel were given a presentation on road policing by Supt Simon Barrasford in which members were briefed on speeding figures since the 20mph default speed limit was introduced in Wales. The panel were told the police face challenges enforcing the limit due to many drivers and holidaymakers crossing the border from England where the default 30mph speed limit still applies. But when it was revealed that all the 'top five fixed camera locations' were all in Flintshire, Supt Barrasford told the panel that councillors could request more in their area, which could be funded by Welsh Government. Panel's chairwoman Patricia Astbury said: 'In Flintshire, you've got a series of fixed cameras. Is that a local authority request? Is it historical? Has it come from Flintshire? Does that still apply? Can you still have these requests for fixed cameras?' Supt Barrasford replied: 'Absolutely. Any local authority can liaise with Welsh Government for funding and put static cameras in. We've seen them on the strategic road network with great effect on Rhuallt Hill, for example. 'So that is another example. It can be done at any time. Flintshire, to be fair, are progressing potentially a similar scheme on one of the coast roads. So any local authority can progress that.' 20mph sign (Image: Newsquest) Ms Astbury said: 'It is interesting then that just Flintshire have, and others haven't.' Supt Barrasford nodded. Mrs Astbury added: 'Which is why, Chris (Cllr Bithell), you made a comment the other day about more prosecutions (in Flintshire than other North Wales counties). It is because of that presumably. I thought it might have been because of being on the border with England, but looking at it, no, it is probably because of that (the fixed cameras), isn't it? 'So maybe some of the elected members need to go away and think about having some fixed cameras… I'm certainly going to ask elected members for one on my road.' Cllr Chris Bithell then said some of the Flintshire cameras had been put in some years ago, including the one at Pontybodkin, 'which catches everybody'. The top five fixed camera locations in North Wales, all in Flintshire, were revealed to be at the A5104, Pontybodkin; the A548, Oakenholt; the B5129, Pentre; the A5119, Northop Road, Sychdyn; and the A550 on Gladstone Way. During the meeting, Supt Barrasford briefed the panel on the Welsh Government-funded 'Operation Ugain', a campaign to offer drivers exceeding the 20mph speed limit safety advice rather than penalty points. Speed Camera (Image: BrianAJackson/Getty Images) The police revealed that 126,640 vehicles had passed a Ugain team. 2,840 of those vehicles were stopped due to exceeding the 20mph speed limit, with 2,826 engaging with the advice. 14 drivers were given a traffic offence report or a court summons. Supt Barrasford said the highest speed at a fixed static camera site was 83mph at Mynydd Isa. The driver got a six-month disqualification and substantial fines and costs. The superintendent said the highest recorded speed within a 20mph zone recorded by a staffed speed camera van was on Russell Road, Rhyl. The vehicle was travelling 51mph 'at 11am in the morning on a very busy road', but the case is still going through the judicial process. Another community speed watch camera also caught a driver going 61mph in a 20mph zone. Supt Barrasford also revealed the top five non-fixed speed camera locations were Glan y Mor Road to Marine Drive in Penrhyn Bay in Conwy; the 5A525 Trefnant in Denbighshire; the A548 Russell Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire; the A494 Bala, Gwynedd; and the A5025 Amlwch Road/Bangor Road, Benllech, Anglesey. North Wales Police hailed the success of the 20mph speed limit, insisting it had resulted in a notable downward trend of accidents. Supt Barrasford said both minor and serious injuries had reduced in both 20mph and 30mph areas since the implementation. He added a 12-month comparison between before and after the legislation change saw serious injuries down by 19.4% and slight injuries down by 43.9%. Whilst fatalities had increased on these roads by 200% (from two to six, one being a double motorcycle fatality), the police said speed couldn't be attributed to have played a part at the time of the briefing, as investigations were ongoing. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman concluded: 'Collisions happen for all sorts of reasons, as we know. It is not just about speed on the road, is it? 'Sometimes it's young drivers, sometimes age-related, sometimes mechanical defects, and that's why it is being so difficult to be able to (explain) when you've asked me when I've been here previously (to explain) what difference is it making. There are so many factors that we really have to work our way through. 'Reporting in the (news)paper is sometimes very hit and miss. Some things get picked up. Some things don't. It is really difficult to be able to put that tangible response in relation to it.' The chief constable went on to say the force had done a huge amount of work through schools, educating around 2,000 children. This work centred around 'Olivia's Story' and schoolgirl Olivia Alkir, who was tragically killed on the B5105 in Ruthin in June 2019, after a serious collision while out on a road trip with friends. The chief constable also said the force had done a lot of work around motorcycle fatalities in the Eryri National Park, but police were unable to talk about in detail due to ongoing investigations and coronial processes. She added police had to collate and examine the facts so enforcement action could be taken but also warned tourists and visitors from England not adhering to the speed limit. She said: 'I know we have visitors, but the roads are signposted really clearly, and it is an individual responsibility of anyone that gets behind the wheel of their car to have a look at what the road signage says.'
