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Llanelli firm Melin Consultants has embraced the Groundwork project which aims to help youngsters find work.
Melin has recruited 17-year-old Callum McDonald to the team based at The Beacon in Dafen, Llanelli.
Groundwork is an innovative project and we are an innovative firm at Melin, said Melin director Jamie Best.
Groundwork is a project working on a number of levels, helping people and organisations make changes in order to create better neighbourhoods, to build skills and job prospects, and to live and work in a greener way.
Part of the Groundwork project enables firms to recruits youngsters to give them hands-on experience in the workplace.
Its an exciting project and one which can be very rewarding for the firms taking part.
It is particularly rewarding to see youngsters respond to the challenges of the workplace, gain experience and, hopefully, create meaningful routes into sustainable careers.
Carwyn Jones, AM, First Minister of Wales, said the Groundwork project had been at the centre of change in Wales, enabling regeneration of people as much as places.
He added: This continues to resonate directly with the approach to regeneration taken by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Mr Best said he was delighted with his first Groundwork recruit, Callum McDonald, from Llannon.
It is great for us to play some small part in helping local youngsters take those first tentative steps in the world of work, he added.
Callum, who went to Maes yr Yrfa school near Cefneithin said he was thoroughly enjoying his spell at Melin under the Groundwork project.
Its great experience and Im thoroughly enjoying the work, he added.
Weblink:
http://www.wales.groundwork.org.uk
http://www.melinconsultants.co.uk
Twitter: @melinconsult
Facebook: Melin Consultants Ltd
LinkedIn: Melin Consultants
Photo above:
Jamie Best, director of Melin Consultants, with Groundwork trainee Callum McDonald.

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Visitors to the South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 will get the chance to take part in a free prize draw.
The show is one of the biggest events of the year at Carmarthens United Counties Showground, running for three days from May 11 to 13.
Up for grabs will be

  • A portable 'Outback Omega 200 Charcoal BBQ' (worth 170) donated by Leekes and DiscoverCarmarthenshire.com
  • 50 voucher from Ennis Caravans
  • 25 M&S voucher from Daffodil Events

The first prize of a portable BBQ is part of the campaign to promote Carmarthenshire BBQ Week, which is running from June 29.
Carmarthenshires first ever BBQ week will be running throughout Junes Whitsun Half Term holiday, taking in the two Bank Holiday days for the Queens Jubilee
There will be a launch event in Carmarthen on June 2, with demonstrations by celebrity chefs, childrens entertainment and workshops, local produce stalls, local live music and lots more. There will be another event at Pendine on June 4.
For information visit carmarthenshirebbqweek.co.uk
Carmarthenshire BBQ week should be a very exciting event, said caravan and motorhome organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon, of Daffodil Events.
Fortunately, visitors to our show will be able to see all the latest ranges of BBQ equipment and accessories. It will definitely give you plenty of ideas for that summer BBQ.
Lois added: In terms of scale, the caravan and motorhome show is the biggest annual event at the Carmarthen showground and one which has appeal for all the family.
Visitors will get to see the latest in the caravan and motorhome industry, but there will plenty of other attractions, including a display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club.
A major first this year will be the appearance of The Fly Heli Wales team, who will be offering breath-taking helicopter rides from the showground.
This year, in addition to our regular trade stands, there will be stands selling static holiday caravans, trailer tents and specialist camping tents.
The best way to enjoy the event will be to book yourself in and stay on site, but there will be plenty on the showfield to also interest day visitors.
There will be local caravan and motorhome firms at the show, along with some from further afield - Swansea, Bridgend and even Devon!
There will be a great choice of makes, models and budgets in caravans and motorhomes. There will be models to suit everybodys pocket.
The event aims to link with Carmarthen town centre and those attending are being encouraged to use the park and ride service from Nantyci into the town centre to take advantage of the shops and attractions.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 runs between 10am and 5pm on May 11-13. Admission is 5 (concessions 4) with free parking. Four-night camping is also available priced at 30. For details contact Daffodil Events on 01570 470783.
Weblinks:
http://daffodilevents.co.uk/
http://daffodilevents.co.uk/caravan-motorhome-show/
Twitter: @daffodilevents
Facebook: Digwyddiadau Daffodil Events

