Business
Ogi secures £45million package to support next stages of growth
Ogi – Wales’s biggest alternative telecoms company – has reached a deal on a new £45million financing package from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), alongside ongoing equity investment from its principal shareholder, Infracapital, to support the next stages in the company’s growth.
The latest funding package will see Ogi extend its reach in the ten local authority areas that make up CCR (Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan) where it already has an established presence.
An important region economically, CCR also includes Ogi’s multimillion-pound high-capacity network spanning the south Wales trunk road into England. Built to service the growing need for cloud computing, AI and data storage, and serving the fast-growing fintech and creative sectors, among others, the new diverse route also increases Wales’s appeal to datacentre operators, mobile carriers and hyperscalers.
Securing its first round of investment from Infracapital, the infrastructure equity investment arm of M&G plc, Ogi propelled onto the scene in 2021, bringing full fibre connectivity, telephony, and business IT services to underserved communities across Wales, as well boosting the alternative options available in major cities and new and emerging commercial zones too.
The challenger to the incumbent operators has since built a new fibre to the premise [FTTP] network to over 100,000 premises in south Wales, with 1 in 5 of those already signed up as a customer.
With a distinctive Welsh brand, Ogi roots itself in the communities it serves, with a hyperlocal marketing approach backed by an award-winning community engagement programme that’s given thousands back to local groups and charities.
Each ‘full fibre’ community benefits from a capital injection of around £5million, with the long-term economic impact estimated to be worth almost £5 for every £1 invested. The Ogi network uses more sustainable technology compared to traditional copper connections too, helping more people to work from home, reducing the need to commute, and in turn reducing carbon emissions across the region.
Announcing the deal, Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said: “Right from the start, our ambition has been to become a leading Welsh telecoms company, and the last few years have certainly laid strong foundations for that goal.
“With key strategic sites like Aberthaw to the south and the heads of the valleys to the north, there’s massive potential across the capital region – and partnering with CCR at such an exciting time in their own development is the next logical step for Ogi’s growth in southeast Wales.
“Together with further investment from our principal shareholder, Infracapital, this is yet another endorsement of our mission to make sure no Welsh community gets left behind.
”I’m immensely proud of the work the team at Ogi are doing across Wales, and this news – another leap forward in Ogi’s development – is testament to their commitment to making sure Wales keeps up to speed with the rest of the UK, and the world.”
Chair, Cardiff Capital Region, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, added: “Ogi has taken regeneration to a new level with its initial investment – connecting communities to new possibilities right across the Cardiff Capital Region and beyond. Our investment into Ogi recognises that ongoing commitment to boosting the region, and the work already being done to bring vital connectivity to some of Wales’s biggest towns and villages”.
Ogi was advised on the transaction by Deloitte and CMS Law acted as legal counsel for Ogi and Infracapital.
Previously announced programmes in communities outside of the 10 local authority areas that make up the Cardiff Capital Region – including Pembrokeshire – will continue as planned.
Business
Local site managers triumph in prestigious House-Building Awards
PEMBROKE and Cardigan site managers have been celebrated for their exceptional dedication to quality house-building, earning top accolades in the industry’s most esteemed competition.
Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf and Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, representing Cardigan and Pembroke respectively, were among the prominent winners at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Awards 2024. The prestigious event, held at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport on Friday, 13 September 2024, recognises the very best in the industry.
In the Small Builder category, Gareth Davies clinched the top honour for his outstanding work at Maes Y Dderwen in Cardigan. His exceptional commitment to raising standards was further acknowledged with the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence. Meanwhile, Mike Thomas was awarded the Seal of Excellence for his work in Pembroke, demonstrating the high standards upheld by builders in the region.
Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales was also a major winner on the night, securing the Large Builder category award for his work at Parc Y Coleg in Newport. Like Davies, Coyle was awarded the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence, marking his dedication to quality construction.
The Pride in the Job Awards, now in its 44th year, are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, setting the benchmark for exceptional site management. The competition is known for its rigorous judging process, which assesses entrants across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.
