A team of swimmers preparing to tackle the English Channel in aid of a hospice charity have been clowning about during training in the Forest of Dean.

Bad form? Not really as the five strong team are laying on a circus themed charity dinner to aid their fund raising efforts for St David’s Hospice Care on Friday June 7. The quintet of swimmers aim to raise £20,000 for the hospice at home charity through their swim

Team leader Gary Parker, MD of Parker & Co Accountants, said: “We’ve been putting in the miles in the outdoor swimming pool at Bathurst in Lydney and to help raise awareness of our fund raising charity dinner did a couple of lengths in full clown garb.”

Super fit Gary, a mountaineer and global expedition leader when not working as an accountant, said: “Training is going extremely well. The facilities at Bathurst are great. We have even been swimming there in the dark in 11 degrees Celsius . We now have some sea swims planned off Barry and Porthcawl. Once the team have all passed their two hour qualifying assessment swims it’ll be all systems go for the English Channel swim at the start of July.” Gary has already completed a six hour qualifying swim.

The English Channel team with Gary are Kath Lewis, Kara Williams, Dawn Lee, from Gwent and Keith Leslie, from the Forest of Dean. The five will swim in relay each spending an hour in the water. The relay team plans to cover the 21 miles (32 kms) distance from Dover to Calais, the world’s busiest shipping lane, in 15 hours.

St David’s Hospice Care Director of Fundraising and Lottery Kris Broome said: “Gary is a massive supporter of St David’s Hospice Care. This will surely be the biggest event he has been involved in for us to date after sponsoring our Christmas Ball two years in a row. We wish Gary and the rest of the team all the very best for their charity dinner and also the English Channel swim. We can’t thank them enough for their marvellous support.”

St John’s School in Porthcawl is lined up to join Welsh independent schools’ group Heathfield Independent Schools.

The company, led by educational entrepreneur Andrew McCarthy, has agreed terms with the Church in Wales to secure ownership of the school.

With the aim of finalising an agreement later this month, this is the latest addition to Heathfield Independent Schools after it stepped in to save Kings Monkton School in Cardiff in April.

Andrew McCarthy of Heathfield Independent Schools, said: “When we were considering other independent schools to join our group, St John’s Porthcawl was a natural fit for us as its family ethos matched that of our current school Kings Monkton in Cardiff.

“St John’s Porthcawl provides a close environment in which every pupil feels cared for, secure and supported in their school life, allowing them to work to the best of their ability and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and develop.

“It is a very well-known school with a successful track record. With our planned investment in the school’s facilities we aim to improve the environment for staff and pupils and further strengthen its offering for the future

“The move will also mean that both Kings Monkton and St John’s Porthcawl will benefit from being part of a wider school group sharing best practice and teaching expertise.”

Set in its own wooded grounds and close to the beach, St John’s Porthcawl is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 2 ½ – 16. Founded in 1921, the school currently has 115 pupils who travel each day from as far west as Carmarthen through to Bridgend and Cowbridge in the east.

As well as investment into the school’s facilities, Heathfield Independent Schools plans to introduce a number of scholarships across the school ahead of the new academic year, as well as several means-tested bursaries.

Carol Clint, headmistress at St John’s, said: “We are all extremely positive about joining Heathfield Independent Schools and delighted that ownership of the school will remain in Wales.

“We have been very impressed with Heathfield’s approach from the outset as they have a thorough understanding of the local market. The team’s fresh and exciting vision for the school and the planned improvements will undoubtedly be welcomed by both staff and pupils and it is fantastic that we will be able to immediately offer a number of scholarships and bursaries. More importantly, they are committed to providing first-class, value-for-money independent education, while maintaining the unique family ethos that defines our school.

“Since taking over Kings Monkton School in Cardiff last month, they have made considerable progress and we look forward to the advantages of being part of a wider Welsh schools group.”

Cwmbran’s County Industrial Supplies has added one of the world’s leading brands to its stable of products by signing a deal to supply Milwaukee heavy duty power tools.

The Gwent firm will stock a full range of the renowned US-based firm’s products and accessories housed in a new display area at its recently refurbished showroom in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran.

To mark the deal Milwaukee will be bring their three trailer road show to County Industrial Supplies on Thursday, May 30, for people to try out its range of heavy duty power tools.

County Industrial Supplies Managing Director John Pugh said he had been approached by the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, headquartered firm to become stockist of the fabled brand’s products.