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Almost half of the public (47%) get most of their legal knowledge from TV programmes, films, magazines, newspapers, and online.
Thats the result of an online YouGov survey commissioned by QualitySolicitors Redkite, the biggest legal firm in South West Wales.
The survey found that people in Wales rely more on the internet for most of their legal knowledge than any other region in England and Wales, with 27% citing it as their main source of legal information.
A further 24% of people in Wales rely on TV programmes, films, magazines, and newspapers for most of their legal knowledge.
Books ranked last as a source with just 2% - the lowest across all regions in the UK.
The results follow the UKs first televised sentencing in a criminal court.
During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, David Gilroy was sentenced to 18 years in prison for murdering his former lover and colleague, Suzanne Pilley, 38.
The initial decision to televise proceedings prompted prominent QC, Brian McConnachie QC, vice-chair of the Faculty of Advocates Criminal Bar Association, to note that the public get most legal knowledge from TV drama.
QualitySolicitors commissioned research from YouGov to find out if this was true.

QualitySolicitors Redkite managing partner Luke Smith, pictured above, said: Only 9% of the British public said that most of their legal knowledge came from legal experts, which goes to show how far removed consumers are from the legal profession in the UK.
At the moment, 47% of British consumers are relying on TV programmes, films, magazines, newspapers, and the internet, for legal knowledge which, although entertaining, can result in confusion.
Whether televised court proceedings will change this or not, legal processes must change to help make legal information and advice accessible to all.
QualitySolicitors aims to revolutionise legal services, giving people local advice they can trust with the reassurance that comes from a single, national brand.
The chief executive of QualitySolicitors Craig Holt explained: We want to make going to your local solicitor as simple and straightforward as going to the supermarket, and tackle peoples apprehensions about seeking legal advice, which can seem a daunting and stuffy process.
QualitySolicitors mission is to provide consumer-friendly legal services through expert, leading local law firms - not unqualified staff in remote call centres.
The legal team at Redkite beat off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand QualitySolicitors in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
We remain your local solicitors for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, said Mr Smith.
Our very strong identity, with staff who care passionately about the community and the people of West Wales, stays very firmly in place.
But the new branding will give us benefits throughout the region by being part of the biggest new brand in the legal market in the UK.

The history of Redkite
Redkite was established in 2011 through the merger of two long-established law firms in South West Wales Lowless & Lowless and Morris Roberts.
Lowless & Lowless was formed in 1898 and, since its centenary year, saw significant expansion which included the acquisition of a number of practices including Paul Settatree & Co, Walter Williams Solicitors and Rogers-Haggar.
Morris Roberts was formed on the 1st of April 1999 following the merger of two established Carmarthen firms, Morris Lloyd and J C Williams and Roberts.
The team at QualitySolicitors Redkite can be contacted on 01267 239000 and 01437 763332 or through the website at www.qualitysolicitors.com/redkite
The firm has 15 partners and a total headcount of 120, with seven offices spread across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The survey:
This press release is based on research conducted by You Gov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2125 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th - 23rd April 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

