Author: Rhys Gregory

Successful West Wales family construction business TRJ Ltd, which was founded by former apprentice T. Richard Jones in 1935, was named Medium Employer of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024. Some 89 years after Mr Jones launched the Ammanford business, TRJ is still employing apprentices, ensuring a constant stream of construction talent for South West Wales. The third generation of the family is now running the company which employs 160 people – including 16 apprentices – and around 100 local sub-contractors. Over the past five years, TRJ has employed 43 apprentices and supports award-winning shared apprenticeships and traditional…

Ever wondered how much a family heirloom is worth or whether items stored away in your loft or cupboard have any value? Could a piece of jewellery or silver, a painting, a watch, an example of Asian pottery, an item of militaria, an old book, a stamp album or a coin collection, that has been in the family for generations, be a hidden gem?                                                                                                                                    The answers to all these questions and more will be available when a team of specialists from Halls, a leading regional fine art auction house based in Shrewsbury, visits the Monty Club, Newtown to provide antiques…

Millions of families who claim Child Benefit will automatically receive increased payments from 6 April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed. Families with one child will now receive up to £1,331 a year – an annual increase of £83.20, and up to £881 a year per additional child – an annual increase of £54.60. There is no limit to how many children families can claim for. Parents will receive £102.40 every 4 weeks (£25.60 per week) for the first or only child and £67.80 every 4 weeks (£16.95 per week) for each additional child. Families with ongoing claims…

Specialist leisure property adviser, Christie & Co, has brokered the sale of Port Dinorwic Marina on behalf of Azets, which has been dealing with the administration of Port Dinorwic Marina Limited. The marina has been sold to a newly formed company of local investors, The Waterside Consortium. The picturesque Port Dinorwic Marina, which dates back to 1763, was previously operated by The Marine and Property Group and offers year-round cruising in the Menai Strait, which separates North Wales and Anglesey. Simon Monks, Restructuring Partner at Azets and joint administrator, commented, “Whilst Port Dinorwic Marina has had its challenges in recent…

Corporate events can often feel like a dime a dozen: stale speeches, lukewarm coffee, and forced networking that fizzles out faster than a damp firework. But what if your next event was different? What if it was an experience that resonated with attendees long after the final handshake? The key to achieving this lies in crafting unforgettable memories. Here’s how to transform your next corporate event from forgettable to fantastic: Start With the End in Mind Imagine the buzz after your event. What are people saying? How do they feel? Starting with the end in mind gives you a target,…

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, nothing speaks louder to the weary soul than the prospect of a good, hearty meal. Yet, the increasing cost of dining out can often restrain our gastronomical desires. Fortunately, the digital age has ushered in a culinary revolution, not in the form of new recipes, but in accessibility. We are now able to savor the flavors of our favorite restaurants at reduced rates, thanks to dinner coupons that have found a new home online. If you’re ready to explore the world of online dining discounts, read on as we unfold the best…

For a game that’s still so popular today, it might be hard to believe that Bingo has been around for a few centuries at this point. In fact, best estimates date this classic game back as far as the 1500s. But the Bingo we know today isn’t quite the same game that it was when it first started out. Even over the last few decades it’s evolved significantly, going from being primarily played in land-based Bingo halls to the online Bingo room. So, join us as we take a look back at just how Bingo went from its origins in…

‘Welcome Home to Nature’ programme at Gregynog, one of Wales’ leading country estates, has been awarded £246,966 through the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Fund. The funding supports nature recovery and encourages more public access to some of Wales’ most special natural environments. Gregynog’s project is one of 17 in Wales set to benefit from Welsh Government conservation funding totalling £3.78 million. The investment in the National Nature Reserve and two areas of Special Scientific Interest at Gregynog, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, will make a huge difference. Gregynog’s Great Wood, an internationally significant ancient oak woodland, is home to rare…

A Gwent road could prove a route to success for an enterprising investor. The unassuming, single track tarmac road may seem unremarkable but it could be a canny buy for an investor. Angie Davey, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, is selling the access road at Cwm Lane, Rogerstone, with a £0 (nil) reserve. Angie said: “The lane gives access to eight to ten residences together with agricultural fields and a water pumping station belonging to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. “We are informed that the vendors received a one off payment of £600 from Welsh Water for the grant of access…

Strikes by skilled military, avionic and electronic equipment maintenance workers in Flintshire and Stafford have ended after Unite secured an improved pay deal. The workers, employed by Ministry of Defence-owned DE&S Deca, voted to accept the deal and have ended nearly 70 days of strike action that began in October. As part of the deal, they will receive a non-consolidated lump-sum payment of £2,000. In addition, DE&S Deca has also committed to implementing a Capability Based Pay pilot that acknowledges skills, knowledge and experience when calculating base pay. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “This is a hard-fought victory for workers…