Author: Rhys Gregory

The Port of Milford Haven is making a series of strategic investments to strengthen its position as the UK’s largest energy port and further expand its diversification across hospitality and tourism and renewable energy thanks to a £40m finance package from HSBC UK. The Port, which is an independent trust port with no shareholders, is using the funds to expand its world class pilotage capability through investment in a new world class pilot transfer vessel as well as in additional highly skilled staff and modernised assets and infrastructure. Forming part of the Port’s long-term diversification strategy, the funds have also…

History was made this month as the very first electric train ran north of Cardiff to Pontypridd during daylight hours. The moment marked the next vital step in our vision to build a world class metro for south east Wales. On 3 April, a small crew successfully completed a test run from Canton Depot via the City line up to Radyr and Pontypridd using the brand new Overhead Line Electrification. Project Manager Alex Cochrane said: “It was a fantastic moment to see a train run on the Valleys under electric power for the very first time and today was really…

A new pilot programme has launched in Cardiff which aims to make healthy, planet-friendly food accessible and affordable for everyone – especially those facing low incomes and health inequalities. Food that is good for both health and the planet often comes at a higher cost than less healthy and/or planet-friendly alternatives. Bridging the Gap is an initiative established to tackle this. Through Bridging the Gap, pilots have been launched across the UK to explore ways to make sustainable healthy food – especially sustainably-produced organic fruits and vegetables – more accessible to people on lower incomes. The Cardiff pilot programme is ‘The…

Over the last year, the Morgan Quarter, made up of the Morgan and Royal arcades in Cardiff city centre, has welcomed 11 new businesses into its historic arcades. In 2024, popular doughnut shop, Whocult and independent café Maple & Bean, have become the latest additions to the Morgan Quarter with UK-wide restaurant, Coppa Club, soon to join them. The openings of these businesses along with the likes of Lucy & Yak, Astrid & Miyu and Beyond Retro has led to a steep increase in footfall – going against the national retail trend. A recent study, by the Welsh Retail Consortium,…

The National Lottery Heritage Fund announces over £15m in funding to forge a brighter future for the UK’s industrial past, by investing in eight projects that showcase the breadth of industrial heritage across all four nations. Amongst the awardees is Amgueddfa Lechi Cymru – National Slate Museum in Llanberis, which has been awarded £412,565 of development funding.* It plans to transform the museum into a world-class visitor attraction at the heart of the Wales Slate Landscape, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021. The development funding will enable the museum to progress the plans and apply for a…

A former district nurse who sexually assaulted a vulnerable and disabled elderly patient in her home has been jailed. Robert Neill, of Fronheulog Hill, Bwlchgwyn in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court today (Friday April 5th) where he was sentenced for sexual activity and inciting sexual activity with a woman with a mental disorder. The 62-year-old, formerly employed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, admitted the offences and was jailed for 14 years, as well as being given a further four years extended on licence. The entire incident, which occurred in November 2022, was caught on CCTV. The camera had…

Pubs and bars from across the entirety of the United Kingdom are celebrating after being named the best in their respective counties. The award wins are part of the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards, which each year crowns nearly 100 County Winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving each site a unique platform to promote themselves and increase guest footfall from locals and visitors alike. These pioneering hospitality operators have demonstrated excellence across a number of elements that affect the customer journey, including design, service, style of offer, marketing and investment. The venues now have over two…

A feast of fantastic football and fabulous food is heading to the spectacular surroundings of Pembroke Castle in May and raising money for a vital charity at the same time. The Chomp-i-ons League Festival, being organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Regeneration and Business Support teams, will see Street Football teams take to the pitches within the magnificent Castle walls while supporters and families enjoy great food, music and fun. The event will be held on Friday 24th May at Pembroke Castle between 4pm and 10pm and is free to enter for those not playing as part of a team (see…

A landmark change to family law was brought in two years ago when ‘no-fault’ divorce was implemented to support separating couples to divorce more amicably. Now the dust has settled, how is it working in practice and what additional obstacles are facing the justice system? The latest government data shows that between October to December 2023, there were 23,517 divorce applications. 75% from sole applicants and 25% from joint applicants, including for the dissolution of civil partnerships. Throughout 2023, there were 110,770 divorce applications and 103,501 final orders*. Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said: “The family…

A green energy revolution is underway within community sport in Wales, with solar panels becoming more of a common sight on clubhouses across the country thanks to funding from Sport Wales. A total of 80 sports clubs across the country were awarded Energy Saving Grants during 2023/24 to help make their facilities more energy efficient. The majority of the clubs who received grants – which add up to nearly £1.4m – will be using their funding to install solar panels, while other uses include insulation improvements, upgrades to heating systems and sustainable water sourcing. From Anglesey to Barry, solar panels…