Business
MS launches ‘AI in Wales’ initiative in collaboration with Deep Knowledge Group
A GROUNDBREAKING initiative, “AI in Wales,” has been launched by Welsh Parliament Member Tom Giffard in collaboration with the Global AI Industry Ecosystem Association, Deep Knowledge Group. This initiative aims to showcase Wales’ burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, with a particular focus on healthcare, technology, and economic revitalisation.
The “AI in Wales” platform and report, unveiled on May 29th, 2024, provides a comprehensive overview of the AI landscape in Wales. It includes detailed profiles, mindmaps, and databases of 50 companies, 40 investors, and 5 hubs, highlighting Wales’ unique contributions to the field of AI..
Key Objectives and Vision
Tom Giffard expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “I welcome the launch of Deep Knowledge Group’s report into the AI landscape in Wales. The report outlines the potential advantages of AI technology in our Welsh economy and the opportunities a strong AI ecosystem could offer, with encouraging analysis of the current landscape whilst carefully considering future challenges.”
Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, also emphasised the significance of this collaboration: “As firm believers in the transformative potential of AI, we are proud to collaborate with Welsh Parliament Member Tom Giffard on the ‘AI in Wales’ initiative. This tie-up underscores our shared vision of harnessing AI technologies to empower communities, drive economic prosperity, and foster sustainable development. Together, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and shape the future of AI in Wales and beyond.”
The Growing AI Ecosystem in Wales
Wales is witnessing significant growth in its AI ecosystem, particularly in the private and public sectors. Key areas of advancement include healthcare and technology, where AI is set to revolutionise various aspects of these fields. The initiative highlights AI’s potential to drive economic revitalisation in Wales, especially in advanced manufacturing, digital health, and fintech sectors.
Strategic Focus Areas
The “AI in Wales” initiative aims to:
- Catalyse Cross-Sector Collaboration: By fostering partnerships between government, academia, industry, and civil society, the initiative seeks to leverage AI-driven solutions to address societal challenges such as climate change, healthcare disparities, and digital inclusion.
- Promote Economic Growth: The initiative emphasises the economic benefits of AI, which include enhancing productivity, fostering new business models, and driving sustainable growth.
- Develop AI Talent and Infrastructure: Investing in AI talent development and infrastructure is critical to positioning Wales as a global hub for technology and innovation.
- Advance AI Policy and Governance: 2024 marks significant strides in AI policy development, focusing on skills, partnerships, and digital platforms. The Welsh Government’s updated strategies highlight the importance of user-centric digital services and partnership-driven innovation in AI.
Key Takeaways
- Welsh AI Ecosystem’s Growth: Wales is seeing notable advancements in its AI ecosystem, particularly in healthcare and technology.
- AI’s Economic Impact: AI offers substantial opportunities for economic revitalisation, aligning with global trends towards digitalisation.
- Engagement and Education: Targeted awareness and educational programs are essential to demystify AI and demonstrate its practical benefits.
- Policy and Governance Evolution: The Welsh Government’s strategies emphasise user-centric digital services and partnership-driven innovation.
- Sector-Specific AI Applications: AI’s potential spans diverse sectors, revolutionising workflows and fostering new business models.
- Opportunities for Strategic Collaboration: The development of AI in Wales hinges on cooperative efforts across sectors.
As the “AI in Wales” initiative progresses, Deep Knowledge Group and Tom Giffard are committed to engaging with stakeholders across academia, industry, and government. This collaborative effort aims to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and realise the full potential of AI in Wales and beyond.
For more information and updates on the “AI in Wales” initiative, stay tuned to The Pembrokeshire Herald.
Business
Kurtz Addresses Skills and Employment Convention
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.”
Business
Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk
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.
Business
Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community
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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