Author: Rhys Gregory

ONE of the fastest growing manufacturers in the UK holiday industry has joined forces with a luxury lodge park to promote “a trade show with a difference” this April. Based out of a solar-powered factory and headquarters in Yorkshire, Beverley Leisure Homes will hold the exclusive event at Maes Mynan Park, in Afonwen near Caerwys, next month. Aimed at park operators and owners across North Wales and beyond, the free two day-programme begins on Thursday April 11 and will include lodge and location tours, guidance and advice and sessions on finance, energy saving, benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI), sales and…

Moneypenny, a leading innovator in outsourced communication services has further extended its services in the US with the acquisition of Sunshine Communication Services. Sunshine is an award-winning provider of bilingual (English and Spanish) call management solutions to businesses of all sizes ensuring they run smoothly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Based in Florida and founded in 1975 by the Gross family, the company is dedicated to representing clients’ business in providing customised services across a variety of industries. The Moneypenny Group is a market leader, with its US HQ in Atlanta. The company employs over 1,000 people globally…

Over 400 people have been arrested in a crackdown on fraud coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police. The activity, which was the third iteration of the multi-agency Operation Henhouse, ran across February and March 2024 and resulted in: 438 arrests 211 voluntary interviews 283 cease and desist notices account freezing orders of £5.1m seizures of cash and assets worth £13.9m Fraud is currently the most common crime type reported in the Crime Survey of England and Wales. It accounts for approximately 40% of all crime reports, and costs an estimated £6.8bn each year in…

A CELEBRATED organic farm estate grew its reputation as a pioneer in sustainable business with a series of net zero triumphs including a move towards ‘regenerative agriculture’. The 12,500-acre Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, is renowned for its carbon neutral processes and ground-breaking systems. Led by owner Lord Newborough, the award-winning Estate did even more to reinforce that reputation in the last 12 months, unveiling a series of green energy projects ranging from 4KW to 5MW – including wind, solar, hydro and heat pumps – and receiving plaudits for the international success of its Rhug Wild Beauty range,…

Business confidence in Wales rose four points during March to 29%, as hiring intentions climbed to a five-month high, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Although firms’ optimism in the economy dropped eight points to 13%, companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 17 points at 45%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 29% (vs. 25% in February). A net balance of 36% of Welsh businesses also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 17 points from February – the country’s strongest hiring…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has launched a new commercial recycling service to help businesses meet the latest workplace recycling regulations in Wales. From 6 April, all workplaces in Wales will have to separate their waste for recycling in the same way most households do now. Welsh Government is introducing these changes to build on the success of separated household recycling and to improve recycling rates across workplaces. Recycling rates in Wales are among the best in the world, with the Vale one of the best performing Welsh Local Authorities. Businesses in the Vale can now subscribe to receive separated…

Pembrokeshire is currently experiencing a high demand for homes across the county. This, paired with a limited amount of properties becoming available to let, is an issue that is also being seen on a national scale. Pembrokeshire County Council acknowledges that residents have noticed a decrease in the amount of properties appearing on the weekly Choice Homes advert and that there are a number of empty homes in their local areas that are not being advertised at all. Pembrokeshire County Council are continuing its work to improve and expand its housing stock in an attempt to address this high demand.…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet has approved a £6.315m programme of maintenance, general works and repairs to be delivered across the Council’s school estate next year – to ensure our buildings remain safe, watertight and warm. The Education and Inclusion Services Capital Programme earmarks funding on an annual basis, to ensure schools are maintained to a suitable condition. Much of the work activity then takes place in the summer holiday. Funding of £6.315m was recently allocated by Full Council for next year, and Cabinet has agreed the 2024/25 programme at their meeting on Wednesday, March 20. A report to Cabinet on…

National Highways have issued an update on the rockfall which continues to affect the A40. Following the incident, emergency traffic management was put in place to allow authorities to reopen the A40 as quickly as possible. In response to feedback, and in consultation with local highways authorities and travel partners, National Highways have said that they will move the current lane closure further up the road, north of Dixton roundabout at the Welsh border. This change will help to ease tailbacks and congestion at the roundabout. The traffic management change will take place overnight on Thursday, March 28. The 40mph speed limit…

Trends in property have a huge impact on how individuals make decisions regarding buying and selling property. In this article, we’ll consider the trends we are currently seeing to give you an overview of the 2024 landscape. The real estate market in Wales is experiencing a dynamic shift, influenced by a combination of economic, social, and political factors. As someone interested in the property sector, whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, staying informed about these emerging trends can help you make more strategic decisions. In navigating these trends, it’s crucial to seek advice from reputable professionals who can offer…