Business

Welsh employers still hiring

Published

10 years ago

June 23, 2014

THE EMPLOYMENT outlook in Wales has fallen but employers are still planning to hire, with an outlook of +4%, according to Manpower, the global leader in contingent and permanent recruitment workforce solutions. This is a drop from last quarter’s Outlook of +12% but still demonstrates a healthy level of confidence in the Welsh jobs market.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is based on responses from 2,101 UK employers. It asks whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter. It is the most comprehensive, forwardlooking employment survey of its kind and is used as a key economic statistic by both the Bank of England and the UK government. The national Seasonally Adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +8% indicates that the jobs market is up on the second quarter of 2014 when the Outlook was +7%. “Although the Outlook in Wales is down this quarter, there is still a lot of opportunity in the market, especially for candidates with in-demand skills”, says Andrew Shellard, Operations Manager at Manpower. “A number of clients are looking for candidates with legal experience, particularly solicitors and legal secretaries. Specialist scientific and engineering companies are also finding that candidates with science and technology experience are in short supply. “We have noticed more demand for catering staff, and whilst these skills are readily available, there is a high turnover as the roles are often part-time making it difficult to retain staff looking to work more hours. Retention is also an issue in some of the call centres in Cardiff, where experienced and good quality customer service and sales people are needed and so companies are constantly advertising and trying to attract new staff. “The picture by city is mixed, with Cardiff demonstrating a real improvement over the last three months, with the number of people out of work falling by 5% and signs that we will see further improvements this year, especially with the number of vacancies being advertised online increasing recently. There is considerably more opportunity in Cardiff than in Newport with Cardiff also offering more variety whereas the dominant industry in Newport is manufacturing. The Welsh Assembly is attracting new businesses to the Cardiff Enterprise Zone by offering rate relief, tax breaks and significant funding. The demand for candidates has increased in Swansea but we are still attracting a large response to advertised jobs, which shows us that for all the increase in the number of roles, there is an even greater increase in the volume of candidates competing for those roles. “One key trend we have seen this quarter is that employers now understand the importance of Social Media and want support and advice so they can improve their understanding. Most companies we have spoken with want a Social Media guide and we have helped provide this during a recent Social Media-focused campaign.” Going into the third quarter of 2014, there is optimism across all of the UK’s regions with the exception of Northern Ireland (-5%). It is the only region expecting to shed jobs in the next three months. The South West tops the regional table, improving strongly to +15%, while the East of England isn’t far behind on +12%. The East Midlands (+11%), the South East (+9%) and the West Midlands (+9%) all exceed the national average, while Yorkshire and Humberside is in line with the national picture at +8%. Below the national average, but still showing positive hiring intentions are the North West (+7%), the North East (+6%) and London (+1%). “From a national perspective, consistency has been the byword for the UK’s Employment Outlook over the last eighteen months. While job prospects have been strong, it’s only now that we’re seeing a return to prerecession hiring plans. What’s more, we’re seeing broad-based growth across permanent roles, the selfemployed and contractors,” said Mark Cahill, ManpowerGroup UK Managing Director.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

11 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.