Author: Alice Gregory

ERS, the UK’s largest specialist motor insurer with a 75-year legacy, has launched a Trainee Underwriter Programme from its Swansea office. This initiative aims to create new career opportunities in underwriting for talent based in Wales. In April, the first group of trainee underwriters joined the programme which offers a mix of practical training and academic studies, leading to industry-recognised insurance qualifications accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). All trainees get the opportunity to spend time in London, gaining both insights into the insurance industry and Lloyd’s of London operations. ERS is situated in its spacious Crucible Park office…

Aberystwyth University is one of the UK’s leading employers for LGBTQ+ inclusivity according to a leading charity. Aberystwyth University is ranked 45th in the UK in the 2024 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index published this week. Up 59 places on its 2023 ranking, Aberystwyth has also been awarded Gold status for its work in supporting LGBTQ+ staff to be themselves at work. Aberystwyth joins a number of top construction, legal, health, finance and education organisations who made the annual Top 100 list of LGBTQ+ inclusive employers. Professor Neil Glasser, Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for diversity and inclusion at Aberystwyth University, has…

AN insurance broker is celebrating its 30th anniversary with continued growth and investment. Credent Commercial Insurance experienced a post-pandemic boom which included a rise in turnover, recruitment and the opening of new headquarters in St Asaph. Managing Director Niel Jones, from Hawarden, says the company has expanded its client base in the UK. Formerly head of insurance for the sports and entertainment divisions of a global broking specialist, the dad-of-three, married to Linda, is focused on strengthening partnerships in Wales and beyond, with integrity and transparency at the core of his business ethos. As he himself marks 25 years in…

Swansea University has launched the National Network for Innovation In Sport and Health (NNIISH), a new initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of health and sport technology in Wales. Led by the University and supported by Swansea Bay City Deal and local health boards, NNIISH aims to accelerate the growth of sport tech, med tech and healthcare innovation in the Swansea Bay City Region by bringing together local, national and multinational expertise. NNIISH is set to be a constantly evolving, collaborative partnership between academia, industry and the NHS.  Its aim is to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new alliances, attracting…

A rare tunic is now back on display at Swansea University’s Egypt Centre after two years of extensive restoration work. Part of the Wellcome Collection housed at the Egypt Centre, the tunic was bought at auction by Sir Henry Wellcome in 1906 when it was described as being made of embroidered Coptic linen. But experts now say its panelled construction does not match any Coptic-labelled garments in other major museum collections. In fact, there are more similarities in construction with Mamluk period tunics which date from between 1250 and 1517 CE. The garment is made up of 13 linen panels…

A family from Wales is supporting leading childhood cancer charity, Children with Cancer UK, to help raise awareness following daughter Bethan’s cancer diagnosis. Bethan Evans, from Welshpool, in Powys, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone and tissue cancer, on her fifth birthday in January 2012. Parents Lynne and Arwel, first noticed their daughter was unwell when they spotted Bethan had an extremely high temperature that couldn’t be controlled and a strange rash all over her body. Overnight, an intense lump on the top of Bethan’s left arm appeared and the following day, on her fifth birthday, Lynne and…

We may not have seen the sun as much as we’d like this summer, but that’s more reason to find the perfect spot to soak up some rays when it does appear! Award-winning bar & restaurant The Botanist has unveiled its newly refurbished rooftop terrace, providing a summer escape right in the city centre. The refit sees new design, layout, furniture and artwork along with the beautiful green foliage The Botanist is known for, giving it a secret summer escape feel. And that’s not all, a brand-new pizza oven has also been installed, offering guests a quick, easy and fresh…

Michael Maloney will star as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey’s new production of the UK & Ireland Tour of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.  Agatha Christie Ltd and Fiery Angel will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic to the stage, opening on 6 September at the Lowry in Salford and running through to 3 May 2025 at the Cheltenham Everyman. Michael said of playing Poirot, “I am very excited and honoured to be joining a long line of extraordinary actors who have taken on the role of Hercule Poirot and hope I…

Trainees are the lifeblood of Ashmole & Co accountancy firm which has offices throughout south Wales. Tom Williams recently started with the Haverfordwest team as a Trainee Accountant after completing his AAT Level 2. Tom, who lives with his family near St Davids, has joined Ashmole & Co after gaining his AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 qualification. He is now studying for his AAT level 3 as part of his apprenticeship. Ashmole & Co are encouraging those who are waiting for their GCSE or A Level results to consider a future career in accountancy. There is currently a…

The Kingsway Centre is proud to be celebrating its first 6 month period under new ownership. The progress made by the new owner, Niall Leighton-Boyce and the new management team during this time is nothing short of remarkable. The Kingsway Centre has welcomed more than 11 new businesses in the first six months, further enriching the diverse mix of retailers and services available to customers. From cakes at Delicious Delights to the latest in phone technology at The Techuarium, and everything in between, there is something for everyone at the Kingsway Centre. “It has been an exciting 6 months and…