Swansea Bay Business Club smashes £40k charity target for Faith in Families

Epic fundraising challenges

Over the past two years, members of Swansea Bay Business Club have walked the Welsh Three Peaks twice, run the Swansea Half Marathon, cycled 400 miles from Fishguard to London, trekked from Swansea Pier to Port Talbot Pier, and joined the CarTen ride from Cardiff to Tenby. Add in an art auction and a string of fundraising lunches, and the total soared past £50,000.

Generous match funding from Howden, Lloyds Bank and Lloyd & Whyte doubled the impact of key events, turning every pound raised into vital support for families across Swansea Bay.

“Families who felt unseen have found confidence”

Faith in Families CEO Cherrie Bija said the partnership has been life‑changing:

“This partnership has shown exactly what can happen when a business community chooses to stand with children who need support the most. Families who felt overwhelmed have found stability. Children who felt unseen have found confidence and connection.”

She added:

“The need in Swansea Bay is rising, and partnerships like this are vital. We cannot thank Swansea Bay Business Club enough for their commitment.”

Business leaders step up

Behind the fundraising drive was Club President Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors.

“Choosing Faith in Families was one of the easiest decisions I ever made,” she said. “The stories I heard and the impact I saw reinforced to me why community matters.

“Our members rose to every challenge with generosity and spirit. This partnership has shown that when we support local families, we strengthen the whole region.”

Where the money goes

The £54,640 raised will fund Faith in Families’ Community Cwtches and Multibank, providing hot meals, parent and toddler groups, therapies, and essentials like warm clothes, school uniforms and bedding. It will also support the Brighter Futures Project, offering one‑to‑one interventions for children coping with trauma and strong emotions.

Call for more businesses to join in

Faith in Families is now urging other companies to carry the momentum forward into 2026 and beyond, through employee fundraising, volunteering, sponsorships and CSR partnerships.

“When businesses back their community, they transform it,” said Cherrie Bija.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
Faith in Families launches a bigger warehouse hub in Swansea Vale to support thousands more families.

Local Multibank helping 120,000 people a year gets £30k boost
Essential items like clothes, bedding and furniture reach families in need thanks to new funding.

Virgin Media O2 donates smartphones and free data to Swansea’s Multibank
Hundreds of devices handed over to help families stay connected during tough times.

Former Prime Minister launches charity scheme in Swansea
Gordon Brown backs Faith in Families’ Multibank, donating surplus Amazon goods to families in poverty.

#AmySeppman #Business #businessSupport #CarTen #Charity #CherrieBija #CommunityCwtch #FaithInFamilies #HelpToGrow #Howden #JCPSolicitors #LloydWhyte #LloydsBank #Multibank #networking #smallBusiness #SouthWestWales #Swansea #SwanseaBayBusinessClub

“I wouldn’t be in this position without her.” – Neath student takes first step towards legal career with careers adviser support 

Through her school’s careers adviser, Rebecca Mogford, Beth discovered new options she hadn’t considered before. 

Beth explained: “I told Rebecca that my interest was in law and I didn’t really want to go to university, but I was really open to college. So initially I thought I’d be doing maybe A levels and law would be one of the options.”  

Rebecca helped Beth to research options and found that JCP Solicitors offered apprenticeships through CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives). She also encouraged Beth to attend an open evening to learn more. 

Beth said: “I found the open evening really helpful because I was able to see what kind of environment I would be working in if I was successful. They even showed me step by step how my career route would look.” 

After the open evening at JCP Solicitors, Beth felt confident she wanted to apply for the apprenticeship. Rebecca suggested ways to enhance Beth’s CV, such as practising touch typing, completing online courses, and learning the phonetic alphabet. 

Beth explained: “Rebecca really did enhance my CV, which I then applied with, and they offered me an interview. I had an in-person interview and then within a week they gave me a start date. It all started from that meeting with Rebecca.” 

Now, Beth works as an apprentice at JCP Solicitors. She spends four days a week in the business support team and one day a week at Gower College studying for her CILEX qualification. After that she hopes to progress to Level 5, with the long-term goal of becoming a solicitor. 

Beth said: “I don’t think there’s much awareness about all the apprenticeships that are out there. I never knew I’d be able to do an apprenticeship in law. You’re earning while you’re learning and getting practical experience.” 

Her sessions with Rebecca gave her the confidence to pursue her goal. 

“I wouldn’t be in this position without her. She definitely built my confidence towards applying for this role.” 

Beth’s story is just one example of how Careers Wales empowers young people to take confident steps toward their futures. In schools, careers advisers like Rebecca held over 80,000 guidance sessions with young people, supporting pupils like Beth to explore their career options. 