North Wales Live
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
The 10 most prolific speed cameras in North Wales as councillors told to ask for more
A chairwoman of a police panel encouraged councillors to ask their local authorities to install more fixed speeding cameras to catch drivers exceeding 20mph. The North Wales Police and Crime Panel met for their June meeting at Conwy 's Coed Pella HQ and heard how drivers had been caught driving at 51mph, 61mph, and 83mph in 20mph zones. The panel were given a presentation on road policing by Supt Simon Barrasford in which members were briefed on speeding figures since the 20mph default speed limit was introduced in Wales. The panel were told the police face challenges enforcing the limit due to many drivers and holidaymakers crossing the border from England where the default 30mph speed limit still applies. But when it was revealed that all the 'top five fixed camera locations' were all in Flintshire, Supt Barrasford told the panel that councillors could request more in their area, which could be funded by Welsh Government. Panel's chairwoman Patricia Astbury said: "In Flintshire, you've got a series of fixed cameras. Is that a local authority request? Is it historical? Has it come from Flintshire? Does that still apply? Can you still have these requests for fixed cameras?' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. Supt Barrasford replied: 'Absolutely. Any local authority can liaise with Welsh Government for funding and put static cameras in. We've seen them on the strategic road network with great effect on Rhuallt Hill, for example. 'So that is another example. It can be done at any time. Flintshire, to be fair, are progressing potentially a similar scheme on one of the coast roads. So any local authority can progress that.' Ms Astbury said: 'It is interesting then that just Flintshire have, and others haven't.' Supt Barrasford nodded. Mrs Astbury added: 'Which is why, Chris (Cllr Bithell), you made a comment the other day about more prosecutions (in Flintshire than other North Wales counties). It is because of that presumably. I thought it might have been because of being on the border with England, but looking at it, no, it is probably because of that (the fixed cameras), isn't it? 'So maybe some of the elected members need to go away and think about having some fixed cameras… I'm certainly going to ask elected members for one on my road.' Cllr Chris Bithell then said some of the Flintshire cameras had been put in some years ago, including the one at Pontybodkin, 'which catches everybody'. The top five fixed camera locations in North Wales, all in Flintshire, were revealed to be at the A5104, Pontybodkin; the A548, Oakenholt; the B5129, Pentre; the A5119, Northop Road, Sychdyn; and the A550 on Gladstone Way. During the meeting, Supt Barrasford briefed the panel on the Welsh Government-funded 'Operation Ugain', a campaign to offer drivers exceeding the 20mph speed limit safety advice rather than penalty points. The police revealed that 126,640 vehicles had passed a Ugain team. 2,840 of those vehicles were stopped due to exceeding the 20mph speed limit, with 2,826 engaging with the advice. 14 drivers were given a traffic offence report or a court summons. Supt Barrasford said the highest speed at a fixed static camera site was 83mph at Mynydd Isa. The driver got a six-month disqualification and substantial fines and costs. The superintendent said the highest recorded speed within a 20mph zone recorded by a staffed speed camera van was on Russell Road, Rhyl. The vehicle was travelling 51mph 'at 11am in the morning on a very busy road', but the case is still going through the judicial process. Another community speed watch camera also caught a driver going 61mph in a 20mph zone. Supt Barrasford also revealed the top five non-fixed speed camera locations were Glan y Mor Road to Marine Drive in Penrhyn Bay in Conwy; the 5A525 Trefnant in Denbighshire; the A548 Russell Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire; the A494 Bala, Gwynedd; and the A5025 Amlwch Road/ Bangor Road, Benllech, Anglesey. North Wales Police hailed the success of the 20mph speed limit, insisting it had resulted in a notable downward trend of accidents. Supt Barrasford said both minor and serious injuries had reduced in both 20mph and 30mph areas since the implementation. He added a 12-month comparison between before and after the legislation change saw serious injuries down by 19.4% and slight injuries down by 43.9%. Whilst fatalities had increased on these roads by 200% (from two to six, one being a double motorcycle fatality), the police said speed couldn't be attributed to have played a part at the time of the briefing, as investigations were ongoing. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman concluded: 'Collisions happen for all sorts of reasons, as we know. It is not just about speed on the road, is it? 'Sometimes it's young drivers, sometimes age-related, sometimes mechanical defects, and that's why it is being so difficult to be able to (explain) when you've asked me when I've been here previously (to explain) what difference is it making. There are so many factors that we really have to work our way through. 'Reporting in the (news)paper is sometimes very hit and miss. Some things get picked up. Some things don't. It is really difficult to be able to put that tangible response in relation to it.' The chief constable went on to say the force had done a huge amount of work through schools, educating around 2,000 children. This work centred around 'Olivia's Story' and schoolgirl Olivia Alkir, who was tragically killed on the B5105 in Ruthin in June 2019, after a serious collision while out on a road trip with friends. The chief constable also said the force had done a lot of work around motorcycle fatalities in the Eryri National Park, but police were unable to talk about in detail due to ongoing investigations and coronial processes. She added police had to collate and examine the facts so enforcement action could be taken but also warned tourists and visitors from England not adhering to the speed limit. She said: 'I know we have visitors, but the roads are signposted really clearly, and it is an individual responsibility of anyone that gets behind the wheel of their car to have a look at what the road signage says.'