The business expects to sell some £100,000 worth of the premier brand’s products in the first 12 months of being stocked.

Mr Pugh said: “Milwaukee called to say that they wanted to deal with us-they know what we do how we only handle the best and wanted to be part of our business.

“This link up will add a whole new dimension to what County Industrial Supplies is able to provide. We know that these power tools and accessories will be very well received by our discerning industrial and engineering based customers.”

“Milwaukee heavy duty power tools are recognised as being among the very best in the world. There’ll be no half measures we’ll stock the full range of Milwaukee. The products and accessories will fill a gap in the market for us and also complement the other top brands that we already stock.”

On the Milwaukee open day at County Industrial Supplies the full range of equipment will be on display, be demonstrated and available to test. Special demonstration day deals will also be available and competition prizes to be won.

County Industrial Supplies recently made a major investment in expanding its showroom and warehouse and is creating new jobs.

The innovative Gwent business, projected to turnover £1.8m in 2013 up from £1.51m in 2012, has been established for more than three decades. The business numbers some of UK’s most progressive and blue chip concerns as clients.

The privately-owned business, which employs 11 people, plans to boost the size of the existing premises, which supplies trade, industry, engineering and retail customers, by building an extension to the rear. Job numbers at the business will increase by a quarter as a result of an £150,000 investment.

And this on top of a recent £70,000 investment on a refurbishment, both inside and out, of the Chapel Street premises. A £20,000 capital investment is planned in the summer in computer systems.

County Industrial Supplies, which carries some 300,000 lines from in the region of 300 suppliers, also deals with some of the major manufacturers in the world through the businesses it supplies in particular in the multi billion dollar, international aerospace industry which is fast becoming one of its biggest and most important sectors.

Wales’ top tourist attraction, Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire is urging people across the UK to visit the zoo’s new penguins as they slide, waddle and swim around their new enclosure for the first time this week.

The top family attraction is expecting a record breaking number of visitors during its opening weekend on May 24 as people from across from the UK plan to visit the zoo’s new arrivals.

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport will be opening Penguin Coast at the launch event on Friday, May 24, seeing the enclosure open to the public for the first time.

The £500,000 investment has been in construction for the past 6 months as penguin fans have been awaiting the arrival of the 24 Peruvian, Humboldt penguins.

The two acre state-of-the-art development has potential to house 40 penguins and contains a penguin nursery, beach area, a 100m3

saltwater pool and a play area with specialised plants and rocks.

Tim Morphew, Zoo Manager at Folly Farm, said: “The penguins are part of a European Breeding Programme and we’ve committed to providing them with the best conditions for breeding.

“The excitement has been building across the country since we first announced the penguins were coming and we’re expecting a high number of visitors on opening weekend. We believe that our under water viewing pool will be the most popular attraction as people will get to see for themselves how amazing and interesting these animals truly are. They all have their own personalities and it’s been fantastic witnessing them settle in.”

Minister for the Economy, Edwina Hart, said: “Investing and developing our tourism product is key if we are to drive higher tourism earnings for the Welsh economy. I’m delighted that the Welsh Government through the Tourism Investment Support Scheme has been able to contribute nearly £70,000 for the development. I’d like to congratulate Folly Farm on investing in this new enclosure which will attract new visitors and will refresh the attraction for repeat visitors.

“I’m also pleased that Folly Farm found a Welsh based solution for the pump house needed to create a saltwater environment for the birds by working with IAT, the Anglesey-based international supplier of aquariums and sea life and that they have been able to work with local builders and suppliers where possible.

“I’d like to wish this latest venture every success and I expect the investment will reap the deserved rewards during this special 25th anniversary year.”

Many penguin enclosures still operate as freshwater pools with added chlorine, but with questions surrounding the long-term effects of chlorine on penguins, Folly Farm opted for a more natural environment with Wales’ first saltwater penguin pool. The enclosure also has a spacious nesting site for its new additions which is twice the minimum recommended size- giving the penguins more space to ‘dry off’, minimising the risk of fungus which can be harmful to the birds.

The penguin enclosure will be included in Folly Farm’s new offering, ‘The Zoo Keeper Experience’. This experience gives families the opportunity to experience a behind the scenes tour of the zoo conducted by a top Zoo Keeper and families will also have the opportunity to feed the animals.

