Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions has retained its position as the premier auction house after once again coming top of the property sales charts in Wales.

The property auction firm is at number one in the national auction league after selling 462 properties out of 612 offered at a total value of £30,245,278 at 11 auctions in 2017.

 

The leading property business has maintained its dominance in the intensely competitive auction sales industry in Wales and also notched up a strong position in the UK rankings, at number 25.

 

It sold two-and-a-half times the value of properties sold by second in the Wales chart, Carmarthen-based John Francis, with £12,220,000 from 120 lots sold out of 143 offered at its five auctions in the year.

The reputable annual auction sales chart, a highly-regarded guide within the industry, is compiled by UK industry experts the Essential Information Group (EIG) and published in association with industry ‘Bible’ Estates Gazette.

Paul Fosh Auctions managing director Paul Fosh, who again played host to BBC’s hugely popular Homes Under the Hammer TV show at some of the sales during 2017, said: “The past 12 months were tough but our team worked tirelessly as always and I am once more delighted with the excellent results it has delivered.

“The team worked hard first to assemble a vast range of commercial and domestic stock into the catalogue and then to do their utmost to get these lots sold at auction. The team also had to contend with an office move, from Church Road to Lower Dock Street, during the year which I’m delighted to say, they took in their stride.”

 

Mr Fosh said: “Our new office marks a step change in the way we do business. It’s a milestone for the business our loyal staff and also our customers. Excellent customer care and service is at the heart of all that we do.

“We have been able to offer a mind boggling array of properties of all types throughout the year and I am pleased to say we are bringing through an increased volume of commercial lots. We have had an array of commercial property alongside, residential, land, churches, pubs, heraldic titles and also public toilets and have welcomed an increasingly diverse range of customers to our regular sales.

“We’ve performed extremely well over the past decade securing the top position for property sales in Wales and we intend to keep out eye on the ball to ensure we do all we can to retain that position over the next ten years.”

The next Paul Fosh Auction is on Thursday, March 22, at the Park Inn Hotel, Cardiff, starting at 5pm.

For more details visit www.paulfoshauctions.com/

A DAIRY farming couple from the outskirts of Newport are in the running for a prestigious farming “Oscar”.

Mead Farm Foods, based on a 190-acre farm outside the village of Redwick, have been shortlisted for a Rural Oscar in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Husband and wife Lawrence and Izabela Hembrow have received recognition for using expertise gained in the food manufacturing industry to process their own milk from their herd of Holstein Friesian cattle.

The Hembrows, who have two young children, say they are “privileged” to be nominated by their customers for the award.

 

“Mead Farm Foods has only been established for one year and it’s fantastic to hear that our business has been recognised for contributing to the local community.

“It’s wonderful to hear that others appreciate our efforts and feel that there is a value in what we are doing, especially at this early stage of a start-up venture. It’s really encouraging to have that support.”

Mead Farm Foods will be up against three other farms in the Wales Local Food and Drink category of the Wales Rural Oscars.

The awards, now in their 30th year, are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise, and heritage.

Sarah Lee, direct of the Countryside Alliance Awards, said: ““We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year.

“The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services. They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight.

“These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

 

They also taking orders from local shops, cafes and restaurants.

For more details on Mead Farm Foods click here

 

By Ollie Barnes, of David Barnes Public Relations, Newport

Published in The Business

 

The way we see news is ever changing.
You may have heard this many times by now, but that’s because it’s true. Finding out about what is going on in the world is no longer just about reading the newspapers once a day, or turning on the TV at six o’clock.
Yes, these are both platforms which remain very important in the industry, but the likes of internet news and social media have become just as, if not more, important.
That is why, if you are a business owner, you need to make sure you are reaching all of your potential clients through the most efficient use of public relations.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the national body which oversees the industry, describes the practice as: ‘… the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support and influencing opinion and behaviour. It is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation and
its public’.

