Author: Rhys Gregory

Business confidence in Wales rose eight points during January to 32%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking While companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down three points at 37%, their optimism in the economy climbed 18 points to 27%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 32% (vs. 24% in December). Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as introducing new technology (42%), evolving their products and services (40%), and investing in sustainability (29%). A net balance of 31% of…

Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW) has this week announced a total injection of £1.1 million to develop a new masterplan for decarbonising the North East Wales industrial region. The project will kick-start in 2024 with thanks to £711k in newly awarded funding from Innovate UK which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) — supporting an existing investment of £389k through industry in the region. The UKRI funding has been awarded under the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Local Industrial Decarbonisation plan (LIDP) competition — which supports the development of decarbonisation plans for local industrial clusters.…

A team of two young Mid Wales apprentices has won a new competition launched by the Culinary Association of Wales to find the best green chef. Commis chefs Gabbi Wilson and Rosie Koffer, workmates at Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen, Llanidloes, are the first winners of the Green Chef Challenge sponsored by Compass Cymru. “I have only been a commis chef for six months and winning this competition is very exciting,” said Gabbi, 18, from Rhayader. The pair both won gold medals for Gabbi’s three-course vegetarian menu with judges scoring their dishes at 90 per cent or over. The dishes…

A new project which will support over 200 artists and organisations to explore the creative potential of virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies, has been announced – with a major Welsh arts centre as a key partner. Wales Millennium Centre will act as one of the four producing partners for the Immersive Arts project, building on its own existing work with its dedicated extended reality venue, Bocs – the first of its kind in a UK arts centre – and its own award-winning virtual reality experiences. The term ‘immersive technology’ encompasses a wide spectrum of tools and technologies, including the…

The British Business Bank announces its first major equity deal from the £130m Investment Fund for Wales, with a £650,000 investment from the Equity Finance fund, managed by appointed fund managers Foresight Group (“Foresight”), into ‘hard adventure’ travel firm, EverTrek. The deal includes co-funding of £650,000 which Foresight has provided using the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (“MEIF”); this is operated by British Business Bank and Foresight was appointed fund manager to MEIF in 2018. The investment in EverTrek is the first deal announced on behalf of the Fund and comes just two months after its launch on November 23rd 2023.…

The sixth Immersed! Festival returns to Tramshed Cardiff on Saturday 2nd March with an electrifying lineup of music, film, art, fashion, and theatre showcasing a diverse programme and one-of-a-kind festival experiences. For the main stage headliner, the events team have announced  MOBO award-winning London duo, Bob Vylan – an exceptional live act with a unique sound that has found them embraced by rock, rap, punk, dance and alternative fans alike. Bob Vylan will be supported by Bristol-based producer Grove, new wave synth-based pop maestros Voya, rising local star Bianca, alt rock trio Chroma and metalcore favourites Continents. More than 50…

Gower Unearthed CIC is set to host an extraordinary event featuring the acclaimed explorer and BAFTA Cymru award-winning BBC presenter, Will Millard, in a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery with one of the UK’s foremost adventurers, writers and filmmakers. In a special talk, meet and greet, and show-and-tell to be held at Bishopston Primary School, Gower, on Sunday February 18, Millard will share captivating stories and unveil artefacts from his groundbreaking expeditions. Thanks to funding from the Welsh Government Sustainable Development Fund and Gower AONB, the event is free to attend and will begin at 10am,…

A packed series of St David’s Day celebrations is planned by Swansea Council and others across the city. The council’s annual Croeso festival takes place over four days from February 29, featuring live music, cookery demonstrations, family entertainment and a street parade. Venues range from the city centre – featuring free-entry fun for all – to the Brangwyn Hall and Swansea Arena which are both set to offer memorable music events in top quality indoor settings. The city’s St David’s Day Croeso celebrations are a taste of what’s to come through 2024 as the council’s Enjoy Swansea Bay team has…

Tourism businesses across the Swansea area have secured important new funding to boost their prospects. Small-scale visitor accommodation operators in areas including Llanmadoc, Rhossili, Felindre and Clydach were granted funds by Swansea Council under the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Successful bidders are now starting work on their projects. They range from accessibility improvements for bedrooms and bathrooms to new storage facilities for specialist activity equipment and from the conversion of outbuildings to the upgrading of shower and toilet facilities for campers. Council cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism Robert Francis-Davies said: “It’s great news that we’ve been…

Neath Port Talbot councillors have endorsed three new strategic plans to address issues in housing and homelessness, adult social care and children and young people’s social care. Neath Port Talbot Council, which prioritises support for children and vulnerable adults, is facing a ‘perfect storm’ of funding pressures, growing demand, ongoing legacy impacts of Covid, inflation and the cost of living crisis. On January 25th, 2024 the council’s Social Services, Housing and Community Safety Cabinet Board endorsed the following new strategies containing plans to ‘do things differently’ using assistive technology, home adaptations and other innovations: Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan 2024/27 (A…