Radar PR

08/01/2026

🔊 Cambria News 🔊
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We’re issuing a clear message to employers, learners and apprentices across North Wales following recent discussion around the UK Government’s proposed Growth and Skills Levy
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Read more here: https://bit.ly/4ppjo8c

08/01/2026

We are actively monitoring weather conditions and will post information about any College site closures on the college website and here on social media tomorrow morning.

Should any site close, learning and staff working will move online.

Please do not make your way to college until we have provided this update.

07/01/2026

A fast-growing technology and financial systems firm is celebrating a landmark achievement as it marks its 30th year in business.

ITAS Solutions has become the first organisation in the UK to win the Sage Intacct, Inc. Customer Success Partner of the Year award two years running — a rare feat in the competitive tech sector.

The honour, announced at the Sage UK Awards, caps a standout year for the company and reflects a period of significant growth and transformation under Managing Director Hannah Munro.

Founded by Hannah’s father, former Royal Marine Ron Lincoln, the business began life as a one-person operation run from a garden shed near Ruthin.

Three decades on, Itas Solutions has grown into a leading ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation partner, employing up to 50 staff, doubling profits in the last year and working with customers across the UK, Europe, the US and Australia.

“We’re so proud to be the first partner to win this award two years in a row,” said Hannah.

“It means a huge amount to us because it’s recognition for the team and the work they put in every day."

More here at Wales 247 and in the news this week:

A PIONEERING technology and financial systems company is celebrating a historic achievement in its 30th year. Itas Solutions, based on Mold High Street, has ...

07/01/2026

No Change for Wales: College Sets the Record Straight on Apprenticeships

Coleg Cambria has issued a clear message to employers, learners and apprentices across North Wales following widespread discussion around the UK Government’s proposed Growth and Skills Levy.

Despite headlines that may have caused concern, the college confirmed nothing has changed for Wales, and apprenticeship delivery continues exactly as before.

Employer Engagement Manager Gari Thomas says many organisations and apprentices have been understandably unsettled by the national conversation.

He says while the levy remains a UK-wide tax, the policies that shape how skills funding is used in Wales are entirely devolved.

“We know some announcements have caused alarm, particularly for learners and apprentices who feared their training pathways could be affected,” said Gari.

“But the first thing to remember is this: skills policy is fully devolved. What is changing in England does not automatically apply in Wales.”

More here Leader Live and in the news this week:

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25742902.business-usual-apprenticeships-coleg-cambria/

22/12/2025

As the year comes to an end, I want to say a huge thank you to our clients, friends and collaborators.

Many of you I’ve worked with for years. It’s been a genuine privilege to share your stories, and to see your organisations go from strength to strength.

This year also introduced some exciting new projects, adding even more variety and enjoyment.

Heading into 2026, there are fresh partnerships and plans on the horizon I’m excited to reveal soon.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - thank you again for all your support.

Martin

20/12/2025

16/12/2025

A NEW digital toolkit will be a game-changer for small businesses in rural Wales as AI-driven search reshapes how customers discover local services online.

Developed in Ceredigion by Antur Cymru Enterprise, the SMART Busnes programme is giving Welsh SMEs an early advantage in Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) – the emerging discipline behind appearing inside AI-generated answers.

As artificial intelligence transforms how people find information, SMART Busnes – supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – has launched one of Wales’s first practical AEO toolkits.

Spearheaded by Digital Business Advisor Lynne Rees, its new insight framework, known as Agentic AEO, equips rural and micro-businesses with the skills, structures and understanding needed to stay visible in an internet landscape increasingly dominated by instant, AI-written responses rather than traditional search results.

Kevin Harrington, Project Manager for SMART Busnes, said: “AI search is here to stay, and our Agentic AEO insight series isn’t a tweak - it’s a reset."

More at and in the news this week:

A NEW digital toolkit developed in Ceredigion is being hailed as a potential game-changer for small businesses in rural Wales, as artificial intelligence reshapes how customers discover local services online. Created by Antur Cymru Enterprise, the SMART Busnes programme is giving Welsh SMEs an early...

15/12/2025

Coleg Cambria welcomed some of North Wales’ most promising young culinary talent to the first-ever Wrexham heat of the Springboard FutureChef competition.

Seven budding chefs from Years 9 and 10 took part in the contest – held at the college’s Iâl Restaurant - including two learners from Cambria’s GCSE Hospitality and Catering school links programme.