‘If I was down to my
last dollar, I would
spend it on public relations’
Bill Gates
(Microsoft)

 

Therefore, it is important to make sure that the reputation of a business or
individual is shown to be a good one on all platforms – most notably, these days, being the internet and social media platforms.
Anything published on the internet is more or less there for ever so, as a PR
agent, you must ensure a good reputation is maintained come what may.
The popularity of the internet as a source of news is only increasing. In an
Ofcom survey published in June 2017, it was found that 48 per cent of
adults in the UK said they use the internet as their source of news. That was an increase from the previous year, when it was 41 per cent.
Additionally, three in ten adults in the UK said they now use a mobile phone for news.
That tells us that more and more people are getting news wherever they go, instantly, through the use of all forms of digital media.
The most successful PR agencies will use this changing news environment to their advantage. Through the utilisation of social media especially, they will help to make sure that the public will see what you, as a business owner, organisation or individual, want them to see.
This will ultimately increase your audience, further your business goals and visibility in one way or another.
Now, this is not to say that ‘older’, more traditional sources of news should be phased out as a place for PR agencies to promote businesses. On the contrary, in fact. In order to have the most successful strategy, all media platforms must be utilised. After all, you are trying to reach the largest amount of people you can.
Another thing to mention is that each story for each business is different, so you can’t necessarily put the same stories in the same place every time and expect the same results.
It’s important to know exactly what you are trying to say in a story, who you want to see it, and what platform they are most likely to be using for news.
A common misconception is that PR and advertising are the same thing.
The two disciplines may hold certain similarities, but they are still rather different.
Advertising is creating paid advertisements to be shown and promoted via various types of media. However, PR is more of a communication between businesses and the public that helps to build mutually beneficial relationships while, as mentioned earlier, upholding the reputation of said business,
organisation or individual.

LEADING Wales property business Johnsey Estates has appointed Isabelle Bateman as its lettings and development surveyor.

Known as Izzy, the 24-year-old property professional is charged with handling the Pontypool-based company’s varied estates portfolio at Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool.

Originally from Warwickshire and now living in Newport, Izzy graduated in international fashion marketing from Manchester Metropolitan University before gaining masters degrees at The Royal Agricultural University; one in real estate and a second in business management.

Izzy said: “I started working as a graduate surveyor in Canary Wharf, London, for a small restructuring company. This was followed by a short amount of time working in Surrey for a property consultancy firm.

“I am delighted to have started working for Johnsey Estates which is great as I’ve always wanted to work in a development company. I’m very much focused on obtaining my chartership and becoming a chartered surveyor.

“I am really enjoying my new position. I feel I have joined at a very exciting time and I am looking forward to being part of Johnsey Estates growth.”

The keen horsewoman and home baker said she has had an interest in property from a young age.

She said: “My interest in the property industry started from a young age as my father and my grandparents both had small development companies. I think the property industry is a very exciting industry and I enjoy working with so many different people which range from our tenants to the local authorities.”

James Crawford, chief executive of Johnsey Estates which owns Mamhilad Park Estate, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to appoint Izzy, who is such a talented property professional with such great potential, to the position of lettings and development surveyor at this pivotal time in the development and progression of Johnsey Estates. “

Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool, where Johnsey Estates has headquarters, covers some 43 acres with 500,000 sq ft of offices and industrial space. Various government organisations and blue chip private companies are located on the estate.

By Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin, Newport

It is said that January is the ‘divorce month’.

The reasoning goes that, having seen more than enough of each other over the Christmas and New Year break, couples decide to split up in January.

At Kymin, we are frequently consulted by solicitors to sort out the pensions in divorce cases.

While some pensions are relatively straightforward, others (for example, public sector schemes) are complex. One of Kymin’s directors, Chris Taylor, specialises in pensions and divorce cases.

Currently, only nine per cent claim they want a fair share of pensions, despite the average married couple’s retirement pot totalling £132,000. That’s more than five times the average salary (£26,000). In fact, more married people would be concerned about losing a pet during a settlement than sharing a pension.

It is important that everyone – whether single, married or divorced – takes steps to understand their finances and prepare for their independent future should a relationship break down.

Pension sharing was introduced 20 years ago, but it is clear that all too often in divorce, pensions are still not being taken into account properly, if at all.

When you consult Kymin about a pension settlement you will find us both friendly and helpful. It often happens that a close friend or relative will accompany you. We are more than happy for this to happen, as it can relieve the strain that some people feel when discussing what can be a stressful subject. We do our best to make things as simple and stress-free as possible.

