Western Mail

Wru Group Reinvests Record Pounds 17m in the Game at All Levels ; Turnover for Year Second Highest Ever

THE Welsh Rugby Union group redistributed record funds into the game at all levels last year, its latest audited accounts reveal. For the financial year to the end of May, the group, which is made up of the WRU and Millennium Stadium companies, generated its second highest turnover ever at pounds 49.4m (pounds 50.3m in 2008) of which 83% was generated from international rugby matches - for which there only two home RBS Six Nations games.

There Are Challenges to Be Tackled but the Future's Bright for Wru ; Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union Group Roger Lewis Reflects On Its Last Trading Year and the Outlook for the Current Year

THE future promises to be very positive for the Welsh Ruby Union. However, the year ahead [current financial] will once more be challenging. Our rolling five-year financial plan has identified the issues surrounding the cyclical nature of our business. This is supported by a new five-year strategic plan which recognises the business risks and opportunities which need to be managed.

Beer Award Cheers Brewer Evan-Evans ; Business Newsbulletin

Rsk Opens Its First Office in Wales ; Business Newsbulletin

THE largest privately-owned multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy, RSK Group, will open its first office in Wales next week RSK Group had worked from a temporary base in Newport since 2007 as part of its role in supporting the development of Severn Power's combined cycle gas turbine power station. Its new office will be officially opened by CBI Wales assistant regional director Ian Price.

Confused.Com Chief at Breakfast Club ; Business Newsbulletin

CHARLTON HOOD, chief executive of the price comparison site Confused.com will speak at Cardiff Breakfast Club next week. Mr Hood has been chief executive of Confused - part of motor insurance group Admiral, since last year.

Get Your Fingers On the Business Pulse ; Business Newsbulletin

WELSH firms are being invited to take part in the UK's largest ever survey of small and medium-sized businesses. The 2009 Business Pulse research will measure the current health of UK business and the drivers and inhibitors to achieving success.

Dragon Gas Terminal Starts Operating ; Business Newsbulletin

THE Dragon liquefied natural gas terminal at Milford has begun commercial operations Its ability to import LNG is a significant component within the UK's long-term energy strategy. It has the capacity to supply up to 5% of current UK demand, with the ability to send out six billion cubic metres of natural gas a year to the UK's national transmission system.

Social Enterprises Contributing Pounds 2.1bn a Year to Welsh Economy ; Challenges for Sector Highlighted

THE social enterprises sector in Wales is generating revenues of more than pounds 2bn a year, research commissioned by the Wales Co- operative Centre reveals. The extensive mapping exercise provides a greater understanding of the contribution of the sector to the economy, with a view to it shaping Welsh Assembly Government and public sector support policies.

Holiday Firm's Shares Suspended After Pounds 2m Funding Gap Opens Up

SPECIALIST holiday firm Travelzest was last night trying to fill a pounds 2m funding gap after its shares were suspended. The company, which owns the UK's biggest naturist tour operator, wanted to raise pounds 5.7m through a share placing to meet closure costs for its Holiday Express online business and repay pounds 2m in debt due by November.

Wardell Promoted at Grant Thornton

GRANT THORNTON has promoted Alistair Wardell to partner at its recovery and reorganisation practice in Cardiff. Mr Wardell joined the firm in 1997 and specialises in corporate restructuring and recovery work, providing strategic and operational advice to under-performing businesses.

Why Our Healthcare System Needs a Proper Examination ; Nhs Reform Means Debate, Not More Political Football ...

HEALTHCARE has hit the headlines in a few ways over the past month. First there was the silly season, politically-motivated story on whose healthcare system is the best - the US or Britain. Images of the stricken being left bleeding in the US, while hospital administrators rummage through pockets for insurance documents, were traded for the notion of an apparently communist-run medical system in the UK. Only in August.

Funding Deal for Dairy Co-Op

THE UK's largest dairy farming co-operative has arranged a new pounds 130m funding package. First Milk said the finance from banks Lloyds TSB and Barclays would allow it to further develop the business.

Majestic Unveils Corking New Deal to Broaden Its Customer Base

CUSTOMERS of wine warehouse chain Majestic Wine will now have to buy only six bottles per visit after the group yesterday said it was halving the minimum purchase. The decision follows a successful year-long trial in its Newcastle and Darlington stores, according to the group.

Wales Must Not Let the Swelling Cruise Market Sail Past Our Coast ; Walesinmotion Professor Stuart Cole

THE world's cruise market is one of the few retail sectors which is still (excuse the pun) buoyant. The number of UK cruise passengers has doubled since 2000 and is predicted to rise over this year by 15% to 1.55 million.

Safestore Upturn Signals Housing Market Growth

Paris and Ipswich. Safestore has opened four new stores in the current financial year so far, with a further opening planned in Leicester by September. Another six stores are expected to open in 2010-11, which would give the company around 5.4 million sq ft of space in the UK and Paris.

'Inspirational' Trio of Start-Ups to Battle It Out for Chamber Award

THREE start-up businesses focused on driving impressive revenue growth over the next three years have made it as finalists in the Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2009. They are Cardiff-based advertising agency Zeffa, Portskewett- based retail technology venture Isca and Barry-based renewable systems company Natural Power.

'Tomorrow's Innovators' in the Running for Entrepreneur Title

FOUNDERS of an accountancy firm and the owner of a gastro pub are bidding to take the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. David Pell is owner of the White Hart Village Inn - an award- winning gastro pub in Llangybi, Monmouthshire.

Office Supplier Set to Grow

A CARDIFF-BASED office equipment supplier is focused on accelerating revenue growth following its acquisition. Alegbra has been acquired by Europe's largest independent solutions provider for print and document management Danwood for an undisclosed sum.

Work Begins On Nspcc Wales' New Services Centre

WORK has started on a new centre for the NSPCC in Wales. The 15,000 sq ft purpose-built centre at Ocean Park in Cardiff will house direct services for children and young people. It is scheduled for completion in November.

Pub Companies' High Beer Prices 'Crippling Many of Their Tenants' ; Federation of Small Businesses Calls for the Abolition of the Tie to Save Community Pubs

MANY tied pubs are struggling to survive because of inflated prices for beer imposed on them by their owners, the Federation of Small Businesses has claimed. In a survey of the FSB's publican members, one in eight said they are paying up to 50% or more for beer compared to untied pub owners who buy their drinks on the open market.