About QualitySolicitors:
Launched in 2010, QualitySolicitors is a group of law firms across the country working as part of the QualitySolicitors brand. Only one firm per local area is selected to become a QualitySolicitors partner. Customer feedback forms an integral part of the selection process.
QualitySolicitors national network of lawyers consists of 350 branches across England and Wales, including 150 Legal Access Points in WHSmith stores. QualitySolicitors is on course for its target of expanding to 1000 locations by the end of 2012.
QualitySolicitors lawyers are experts in their fields dealing with both consumer and SME legal matters. QualitySolicitors offer a personal, local service but with the assurance of a recognised national brand.
QualitySolicitors CEO is Craig Holt and Saleem Arif is the COO.
Web address is www.qualitysolicitors.com
In 2011 QualitySolicitors secured equity investment from Palamon Capital Partners, a private equity house with a 700m fund
QualitySolicitors recently launched a multi-million pound, national campaign, designed to shake up the legal world and help make solicitors services more accessible to everyone. The 15 million campaign, which is the largest in the history of the legal profession, kicked off with a 90-second TV advert screened in a primetime slot during the live final of ITVs Dancing on Ice, on 25th March. 8,000 more adverts will hit TV screens over the coming months and a new website, featuring 300 video testimonials from clients explaining the services that QualitySolicitors offer on the high street, will also be launched in at the end of the month.
To see the a advert in full, go to - http://youtu.be/4knygiE7aAE
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The legal eagles at Redkite are planning two special networking events to celebrate beating off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand called QualitySolicitors in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Redkite has now been rebranded as QualitySolicitors Redkite, but its very much business as usual for customers old and new.
The company will be staging two celebration networking events in May
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel in Carmarthen will be the venue on May 15.
The Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock hosts the event on May 23.
Both events are 4 6pm and invitations are being sent out to customers old and new.
We wanted to do something special to mark our new branding as QualitySolicitors Redkite, said Managing Partner Luke Smith.
It will be drinks and canaps and plenty of opportunity for networking. Further details of the events will be released later.
Anyone interested in attending can contact Bethan Hooper at QualitySolicitors Redkite, telephone 01646 683 222.
Mr Smith said the company had rebranded but remains your local solicitors for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Our very strong identity, with staff who care passionately about the community and the people of West Wales, stays very firmly in place.
The new branding will give us benefits throughout the region by being part of the biggest new brand in the legal market in the UK.
QualitySolicitors is expanding fast to becoming a household name, with strong media and television campaigns.
The game-changing group now has 350 branches across the UK and has ambitions to be present in every major UK town and city.
Mr Smith said the Redkite team was delighted to be chosen as the only law firm in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to join QualitySolicitors.

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Details of Carmarthen Bay Film Festival


By Robert Lloyd, 2012-05-02
The details for the Carmarthen Bay Film festival have just been released.
The festival launches tonight with a special screening of the classic Grand Slam at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli.
The festival proper starts next week.
Festival programme for Tuesday May 8th.

