Author: Rhys Gregory

Commercial law firm Darwin Gray is experiencing a significant period of success, having grown in numbers by 30% in the past 12 months alone, and welcoming new members to all levels and parts of the firm, including senior solicitors, trainees and support staff. The firm’s recent successes signify considerable positive change for Darwin Gray, including the opening of its north Wales office in Bangor, multiple award wins, and being named amongst the top law firms of 2023 by The Times. Managing Partner, Fflur Jones, said: “We are proud of the talent we retain and attract to Darwin Gray. The success…

Cardiff-based Lexington Corporate Finance has bolstered its specialist advisory credentials with the appointment of HSBC’s former head of corporate banking as a senior advisor to its team. Warren Lewis, 54, retired from HSBC in September, after a 35-year career where he gained invaluable experience across a range of disciplines, from credit and risk management to retail, commercial and global banking. He spent the last eight years as Head of Corporate Banking for Wales, where he supported clients with major restructures, international mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and MBOs. Mr Lewis joins Lexington in a move that further bolsters the…

A Welsh film maker has made broadcasting history with a James Bond-themed global television blockbuster. Father-of-two Julian Jones, 51, who was brought up in Llanrwst and Newtown, is the director of the new big budget Prime Video series 007: Road to a Million that was given glittering launches in London and New York. The show, that’s available in more than 240 countries, features an epic adventure with nine pairs of everyday people being given a shot at winning a life-changing £1 million prize by completing a series of spectacular Bond-inspired challenges. Julian teamed up with Golden Globe winning actor Brian…

The growth of a specialist engineering company that keeps the world’s airlines flying is being jet-propelled by a £1.6 million investment package. According to Jeff Wirth, the managing director of Continental Diamond Tool, on the Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate in Kinmel Bay, in Conwy, the rapid expansion is down to a perfect combination of the Welsh work ethic and American backing. As part of the company’s expansion plans,  it has opened a second production unit across the road to house its new electro-plating operation which has received support from the Welsh Government. The niche outfit – one of only two…

A newly-qualified driver who has recently completed Transport for Wales’ train driving apprenticeship has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at this year’s Skills Academy Wales Awards. The award ceremony took place on 7 November 2023, at the Skills Academy Wales Neath Port Talbot Campus. Each year, the event serves as a platform to honour and showcase exceptional individuals and businesses from across Wales. The awards are dedicated to celebrating the fantastic achievements of those engaged in Skills Academy Wales’s work-based learning programmes throughout 2022/2023. A huge congratulations to Jamilla Fletcher on her well-deserved win for all her hard work…

A programme aimed at helping Swans fans aged between 35 and 65 get fitter and healthier has received a funding boost. The FIT Jacks programme run by the Swansea City AFC Foundation is to be extended, thanks to funding from Swansea Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. First launched in February this year, the FIT Jacks programme is aimed at men and women who are looking to lose weight, improve their diet and lead a more active life. The programme sees participants take part in a 13-week weight management and behaviour change course, run by trained expert…

Enabling works for Cardiff’s new 15,000-capacity indoor area are set to begin in January 2024 – as the project moves into the delivery phase – with an opening date earmarked for the end of 2026. The Indoor Arena project – a circa 250m investment into Cardiff Bay – will bring much-needed jobs, not only during the construction phase, but also once the arena opens to the public, while supporting the city’s cultural and creative sector for years to come. The overall Atlantic Wharf Masterplan, which includes the arena is expected to create thousands of new jobs. Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will…

North Wales’ Neighbourhood Policing Team will be visiting communities across Anglesey over the coming weeks to prevent burglaries as the winter nights draw in. Officers will visit residential areas to offer crime prevention packs and advice to protect residents against burglaries. The plan focusses on education and prevention tools, with an aim to reduce the number of victims. Between September 1st 2022 and September 3rd 2023, there have been 103 burglaries reported on Anglesey.  70% of these burglaries were residential, with 30% being classed as business and community. For the majority of reported offences, homes and businesses were targeted when…

The Imperial Bridge repair and refurbishment scheme in Porth is now entering its final stages and is due to be finished this week – taking advantage of the fair weather that is forecast, to complete final work to the road surface. The structure, which carries a section of Pontypridd Road, has required two large phases of repair work to rectify damage and install future protections. Phase One took place in 2022, completing significant steelwork and parapet repairs, paintwork, and the replacement of the southern-side bridge bearings. Phase Two has been progressed since April 2023, and has replaced the northern-side bridge…

Time is running out for any further businesses to register their interest in being part of the initial release of space at the stunning Western Quayside development in Haverfordwest. There has already been significant interest in the three-storey, riverside building which is due to open in summer 2024 and is a key part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s regeneration of the County Town. Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “We are extremely pleased with the number and calibre of businesses that have already been in touch about Western…