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.

Graduates of the University of South Wales are soon to benefit from an exciting new lease of life for Royal Chambers, a suite of offices above Newport’s Indoor Market.

Recently refurbished by Newport Unlimited, the offices have been transformed to become a business incubator, The Business Loft, where new and graduate businesses will be offered office space, hot desks, meeting rooms, mentoring and development support.

Chrissie Webber, the new Business Incubation Manager at the University of South Wales, said: “This is a great opportunity for the Bright Ideas team at the University to expand on their successful support of 8% of graduates to start their own business within 6 months of graduating, where the national average is just 3%.

“Helping students’ transition into successful business that employ more people and grow the economy of Wales is high on the agenda of the new University. We are therefore delighted to be working closely with Newport Unlimited on this new venture.”

The University is working in association with Community Interest Company, IndyCube, to develop a co-working, collaborative environment at The Business Loft, which encourages creativity, business collaborations and peer support.

“This way of working offers a unique opportunity for the businesses to grow and develop,” Chrissie added.

The Business Loft offers accommodation for up to 50 people, with five individual offices and two large open plan rooms for hot desks, as well as a creativity space within a coffee and meeting area so that the businesses can share ideas, support each other and work collaboratively.

Hamish Munro, Head of Regeneration at Newport Unlimited, said: “Newport Unlimited was delighted to support this exciting new project by providing funding for The Business Loft.

“The creation of new, independent businesses is essential for the ongoing regeneration of Newport and will also help to stimulate the wider economy.

“The Business Loft will bring a new generation of entrepreneurs into the city and offer them the support they need to develop their ideas, and get them up and running.”

With office space for new and small businesses at a premium in Newport, the University’s Business Loft will provide a much needed boost to both new businesses and the local economy.

Cardiff-based employment law and human resources specialists, Head Office, is celebrating a string of new contract wins across the leisure, tourism and sport sectors.

Established in 2008 as a part of the NewLaw Group, the UK’s fastest-growing personal injury law firm, Head Office now provides HR and employment law services to more than 100 organisations across the UK.

The company has won a three-year deal with 23 county cricket boards in England and Wales where it will offer day-to-day recruitment advice, contracts of employment, handle disciplinary, dispute and investigations. The deal is an extension of Head Office’s four-year contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

This year, Head Office has also won new contracts with the Cricket Foundation, Future Inns, Cwmdare Homes, Ruby Tuesday and several dental practices across the UK, which has led to the appointment of an employment lawyer, a HR consultant and three administrative staff.

Wendy Stamp, managing director of Head Office, set up the company with Damien Burns in 2008. She said: “The company was formed with a small team and we’ve expanded substantially due to the number of contracts we’ve won. Whereas we originally focused on smaller companies, we have found that the market for outsourced HR and employment services remains buoyant as more organisations are looking for specialist support without having to recruit a team in-house.”

South Wales businessman Roger Gambarini has potted an impressive £230,000 for charity by organising an annual golf day in aid of St David’s Hospice Care over the past 23 years

Mr Gambarini, Managing Director of Office Visions, initially decided to organise the competitive team event after St David’s nurses helped care for his father.

Roger said: “It all started when my father was looked after by St David’s. I wanted to be able to give something back. Every year I say it’s the last year but then I continue to get the support from those who come year in, year out, even in the rain, so the event seems to have run away with itself really.”

This year’s event at Cardiff Golf Club raised £7,500. The winners were accountancy firm UHY Peacheys; second, Thomas Carroll Insurance, third, SRK Consulting and fourth, Davlan Construction.

Best dressed golfer was Mr Gavin Steacy, Regional Managing Managing Director of Newsquest, publishers of the South Wales Argus South. Gavin was presented with a traditional commemorative gnome.

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We are completely overwhelmed by the support of Roger and his team at Office Visions over the years. Not only has Roger been able to organise an annual gathering for 23 years but the event continues to be a hotly-contested one among both new and returning teams. This is an amazing achievement and we thank Roger for his continued efforts.”