1400 Welcome to the festival
1415 Luminary/Audio visual short fantasy.
1430 The Future/short dry witted comedy.
1445 Luella and Me/comedy drama
1500 BREAK
1515 Flanagan's Wake/documentary. Q and A with Peter Bach
1645 BREAK
1715 Fit Boy Feature film over 18s ONLY
1900 END OF FIRST DAY
1930 Film makers reception
Festival programme for Wednesday May 9th.
1100 Foreign film showcase
1300 LUNCH BREAK
1400 The Dinorwic Slate Quarry/documentary
1445 Wonder/documentary
1500 Reality/Dramatised documentary
1515 A Season in the Rain/Experimental drama
1615 BREAK
1630 Bonfire/drama
1700 Life Camera Action feature film
1830 END OF SECOND DAY
Festival programme for Thursday May 10th.
1300 Life and Death/psychological thriller
1315 One about the sheep/comedy
1320 The Security Guard/thriller/drama
1335 The Audition/psychological thriller
1350 Tobys Odyssey/drama
1430 Glow/ghost story
1445 BREAK
1515 To the Last Drop/action suspense
1520 Skin Deep/drama
1530 Colour Red/drama
1600 Hawk/mythological drama Q and A with film makers
1645 Gin and Dry/comedy Q and A with film makers
1715 Girl Abducted/thriller
1745 Cluster/documentary
Festival programme for Friday May 11th.
1300 Ham and Piper /feature film
1430 Desperate Pursuit/thriller
1445 Llais yr Andes/Welsh/Spanish documentary .Q and A with film makers
1515 Spirit of the Coliseum/bilingual documentary
1600 Burrito PI/television comedy
1700 In Lust/drama
1730 Local Film makers showcase
1900 END OF LAST DAY
ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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The latest Clay Shaw Butler 'Looking after business' column from the pages of the Carmarthen Journal -
By Ann Thomas, senior consultant with Clay Shaw Butler, chartered accountants and business consultants of Carmarthen
Wednesday (today) is traditionally market day in Carmarthen the day when farmers and businesspeople arrive from all over Carmarthenshire to add an extra buzz to the town.
The conversations are usually dominated by the weather and about the state of the local economy, with many businesses still working their way out of the economic downturn.
If your business is feeling the pinch, its more important than ever to look at what you can do. Here are some ideas to get you started
1. Get paid sooner! Encourage your customers to pay more quickly, by giving small discounts or just by chasing them promptly. Send out invoices for completed work as soon as possible, and for long term projects ask for staged payments on account.
2. Promote best value products. If you have a range of products or services, look at giving more prominence to the best value items in your marketing.
3. Talk to your bank. Keep your bank informed, particularly if you are going to have a need to secure extra funding or even renew existing arrangements. If fees are being increased it may pay to shop around.
4. Take advantage of the crunch. If you are cash positive, turn the crunch to your advantage. Some businesses may be keener to make a sale, so those with cash may be able to negotiate some great bargains, particularly for early payment!
5. Staffing needs and working hours. Consider asking staff to change their working hours to part-time or flexi-time, with an appropriate drop in total pay. Or ask them to take their holidays now if business is slow. If a skilled member of staff is about to retire ask them to stay on part time, as this may be cheaper than recruiting.
6. Office rent. Ask your landlord if you can change the rent from quarterly in advance to monthly. Or with improvements in technology, perhaps now is the time to consider if you could run your business from home.
7. Dont forget the marketing. While cutting back on costs can be necessary, it may be tempting to cut the marketing budget. But, it may prove a false economy if sales suffer. While others cut back on their marketing, you may be able to use this to your advantage and keep on marketing to get a larger share of the present market.
8. Renegotiate with suppliers. Review the agreements you have with suppliers for continuing services, such as energy or cleaning. Can you renegotiate any of these contracts to get a better deal?
9. Reduce tax payments on account. Review the projected tax payments for your business. Payments on account for unincorporated businesses can be reduced and reclaimed if you are confident of the taxable profit figure. This is a good reason for getting the accounts completed quickly after the year end.
10. Carry back losses. If your business is likely to make a loss for the current year, quantify that loss as soon as possible and submit a claim to carry back to loss to get a refund from HMRC.
If you would like to meet up to discuss these and other ideas as to what your business should be doing in the credit crunch, please contact us.
For small businesses, it is also worth bearing in mind that we are full business partners for the Sage accounting software.
For further details on the software, whether it be for purchase, upgrade or training, you can give us a call at Clay Shaw Butler.
It is also worth bearing in mind that we have team members here who are specialists in Quick Books software and other accounting packages. They can help with training and hand-holding for inexperienced computer operators.
The team at Clay Shaw Butler can be contacted on 01267 228500 or through the website at www.clayshawbutler.com
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The latest 'Iechyd Da' beer column


By Robert Lloyd, 2012-05-02
The latest Iechyd Da beer column written by Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Llandeilo-based Evan-Evans brewery, for the Carmarthen Journal . . .
On your marks, ale drinkers of Wales!
Its official: Your taste buds are going to be challenged over the next few months.
Get ready for a range of new beers, new tastes and styles of beer not tasted in Wales for a very long time.
In total, there will be seven new ales for you to try - and a very special summer stout.
Each year, I review the brands we brew, look at the events of the coming year and see how we can then build a beer that will celebrate the great art of brewing and the event in question.
By the end of November, the job is done and I have my plan for the following year.
This year, we have launched our Archers Guest Ale brand and this summer will see us launch a new range of organic beers for the export market.
Its no easy task, but I believe we have come up with a range of beers that will challenge every ale drinker in Wales to get down to their local pub.
So what goes into this process of creating new brands?
The project is always long and involved, with the cross matching of beers to hops to malt to water.
Then, the trick is, to make sure that they are all distinctly different.
After hours on my iPad looking for new hop varieties (and then finding where I can get them in the UK), the job is finally done.
Then we cost them carefully and price them so that our loyal followers can enjoy the very best of Welsh Ales at a price they can afford.
So what have we come up with?
The answer is, something for everyone - a Jubilee ale, an Olympics ale and a clutch of new summer ales, as well as the tried and tested.
For example, theres Prince of Wales Ale, first brewed in 1910.
Then, to continue our celebration of 245 years of family brewing, Colonel Bills IPA, named after the famous WH Bill Buckley.
Finally, there will be a new summer stout, to be drunk colder than normal.
Each of these brands has its own place in our history and will be a memorable new beer to try.
In late June, we will be brewing our Olympics Ale called Victory.
Then, there will be four new beers for the summer - Archers Golden, Owzatt and Lazy days, followed by an exciting new Evan-Evans beer called Bombay Bitter.
So where do you find these new beers?
Well, I am pleased to report they will be found in a good real ale pub near you, and in our own pubs starting with a Jubilee Ale Fest in early June to celebrate the Art of Welsh Brewing.
So, beer drinkers of Wales, whatever the weather does, you have a summer ahead of trying some great Welsh Ales.
If you dont like the Royal connection, then fine, close your eyes and see the beer as a celebration of 245 years of a great West Wales tradition.
Then, of course, you can have a second to drink to the next 50 years of the same!
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In the news today . . .


