Author: Rhys Gregory

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales has outlined its priorities for the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget 2026-27 to the Senedd Finance Committee, calling for bold and crucial measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amidst economic challenges and political transition. With the upcoming 2026 Senedd election and a new, larger Senedd on the horizon, FSB Wales stresses the critical need for a budget that delivers immediate relief and long-term stability to empower SMEs to drive job creation and economic growth across Wales. FSB Wales is the authoritative voice of businesses across Wales, advocating for a better social, political, and…

Wales is set for a mostly dry and settled few days, according to the latest Met Office forecast, with pleasant autumn sunshine expected across much of the country heading into the weekend. ThursdayAny remaining mist and fog patches will lift quickly after dawn, making way for a dry day with a mix of cloud and sunny intervals. It’ll feel mild and comfortable in the sunshine, with temperatures reaching up to 18°C. Thursday nightCloud will build in from the east later this evening, while the west could see clearer skies leading to a chilly night with patches of mist and fog.…

Two men charged in connection with an incident involving a firearm in Pyle on Monday, September 22, 2025, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Monday, October 6, charged with multiple offences. Kian Darkes, 20, was charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. Kyle Long, 39, was charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, participating in the criminal activities of…

The future of electric transport in Wales will be on full display this October, with Transport for Wales announced as the headline sponsor of the EV Rally Cymru 2025. Taking place on 22 and 23 October 2025, the high-profile event celebrating Wales’ leadership in sustainable mobility will see a convoy of electric vehicles (EVs) travel from Wrexham to Cardiff, via Ynys Môn, Aberystwyth and Pembrokeshire. The route will showcase the growing strength of Wales’ EV infrastructure and highlight key green energy and transport initiatives along the way. Tony Clayton, Decarbonisation Programme Manager at TfW, said: “Powering the EV Rally Cymru…

Put the date in your diaries – Swansea is once again coming together to spread some festive cheer to people in need at a very special Christmas event. A free two-course Christmas dinner for people who are vulnerable, feel isolated or may be homeless will be the centrepiece of an event at the Brangwyn Hall laid on by JR Events and Catering with support from Swansea Council on Tuesday December 9. Lasting from noon until 3pm, the Together at Christmas event will also see entertainment and representatives from a range of services and charities providing information on assistance available. It…

Almost £1m will be spent in Neath Port Talbot over the next two years on a ‘nature on your doorstep’ project to reconnect communities with the outdoors. Neath Port Talbot Council Countryside and Wildlife Team has received the funding from the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature fund. The aim is to restore and enhance nature across Wales where people live, work and access public services. The focus is on the engagement and participation of local people in nature through small scale activities that can make a big difference to their local areas. The programme starts now and finishes at…

The Coed-Ely Solar Farm is now officially switched on and supplying electricity directly to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This means that one of our most vital public services is being powered by energy generated right here in our community. Built on a reclaimed colliery site, the solar farm features 9,000 panels and produces enough electricity to power around 1,800 homes each year, and as well as powering homes, that energy is helping keep the lights on, machines running, and care flowing at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Further to this, the project has created local jobs and generated over £600,000 in…

A campus of a south Powys primary school could close as part of proposals being considered by the county council. Ysgol Golwg Pen y Fan opened in September 2024 by bringing together three schools under one governing body. The school is currently spread across three sites in Brecon and Cradoc, before it moves to a brand-new, purpose-built school on the former Brecon High School site, designed to bring everyone together under one roof. Plans for the new building are moving forward with real momentum. With support from the Welsh Government and Powys County Council, the vision is becoming reality. A…

The UK’s leading tour operator buyers who sell UK holidays to international visitors have been touring Wales this week to experience the nation’s tourism offer for themselves. The four-day trip – organised by Visit Wales and in partnership with UKinbound – connected the buyers with a range of tourism businesses from across Wales. These included attractions, sightseeing companies and hotels who are keen to attract more international visitors and work with the wider travel industry to do so. In 2024, Wales welcomed 929,000 international visitors, generating more than £488m for the Welsh economy and supporting thousands of jobs in the…

An award-winning North Wales prom dress shop has doubled sales in just a year and now plans to become the go-to destination for dream gowns. Ffansi Ffrogs launched in October 2023 and has been on a remarkable rise with teenagers travelling from across Wales and beyond for its “fun, friendly and personal service”. The Ruthin boutique’s success was crowned this summer when it scooped the Best Fashion Store in the Best of North Wales Business Awards – just two years after opening. Owner Wendy Thompson, who launched Ffansi Ffrogs with daughter Robyn, 18, says the recognition reflects how quickly word…