Across Wales, young people were equipped with the tools and experiences they need for life beyond the classroom. More than 38,600 learners took part in group career-planning sessions and Careers Wales coordinated 1,704 employer-led activities—ranging from mock interviews to site visits—with secondary schools.  

Last year alone, over 420,000 individuals used the Careers Wales website, with over 46,000 using the Career Match Quiz to discover jobs aligned with their skills and interests. 

[Lead image: Careers Wales]

#CareersWales #CILEX #GowerCollegeSwansea #JCPSolicitors

JCP Solicitors to merge with Port Talbot law firm Howe & Spender this August

Port Talbot-based law firm Howe & Spender will merge with JCP Solicitors on 11 August 2025, marking a new chapter for both firms and for legal services in the region.

The merger will see Howe & Spender’s team continue operating from their Station Road offices, with expanded access to JCP’s wider legal expertise across South Wales. The move is part of JCP’s ongoing growth strategy, which has seen the firm establish offices in Swansea, Carmarthen, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, and Haverfordwest.

“Joining forces with JCP Solicitors is a fantastic strategic development for both businesses,” said Ian Spender, Managing Partner at Howe & Spender. “We’ve provided legal services to Port Talbot and the surrounding areas for over 130 years, and we’re proud to continue that legacy under the JCP brand.”

A firm rooted in Port Talbot

Howe & Spender was formed in 1995 through a merger between John Spender & Co and Howe Walsh and Ambrose, the latter originally founded by Edward Evans, great-uncle of former Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Howe. John Spender & Co was founded by Ian Spender’s father in 1975.

“We’ve always been proud of our history in the area,” said Spender. “We’ve supported families across generations, and we’re delighted to bring those clients with us into this new chapter.”

Spender, who joined the firm in 1991 after working summer holidays there as a student, will become a Director in JCP’s Lifetime Planning team, continuing his work in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts. The Port Talbot office will also retain its Residential and Commercial Property services.

Supporting regeneration and careers

JCP Solicitors says the merger will bring £11 million in business to Port Talbot and support the town’s regeneration by offering legal services to both private clients and SMEs. The firm also plans to create new roles for apprentices, trainees, and qualified solicitors, helping retain legal talent in the region.

“There are so many opportunities in Port Talbot despite the steelwork closures,” said Spender. “We want to be part of the town’s continued regeneration and business success.”

Spender also hopes the merger will show aspiring legal professionals that they don’t need to leave their hometown to build a successful career.

“The opportunities available with JCP mean graduates and apprentices can find roles and training locally. I’ll be proud to be a Director at JCP Solicitors and know we’re in for a bright future.”

Clients can continue to contact the Port Talbot team on 01639 881571 before and after the merger.

For more information, visit jcpsolicitors.co.uk

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New appointments strengthen JCP Solicitors’ serious injury teams
Published April 2025: JCP bolsters its specialist teams with new hires, reinforcing its commitment to complex injury cases across South Wales.

JCP Solicitors to sponsor Ospreys youth wheelchair rugby team
Published March 2025: The firm backs inclusive sport in the region, supporting young athletes through its new partnership with the Ospreys.

Swansea Bay business leader to cycle over 400 miles this Easter in huge charity challenge
Published March 2025: Local solicitor takes on endurance ride to raise funds for children’s charities, highlighting community spirit in the legal sector.

JCP Solicitors appoints new head of industry-leading rural practice team
Published February 2025: Leadership change strengthens JCP’s rural law offering, with a renewed focus on agriculture and land-based businesses.

#Business #GeoffreyHowe #HoweSpenderSolicitors #JCPSolicitors #law #merger #PortTalbot #solicitors

Swansea Bay business leader to cycle over 400 miles this Easter in huge charity challenge

Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off this Thursday (April 17) on a six-day, 414-mile bikepacking adventure with her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.

The duo will be taking on the challenge completely unsupported, carrying everything they need on their bikes as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 – a route that will take them through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.

The ride is part of Amy’s mission to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region, during her tenure as President of Swansea Bay Business Club. She’s already close to hitting her ambitious target, with more than £38,500 raised so far – and she hopes this gruelling ride will take her over the line, with still the rest of this year to raise even more.

Commenting on the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity that’s doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds for them through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet!

“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – and doing it all with our backpacks strapped to us. It’s going to be hard, but it’s nothing compared to the challenges so many families in our area face every single day.

“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or just share our story – it all helps.”

Joining Amy is Hollie Labunsky, an Economics, Criminology and Business teacher at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares her passion for the cause – and a love of two wheels.