By Robert Lloyd, 2012-05-02

Smashing picture story in the Carmarthen Journal today about the opening of the new woodland at Aberglasney House and Gardens.
Eye-catching advert in the Carmarthen Journal puts the spotlight on the renamed QualitySolicitors Redkite law firm @QSRedkite
Good to see the latest gardening column from Aberglasney's Joseph Atkin in the Carmarthen Journal today.
Nice plug for the Dyfed Order of Merit junior golf event at The Ashburnham Golf Club in the Carmarthen Journal today.
The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today.
The latest 'Looking After Business' column by Ann Thomas, of Clay Shaw Butler, accountants, is in the Carmarthen Journal today.
The latest 'Iechyd Da' beer column from Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley (Evan-Evans Brewery) is in the Carmarthen Journal today.
Check out the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star today for the new adverts offering great membership deals at The Ashburnham Golf Club.
Big picture story splash in Carmarthen Journal today about the Mayor's Fun Run races (Bank Holiday Monday, May 7). Come and join the fun!
Nice story in the Carmarthen Journal today about the forthcoming South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show in Carmarthen (May 11-13).
Smashing picture story in the Carmarthen Journal today showing the donation of 5,000 to the Sports Aid Wales fund from Carmarthen members.
Nice spotlight on the latest news and results from The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club in the Llanelli Star sports pages today.
Splendid story in the Llanelli Star today about next week's Carmarthen Bay Film Festival - the first festival of its kind in Llanelli.
Smashing story in the Llanelli Star today about Melin Consultants @melinconsult moving into The Beacon business hub in Llanelli.
Jenkins the Bakers in the spotlight in this week's Llanelli Star - stories on planned East Gate shop in Llanelli and the Pasty Tax protest.
Best bit of last night's Grand Slam showing at Parc y Scarlets: 'Dewi Pws' recalling working with Oscar winner Hugh Griffith.
Just 10 days to the start of the South & West Wales Caravan & Motorhome Show (May 11-13). Check out our website - http://daffodilevents.co.uk/caravan-motorhome-show/
Lovely story in the Western Mail today about Melin Consultants @melinconsult finding a new home in Llanelli's The Beacon business hub.
Smashing story in the Western Mail today about the Jenkins Bakery plan to take a retail unit in the new East Gate development in Llanelli.
Nice piece in the Western Mail today about Three Crosses Christmas tree grower Rob Morgan and the arrival of a reindeer calf on the farm.
Splendid evening last night for the screening of the classic Grand Slam film at the launch of the first Carmarthen Bay Flm Festival.

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Follow the whole nine yards here (a 95 part series) :- Half Marathon Blog

Why I am running:- West Coast Eisteddfod Bryn Seion Church

For details of how to sponsor see this post

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On the road with a dodgy wifi connection. Fundraising for the WCE. Best I can do for tonight is draw attention to a classic beer marathon ad from the 80's.Enjoy

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