Author: Rhys Gregory

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Growing Mid Wales announces the launch of the Business Digital Connectivity Survey, aimed at businesses across the region, to better understand their current and future needs. This initiative is part of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Digital Programme, designed to enhance digital infrastructure and support business growth in our region. This survey seeks to engage with as many businesses as possible to gather valuable insights into current infrastructure, its suitability for business operations and future requirements. The data collected through this survey will be instrumental in establishing baseline information and making informed comparisons…

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan has today announced Welsh hospices will receive £4m in government funding to continue their vital work The funding will ensure people across Wales continue to receive palliative and end-of-life care from the network of hospices, which traditionally rely on fundraising and charitable donations. But the cost-of-living crisis has made fundraising increasingly difficult, making it harder for hospices to retain and recruit staff – some have had to consider whether they can continue to maintain services. The £4m, which will be shared by Wales’ 12 commissioned hospices, will help them maintain services, meet staffing costs, and improve…

Cardiff-based contract caterer, Cleverchefs, has won “Contract Caterer of the Year” at this year’s Public Sector Catering Awards. The awards, which were held earlier this month at the Hilton London Metropole, are open to catering individuals, teams and companies operating in a public sector environment. Founded in 2016 by Nick Collins, Cleverchefs is an innovative catering company, providing high-quality, nutritious food for the education, workplace and leisure sectors. It has grown from £2.7m in 2019 to £11.9m in 2023 and £16m sales this year, with a growing portfolio of 82 schools, three workplaces and two leisure sites. The judges at…

The rise of cryptocurrencies has opened new paths for money laundering. Criminals use the privacy and global reach of digital currencies to hide the source of illegally obtained money. AML (anti-money laundering) measures aim to fight this issue in the crypto sector. For example, the PlusToken scam tricked people into investing in a fake project and disappeared with users’ money. Another case is Suex, a company hit with U.S. sanctions for processing ransomware payments, showing how some crypto services can be misused. These examples highlight the need for strong AML rules in the crypto sector to prevent financial crimes. Who…

As the days stretch longer and the Welsh weather transitions into its warmer, inviting phase, the pull towards the great outdoors becomes undeniable. Summer in Wales offers a unique canvas for fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike, providing an opportunity to merge the breathtaking landscapes of Wales—from its rugged coastlines and serene beaches to its verdant valleys and majestic mountains—with the challenge of physical activity. This season, it’s time to step out of the confines of the gym and into the embrace of Wales’ natural beauty to rejuvenate your fitness routine. Whether it’s running along the scenic trails that crisscross the…

A new investment programme aimed at catalysing economic growth and social impact in the Northern Valleys was unveiled today (11 April 2024). The Northern Valleys Initiative aims to play a long-term levelling-up role in tackling some of the intra-regional disparities that exist within the Cardiff Capital Region. The Initiative, totalling £50m, has been set up by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and supported by Local Authority Delivery Teams from Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen. This will support businesses and projects that have the ability toincrease prosperity in the region.  Investments will be focused on businesses…

Eddie’s Leisure, a popular hotspot on Haverfordwest’s Quay Street, has expanded its venue with a vibrant family restaurant, thanks to a six-figure finance package from HSBC UK and brokerage assistance from Watts Commercial. The development included the purchase of the neighbouring building and has created 20 new employment opportunities in the local area, including mixologists and chefs. The venue has undergone a complete renovation, garnering a nomination for the Northern Design Awards, solidifying its position as a dynamic entertainment venue and eatery. In addition, Eddie’s Leisure is also exploring the possibility of purchasing more hospitality sites in the future. Leon…

Land Studio has been appointed to work with Gwynedd Council to design the public realm for the Viaduct Gardens in Barmouth, mid Wales. The Chester based design studio’s in-house landscape architecture, ecology and civil engineering expertise is all being used on the project. Barmouth was established around the shipbuilding industry of the 1700s. Ships were built in the shelter of the Mawddach estuary where they supported the booming wool industry in Merioneth. Barmouth Bridge, also known as Barmouth Viaduct, opened in 1867 and contains a single standard gauge railway track and a pedestrian walkway. Historic fans of the gardens, which…

This is the terrifying moment a 24 stone TV chef took a leap of faith on the “world’s biggest swing” flying 450 feet over a fast flowing river in New Zealand. Fearless Chris “Flamebaster” Roberts careered downwards at 75 miles an hour on the famous Nevis Swing towards the bottom of the deep canyon near the Kiwi adventure capital, Queenstown, which also provided a backdrop for the popular Lord of the Rings films.. According to Chris, from Caernarfon, the daredevil experience was among the highlights of the three-week trip for his new television series for S4C,  Alun, Chris a Kiri…

Homebuyer demand in Wales increased at its strongest rate in almost three years in March according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey. The rate at which sellers were listing homes for sale also rose firmly according to respondents, and as a result, sales expectations have increased. Overall, there was an improvement in sentiment in the housing market in Wales. House prices in Wales rose for the first time since October 2022 according to the latest survey, with a net balance of 12% of surveyors in Wales reporting that house prices increased. This is compared…