Business News Wales
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Mobile Data to Help Shape Decision Making in Seaside Resort
Medi Parry-Williams – founder of Making Places Work (MPW) Traders in a seaside town can benefit from data that will help shape decision-making and identify customer trends. Driven by the Welsh Government-funded Smart Towns Wales project with the backing of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, Menter Môn conducted a study of consumer statistics in the coastal resort, using BT Active Intelligence Data to track footfall and demographic information. Delivered by High Street Data Advisor Medi Parry-Williams – founder of Making Places Work (MPW) – they focused on four sections of Rhyl: Vale Road, the town centre, the seafront and areas around the new Queen's Market on West Parade. Medi hopes retailers and independent traders will utilise the information and capitalise on opportunities to learn more about their customers. 'The data can tell a town centre where people are coming from, how long they stay, give a profile of customers and provide businesses with pivotal information,' said Medi. 'Traders in Rhyl can contact us for more advice and support, where we can drill down into the detail and tell them who is visiting and when, what their busiest days and times are and more. 'It is an important investment by Smart Towns Wales which is invaluable to smaller independent businesses, so we hope they will make the most of it, to strategise for the future and help boost the town's economy.' The data was recorded over a period of months including last December, when footfall in the town centre was at its highest each day between 11am and 3pm. The 65+ and 25-34 years old age ranges were the most represented, with the majority in the 'low income' group, which would not include retirees. International visitors on the days studied were primarily from India, Ireland, Nigeria, Malta and the Netherlands, and the high street experienced the most footfall, followed by Vale Road and the seafront. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and Smart Towns Wales will hold a workshop as part of the developing Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign, to be held at Costigan's Co-Working Space in Bodfor Street on Thursday July 17 from 6pm-8pm. The event will bring together businesses to gauge their feedback and provide input into a £20 million regeneration strategy for Rhyl from the UK Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, a 10-year vision for the town to help revitalise local areas and fight deprivation by zeroing in on three goals: thriving places, stronger communities, and taking back control. Savills Director and the Board's Strategic Advisor Nick Bennett encouraged small businesses to be proactive in attending the event and utilising data that could benefit trade. 'Retailers and small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and now more than ever, they have the opportunity to thrive by leveraging one-to-one support, attending free local events, and making the most of data-driven insights into customer behaviour and footfall,' said Nick. 'These tools not only help businesses respond to current trends but also play a vital role in strengthening the local economy. 'When we support businesses to make more informed decisions, we lay the groundwork for sustainable regeneration and long-term prosperity across our high streets, so I hope we see lots of people at the event.' To attend the free event on July 17, visit Eventbrite: Business Engagement Event / Digwyddiad Ymgysylltu Busnes Tickets, Thu, Jul 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite For more information or to book a free one-to-one consultation, email smarttowns@ To find out more about case studies delivered by the Smart Towns Wales team, visit: Take the Our Rhyl / Ein Rhyl survey here, giving your feedback and ideas for the strategy: English: Welsh:
Powys County Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Newtown's delayed Severn-side footbridge finally opens
Pedestrians and cyclists can finally cross the long-awaited bridge in Newtown which has opened more than a year later than originally planned. The steel, single span, open arch structure crosses the River Severn from the riverside path near Canal Road to behind the cemetery and Poundstretcher store in Pool Road where there's also a new outdoor gym. The Welsh Government-funded project, which was estimated to cost around £1.5 million, has faced delays since work began in June 2023. The 88-tonne bridge was planned to be lifted into place by the end of 2023, but it was in June last year when crowds gathered to watch one of Europe's largest cranes hoist the structure into place. There were further setbacks with the planned opening when construction firm JN Bentley had been waiting for months for 'critical' components for the safety barrier on each side of the bridge to be manufactured, tested and delivered from Switzerland. Powys County Council confirmed on Thursday, June 19, exactly two years since contractors began working on the site, that the bridge was open for people and their pets to cross. Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: "This bridge will make a big difference to those living in the local area and will certainly provide them with the opportunity to make short journeys to work, school or the local shops, by bike or on foot, rather than having to get in the car. "We want to help improve access to the town centre to support local business, leisure facilities and much more." She added: "We would like to thank the local communities for their patience whilst this bridge has been built. "It is our most ambitious active travel development yet. "We appreciate that it has taken longer than anticipated and are pleased that it is finally open for people to use." The council added that over the coming weeks, small remedial jobs will still be done to the bridge and surrounding areas, but the bridge will remain open whilst these finishing touches are completed.
