Join us for our annual forum for insolvency and debt advisory professionals in London on Monday, 17 July 2017.

Once complete in 2019, ICC Wales will provide total floor space for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events of 26,000sqm – the equivalent size to nearly 4 international rugby pitches.

An £83.7m joint venture between Celtic Manor and Welsh Government, ICC Wales will accommodate 5,000 delegates and includes a 4,000sqm pillar-free main hall, a 1,500 seated auditorium, 12 flexible meeting rooms, a double-height glass atrium and a 2,500sqm outdoor plaza.  

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“The International Convention Centre Wales is vital to fulfilling our ambition of making Wales a leading international destination for business. In order to compete in a highly competitive international market, Wales needs a convention centre of this quality and size. A world-class venue such as this will allow us to capitalise on Wales’ growing reputation as a destination for major events. The Celtic Manor has already demonstrated its ability to host global events and I’m confident our partnership with them on this project will deliver significant economic benefits for Wales.”

Sir Terry Matthews, Chairman of the Celtic Manor Resort, said:

“ICC Wales will be a game changer for the country on the international business events scene. For far too long, Wales has not had the share of this lucrative market that the country deserves. This is going to change. I’m positive that we have begun a new era in staging major events in Wales and our new state-of-the-art convention centre will continue that momentum for decades to come. It’s an incredibly proud moment for me to see this amazing project start to come to life and I pay tribute to the leadership of our partners in both public and private sectors who have helped to make this dream a reality.”

Following the WLGA’s Annual General Meeting in Cardiff earlier today, Mark Drakeford said:

“I’d like to send my warmest congratulations to Cllr Wilcox. I am sure she will lead the WLGA with the utmost professionalism and expertise in the years ahead.

“This is a very significant moment for the WLGA which today sees the election of its first female leader since the body was created in 1996.

“While it is clear we still have some way to go before our councils are fully reflective of the people they serve, it is encouraging to see women leading Anglesey, Ceredigion and Powys councils as well as Newport.

“We also now have a new generation of councillors in Wales – all of whom will bring new ideas, different ways of doing things and a fresh perspective.

“I hope to continue the constructive working relationship I’ve had with the WLGA since I took up this post last year. 

“I have been encouraged by a willingness to engage on areas such as local government reform and have been pleased with the positive progress we’ve made.

“It is vital that we continue to make progress on reforming local government and I look forward to working with Cllr Wilcox and the leadership of the WLGA on the serious and credible set of proposals that the Welsh Government has put forwards.”

We are aware of the allegations of malpractice or wrongdoing in relation to Edexcel’s C4 maths paper taken today. We are working with Pearson to establish the facts and any action that may need to be taken to ensure that the examinations are fair and that standards are maintained. If anyone has information relevant to these allegations we would urge them to contact Pearson or us in confidence.

pqsmalpractice@pearson.com

public.enquiries@ofqual.gov.uk

23 Jun 2017

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has been appointed Honorary Colonel of her former Army Regiment – and today uses her new post to promote Armed Forces Day.

The MSP, formerly a member of 32 Signal Regiment, has been invited to take over the position of Honorary Colonel for the next five years.

The Regiment commands Squadrons based in Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Glasgow, Belfast and Darlington. Ruth previously served with HQ Squadron in Glasgow.

The post of Honorary Colonel is more usually filled by a retired senior military officer or member of the Royal family, but can be undertaken by public figures – with historian Dan Snow and musician Jools Holland having been appointed to other regiments in the past.

As Honorary Colonel for the next five years, Ruth will be asked to act as a figurehead for the Regiment, and to act as a counsellor and supporter for its commanding officer and leadership teams.

Ruth was asked to take on the role the regiment due to her work in the Territorial Army before she became an MSP and her consistent support for the reserve forces during her period in parliament.

She has often credited her military training, in particular the leadership instruction she received during her officer training, as standing her in great stead for leadership roles in civilian life.

Ruth was pictured today with serving soldiers in the regiment at Edinburgh Castle, on the eve of Armed Forces Day, when the country comes together to recognise service personnel, regular and reserve, from all three services.

On the day itself, parades, picnics and receptions are held in honour of the Armed Forces, hosted by individuals, employers and local authorities.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:

“Reservists make up over a quarter of the British Army and the UK’s defences rely upon them.

“As well as the specialist skills required for the type of regiment you join, the training you receive as a reservist develops leadership, decision making, teamwork, confidence and moral courage.

“I loved my time in uniform and am so grateful for everything it taught me.

“I am delighted to have been asked back to my former regiment to act as its Honorary Colonel for the next five years.

“I will work hard to support and encourage the officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of 32 Signal Regiment during their training and service, as well as seek to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the Army Reserve as a whole.

“This Armed Forces Day, people across the country will come together to recognise the debt we owe to those who serve to keep us safe.

“We have the most professional fighting force in the world and – regular or reserve – it’s only right we say thank you for all they do.”

32 Signal Regiment is a specialist Army Reserve Regiment that provides vital communications support and information management to the Armed Forces, Emergency Services, and Local Government Agencies in times of crisis such as:

• Terrorist Attacks
• Natural Disasters
• Flooding
• Enhanced Security for Political Summits

Regimental Headquarters is based in Glasgow with Signal Squadrons in Edinburgh, Dundee, Northern Ireland, Darlington and Glasgow. The job roles within the Regiment include Communications Systems Operators, Drivers, Chefs, Clerks, and Medics.

In recent years, the Regimental remit has expanded to include Op Herrick (Afghanistan), Op Telic (Iraq) as well as supporting UN Operations in Germany and Cyprus.