Author: Rhys Gregory

Addressing SME skills challenges is key to improving overall productivity and supporting improved job quality and career progression according to a joint report by The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Wales and The CIPD in Wales. The report, titled A Skills-Led Economy for Wales, examines the experiences of 30 businesses from different sectors across Wales to assess the post-pandemic impact the skills shortage is having on SMEs and the barriers to addressing it. It highlights the need for changes to aspect of skill policy to address plateauing productivity in Wales and rising numbers of skills shortage vacancies. Key findings…

Swansea could become the first European leisure destination for global tourism operator Skyline Enterprises, after the company submitted a planning application to bring a world-class leisure destination to Swansea’s Kilvey Hill this week [Monday 13th November]. After five years of ecological, environmental and feasibility surveys during their global search for their next destination, Skyline has submitted its plans to bring Swansea its own Skyline site with proposals including an accessible gondola (cable car), downhill karting known as the Luge, a zipline, a sky swing, a restaurant and bar, enhanced walking and mountain bike trails, picnicking areas and a children’s adventure…

Representatives from a Cardiff Housing Association recently took part in an overnight sleepout to raise money for Llamau – a charity that supports homeless young people and women who are faced with homelessness. Twelve colleagues at Canton based Taff Housing, slept in the car park of the office for the evening to help raise awareness of homelessness across the city. Latest data from Cardiff Council in April 2023 reported that the number of rough sleepers had reached its highest since 2020, with many people living in their cars whilst trying to work due to combination of low income, rising bills…

Leading power generation specialist, YLEM Energy has recently commissioned three projects across Wrexham, which will see over 23 MW of energy produced and used to power local businesses or fed into the National Grid. Earlier in 2023, YLEM Energy partnered with Wrexham-based Marlin Industries, to install a bespoke 328kWp Solar PV system, specifically designed to match Marlin Industries’ load requirements. The system will help to reduce the companies’ CO2 emissions by over 62 tonnes each year, and deliver savings of £1.5 million in energy costs. Alongside helping other businesses cut down their carbon emissions, YLEM Energy is developing its own…

Flight Club, the home of unexpected, ridiculous, joy have teamed up with Don Papa Rum to transform their stunning rooftop into a Winter Paradise. Creating the ultimate escape and transporting guests to a world of warmth and relaxation with vibrant tropical flowers and lush greenery. But that’s not all; they’ve also launched a specially curated cocktail menu. Immerse yourself in the flavours of the tropics with seasonally-inspired twists on classics. Think Merry Mojitos, Winter Coladas and Flat White Rumtinis – not forgetting Spiced Chai Punches, which can be upgraded to one of Flight Club’s showstopping trophies perfect for sharing with…

Swansea University’s Egypt Centre given rare opportunity to host and study the artefacts that date back 6,000 years. Having spent the majority of their existence in private collections, over 800 rare Egyptian antiquities have arrived at Swansea University’s Egypt Centre, 30 of which are now on public display ¾with all artefacts to be studied in-depth for the first time, revealing details previously lost to history. As Swansea’s Egyptologists embark on uncovering the secrets of these antiquities, members of the public will also have access to the artefacts that tell stories of how an ancient civilisation strived to be remembered. Entitled ‘Causing…

Knighton Costcutter is a convenience store in Powys, serving the communities of Knighton and the surrounding villages. The shop has increased by a quarter of its original space and installed new energy-efficient refrigeration and display units, thanks to a £100,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales The loan – from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund – allowed the creation of more retail space at the shop, and the new cases have helped cut its over-all energy use by up two thirds. The business is a longstanding customer of the Development Bank. Business owner John Ewens bought the Knighton store…

A new change to Wales’s agriculture pollution regulations means that proposed licenses for muck-spreading will no longer be a requirement of farmers – instead they will need only to ‘self-report’ how much manure they put on fields. This voluntary approach will perpetuate the catastrophic consequences of farm run-off for Welsh rivers, say Wildlife Trusts Wales.  Agricultural pollution is known to be the main cause of the poor state of health of some of Wales’s most iconic rivers – it is a more significant factor in their degradation than sewage. Over 60% of rivers that are designated Special Areas of Conservation…

Learning first aid skills with St John Ambulance Cymru helped Cassie save her six-year-old son’s life. Gifting a donation to the charity this Christmas will help to make a lifesaving impact on more families and communities across the country. On the 15th June 2022, Cassie and her family’s lives changed forever. Cassie saved her son’s life following a serious road accident, using the vital first aid skills she had learnt volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru. Cassie was taking her children to visit their grandmother when the accident took place. Her son Charlie was just six years old at the…

Yr Egin has been nominated in the ‘Best Promoter of Welsh in the Workplace’ category as a result of the work they do in providing careers support for pupils in local schools through the medium of Welsh, as well as showing its intention as a creative and digital hub to recognise the value of the Welsh language as a workplace skill and to take part in events promoting the importance of Welsh in the workplace. This awards ceremony is an opportunity for Careers Wales to recognise and thank the businesses that have worked with them during the year in a…