Search results for : with the tag new business
Miss Divine UK Finals – 2018!
The sun sparkles against the river Usk as we arrive at the modern Riverfront Theatre in the heart of Newport. This is the first time Miss Divine UK have held their grand finals at the impressive venue and it’s the perfect setting for the crowning of this year’s Queens. The competition is high and there’s an air of excitement as contestants from all over the United Kingdom arrive at the theatre with shared hopes of taking home their very own Miss Divine title. The girls have worked exceptionally hard to earn their place as a contestant in one of Wales’ most empowering beauty pageants; after having already won their divisional titles. Glamorous ball gowns, high heels and glittering crowns are carefully escorted through the reception area as the girls make their way backstage in preparation for the busy day ahead. It’s not the first time we have joined Miss Divine UK in their grand finale celebrations. After attending their first crowning ceremony the year before we were in awe of the determination, hard work and passion radiating from all of those involved; attributes which have become fundamental to the pageant’s success. This year I have been given the unique and exciting opportunity of joining the Miss Divine UK judging panel; gaining an insight into all the hard work put in by everyone involved. We will be scoring the girls based on a variety of different qualities and the great work they have carried out throughout the year working tirelessly to support a wide range of charities and communities. Joining me…
Miss Divine UK Finals!
Miss Divine UK would have struggled to find a more beautiful setting to celebrate the final night of their beauty pageant competition. The New House Country Hotel stands proudly overlooking the dynamic city of Cardiff. The original period features are only enhanced by the gentle candle light as they welcome guests to the majestic 19th Century manor house. A charming marquee sits in the hotel garden and it’s immediately evident why so many couples choose this venue as the perfect setting for their wedding ceremony. Tonight however, the hotel is hosting an entirely different celebration and we are overwhelmed by the number of guests who have turned up to see the next Miss Divine UK receive their crowns. Stalls selling make up, hair and beauty products decorate the beautiful marquee and friendly traders are more than happy to share beauty tips and advice as the customers sample their exclusive products. Having never attended a beauty pageant before, we weren’t really sure what to expect, but the organisers welcomed us with open arms and the evening’s entertainment did not fail to impress. This included a very talented dance show from Rhians Dancer‘s and a very powerful enjoyable performance from Yasmine. The girls are all here for different reasons, but it is clear that this opportunity gives girls the chance to shine and increase their confidence. Maegan Beaton chose to brave the stage to help her overcome her own challenges: I never thought I’d ever be on stage again.. for many reasons, but mainly due to struggling constantly with my mental…
Miss Divine UK a pageant unlike any other
Miss Divine UK is an organisation with aims to support and empower females from all over the United Kingdom to achieve their individual success. The organisation works with women and young girls from a variety of different backgrounds and offers them a platform to develop important life skills, make new friends and gain incredible opportunities. It is extremely important to them to provide a positive, happy and fun place for young girls to grow and express themselves while learning valuable skills. The females that are involved in the organisation are all truly inspirational and powerful in their own right, and Miss Divine UK encourage them to recognise their strengths and how they can use them to make a difference in the world. Miss Divine UK have an outstanding range of females from all walks of life that want to use their personal experiences to inspire others to follow their dreams. Some of their girls are; cancer survivors, burns victims, mental health sufferers, rape/sexual assault victims, victims of bullying etc. The main thing that they all have in common is that the trauma they have suffered has given them a purpose, which is to empower other women and raise awareness for these issues so that other sufferers are not alone. It is all about making a positive impact on your community and society as a whole. The phenomenal stories that we hear from girls as young as six that are a part of Miss Divine UK leave us speechless, these females are true inspirations. Of course, there is still a huge stigma…
New Shop Captures Niche Market
A new shop in Caerphilly town centre is catering for an increasing number of customers who are looking for clothing which allows them to express their individualism. Mojo King (Caerphilly) is situated in Clive Street, which is located at the top of Cardiff Road. The independent clothing retailer is run by James Parker and stocks a range of men’s apparel as well as shoes and accessories which are inspired by the 1960’s. James had previously worked at Mojo King in Wellfield Road Cardiff and had known the owner Paul Reeves for many years. Paul felt the time was right to expand the business and offered James the opportunity to start the Caerphilly business as a franchise. The shops design and merchandising are inspired and influenced 1960’s, even down to the Motown music playing in the background. James said: At Mojo King we aim to provide our customers with a truly distinctive shopping experience. Since we opened we have had lots of customers come in including young people who love the ethos of the 1960’s and are looking for a different way to dress which lets them stand out in the crowd. James continued: Although you don’t have to be a total lover of the 60s to appreciate the style and brands on offer, the appeal of a unique, smart jumper, shirt, pair of trousers or a coat is across all ages and generations.
