Author: Rhys Gregory

A leading civil engineering firm has been appointed to deliver crucial multi-million-pound coastal defence improvements in North Wales. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is utilising its expertise on the £13m Kinmel Bay development after being engaged by Conwy County Borough Council following a competitive tender process. The Ruthin-headquartered company will procure and import up to 80,000 tonnes of rock armour, sourced from North Wales quarries, to strengthen the current revetment between Towyn and Kinmel Bay. Jones Bros will also raise just under 2km of existing sea wall by 500-750mm and replace two floodgates aspart of plans to minimise the impact of…

An international conference, which will provide an opportunity to explore the real effects of legislating in favour of languages in Wales and beyond will be held in Cardiff this week (10 –11 June). The International Association of Language Commissioners (IALC) will this year be celebrating its 10th anniversary with Wales being one of the founding members. As well as practical sessions sharing the experience of Welsh institutions there will be contributions by international speakers such as Raymond Théberge, Commissioner of Official Languages, Canada, Dr Fernand de Varennes, Former UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues and Séamas Ó Concheanainn, Ireland’s newly appointed Language…

A sports loving computer whizz who has cerebral palsy is on a mission to become a horse and carriage driving UK champion. Matt Palamarczuk, 39, of Gresford, near Wrexham, is already on triumphant form after being selected to enter the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Hartpury, Gloucestershire, this summer. He is one of just three riders whose names were put forward to go through to National level following stunning performances at the regional heat qualifiers at the end of April. The heats were at the Shropshire-based Cavalier Centre where Matt regularly trains. Matt, who works as…

HSG FM Group, a Cardiff-headquartered business, has successfully acquired Radish, a contract catering services company, in a deal advised on by GS Verde Group. Established in 2015, HSG FM Group provides a range of services to support businesses in meeting specific requirements to a professional and high standard. The company aims to develop long-term working partnerships with clients, helping them achieve success through a single approach to facilities management. The acquisition of Radish is a strategic move to expand HSG FM’s rapidly growing catering division, which now boasts revenues surpassing £25m per annum and employs over 500 staff. This acquisition…

A former oil and gas professional is urging young people to consider a career in renewable energy, and take advantage of rapid growth in the sector as Wales heads towards net-zero by 2050. Naomi Bowen worked in oil and gas in Pembrokeshire for over 14 years, and recently transitioned to the renewable energy sector to help in the fight against climate change. Now, she wants to encourage prospective school leavers to choose this industry to start their career journey. The call to arms comes as part of a wider push by Pembrokeshire County Council, its schools, Pembrokeshire College and industry…

New data published shows an access to justice crisis for individuals and small businesses as the County Courts battle delays, with cases now taking more than a year (54 weeks) to go to trial. Analysis of the figures shows the time it takes for small claims cases to go to trial has risen by 30 weeks since 2010, despite there being 2,000 fewer cases than 14 years ago. While for more complex, higher value cases, it now takes more than a year and a half (80 weeks) to reach trial. Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said:…

AI and machine learning are altering online gambling by making games more individual than ever before. These technologies- including things like computer vision and speech understanding- help keep people safe while they play by catching cheaters or providing different kinds of games as you go along. Software companies such as GammaStack have come up with programs that can predict what players will do next. Since the first casino software appeared in 1994, there have been some really cool advancements like being able to play poker using virtual reality or using blockchain for better security. Exploring AI and Machine Learning in…

In today’s technologically driven world, batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and backup power systems. For businesses, reliable battery performance is crucial for maintaining operations, ensuring product quality, and enhancing customer satisfaction. However, ensuring that batteries meet performance standards requires thorough testing throughout the development and manufacturing processes. Understanding the intricacies of battery testing is paramount for businesses to deliver products that meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. The Science Behind Battery Testing Battery testing involves a series of evaluations to assess various performance parameters, including capacity, voltage, temperature sensitivity, and cycle life. Capacity testing measures the amount…

Accessibility in business documents isn’t just about compliance; it’s about ensuring everyone can access and understand the information you provide. Accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. When documents are accessible, they become easier to read and navigate for all users, improving overall communication and efficiency. Accessible documents help businesses avoid legal issues, as many countries have regulations requiring accessibility for digital content. Beyond legality, accessible documents promote inclusivity, showing your commitment to serving all customers and stakeholders equally. Accessibility also enhances the user experience, making documents easier to read and interact with, which can lead to higher engagement…

Traffic speed compliance is a critical aspect of road safety in the United Kingdom. In 2020, over 50 million individual cars were observed in the production of speed statistics, reflecting extensive monitoring efforts. With millions of vehicles on the road, understanding trends in driver behavior, especially concerning speed limits and how many points for speeding can be incurred, can significantly impact policy decisions and road safety initiatives. The data from recent years shows interesting trends. During the lockdown periods starting in March 2020, vehicle speed compliance statistics highlighted changes in driving patterns due to reduced traffic volumes. For instance, 66…