This year, eight site managers from across Wales received the Seal of Excellence, having first earned a Quality Award in the initial round of the competition in June. The full list of Seal of Excellence recipients includes:
- Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf, Cardigan
- Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
- Dave Jones of Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales, Swansea
- Paul Oakley of Bellway Homes Wales, Cardiff
- Nick Powell of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
- Nick Rumble of Persimmon Homes West Wales, Pontyclun
- Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, Pembroke
- Daniel Williams of Taylor Wimpey South Wales, Penarth
Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, extended his congratulations to the winners: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the UK’s top site managers, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. Winning site managers demonstrate dedication, passion, and leadership to ensure new homes are delivered to exacting construction quality standards.”
The regional events, taking place throughout the UK, aim to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the recipients of the Quality Awards. Mr Davies and Mr Coyle will now progress to the next stage of the competition, vying for the ultimate prize in house building at the Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, set to be revealed at a gala ceremony in London in January 2025.
Business
Specsavers expansion ‘shows confidence in future of Haverfordwest’
SPECSAVERS’ decision to expand into larger premises in Haverfordwest is further proof of the confidence of businesses in the future of the County Town.
That was the message from Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller to news that the leading optometry company will move to larger premises at the Riverside Shopping Centre.
Specsavers has signed a lease with the Council to expand into the building previously occupied by Boots and Poundland.
The additional space will allow for 14 examination rooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology that will enable Specsavers to provide more enhanced sight, contact lens and audiology services for its customers.
Cllr Miller, who is also the Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support Specsavers in expanding and investing significantly in Haverfordwest.
“This shows confidence in both the present and future of Haverfordwest which is undergoing major regeneration by Pembrokeshire County Council.
“Through taking control of the Riverside Shopping Centre we have been able to secure investment and tenancies in the town while also recovering the Council’s investment to purchase the site.
“Alongside the great news that leading food and drink company Loungers is moving into our Western Quayside development, I am confident further businesses will be drawn to the town centre.
“The work we’re doing will ensure Haverfordwest is an attractive place for businesses to operate and a great place for people to live, work and visit.”
Andy Britton, one of the partners of the locally owned store, said: “We are so pleased to be making the move into larger premises. The additional space will allow us to better accommodate the increasing demand for eye tests and audiology clinics in the area and help take some of the pressure off the NHS.
“The new store will open later this year and we look forward to celebrating its launch with customers old and new.”
Pictured top of article: Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council (centre) with Andy Britton (left) and fellow partner Wayne Jones at the Riverside store which will be home to an expanded Specsavers.
Business
Former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site up for sale for £1.2m
A FORMER hotel site in Pembrokeshire is now on the market, having received planning permission for a new care home. The site, previously home to the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, is listed for sale at £1,200,000.
The Essex Road location, which spans 2.45 acres, has been granted outline planning permission for the construction of a care facility accommodating between 55 and 70 beds, as well as six retirement bungalows. This significant development is set within Pembroke Dock, lying just 120 metres from the A477, and is encompassed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The area boasts convenient access to amenities such as a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés, hotels, a pharmacy, sports clubs, and recreation grounds.
Planning consent for this project was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council in February 2023. The approval was given for the “Demolition of Hotel and Siting of Residential Care Home and Linked Bungalows,” marking a new chapter for the site that has remained derelict since a fire in 2019.
The Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been out of operation since March 2019, when a blaze caused extensive structural damage, leading to the collapse of several sections of the building. This incident thwarted earlier plans to convert the hotel into a 48-bedroom care home, a project that had been green-lit following a change of use application in 2018.
Due to the damage incurred, a new application was submitted for the demolition of the existing structure and the erection of a new care home. The planning proposal also included provisions for the six retirement bungalows, intended to be occupied by elderly residents who could assist with activities at the care home.
The fire that devastated the former hotel required a substantial emergency response, however, an investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police concluded there was insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.
This site is now poised for a new beginning as a care facility, providing much-needed services to the local community. Interested parties can find more information about this listing, handled by Christie and Co, on Rightmove.
-
Health2 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health2 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime5 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime6 days ago
Dock police continue search following multiple assaults incident
-
News7 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s new MP votes to cut the Winter Fuel Payment
-
Education5 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime4 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime2 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images