Author: Rhys Gregory

Aspire 2Be, part of Educ8 Training Group, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Smith as its new Managing Director, effective October 1st, 2023. Currently serving as the Digital Transformation Director at Aspire 2Be, Matt Smith will succeed Simon Pridham, who founded the organisation, along with Jeremy Stephens a decade ago. Aspire 2Be is a multi-award-winning Learning Technology Specialist in education and business.  The company is based on the SA1 waterfront development in Swansea and is the only UK Professional Development Partner for Apple, Google, and Microsoft. With a strong background in education, Matt Smith joined Aspire 2Be almost…

An engineering, environmental and planning consultancy is celebrating another year of growth after turnover increased by more than £600,000.  Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, has reported a 20 per cent rise in revenue to £3.86 million.  Celebrating 15 years as a business, the company has 48 employees, who have worked on projects across the UK, including North Wales, Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Essex, and Kent, as well as the Isle of Man.   Key schemes have involved supporting the Manx government’s challenge to uncover a strategy for the disposal of 3,000 tones of sediment that settles…

One of Wales’ best-known law firms, JCP Solicitors, has announced the appointment of three new Business Owners: Directors Andrew Meech, Rhys Evans and Thomas Rees. Andrew Meech, Director and Joint Head of Commercial Litigation, Rhys Evans, Director and Head of Rural Practice and Thomas Rees, Director in Medical Negligence, join 11 other Business Owners across the firm’s eight offices in South and West Wales. Since joining JCP Solicitors in 2005, initially as part of the successful undergraduate scheme, Andrew Meech has enjoyed a swift and impressive career trajectory becoming a Director in 2016 when he was just 5 years qualified.…

In the ever-competitive realm of the hospitality industry, standing out is not just a matter of offering a room for the night. Acquiring the keys to success in the hotel industry goes beyond providing basic amenities – it’s about creating memorable experiences, exceptional service, and a sense of belonging that keeps guests coming back. The importance of success in this dynamic sector cannot be understated as it not only results in financial growth for the business but also contributes to building a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.  In the following sections, we will delve into the eight secrets…

A local housebuilder has launched its latest public consultation for its proposed development in Pontarddulais. Persimmon Homes West Wales plans to construct 516 zero-carbon ready homes for local people on land south of Glanffrwd Road. The no-gas site will feature one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, which will be powered by air-source heat pumps and solar panels. A number of properties will also be transferred to a housing association partner. As part of its extensive engagement with the local community, the developer is inviting the public to review and feedback on the plans before they are submitted to the local planning…

A freelance community has launched a petition to ban the nine-to-five in a bid to amplify a national conversation on a more modern view of working life. Over 12,000 people from across the UK have signed the petition so far and the community behind it believe that this is just the beginning. Karl Swanepoel, the Founder of the Caerphilly-based freelance marketplace Revolancer who launched the petition, said the aim was to set a marker to focus the conversation on the growing issue of work. Karl said: “We need to redefine self-employment from an ‘alternative way of working’ and help people…

A Barry family is getting ready to glow up – literally! – and have some spooktacular fun for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice and is urging others to do the same.  The Spence family have been supported by Tŷ Hafan ever since 2009 after son David, 15, was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart condition.  Mum Kerry says that without the help of the iconic Welsh hospice charity they would not have been able to cope with the many huge challenges that they face every day thanks to David’s condition.   Now they are getting ready to do Tŷ Hafan’s new Barry Island Dark Run on Friday 13 October to raise vital funds for the hospice and are encouraging as many…

Aberglasney is set to host the Dragon Bonsai Autumn Show next month. The two-day event will include everything from advice to equipment for Bonsai tree enthusiasts and admirers. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, 7 and 8 October 2023. The organisers, Dragon Bonsai Club, hope those with an interest in Bonsai trees, as well as those looking to have a Bonsai tree, will attend the free event. There will be a Bonsai Tree Show and Bonsai trees for sale, as well as Bonsai tools and wire etc. One of Dragon Bonsai club members is a very talented…

Having successfully raised money for mental health charity Mind back in 2021, with a free pizza extravaganza, the guys behind Tin Can Kitchen are back with not one, but two free-food giveaways. On Tuesday, October 10th, Tin Can Kitchen will run a dual cook-off, handing out free food at their kitchens in Newport and Cwmbran. Situated just behind What! Stores on Llantarnam Road, staff at Tin Can Kitchen Cwmbran will hand out free cheeseburgers and fries; at the same time, staff at Tin Can Kitchen Newport will hand out free 9” margherita and vegan margherita pizzas.  Both giveaways will run from…

An animated film created from the medium of sand is hoping to scoop an award at the upcoming Welsh BAFTAs. Inner Polar Bear, a parable on the dangers of global warming, was created by Cardiff- based artist Gerald Conn and has been nominated in the Best Short Film category at the gala event in October. Previous BAFTA winner Gerald, whose films have been broadcast on national television and shown at numerous international festivals, is a leading figure in the innovative technique of using sand to create graphic images rather than the more traditional methods of sketched or model-based animation. He embarked…