Your first meeting with us is always free of charge and without any obligation on your part.

www.kymin.co.uk.

The Business meets owners of Newport-based Niche Hospitality, Lewis Lewis and Seng Koh, who spotted the potential to invest in Newport long before the Friars Walk effect…

Lewis Lewis, who has extensive experience in the hospitality industry at home and abroad, is a native of Newport and is passionate about the city and its potential.
Lewis said: “Both Seng and myself love Newport and at the time, long before Friars Walk had any impact on the city, we saw a gap in the market for dining and drinking concepts which we felt would bring additional footfall to the city centre rather than those customers having to travel further afield to get their needs catered for.
“You could almost say we saw a ‘niche’ in the market and with that Niche Hospitality was born.
“We started looking for sites to re-develop. We were keen to create unique signature dining and drinking venues. As a company we believe in reinvesting in existing sites and trying to work within premises which lie empty.
The Business: What kind of a welcome have you had?
LL&SK: Newport has been amazing to us. Not only have we built a loyal following but we have made friends and discovered suppliers along the way. We want to re-invest in our community and use local suppliers where possible.

TB: You have four businesses – Mojo the FoodBar, The Riverside Sports Bar and Grill, Pro-Vision Hospitality and Sixteen – have you plans to open more?
LL&SK: Over the next year we plan to focus on our existing businesses to ensure they continue to succeed and develop. We are passionate about our people. We currently employ 32 people across our four businesses. We employ the best and aim for the highest quality, ensuring we continue to attract new customers and retain our loyal customers. We are, of course, open to new opportunities and if other exciting developments present themselves we will certainly not close any doors. We are also looking by the end of 2019 to have our very first restaurant and cocktail bar in Cardiff.
TB: Why did you choose to base your businesses in Newport city centre?
LL&SK: With Newport being a multi-cultural city with its own unique atmosphere, where traditional industries sit alongside new electronics and financial service sectors, we felt it would be a city which would embrace change. We felt it would welcome us and support anyone who wanted to add value by creating employment and new opportunities while bringing people to the city and supporting increased tourism.

TB: How have you found the process of opening businesses here?
LL&SK: Newport has been, I guess, like anywhere else really – fairly easy to start-up a new business in. Sometimes you are presented with challenges and could do with more support, but now two years in we have a fairly good relationship with everyone we do business with.

TB: How much have you invested in your businesses?
LL&SK: Easily well over £600,000 through equipment purchase, redevelopment, fixtures and fittings in all our premises.
TB: What has recruitment been like?
LL&SK: Recruitment is everyone’s worst nightmare. Sometimes it can be easy and there can be an abundance of the ‘right people’ around. Other times it can prove more challenging. Seasonality, for example, means lots of companies take on casual team members to help service their business. We have generally found great team members with the right skills from the local area and those studying in the university or colleges.
TB: So, how has it been doing businesses in Newport?
LL&SK: Newport, like anywhere, has challenges. We need to be a chameleon as a business and adapt accordingly to face those challenges – common financial struggles, changes in the local market and seasonality – to make sure we remain engaged. We try to focus on being involved in the local community by supporting charities, running free events, creating festivals, sharing through work experience and, ultimately, listening. Listening is one of the biggest things any business can do. We all think we know what we are doing and how it should be done. However, without feedback and listening to customers’ real needs and wants we cannot be the best. That has certainly helped us.

TB: What do you think about Newport in general?
LL&SK: The best thing about Newport is Newport. We underrate the great city we have. It is steeped in history. It’s a great location with amazing transport links. Being sandwiched between Cardiff and Bristol, we can benefit from a wide customer base and also benefit from increased supplier opportunities. Newport offers some great opportunities as it tries very hard to make a comeback. The city is open for business and embraces all weird and wonderful opportunities. The downside, sometimes, is the lack of support from larger companies which could encourage staff to shop local and use smaller restaurants, bars and shops.

Newport Council needs to step up. Don’t just put on Newport Food Festival once a year but provide regular street markets encouraging local independents to have the opportunity to trade and have a shop window, for example. It needs to re-focus on the city centre and our market area to increase footfall and to stop making everything about Friars Walk. While Friars Walk is an amazing attraction and makes Newport more of a destination, it still ultimately detracts people from walking up the high street. While I support both, we need to see greater planning of city centre events, promotions, concerts, free shows and live events.