Together, they’ll tackle the following daily route:

• Day 1 – Fishguard to St Clears (66 miles)
• Day 2 – St Clears to Llanelli (53 miles)
• Day 3 – Llanelli to Caerphilly (63 miles)
• Day 4 – Caerphilly to Bath (75 miles)
• Day 5 – Bath to Windsor (107 miles)
• Day 6 – Windsor to Greenwich (50 miles), ending with a ride through Central London

Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the pair as “absolute superheroes”:

“Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”

Faith in Families provides support for families facing poverty, trauma, and crisis. Through services like Community Cwtches, 1-to-1 therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity ensures that families from the Swansea Bay area have access to essentials like clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms, and warm bedding when they need them most.

To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter challenge you can donate here: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don

#Charity #cycling #FaithInFamilies #JCPSolicitors #Swansea #SwanseaBayBusinessClub

New Appointments Strengthen JCP Solicitors’ Serious Injury Teams

The new hires strengthen the firm’s offering with Carlos Land taking on a Director role in the Catastrophic Injury team and Jessica Thomas joining the Court of Protection team. Both will support those who have suffered as a result of birth or brain injury.

Carlos joins the Catastrophic Injury team from Hugh James Solicitors, where he was solely responsible for the management of a caseload of clients who have experienced life changing injuries, as well as supporting families in Fatal Accident Act claims.

Carlos takes a holistic approach to serious injury, working closely with a range of experts to ensure that the appropriate support and rehabilitation services are made available as soon as possible.

Jessica brings expertise in deputyship and trust matters, supporting those who have suffered from a birth or brain injury and are unable to manage their own financial affairs. This includes where the Court of Protection has appointed a Deputy to make decisions for someone who has lost capacity. Jessica will work in synergy with the Catastrophic Injury team with the aim of achieving a supportive, lifelong relationship with clients.

These appointments follow JCP Solicitors’ recent recognition for excellence in Injury Services, being named in industry Bible the Legal 500 as a top tier firm in Wales.

Keith Thomas, Director and Head of Injury Services at JCP Solicitors, said:

“Our serious injury teams take pride in supporting clients to get the best outcome for their individual circumstances, pursuing justice for those with maximum severity claims arising from birth and acquired brain injury, and by providing a dedicated service to manage the property and finances for those who find themselves under the protection of the Court.

“Our teams continue to gain national recognition for their tireless work to support our clients to the live the most fulfilled lives they can, and we are delighted to bring Jessica and Carlos into the fold.

“Both bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields, strengthening our team to allow us to continue providing first-class legal services in the field of serious injury.”

Find out more about JCP Solicitors here.

#JCPSolicitors

JCP Solicitors to sponsor Ospreys Youth Wheelchair Rugby Team

The sponsorship for the 2025 season will support the wheelchair squad’s continued development, helping to cover costs for equipment and storage. 

JCP Solicitors branding will be displayed on the Ospreys website, noting the firm as the main sponsor with the kits featuring JCP branding, as well as banners displayed at training sessions and linked events.

What’s more, the JCP team is looking forward to attending training sessions to cheer on the team and support them at local community events. 

Tom Sloane, Head of Community at Ospreys Rugby, said:

“It is really pleasing to see the junior team return to action, there’s been some tremendous energy put into the relaunch from local passionate volunteers, this will give young people across the region a fantastic opportunity.  

“As previous British champions it was a real shame to see the team disband through covid, we have worked hard to showcase the game within schools, giving over 900 young people a chance to experience the sport last year alone.”

Thomas Rees, Director in the Injury Services team at JCP Solicitors, added:

“It’s fantastic to play a part in the continued development of this team. The Ospreys Youth Wheelchair Rugby Team offers brilliant opportunities for players of all abilities, welcoming wheelchair users who have played before, alongside those who are brand new to the sport. We look forward to supporting the team for the upcoming season.”

Kirsty Meech, Director in the Catastrophic Injury team said:

“As a proud South Wales business, we are delighted to be the headline sponsors for our local Youth Wheelchair Rugby Team.

“In our Injury Services team at JCP, we regularly support clients who have become wheelchair users due to accident or injury. So, it feels only right that we continue to further strengthen our close links to the community through this sponsorship, which demonstrates JCP’s commitment to supporting those who have suffered spinal cord injuries to live life to the fullest.”

The Ospreys Youth Wheelchair Rugby Team trains at Pencoed Comprehensive. The team is currently recruiting new players ages 8-17, those interested should get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

#JCPSolicitors #Ospreys #WheelchairRugby