Author: Rhys Gregory

Welsh high streets, like many across the UK, have faced significant challenges in recent years. Economic pressures, changing consumer habits, and the rise of online shopping have all contributed to a decline in footfall. However, technology offers new opportunities for revitalising these vital urban spaces. By embracing innovative solutions, Welsh high streets can transform into vibrant, dynamic hubs of activity once again. Smart Infrastructure Implementation Investing in smart infrastructure significantly enhances the appeal of high streets. Upgrading to smart lighting, for instance, improves safety and energy efficiency. These lighting systems adjust based on the time of day, reducing energy consumption…

Customer onboarding is a critical phase in the customer journey that can significantly impact overall satisfaction and retention. Optimizing this process ensures that new customers have a smooth and positive experience, setting the stage for long-term loyalty and success. By focusing on effective onboarding strategies, businesses can not only reduce churn rates but also foster stronger relationships with their clients from the very beginning. In this guide, we will explore six key ways to enhance your customer onboarding process to ensure that your customers feel valued, supported, and equipped to make the most of your products or services. 1. Develop…

Two Aberystwyth University undergraduate students will be spending the summer working in Canada after being awarded prestigious research internships. Cordelia Bryant and Alice Walker will work for twelve weeks in Toronto and Vancouver respectively between June and the end of August after securing places on the sought-after Mitacs Globalink Research Internship programme. Mathematics student Cordelia, who is originally from Austin, Texas, will be based at Toronto Metropolitan University where she will be working on improving the accuracy of MRI scans used to detect cancers. Alice, from the Isle of Wight, is studying Space Science and Robotics and will be working…

A pupil from Ysgol Plas Cefndy in Rhyl has picked up the ‘The Prince’s Trust Ascential Education Award’, a nationally recognized award throughout the UK. Rhys was also awarded with the ‘Wales Education Award’ earlier this year. This award is a huge achievement for Rhys, who only 2 years ago could not leave his bedroom due to his anxiety levels. Rhys was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) back in 2020, and had completely withdrawn from education due to struggles with anxiety. At times, Rhys’ anxiety got so bad that he found he could not go to school. Rhys was…

On 1st June, Caerphilly County Borough Council will begin its bypass grass cutting programme. Some road closures will be necessary for this work to be carried out.  Routes and dates affected are: Risca Bypass A467 – Saturday 1st of June 2024.  Weekend daytime closure on the A472 dual lane closure Rogerstone to Crosskeys (Morrison’s to Full moon roundabout – to include all roundabouts). Newbridge Bypass A472 – Sunday 2nd of June 2024.  Weekend, daytime closure on the A472 dual lane closures Maesycwmmer to Newbridge to include roundabouts. Llanbradach Bypass A469 – Saturday 8th of June 2024.  From the Cedar Tree…

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales celebrated the outstanding achievements of business leaders across the nation at its prestigious Director of the Year Awards ceremony, held on 17 May 17, 2024, at ICC Wales, Newport. The event brought together over 350 influential business leaders, showcasing the exceptional talent and contributions of directors who drive social and economic prosperity in their communities. Hosted by Carole Green of ITV Cymru, the ceremony also served a charitable cause, raising funds for Llamau, a leading homelessness charity. The event highlighted the diverse accomplishments of leaders from various sectors throughout Wales, underscoring the importance of…

With just days to go until the foodie favourite that is the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival South Wales’ leading distillery is back to add a tonic as festival sponsor. Promising to be a whole weekend of foodie, family-friendly fun the festival will take place this Bank Holiday Weekend (26-27th May), with Hensol Castle Distillery – South Wales’ first full scale gin distillery, visitor experience, gin school and bottling plant – playing a key role. A team will be on site over the weekend giving festival goers the chance to sample and buy some of the fabulous products available, including…

A man from Rhondda Cynon Taf has been jailed for multiple child sex offences. Adam John, 31 from Pontypridd was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of rape. On Tuesday May 21, he was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and restraining orders indefinitely. Constable Chris Phillips said: “I would like to commend the incredible bravery of the victims in reporting this attack, which has allowed us to bring a dangerous individual to justice.…

The demolition site at the former HMRC office buildings in TŷGlas Llanishen,is providing children from local schools with a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the live demolition process. Hosted by Erith, the demolition contractor chosen to undertake the works, pupils from Christ the King Primary School, Ysgol Y Wern and Llanishen High School have enjoyed bespoke visits to the site where they have observed the impressive high reach demolition in action, engaged in discussions with senior members of the demolition team and viewed presentations to complement their in-class learning experiences. Areas covered have included local history, demolition, recycling…

Newport City Council has made history confirming Councillor Dimitri Batrouni as the council’s new Leader at its full council meeting. As the first Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic council Leader in Wales, Councillor Batrouni succeeds former Leader, Councillor Jane Mudd, who has stepped down following her election to Police Crime Commissioner for Gwent. “I’ve been elected to the best job in Wales” said Councillor Batrouni after the council meeting. “Representing the people of Newport is a privilege, and that is something I will never take for granted. “I understand that the expectations of our residents are high – we must…