Author: Rhys Gregory

A Blaenau Gwent cake company that is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026, has successfully grown over the last decade thanks to ongoing support from the Welsh Government’s HELIX Programme. Based in Ebbw Vale, Clam’s Handmade Cakes produce award-winning handmade cakes, which are supplied to coffee shops and cafes across the UK. Founded in 1991 by Jane Phillips, the family run business is the recipient of 18 Great Taste Awards and has been previously named Wales’s best craft bakery at the British Baking Awards. Since 2013, ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University has provided Clam’s with a variety…

Runners spend hours researching cushioning and stack height. A footwear specialist with two decades of industry experience says the feature that most directly affects comfort, stability, and injury risk rarely gets a second glance. Walk into any running shop and the conversation will centre on foam compounds, heel-to-toe drop, and energy return. These are real considerations – but according to Leanna Spektor, co-founder and style expert at Brand House Direct, an Australian footwear retailer, they consistently overshadow a structural element that has a more fundamental effect on how a shoe actually performs on the body. “I’ve spent over 20 years…

Independent businesses across Wales continue to expand, from family-run cafés in market towns to technology start-ups in Cardiff Bay. Competition remains strong, and customers have more choice than ever. Clear brand recognition, therefore, becomes a serious advantage rather than an afterthought. People form opinions quickly. A consistent visual identity helps shape those opinions in your favour. When your branding feels organised and deliberate, customers assume the same care applies to your products or services. Strong branding does not demand a large budget. It calls for consistency, clarity and steady refinement. Welsh businesses that pay attention to these fundamentals often find…

In the cosmetics and skincare industry, packaging plays a crucial role in both product performance and brand perception. Thoughtful design and quality materials ensure that a product is not only visually appealing but also practical for everyday use. Choosing the right components can enhance usability, extend the life of the product, and create a premium experience for the consumer. Convenient Application with Pump Caps One key component in modern cosmetic packaging is the pump cap. This mechanism allows for controlled dispensing of lotions, creams, and serums, ensuring that users can apply the right amount without any mess or waste. A…

The Digital Services Act is a new European Union directive that aims to make online environments safer, fairer and more transparent. The UK is now outside the EU, so the rules do not directly apply to Welsh or British businesses. But, as they are our nearest neighbours and a large trading partner, many sectors will comply in order to maintain trade with the EU. These policies will also influence UK politicians, and the current government is already expanding its own digital regulation through the Online Safety Act.  The DSA rolled out across the EU on February 17, and many UK…

A study combining maintenance costs and write-off rates across 20 major brands finds that some of the most trusted names in motoring offer surprisingly poor long-term value – while others consistently punch above their weight. The price on the forecourt is rarely the most significant number in a car purchase. For drivers planning to keep a vehicle for a decade or more, annual maintenance costs and the probability of a car being written off after an accident can matter far more to the household budget than the original sticker price. A new analysis by Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest used…

A 33-year-old man has been charged in connection with an incident in Pontprennau on Saturday, February 28, which police are treating as attempted abduction. Detectives investigating the incident have charged Ashley Fernandes, of Cardiff, with kidnap and sexual touching following the event in the Pontprennau area of the city. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates Court on Monday, March 2. South Wales Police had initially arrested a local man in his 30s after the 18-year-old woman involved was followed after getting off a bus near the junction of Clos Nant Mwlan and…

South Wales Police are appealing for help to find a missing 16 year old girl from Rhondda. Seren, who is from Tonyrefail, has not been seen since 11am on Saturday, February 28. She was last seen wearing black flared trousers, a black Nike hoodie, a ‘Voy London’ puffa jacket and black and white Converse trainers. Officers believe she could be in the company of another girl. Anyone who has seen Seren, or has information about where she may be, is urged to get in touch with South Wales Policequoting reference 2600063760. Information can be provided online via the South Wales…

South Wales Police have confirmed they are at the scene of an incident on City Road in Cardiff this afternoon. The road has been closed from Albany Road down to the traffic lights near the Spar store while officers deal with the situation. As a result of the closure, there is currently no access to City Road from Glenroy Street, Strathnairn Street or Northcote Street. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Delays are expected while the incident is ongoing. A spokesperson for South Wales Police thanked members of the public for their…

Thousands of people lined the streets of the capital earlier today as the National St David’s Day Parade returned to the heart of Cardiff for a colourful celebration of Welsh culture. Held on Sunday, 1 March, the non military parade once again brought together people of all ages and backgrounds for a shared show of pride in Wales, its history and its language. Participants began gathering outside Cardiff City Hall from 11am, with groups assembling in front of the landmark building ahead of the midday start. Parade flags and community groups had registered in advance, ready to take their place…