Author: Rhys Gregory

Mid Wales is an ideal destination for a short break this autumn and winter as people look to boost their wellbeing by escaping to the countryside and seaside. That’s the view of the woman who heads up the independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd. Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, believes the glorious Mid Wales countryside and seaside beaches are the perfect places to recharge the batteries and boost mental and physical wellbeing. The region has a wealth of things to see and do, from the…

An award-winning South Wales manufacturing company is set to see its revenue from exports skyrocket to £15 million after securing several deals following growing demand for its products across the globe. Pontyclun-based Concrete Canvas, which manufactures innovative flexible concrete fabric, is on track to boost its exports by 20% to £15 million by the end of this financial year, thanks to a string of international deals it has recently secured with support from the Welsh Government. The company is eyeing significant expansion in the US – a key target market – as a route to export growth, having partnered with…

Drop Bear Beer Co., the pioneering non-alcohol brewery, is excited to announce its recent acquisition of a state-of-the-art brewery in Swansea, Wales. This bold expansion not only establishes Drop Bear Beer Co. as the first non-alcohol brewery in Wales but also positions them as the largest alcohol free brewery in the United Kingdom. The company’s commitment to redefining the world of non-alcoholic brewing takes a giant leap forward with this development. Drop Bear’s new brewery spanning an impressive 16,000 square feet, provides an ideal canvas for Drop Bear Beer Co.’s innovative non-alcohol, carbon neutral brewing practices. The facility guarantees maximum…

High-growth company Paramount has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Hayley Ivin as marketing director to accelerate its advance to the £60-million turnover mark. The Cardiff-headquartered design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist has promoted Hayley from her role as marketing manager to spearhead the firm’s marketing strategy and maintain its “impressive” growth trajectory. Hayley joined Paramount in February 2020 and her promotion marks further expansion of its management team to support company progress, which was boosted earlier this year following a strategic move into the construction sector. Hayley successfully led Paramount through a company rebrand in 2021. Since…

The most anticipated downhill mountain biking event, Red Bull Hardline, is back as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary, returning to the unforgiving terrain of the Dyfi Valley in Wales on 1st and 2nd June. Tickets are now available, and spectators can expect the same level of gnarly jumps and drops that has made this one of the most iconic events in the sporting calendar, as it puts the world’s best riders to the test both physically and mentally. As we gear up for the 10th anniversary in Wales, Red Bull’s mountain bike athlete Matt Jones aims to lay down the…

Help to Save customers have received £146 million in bonus payments since the scheme launched in September 2018 and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging individuals in Wales to take advantage of the generous savings scheme this World Savings Day (31 October). Help to Save is the UK Government savings scheme for low-income earners and offers savers a 50% bonus payment worth up to £1,200 over a maximum of 4 years. Latest figures reveal that 22,000 customers in Wales opened a Help to Save account between September 2018 and March 2023, with more than £18.2 million paid into accounts…

Politicians and business leaders have joined forces to speak with “one voice” in a bid to secure a £1.7 billion boost and thousands of new jobs for North East Wales. Labour, Conservative and Plaid Cymru Senedd members have pledged cross party support for the campaign to create an Investment Zone in the neighbouring counties of Wrexham and Flintshire. One “world first” as part of the initiative could see the creation of a pop up factories to enable start-up companies to rent manufacturing lines to move from making prototypes to full-scale production. Backing for the campaign is gaining momentum with 100…

Welsh rugby legend Ray Gravell has been revealed as the mystery figure who anonymously paid a fine to release iconic singer Dafydd Iwan from prison early. Big hearted Ray, from Mynydd y Garreg, in Carmarthenshire, who played for Llanelli, Wales and the British and Irish Lions, was determined to keep the news secret until after his death. His wife, Mari, was under strict orders not to tell Dafydd, who had been jailed following a Cymdeithas yr Iaith (Welsh Language Society) protest,  about it until after he had passed away in case the singer was upset with him. The revelation is…

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain on Thursday. Persistent rain, heavy at times, especially over higher ground, could bring some disruption to north Wales on Thursday. 30-50 mm of rain may fall quite widely within the warning area, with the potential for 60-80 mm of rain to fall in a few spots on high ground. Strong north to northwest winds may exacerbate any impacts from heavy rain. What to expect Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer Spray and flooding on roads…

On behalf of Redcat Pub Company, specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has successfully completed the sale of Caerphilly Cwtch, a former pub and hotel in Caerphilly, to Amber Taverns. Formerly known as ‘The Railway’ due to its proximity to the town’s train station, the Caerphilly Cwtch occupies a prime position within the characterful town and is well known locally for its live music and sports. Sam Frankland, Property Director at Amber Taverns, comments, “Amber Taverns are excited to be the new owners of this pub in the heart of Caerphilly. We are currently carrying out a major refurbishment of…