Author: Rhys Gregory

Newport City Council’s cabinet will next week consider its budget for 2024/25 and how services will be provided in the face of increasing demands and challenging funds. At the meeting on Wednesday 10 January, a number of proposals will be considered in detail before the cabinet agrees which will go out for public consultation. Savings of around £5 million need to be found to deliver a balanced budget. As well as proposed savings, cabinet will also consider areas that will receive additional investment. These include priority areas including social care, homeless provision and schools. The demand for social care for…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is asking residents to give their views on ambitious regeneration plans for Blackwood town and the surrounding area. The ‘Draft Greater Blackwood Masterplan’ identifies development and regeneration opportunities in the area.  It seeks to strengthen the economy and improve cultural, environmental and social conditions for residents and visitors.  The Masterplan sets out proposed objectives to achieve this, including: Protect and enhance greater Blackwood’s status as a sub-regional employment centre. Establish Blackwood town centre as a sub-regional hub that is attractive, accessible and busy during the day and at night. Expand and diversify the visitor economy. Improve…

Blaenau Gwent Council continues to provide advice and support to residents struggling with the Cost of Living. A task group has been working together for over a year to ensure a coordinated approach with our partners to support people, focusing around five main areas: Housing; Food; Fuel; Financial Support & General Support. This has included: Producing a comprehensive information booklet and webpage packed with information on support schemes which were available and how to access them. This was regularly updated to offer the latest advice. Working to administer Welsh Government support schemes locally such as the Winter Fuel Support Scheme…

On a visit to Oasis in Cardiff, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles, had the chance to see how a Welsh Government funded project was helping volunteer teachers teach English to refugees and asylum seekers. The project is one of six Citizen’s Curriculum pilots which, supported by almost £250,000 of Welsh Government funding, is managed by the Learning and Work Institute. Each of the projects has a different theme, with adults involved in the design of the curriculum content to ensure they are learning skills relevant to their lives and work. Volunteers and teaching staff have been…

Corris Railway’s new Falcon steam locomotive is in the running for a Heritage Railway Association Award for the second year running. In 2022, the locomotive was nominated following its initial steaming at Alan Keef Ltd in Ross-on-Wye. For the 2023 awards, it is again on the list following its entry into traffic at Corris in September. There are now two steam locomotives permanently based on the line for the first time since 1948. The award winner is chosen by readers of Steam Railway magazine and Corris Railway is competing against nine other projects that were completed in 2023. These include…

Business operations refer to the daily activities that businesses undertake to generate value, sustain their functionality, and achieve their strategic objectives. They encompass a diverse spectrum of processes, from product development and customer service to human resources management and financial planning. The role of business operations is pivotal in determining a business’s success, as they directly influence the quality of products or services, customer satisfaction, and overall profitability. By optimizing these operations, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately, drive growth. As such, business operations serve as the backbone of any enterprise, underscoring the necessity for efficient management and…

Running a business calls for more than services or products. One imperative aspect of running a successful business is financial management. Unfortunately, many business owners fall prey to financial mistakes that can endanger their undertakings. This article will explore six common financial mistakes business owners make and ways to avoid them. That way, you can steer your business toward financial success. Lack of Financial Education Financial literacy is critical to making reasonable financial decisions in business. Once you underestimate the importance of financial education, you may make the wrong decisions that impact your bottom line. So, it is crucial to…

he tech industry is currently on the brink of an exciting new era, with the likes of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) being two examples of innovative new products that are looking to push into our everyday lives. Current trends suggest that we could see the addition of these fantastic pieces of technology within No Verification Casinos and other online platforms as soon as 2024, which is likely to lead to increasingly immersive experiences for those who enjoy casino games. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to revolutionise the way we live – and that includes how we…

Welcome to the virtual oasis of online casinos, where the thrill of the game meets the convenience of your living room. In the vast world of Australian online casinos, finding the best one for you can be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, dear reader, for we are here to be your virtual compass in this exciting digital landscape. Understanding the Legal Landscape: Before diving headfirst into the world of online casinos, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape in Australia. Unlike some other countries, Australia does not prohibit its citizens from participating…

A royal composer who wrote music for the Coronation is on “Cloud Nine” after receiving two honours personally bestowed by King Charles. In the New Year’s Honours List Professor Paul Mealor, the Artistic Director of the North Wales International Music Festival, was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) for his services to royal music. It is a personal gift given by the King to people who have served him in a personal way. Separately, Prof Mealor, who was born in St Asaph and raised in Connah’s Quay, has also been presented with the Coronation Medal for his contributions to…