Author: Rhys Gregory

SIGNIFICANT investment in technology is driving advances in precision agriculture and student numbers at a leading land-based college. New machinery and equipment coincided with a surge in learners at Coleg Cambria’s Llysfasi campus, with enrolment up by more than 80% this academic year. These developments come as work continues on a £10m redevelopment project at the Denbighshire site, featuring a state-of-the-art, 1095 square metre carbon-neutral education complex that will open in September and include classroom and meeting spaces, a coffee shop, HE centre, wellbeing hub and more. With a funding contribution from the Welsh Government Small Grants Efficiency capital scheme…

he first phase of Cardiff Crossrail has taken a step forward today – with news that a design and build partner will be appointed, to deliver the detailed design for the first phase of the scheme from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay railway station. Cardiff Council’s Cabinet received an update on the scheme at its meeting on Thursday, March 21, with recommendations to procure and appoint a delivery partner to deliver the first phase of the scheme, and to give authority for the council and Transport for Wales (TfW) to start the consultation and engagement process with the public. The…

Groups and charities working to combat food poverty in Swansea say grants are proving vital in helping them to keep people fed during the cost of living crisis. Sixty five organisations secured funding from the latest round of the Direct Food Support Grant which is funded by Welsh Government and administered by Swansea Council. Successful applications came from projects across Swansea providing a range of support from food banks, cooking lessons, hot food provision, community cafes, breakfast and lunch clubs as well as fruit picking and distribution. YMCA Swansea supports some of the most vulnerable young people in and around…

The Celtic Freeport welcomes its first permanent Chief Executive, Luciana Ciubotariu, to take this vital re-industrialisation, decarbonisation and regeneration project to fruition.  She will assume her post from May 2024. Luciana brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been part of the senior management team of the Thames Freeport.  Following a career in the senior trade roles, latterly for the UK Government, her experience in driving growth at the Thames Freeport, coupled with strategic insight gained from a career focused on trade and government affairs, positions her uniquely to steer the Celtic Freeport. Alongside this significant leadership appointment,…

Working in partnership, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and South Wales Police have reached a favourable agreement that will enhance policing services within the area. This will see the Pontypridd Police Station building transferred into Council ownership. At the same time, Council office accommodation at Ty Trevithick, Abercynon, will transfer to South Wales Police and become the new Divisional Hub for South Wales Police. The Pontypridd Police Station is a key anchor point within the town and ownership of the site allows the Council to look at the site and the surrounding area with a more strategic approach, in a similar…

Newport City Council has launched a new programme to help businesses and community groups to decarbonise. The Net Zero Newport Decarbonisation Programme provides free energy-saving advice and grant funding to help local organisations reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. The free advice and match-funded grants up to £30,000 are available to local businesses and community groups with buildings in the Newport area. The programme is designed to help organisations to: establish baseline carbon emissions implement emission reduction plans actively fund projects aligned with sustainability objectives. The programme aims to help stimulate growth in Newport’s low carbon economy and support…

88% of those eligible have claimed their free School Essentials grant to help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment. Have you claimed yours? Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7. It could also mean extra funding for your school. There’s still time to check eligibility and apply for this year’s funding…

The increase in dental charges is the first since April 2020 and are overall still lower than in England. Any revenue generated from the increased charges will be re-invested back into NHS dentistry services. From April 2024, the three standard charges will increase to between £20.00 and £260.000 depending on the treatment required, and urgent treatment will increase to £30. Around 50% of people receive NHS dental treatment for free in Wales. Those eligible for free treatment include children under 18 or those aged 18 and in full time education, pregnant women or those who have had a baby within…

Deloitte has appointed a new practice senior partner (PSP) for the South West and Wales to lead a combined team of over 2,300 people. Dave Tansley, a consulting partner, vice chair, and elected member the Deloitte North & South Europe Board, will take over the role from Lizzie Hill, who is relocating to Deloitte Cambridge. A chartered engineer who spent his early career as an engineering officer in the Royal Air Force, Tansley joined Deloitte as a consultant in 1994 and has since worked across many industry sectors – both in the UK and internationally. Currently lead for infrastructure, transport…

The slot game market is one of the most competitive across the iGaming industry. There are thousands of titles to pick and choose from, with various themes and gameplay mechanics all being used to try and create unique player experiences. As we delve further into 2024, this is only likely to continue to be the case. Software providers continue to work tirelessly to release new titles that can capture as much attention as possible, as they look to try and capitalize on a market that features ever-changing opinions and preferences. What are player preferences and trends expected to be like…