Author: Rhys Gregory

Christie Cook has joined Hodge’s senior management team as its managing director of retail. Christie has extensive experience in the mortgage market, as she is the former head of mortgages at Nottingham Building Society, has occupied head of product roles with Glenhawk Financial Services and the Bank of Ireland, as well as being a former operations manager for Kensington Mortgages and Lehmans. Christie will be leading on all Mortgages and Savings related business at Hodge, covering off product, distribution, marketing, customer origination, underwriting and first line risk issues in the process. Christie said of her appointment: “I’m really excited to…

Sarson’s will be sloshing onto the shores of Barry Island this bank holiday weekend, giving away free chips in a bid to protect Wales’ much-loved national dish, fish and chips. On a bustling summer’s day, there’s no better place to be than Barry – enjoying a crispy bite of freshly battered fish doused in vinegar, served with a portion of golden fries – and this weekend the activity will be top of the agenda for hundreds of locals and visitors seeking some bank holiday sunshine. Whilst the dish makes for a big part of Welsh culture, today,  chip shops along…

Work is nearing completion on the first phase of a development of 44 new homes in Newtown, Powys following two investments totalling £4.68 million by the Development Bank of Wales. Oaks Meadow is located in the village of Sarn, on the A489 between Newtown and Churchstoke. A range of two, three and four bedroom homes are being marketed by developers Primesave Homes Limited, a family-run business led by Father and Daughter Steve and Keri Jennings.  All properties will have off-road parking with detached plots also benefitting from single garages. Oil fired central heating will be installed with extensive floor, wall…

Action woman Caroline Platt is on a mission to visit the Seven Wonders of the World – and raise money for charity at the same time. The next challenge for Caroline is a five-day, 100 kilometre trek in the baking heat of Wadi Rum desert in Jordan as she marks two important milestones. She has just reached her 50th birthday and animal bedding specialists Platts Agriculture, the Wrexham-based family firm she heads up as managing director, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. This time Caroline will be raising money for the Swansea-based Faith in Families organisation which helps struggling families.…

Cabaret is back for more this Autumn – bringing the very best in drag, burlesque, comedy and more to Wales Millennium Centre. After just seven months, Cabaret has already become a firm fixture in Cardiff’s nightlife and cultural scene, serving emerging and eclectic talent like nowhere else in Wales. Tickets are on sale now for Autumn’s shows at wmc.org.uk/cabaret. The queer TARDIS will return to Wales Millennium Centre in Gallifrey Cabaret, a night of cosmic drag and cabaret inspired by the iconic Doctor Who in the show’s 60th year. Fresh off his TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers,…

Operation Bridport was the investigation surrounding an organised crime group from Newport who were exploiting teenagers in Neath to sell their drugs on their behalf. The following people have been sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and for exploiting vulnerable teenagers under section two of the Modern Slavery Act. Dwayde Stock, aged 28, from Newport – nine years for drugs and modern slavery offences. David Rustham Allen, aged 30 from Newport – eight years and three months for drugs and modern slavery offences. Justin James Hensall, aged 36, from Newport – six years and eight months for drug…

The South Wales Business Awards is making a final call for applications to the 2023 South Wales Business Awards. Applications close this Friday at 5pm. 2023 sees the awards celebrating its 15th year. The last 15 years have seen huge economic and political challenges for Welsh business. However, the one constant has been the truly outstanding way in which the Welsh business community has overcome any challenge posed. The South Wales Business Awards are being held Friday 15th September at the iconic Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. Sara Edwards, one of Welsh television and radio’s most popular presenters is once again…

TV presenter Sian Lloyd is urging people in across Wales to give help and hope to those living with dementia by taking part in a ‘walk like no other’ this autumn. The Welsh star will join hundreds of fundraisers at Bute Park, Cardiff on Sunday, September 17 alongside friends, family and colleagues for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s Memory Walk, to end the devastation caused by dementia. Sian said: “I’m very excited to be taking part in Memory Walk this year in Cardiff, a place that holds a special place in my heart. “I was so disappointed to have sustained an injury…

At least 250 new jobs are anticipated to be created over the next five years by Invertek Drives Ltd at its global headquarters and manufacturing facility at Welshpool, Powys, UK, the company has announced. The roles will be in its Innovation team, production, and other business areas of the company as it continues to invest in the design and production of its energy-saving variable frequency drives used to control electric motors. It will also significantly expand the development of careers through its college and graduate training programmes. It comes after the company, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year,…

Chris Jenkins has been sentenced to five years and three months’ imprisonment following an armed robbery in Llanishen. At 6am on 19 June, Jenkins, 35, entered the local shop on Station Road, Llanishen armed with two knives and cornered the 41-year-old female victim behind the till. He demanded money from the tills but the distressed victim unable to open them. He then demanded she empty her pockets, which she revealed had nothing in them. A member of the public witnessed a man acting suspiciously behind his home, just after the incident had taken place. He appeared to be changing his…