Dragon’s Den star Hilary Devey has been announced as the key note speaker at this year’s Introbiz Business Show in Cardiff.

The event, which is free to attend, will be held in Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 26th September and will also feature an address from Welsh entrepreneur Kevin Green.

Award-winning entrepreneur Hilary Devey is the inspirational founder, chief executive and chairman of the Pall-Ex Group, freight distribution company. An outstanding role model for entrepreneurs she has driven her company to a market leading position and now runs an operation which boasts a multi-million pound turnover.

Talking about the Introbiz Business Show, Ms Devey said: “I am a keen supporter of British entrepreneurs and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to stand in front of Welsh business people and sharing my own experiences with them.”

Introbiz director Paul Smolinski said: “Ms Devey is an outstanding example of the sort of business success that can be achieved in this country and we are thrilled to welcome her to our event. I’m sure that she will be a huge inspiration to all our members and guests.”

This is the second business show for Introbiz following the success of last year’s inaugural event.

Paul said: “We were overwhelmed with the success of last year’s business show and actually already have nearly sold out our exhibition stands for this year’s event. Hopefully, businesses that attend will see real benefits to coming along.”

Introbiz was founded in 2009 by Tracey Jenkins and with over 150 members is one of South Wales’ biggest business networks.

Acting on behalf of a private landlord, Fletcher Morgan have let the ground floor right hand suite at Caron House, Cardiff Gate to First Encounters.

The 72 sq m (775 sq ft) office suite has been let on a 5 year FRI lease at a rate of £12 psf.

Bridgend-based Biotec Services International has expanded its presence in Israel with the appointment of a new Israeli Agent.

Dr Kela-Madar will strengthen Biotec Services’ Business Development Team by using her broad network in the Israeli and US Biotechnology industries.

Dr Kela-Madar graduated with a PhD from the Weizmann Institute (Israel) and then went on to specialise in Drug Development at Stanford University (CA, USA), where she was awarded the McCormick Award from the Stanford School of Medicine.

Dr Kela-Madar is an expert in developing challenging markets, networks and identifying potential opportunities by analysing the scientific and business aspects.

To accompany Dr Kela-Madars arrival and strengthen its presence in Israel, Biotec Services has launched a new Israeli website, www.biotec-israel.com.

Dr Kela-Madar commented on her appointment, “I am very happy to be joining an International organisation like Biotec who has a fantastic reputation in the industry and I look forward to being part of its future success. I fully intend to make an immediate contribution to the success of the territories for which I am responsible, to create new collaborations and to promote Biotec’s range of services.”

In addition to expansion in Israel, the clinical supplies company, has appointed two new Qualified Persons (QPs) to its Quality Assurance team in the UK – Dr Shawn Murtough & Dr Susan Marlow.

Dr Murtough joins Biotec Services as a QP, previously working at Penn Pharmaceutical Service Ltd for over ten years. Dr Murtough studied both his Biotechnology degree and Pharmaceutical Microbiology PhD at Cardiff University before going on to gain his industry CMO experience at Patheon and Penn Pharmaceutical Service Ltd. Dr Murtough undertook his QP training with David Begg Associates in 2007 and is also a trained Pharmaceutical GMP & ISO 9000 Series lead auditor.

Dr Susan Marlow QP has over 16 years’ experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry with specific experience in Quality Management of IMP manufacture, testing and regulatory compliance.
Dr Shawn Murtough & Dr Susan Marlow bring the total number of QPs on Biotec Services’ licences to eight, six of whom have considerable experience with aseptically manufactured products including biopharmaceuticals and ATMPs.

Keren Winmill, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are at a very important time in our expansion plan as we look to strengthen and grow our international presence. Israel is a key growth area for our business so we are delighted to have Dr Kela-Madar on board. Her knowledge of the industry and strong Israeli network will undoubtedly strengthen our presence in this market.
“Enhancing our QP consultancy services is also a key strategy for us as we look to grow our international client base and we’re pleased to welcome both Dr Shawn Murtough & Dr Susan Marlow who bring with them a wealth of experience in this area. They will work closely with clients from across North America, Israel, Asia and within the EC/EEA, helping to facilitate the smooth importation of IMPs into Europe for use in clinical trials both within the EC/EEA and other regions.”
Biotec Services has established itself as a truly international, trusted partner delivering clinical trials supply services with proven expertise in packaging, storing and distributing clinical and commercial supplies over a wide range of temperatures, to countries worldwide.