The represented schools were Ysgol Clywedog, Denbigh High School, Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Rhosnesni High School and The Maelor School in Penley.

Competitors were challenged to produce one dish and two portions on a strict £6.50 budget, showcasing impressive technical ability, creativity and calmness under pressure.

Among the judging panel were Private Chef Rossett (Roxanne Deamer) and Brett Bignell from the Royal Navy, alongside Nathan Booth, Head Chef at Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, who praised the high standard of dishes and the composure shown by all participants.

He said he would happily welcome any of the young chefs into his own kitchen and joked that it was “the quietest kitchen I’ve ever been in,” given how focused and unflustered the contestants remained throughout.

The winner of the heat was 15-year-old Rya Smith from Wrexham, a Year 2 learner on Coleg Cambria’s school links GCSE Hospitality and Catering course and a pupil at Rhosnesni High School.

More here Leader Live and in the news this week:

COLEG CAMBRIA welcomed some of North Wales' most promising young culinary talent to the first-ever Wrexham heat of the Springboard FutureChef…

12/12/2025

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: A Flintshire employer feeding thousands of children every day is preparing for a period of significant growth.

NEWydd Catering & Cleaning Limited is set to expand into new areas, creating opportunities for jobs, collaboration, and increased recognition of its services.

Led by Managing Director Steve Jones, the Mold-based catering and cleaning provider – which has more than 350 employees - is drawing increasing interest from educators and organisations across Cheshire and the Wirral.

While deeply rooted in local communities, the team is now poised to take its high-quality, locally sourced services to a wider regional audience.

“We’ve been part of daily life here for years, often quietly,” said Steve, supported by Business Operations Manager Rob Lawton, and Business Development Manager Scott Lawson.

“But the scale of our impact and the strength of our values are now being recognised far beyond Flintshire. Growth is the next natural step for us, for our teams, and for the North Wales suppliers we’re proud to champion.”

MORE AT Business News Wales AND IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:

www.businessnewswales.com/flintshire-catering-and-cleaning-firm-announces-regional-expansion/

12/12/2025

'They Gave Her Confidence Back’ - Students Transform Lives at Charity Event

Students took centre stage at a charity fashion show supporting a beloved cancer centre.

Level 1 Hairdressing learners from Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham volunteered at the Evening of Dreams, held at Maggie's Centre in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.

The event was organised by Ffansi Ffrogs, based in Ruthin, and Colwyn Bay’s Bay Belle Brides, and brought together patients, oncology nurses, young models, and supporters to raise vital funds for the cherished cause.

Under the guidance of Lecturer Geraldine Ireland, learners spent the afternoon and evening providing hair and makeup for the models and patients currently receiving treatment.

For the cohort, it was both valuable industry experience and a meaningful way to give back.

“The students worked tirelessly throughout the day and evening, delivering exceptional hair and make-up services,” said Geraldine.

“Their dedication and quality of work were outstanding. This was an extraordinary opportunity for them to gain hands-on experience while supporting an amazing cause.”

More at FE News and in the media this week:

Pics Martin Japheth

| 'They Gave Her Confidence Back’ - Students Transform Lives at Charity Event

10/12/2025

Via Insider Media

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/wales/seaside-resorts-20m-regeneration-ramps-up-as-board-expands-and-investors-circle

10/12/2025

Apprentices from Coleg Cambria delivered exceptional performances at this year’s MAKE UK Regional Manufacturing Awards for Wales.

The prestigious event, hosted by MAKE UK – the national body representing the UK manufacturing sector – celebrates excellence in engineering, innovation, and business performance.

This year’s Welsh regional awards highlighted outstanding talent from across the country, with winners now advancing to the MAKE UK National Finals in London this January.

Five apprentices from Coleg Cambria stood out among competitors, representing some of Wales’s most respected employers:

Business Apprentice Rising Star – Winner: Matthew Hoyland, Airbus Operations

Business Apprentice Final Year – Winner: Robert Pollard, Airbus Operations

Business Apprentice Final Year – Runner-Up: Jodie Sellers, Airbus Operations

Engineering Apprentice Rising Star – Winner: Joe Downes, Teledyne Qioptiq

Engineering Apprentice Final Year – Winner: Jodie Manning, Airbus Operations

More here and in the news:

Apprentices from Coleg Cambria delivered exceptional performances at this year’s MAKE UK Regional Manufacturing Awards for Wales. The prestigious event, hosted by MAKE UK – the national body representing the UK manufacturing sector – celebrates excellence in engineering, innovation, and busine...