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Kent wins Owner’s Engineer Contract for windfarms in the Celtic Sea

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KENT has been selected as the Owner’s Engineer for the Llŷr 1 and 2 wind farms.

The Llŷr projects will offer the opportunity for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with two test and demonstration arrays that will power in the region of 200,000 homes1 with 200MW of clean, green energy.

Cerianne Cummings, Kent’s Offshore Wind Market Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this project, which is paving the way towards the commercialisation of floating wind and therefore a cleaner and greener future for everyone.”

15th March 2023: Kent has been awarded the Owner’s Engineer contract for the Llŷr 1 and 2 wind farms in the Celtic Seas by developer Floventis Energy Ltd. This is a joint venture between Cierco, a renewable energy project development company, and SBM Offshore, specialists in floating offshore energy.

Llŷr, a flagship project for the UK, will further transform the world’s ability to generate renewable electricity from wind. Llŷr projects are demonstrating the potential of two innovative floating offshore wind platforms within an array of 6 – 8 units each.

On this project and in partnership with Vekta Group, Kent will provide multidisciplinary Owner’s Engineer support, covering CDM, Hull and Mooring, Electrical, WTG, Site layout, Geotechnical, Metocean, and project management. The two 100 MW projects are progressing through pre-FEED, expecting to reach a commercial operation date by 2027. The Llŷr projects will allow floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with two test and demonstration arrays that will power in the region of 200,000 homes with 200MW of clean energy.

Cerianne Cummings, Kent’s Offshore Wind Market Director, said: “Kent’s knowledge and experience in the fixed and floating wind are unrivalled, which positions us as the ideal company to provide the expertise required on this project.”

“We continually strive to push the boundaries of water depth, seabed type, standardisation, optimisation and asset management. We are proud to be part of this project, which is paving the way toward the commercialisation of floating wind and, therefore, a cleaner and greener future for everyone. We are very excited to be a part of the transition and look forward to working with Floventis on this milestone project.”

David Keenlyside, Engineering Director for Floventis, said “The Llŷr wind farms are significant stepping stone projects for the floating wind sector – these two projects are a crucial step as we move towards commercial scale floating projects across the UK and beyond. As part of our commitment to delivering local economic and social value, we are working with our global network of partners to demonstrate new technology, advance the UK’s energy security and importantly create new opportunities for the local supply chain.”

Kent is one of the leading providers of engineering and design services to the global offshore wind industry, involved in developing 70% of all UK offshore wind farms and developing the first certified project using the PISA geotechnical design. In the last decade, Kent has delivered 11GW+ operational wind farms, 1,500+ offshore wind structures, and 20+ offshore substations. Floventis will deliver 20% of the 1 GW UK Government target for floating wind before 2030, setting a new standard for cost reduction pathways for large scale floating offshore wind developments in the UK.

Business

Kurtz Addresses Skills and Employment Convention

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SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.

The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.

Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.

“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.

“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”

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Business

Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk

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HOMEBASE, the beleaguered home improvement chain with stores in Haverfordwest and Bridgend, has collapsed into administration, placing 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company has struggled with rising costs and shifting consumer demand, which led to the closure of other Welsh stores in Newport, Brecon, Mold, and Cardiff in recent years.

Hilco, Homebase’s owner, had been attempting to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a complete buyer. The owner of The Range, CDS Superstores, has agreed to acquire up to 70 Homebase locations along with the brand itself, protecting approximately 1,600 jobs. However, this deal leaves 49 stores without a buyer, with thousands of additional jobs at risk in stores and at the head office. Teneo, the appointed administrators, declined to specify which locations face potential closure.

For now, the 49 stores will continue trading as Teneo seeks a buyer, with no immediate redundancies planned. In the new arrangement, CDS Superstores has acquired Homebase’s brand name and intellectual property, ensuring the Homebase brand will persist online, while physical stores will convert to The Range.

Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, described the past three years as “incredibly challenging” for the DIY sector. He cited the downturn in consumer spending following the pandemic, persistent inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and unusual weather patterns as factors that impacted Homebase’s performance. Despite restructuring and investment efforts, the business has not been able to turn its fortunes around.

Teneo joint administrator Gavin Maher acknowledged the uncertainty this announcement brings, urging any interested buyers for the remaining stores to make contact.

The current administration marks the end of a troubled chapter for Homebase, which Hilco bought for £1 in 2018 after Wesfarmers, its previous owner, admitted to several strategic missteps, including underestimating winter demand and cutting popular product lines. Homebase reported an £84.2 million loss last year, highlighting its continued financial struggle amid competition from budget-friendly rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains, which have thrived in the value-driven market.

Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and the Belgian-owned department store chain GB-inno-BM. Over the years, it expanded rapidly, absorbing the Texas Homecare chain in the 1990s before changing hands several times in the 2000s.

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Business

Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community

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BLUESTONE National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge its commitment to the UK Armed Forces as the country commemorates Armistice Day.

Bluestone, which employs several former armed forces personnel, marked Armistice Day on 11, with a commitment to reaching gold status on the covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.

The Covenant aims to eliminate disadvantage and ensure that no member of the armed forces community faces discrimination in providing public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.

Glenn Hewer, Head of Sales at Bluestone, is a former Royal Marine who volunteers with the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines. He said: “More and more employees recognise the importance and significance that former armed personnel have and play in their communities and workplaces. The covenant is a commitment to them and a recognition of what they and their families have sacrificed for us.

“Additionally, ex-forces personnel make great employees in all walks of life. They are highly trained in a wide range of skills and bring many benefits to businesses. Providing an opportunity that allows them to further their careers outside the military is a great way of supporting them and their families.”

This commitment has also led Bluestone to join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. It encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the armed forces community.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort who is also a veteran of the Royal Engineers, said: “At Bluestone, we deeply value the contribution of the Armed Forces community to our country.

“We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrate our commitment to supporting them. We believe it’s important to recognise the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. We are committed to attaining the Gold ERS as we build our relationship with the armed forces community.”

Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are delighted that Bluestone National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. This is a fantastic example of a business recognising the value that serving personnel, veterans and their families bring to the workplace and wider society.”

Marten added: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a living document, and Bluestone is committed to updating its pledge to reflect its ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.”

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