Triumphant Newport County stars have shared their historic return to the Football League with one of their biggest and most loyal supporters – leading UK recruitment and training group Acorn.

Several of the County squad, who played a key part in the club’s promotion-winning success with victory in the Blue Square Conference Premier League play-off final at Wembley, called in to the Acorn branch in Newport city centre to share their celebrations with staff.

Acorn, which has its UK headquarters at the Celtic Springs Business Park in Newport, has been a proud sponsor of the Exiles since the 1998/99 season when the Acorn name first appeared on their home and away playing shirts.

Acorn Group founder and managing director Matt Southall is a lifelong Newport County fan and served on the board as a director of the club for several years. The support of both Matt and the company has proved infectious among the Acorn staff – last season Acorn financed a fleet of coaches and tickets to transport Acorn staff, families and friends to support County in their first ever visit to Wembley to play in the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final.

Acorn Group Marketing Director Dan Langford said: “We have been delighted with the long-standing and successful association with Newport County and while Acorn has offices throughout the UK and internationally, the company was founded in Newport and has become synonymous with the city.

“As a business we’re hugely proud of our roots, and our partnership with Newport County has helped to reinforce our engagement with the South East Wales community, which we have worked together with for some 20 years or so.

“We have adopted a similar approach to supporting local sports clubs and community-centred activities in many of the other regions around the UK where we are based.

“We were all thrilled with the team’s win at Wembley and return to the Football League and to have some of the County players visit our Newport branch in person is the icing on the cake. As a company we couldn’t be happier for their success.”

Newport County Director of Football, Tim Harris, said: “The club’s relationship with Acorn has been one of the most important and successful partnerships in the club’s history. Acorn is a true supporter of Newport County. Our visit to Acorn was our way of saying thank you for their loyalty.”

Established in 1992 the Acorn Group has 35 branches across Wales, the West Country, the North West of England, London and the South East, placing up to 5,000 people into around 850 different client companies every week and securing 1,400 permanent placements each year.

One of South Wales’ most well established independent freight transport firms has taken on a new business development manager to help cement the company’s place as one of the UK’s leading freight forwarders.

Bridgend-based Eurgent Ecspress has appointed Justin Lewis to help develop its already strong network, build the company’s brand and increase sales.

Justin, originally from Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan, has worked in business development for over 25 years and will be using his experience of a variety of industries to increase Eurgent’s market share.

Justin said: “Eurgent has an exceptional product offering and already has a very strong reputation among its clients and competitors. With my knowledge of the South Wales economy there are a number of sectors I am keen to explore, including the automotive and aerospace industries.

“I am delighted to be joining a company with the experience and expertise of Eurgent and am looking forward to getting out there and telling people about the exceptional services they have to offer.”

Dave Price, Managing Director of Eurgent, said: “The last few years have been challenging for our sector but we have met all our targets and are excited with what the future holds for us. Justin will be joining me at a number of key industry events, including the Airline Purchasing Show in London’s Olympia in May and Transport Logistics in Munich in June where I hope we will be able to make some key sector contacts.

“We’re very pleased to have someone with Justin’s business development experience on board and we’re excited to see what he can bring to our company.”

Established in 1996, Eurgent Ecspress specialises in the provision of time critical freight solutions and has built its reputation on its unrivalled sector specific knowledge, staff experience and wide network of contacts.

Cardiff-based Freight Systems Express Wales (FSEW) has been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards at this year’s Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Cymru Wales Awards.

FSEW has been shortlisted for the Logistics and Supply Chain Best Practice Award and the Partnership Award in the National Transport Awards 2013.

The awards aim to celebrate best practice and highlight organisations that can make a difference. The judges are looking for businesses which demonstrate sustainable development and new ideas that will make a lasting difference to services in Wales.

Geoff Tomlinson of FSEW, said: “We have worked hard over the last few years to ensure that our client offerings are second-to-none and we are very pleased to have had our efforts recognised.

“We’re especially proud of the work we have done in collaboration with Tesco to help them drastically reduce their CO2 emissions.”

FSEW, based at the South Wales International Freightliner Terminal in Wentloog, Cardiff, is South Wales’ leading independent intermodal freight forwarder providing transport and delivery services world-wide.

The winners will be announced at the award lunch in Cardiff City Hall on 17th May.