TB: Have you noticed a change in the business climate of the city?
LL&SK: It has definitely improved and is on the up. More people are spending locally again and there is greater footfall in general. However, we can all do more to encourage this and support the local independent economy.

TB: What do you think needs to be done to encourage more businesses to start up in Newport
LL&SK: It would be great to see some regular workshops with local start-up businesses hosting each event sharing best practices, hardships and providing inspiration for others.
We are all quick to feel threatened by other similar businesses but if we all spoke more, we would realise how different we all are and how we could actually all work together in some way which would only boost the local economy.
I think the council should also spread the word in greater way of what funding, business start-up support and assistance is available as often there are things you don’t know about which could help especially in the early days.

Reviewer: Ollie Barnes, DBPR, Gold Tops, Newport

Where is it?
Belle Vue Park, Newport. parcpantry.co.uk/

Sit down or takeaway? 
Both – we usually sit down.

Easy to get a seat? 
Never had to stand but did once have to sit in the draughty lobby. During the summer you can sit outside and over look the park.

What did you eat?
Me: Deli classic chicken and chorizo wrap, £5.60, and chocolate milkshake.
Boss: Brie and cranberry bagette, £4.60, and a pot of tea.
Why is it good? The quality of food is great and the portion sizes are perfect for lunch. It is my cafe of choice for lunch and I try to go there regularly.

Newport-based property auction house Paul Fosh Auctions has opened a new chapter of its business with the official opening of new offices in the heart of the city.

Paul Fosh Auctions has relocated from Church Road to a Grade II listed building in Lower Dock Street, in the historic and up-and-coming former docks area in the city of Newport.

Paul Fosh, owner of Paul Fosh Auctions, threw open the doors to the new office last week to showcase the completely renovated ground floor of the premises.

The move by Wales’ largest and most successful property auction business to the former Italian restaurant building, over three floors with connecting sweeping staircase, has been prompted by expansion and the need for more space.

Paul Fosh, owner and auctioneer of the business, recently opened new auction bases in Bristol to serve the west of England city and the south west and another in North Wales.

Paul, who first established Paul Fosh Auctions at offices in the Gold Tops area of the city, says there is plenty of room to expand at the former Bella Mammas, Gambarini’s restaurant

“We have so much more space compared to our former premises. It’s ideal for staff but also for clients visiting the office

“Our new, prestigious, Grade II listed premises offers a huge amount of space over three floors and a basement in which to expand. There is also parking.

“We will be able to house all our records, keep dead files currently stored elsewhere, on site, our existing and new staff and also to develop and grow new areas of the business, such as property management and property related gatherings.

“I believe that the Lower Dock Street area, a once very important part of the busy town linked to the Port of Newport but more recently a rather neglected part of the city of Newport, is up and coming.

“The new building we’ve acquired gives Paul Fosh Auctions a prominent new presence and stature reflecting our stature as a growing business which is proud of its roots in the city of Newport.”

There is even a watchtower on top of the building which, when the building was originally used as an immigration centre linked to the Port of Newport in the last century, would have been used as a look out for ships and boats entering the harbour.

Paul Fosh Auctions stages eight auction sales a year from its sales room at The Park Inn Hotel, Llanedyrn, Cardiff. It now also stages a similar amount of auctions each year in North Wales and in Bristol. The recently launched Paul Fosh Auction online offering will also be boosted by the expansion.

The next Paul Fosh Auction will be staged at The Park Inn Hotel, Llanedryn, Cardiff, on Thursday, February 8, starting at 5pm; the Bristol auction is at the same time on Tuesday, February 13 and in North Wales on Thursday, February 15.

FAST-expanding Gwent specialist insurance broker Quote Detective is on the trail of new recruits after revealing plans to boost its workforce by half by the end of the year.

Quote Detective, which currently employs 38 people at its head office at Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool, is looking to boost that number to nearer 65 by the end of this year.

Quote Detective chief executive David Harlow said: “Quote Detective is a phone based insurance business. We have plans to boost our workforce up to 50 by Easter 2018 and to 70 by this time next year.