business

Issue 151 July 9, 2013

update

Tips on finding funding

See page 7

Work starts on expansion at city chemical plant

Work officially got underway on an expansion at a Newport chemical plant which the company said represented a major investment and a significant vote of confidence in the existing skills and expertise at the site. The investment by the American firm Eastman Chemical Edwina Hart, Ron Lindsay (left), Company will enable executive vice president of Eastman it to increase by Chemical Company, and Jim Rogers (right), board chairman and CEO more than 50 percent its worldwide capacity Construction work on for the production of its the project is being Therminol heat transfer supported by a 4.1m grant fluids in response to from Welsh Government, increasing global demand, and Minister for the creating approximately 17 Economy, Science and new positions. Turn to page 2

Clarence House on the banks for the River Usk

EWPORTS iconic Clarence House already a beacon on the city skyline is set to become even more prominent after a 250,000 investment scheme. The 11-storey office block, which is in the hands of new owners after being bought at auction in London for just under 4m, will be illuminated blue at night. A floor of the skyscraper is also to be turned over for mixed office and residential accommodation. Large screen plasma TVs are being installed in common areas on each of the floors, the adjoining multi-storey car park space is to be improved. A gym and break out area for the use of occupiers has been opened the first floor. Vivek Chadha, of Watford-based S&J Group, which owns the office block speaking to Business Update at the official opening of the gym, said: Were spending 250,000 on the building part of which will be to light up the outside of the building to

Iconic office block set to become beacon of blue

By Jo Barnes
improve its the appearance and its position on the river front and make this iconic building into a real beacon in the city. We also plan to introduce a live and work, mixed office idea here, which is very popular in London where we have other properties based, probably utilising the top floor of the building. Mr Chadha said they wanted to encourage smaller business to take up the flexible space they were providing in the building. He said he recognised the significance of the arrival in the city of Admiral Insurance, at Queensway and their need for satellite offices nearby. Clarence House has huge potential. It has a location second to none on the river bank and access to the M4 which is far better that either Cardiff or Swansea. Officially opening the new gym and break out area Newport East MP Jessica Morden, who has her constituency office in the block, said: Ive never opened a gym before but I am delighted to be doing so here today the investment Vivak Chadha being made at Clarence House by the new owners will add to the general beautification of Clarence Place and the entire area. S&J Group is encouraging people to use their adjoining car park at Clarence House by offering all day parking, 7am7pm, for 2. The Bipolar Group, which has an office in the building, were handed 1,000 as a donation by S&J Group at the opening of the gym. For pictures from the opening event, turn to page 7