Author: Alice Gregory

Held in Cardiff, ACCA’s Future of Finance conference set out the accountancy profession’s opportunity to build a better world.   Technology, sustainability and talent were the three powerful themes that dominated the Finance Futures conference in Cardiff on 6 November. The conference, organised by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – and featured speakers from the University of South Wales, PureCyber, British Business Bank, Menzies, Welsh Government, PwC and Sage – was attended by accountants from all over the UK, representing all sectors of the economy, from SMEs to large corporates, as well as accountants in practice who support…

LEADING property sales and lettings business Paul Fosh Auctions is bidding for an even bigger slice of the property action with its latest appointment. The property business already dominates the sector and is consistently placed at number one in the all-Wales auction sales. Now, with seasoned property expert Ollie Griffiths at the helm as head of auctions, Newport headquartered Paul Fosh Auctions is looking to boost growth. Paul Fosh, owner and founder of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been able to appoint someone of Ollie’s calibre, knowledge and stature, to this key new position within…

The proof is in the pudding for a talented baker loving life in the kitchens of a leading college restaurant. Fresh from her Rising Star victory at this year’s BIA (Baking Industry Awards) ceremony, Naomi Spaven, from Mold, is turning heads as lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria’s Iâl Bakery in Wrexham. She and baker and pastry chef Ella Muddiman – a colleague nominated in the same category – have attracted new customers to the Hafod venue with a selection of delicious cakes, breads, biscuits and more. Reflecting on the accolade, a year after she won the Fruit…

Two world acclaimed harpists are to link up at a special benefit concert to raise money for children with profound learning disabilities in war-torn Ukraine. Veronika Lemishenko, who hails from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, will play a number of solo pieces in the concert at Bangor University’s Powis Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 21 when she will also perform some duets with concert organiser Elinor Bennett. “It will be an opportunity to hear a world-renowned harpist play in north Wales and is not to be missed,” said Elinor who studied with the late, great harpist Osian Ellis before going…

A Christmas Elf Trail and Santa’s Grotto visit will take children and parents on an adventure through Cardiff’s Morgan Quarter, for just £5 per child. The Morgan Quarter, made up of the Morgan and Royal Arcade, will soon become a hive of festive activity as their annual Christmas activities kick off. Santa’s Grotto will return to the shopping arcade, plus a brand-new interactive elf trail led by Jolly the Elf. Jolly will guide families on a mission through the historic arcade searching for some cheeky elves who have escaped Santa’s Grotto. Once the elves have been found, the trail will…

St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College in Cardiff has announced support for the #BetheChange campaign, aimed at educating the public and garnering greater understanding of the needs of people living with hidden illnesses such as a stoma. The College has adopted new accessible toilet signage, a broken circle, which is designed to encourage entry and be inclusive and supportive of all people living with hidden illnesses, be it Alzheimer’s, a stoma, anxiety or any other of the conditions experienced by people who need to use an accessible toilet but don’t have a visible illness. The accessible toilet signage has been…

Leading accountancy and business advisory firm Hazlewoods has opened a new Welsh office to meet growing demand for its services in the South Wales market. One of the largest independent accountants and business advisers in the South West, Hazlewoods has over 550 employees principally based in Cheltenham, along with a growing Bristol office. The firm specialises in accounting and advisory services for both corporate and private clients, and is particularly well-known for its specialist sectors across the UK. The firm’s new city centre office is based in Capital Tower and will be staffed by a mix of existing team members…

Homebuilder Anwyl has appointed two new directors to lead key departments. Oliver Johnston has been promoted to commercial director, while Gareth Haslam has stepped up to technical director. Both work for Anwyl Homes’ Cheshire and North Wales division, based at its Flintshire headquarters. The Ewloe-based company has also further developed its commercial and technical teams promoting several other colleagues as it works towards its ambitious growth targets over the next five years. Oliver joined the Anwyl ranks in 2023 as head of commercial for Cheshire and North Wales. After leaving school, he pursued a career in the Army, serving in…

Welsh-born writer Tanya Pengelly has won the 2024 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition for her story, ‘A Dictionary of Light’, which was written in memory of her father. The competition celebrates the best unpublished short stories in English by writers aged 18 or over who were born in Wales, have lived in Wales for two years or more, or are currently living in Wales. Stories may be in any style or on any subject up to a maximum of 5,000 words. Through a series of dictionary entries from A to Z, ‘A Dictionary of Light’ tells the story of a…

Cardiff is a buzz of excitement as the Scouts and Guides celebrate the 50th anniversary of their beloved Cardiff Gang Show. This year’s event promises to be a spectacular display of talent, featuring over 100 young people experiencing the excitement of performing on a professional stage. Cardiff Gang Show is a show that brings together Scouts and Guides from across the region to showcase their talents in singing, dancing and acting. The young performers have been diligently preparing for months, learning not only performance skills but also building confidence and fostering lifelong friendships. Empowering Youth Through Performance  The show is…