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businessupdate News…


Chefs come togetherfor launchof alliance


By David Jones, surveyor, Hutchings and Thomas Chartered Surveyors, Newport


James Sommerin, of The Crown, Catherine Gazzoli, of Slow Food UK, and Scott Dickson, of Highland Park


Top Welsh and West Country chefs got together near Monmouth to mark the launch of Slow Food UK’s Chef Alliance in the region. The event took place at The Crown


at Whitebrook and chefs attending included Bryan Webb, from the Michelin-starred Tyddyn Llan Restaurant with Rooms and Mary-Anne Gilchrist,of the Carlton Riverside. The launch event, which included


lunch, was hosted by Slow Food UK CEO Catherine Gazzoli, Scott Dickson, of Highland Park whisky, and James Sommerin, chef at The Crown. The alliance, new initiative,


supported by Highland Park whisky, is aimed at encouraging chefs to actively support the aims of Slow Food UK, by championing small scale producers and sustainably sourced quality produce. Slow Food UK is an organisation


which links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment and implements food education programmes across the country.


Catherine Gazzoli said: “It’s so


critical to support this vital part of our food heritage, raising awareness of these amazing foods and educating the public about their taste, history and importance to our overall food biodiversity.It’s as simple as eat it or lose it –and we’ve already lost an awful lot. We are actively looking to increase our Welsh and West Country listings and welcome input from the public.”


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There was an brilliant programme on the BBC recently on Newport and its illustrious past with Wales international and now TV pundit Eddie Butler, born in the town, giving the low down on what was once one of the most vibrant and prosperous towns in the land during the reign of King Coal and subsequent arrival of Llanwern steelworks. The programme naturally centred on the economic history of


our great town (now city) and its ever-expanding docks. But it also looked at the social development of Newport and


also its sporting prowess and the fascinating roots of Newport County. It was arelatively short programme but packed full of


Newport Gwent Dragons in action


Tyresgroup joinsDragons assponsor


two year deal. This announcement comesaweek


N


after the presentation of the region’s business plan to the board of directors and is afurther key step in building financial security for the region. Aspokesman for the Dragons said:


“These are exciting times at Rodney Parade with new companies eager to develop relationships with the Dragons who have not been previously involved with regional rugby.” Discount Tyres is alocal brand,


established in Newport in 2001, and is now the largest independent tyre retailer in south east Wales. It has branches in Cwmbran and Cardiff and specialise in tyres, brakes, exhausts, servicing and MOTs. The Discount Tyres name and logo


will be prominently placed on the front of the Dragons jerseys for RaboDirect PRO12, LV= Cup and Amlin Challenge


ewport Gwent Dragons have announced that Discount Tyres have signed up as their new headline shirt sponsor as part of a


Cup competitions and gain Europe-wide exposure to well overamillion TV viewers as well as live spectators. Discount Tyres is excited about its


new relationship with the Dragons, looking to make the partnership work to the benefit of both parties. Dragons chief executive Chris Brown


said: “This is avery challenging climate and for us to find anew headline sponsor, especially one which has not had any previous involvement with the region, is particularly encouraging. “We are excited to work with


Discount Tyres and look forward developing avery strong relationship with them. They are alocal business who see the potential benefits of aligning themselves with our region and we are confident that this relationship will be extremely beneficial to both the Dragons and Discount Tyres.” Bisley, the 2011/2012 headline


sponsors, will continue their involvement with the region–maintaining the long and happy relationship they have enjoyed with the Dragons since the inception of regional rugby.


fascinating facts and figures. In fact it ought to be required viewing for anyone who doesn’t know the history of Newport and is perhaps looking to invest in the city. Perhaps adeal could be struck with the BBC foraDVD of


the programme to be included in all information packs Newport Unlimited or Newport City Council send to those businesses and investors looking to relocate to South Wales? It’d certainly give abroader view of the city than its current


sorrowful and down at heel state would suggest. And on that note, after apositive column last month it’s with


sadness Inow have to return down to earth with abump with news that yet more retailers are leaving the centre of the city. Global clothes businessH&Mare vacating their sizeable


spot in the centre and debunking for Newport Retail Park at Spytty and stalwart of the city centre, an institution on Commercial Street, Morris Cowan, is also set to quit the city after six decades dressing the folk of Newport. However it’s not all bad news despite these headlines. The Cambrian Centre, currently one of afair few eyesores in


the city, is to be redeveloped with part of the centre and the car park demolished and apublic square created. And this to make way for 1,300 staff that will be flowing into the centre to staff Wales insurance giant Admiral’s new building in the heart of the city.


Admiral is the best news for Newport as it not only brings well-rewarded, career-orientated jobs into the centre of the city with all the spending power that entails but, I’m convinced, this confidence will act as acatalyst for other businesses to follow suit and come to Newport. Recently, I’ve been working tirelessly looking to tie up a


variety of deals in the region. Iand colleagues are in discussions with several existing buisinesses and new companies looking to move within the area, many taking the opportunity of low rents to move into quality accommodation. I’m looking forward to releasing details of these details when they are completed. And apotential game changer, proposals for theM4


between Magor and Castleton, is currently under discussion with The Welsh Government. There are four options on the table and up for discussion aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area, banishing the Brynglas Tunnels bottle neck and proclaiming loud and clear that Newport and south Wales are open for business. Wedesperately need to see some action happening. Newport Council leader, Matthew Evans, says he views this


issue as a‘matter of urgency’, let's hope this isn’t simply election talk.


Finally, with justamatter of days before Newport County


step out onto the turf at Wembley to face York City in the FA Trophy final, let me take this opportunity to wish the ‘Port the very best of luck. Come on boys take alook at the Eddie Butler programme


before the game and do this for Newport after allawin at Wembley could be the start of something really big not just for Newport County but the city asawhole –you knows it!


Tuesday May 1, 2012


Commercially speaking


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