The Great Bargoed Bake Off
There is good news for fans of the hit TV show ‘The Great British Bake Off’, Bargoed town centre is going cupcake mad with the opening of a new business in High street. The new shop called Cupcake Heaven is run by Sian Hurley and is the culmination of a journey which has seen her turn her hobby of baking cupcakes into a full time business venture. Sian‘s Mum Alice had always encouraged her daughter to pursue her dreams and when Alice passed away a few years ago, Sian decided that the time was right to leave her office job and start baking full time. With the support of her husband David and children Brent, Matthew and Kelcie, Sian opened Cupcake Heaven in December. She now spends her days making and selling different flavoured cupcakes, as well as baking cakes for specials occasion which she hand decorates to create a totally unique design. Sian said: This has been an amazing journey and I can’t believe I now run a business doing what I love – baking!. At Cupcake Heaven we offer our customers the chance to try different cupcake flavor’s and if you want a special cake designed come and talk to me
Exclusive Family Business – Exclusive Tiles & Bathrooms
After 30 years working for himself, tiling walls and floors, John Phillips decided it was time to start a new family business with his son Luke called Exclusive Tiles & Bathrooms. The business, which was originally based in Aberbargoed, has just opened a new showroom in Blackwood town centre on High Street at the junction of Pentwyn Road. Exclusive Tiles & Bathrooms sells a range of bathroom suites as well tiles and is very much a family business. Whilst John as the Director retains a hands on role tiling walls and floors for customers across the County Borough, Luke works as the business manager in the showroom. Luke said: Blackwood is the busiest high street in the area so it made sense to open our new show here. Our aim is to offer our customers a first class service with the personal touch we offer as a family business
Caerphilly Welcomes New Bike Shop
A new cycle shop has opened in Caerphilly town centre. BikeShredz, which is located in Clive Street and run by keen cyclist Nick Ball who was always fascinated with cycling, not only riding bikes but also repairing them. (pictured Nick Ball) After leaving school he pursued a career as an engineer and toolmaker but when he was made redundant again in April, Nick took the opportunity to pursue his dream of turning his love of cycling into a business. BikeShredz not only sells bikes, but it also has a fully equipped workshop to conduct repairs and stocks a comprehensive range of parts and accessories. Nick said: When I got made redundant it felt like I had the chance to do something I really wanted to do. I have used my experience in cycling to start BikeShredz because I wanted to offer people a complete service from sales to repair. (pictured Andrew Cook)
Blackwood Is Back In Fashion
This Christmas Blackwood town centre is laying claim to being the fashion capital of the South East Valleys. In recent weeks, no less than three new independent clothing retailers have opened their doors in the town, which has one of the widest in high streets in the valleys. The new retailers Rebel, Profile and Betty’s Boutique sell a range of fashion clothing catering for both men and women and join other independent fashion retailers Miss Label, Parisa and ASA who are already in Blackwood. In addition to these independent fashion shops, the town also boosts an array of multiple clothing retailers: New Look, Select, Bonmarche, Peacocks and Dorothy Perkins. Any retailers looking for space in the town can view our Property Directory which lists every shop for sale or rent in each of the five managed town centres including Blackwood Properties. If you would like an informal discussion about retailer opportunities in Blackwood please contact Town Centre Management: 01443 866213 / 01443 866393 – retail@caerphilly.gov.uk
New venture begins thanks to council grant – soft play centre in Blackwood
A new soft play centre in Pengam, Blackwood has opened its doors thanks to the Caerphilly council and UK Steel Enterprise, start-up business grant. The start-up business grant offers up to £500 to help residents, who may not be able to access other funding, to set up their first, full time business enabling it to grow and develop. Cerys Mayne, Owner of Tumble Jaks said: I became inspired for personal reasons to open a soft play centre where adults and their children can come and enjoy. The grant and the support from Caerphilly council were amazing. The girls I spoke to were so helpful and without the grant I would not have been able to afford to buy much of the kitchen equipment. Tumble Jaks opened on Wednesday 14th September and has received great success ever since. With opening day reaching full capacity, the centre continues to prove its popularity even during off peak times. Cerys used Facebook to advertise and promote her business and was blown away by the amount of support. Using Facebook to promote the business was a great success. So much so, I have decided to advertise my events on there. The Halloween Disco has already been sold out because of social media and through word of mouth. I hope to do the same with my Santa’s Grotto for Christmas event. Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Sustainable Development said: It is great to see the positive impact the start-up grant has made to Cerys and her new venture. This is the very…