Author: Rhys Gregory

A renewed focus on cutting the number of empty residential properties across Newport was agreed by cabinet members this week. They approved a five-year strategy which sets out some key methods of bringing empty properties back to life. It recognises that, while there are sometimes good reasons why houses are unoccupied there are some that can be vacant for lengthy periods and can cause issues for neighbours. Councillor Saeed Adan, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “There are a range of tools that can be used to bring empty properties into use, from financial help for owners, to taking…

A treasured piece of local sporting history has been reunited with the family of the late Alun Pask, a former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby player. The framed British and Irish Lions jersey, once displayed at Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School, was presented on stage to Alun’s son, Richard Pask, by former Welsh international Steve Fenwick during the recent Sport Caerphilly Sport Awards. The jersey was discovered by Jonathan Williams, Managing Director of J2R Demolition, during work at the former school site, which is now being redeveloped as the Centre for Skills and Learning. Jonathan Williams, J2R Demolition, said: “It…

A brand-new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and upgraded 3G pitch at Tredegar Sports Centre has been officially opened by the Welsh Minister Culture, Skills & Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS. The upgraded community sports facility has been funded with a £80,069 Sport Wales Court Collaboration Grant with support from Welsh Government. Jack Sargeant MS cut the ribbon and, together with invited guests, got to see the facility in action with young people from the nearby Ysgol Gyfun Tredegar Comprehensive School. The grant is a significant investment in grassroots sport and community wellbeing across Blaenau Gwent, which also includes solar panel…

‘Early intervention can prevent young people reaching crisis point with their mental health’ – said Mental Health Minister Sarah Murphy. Sarah Murphy visited The Hangout in Barry today to learn about the support provided at the youth mental health hub. The Hangout has been running an Alternative to Admission pilot scheme, with funding from Welsh Government, which supports children and young people at risk of experiencing a mental health crisis The pilot scheme aims to prevent young people needing emergency department attendance or hospital admission by providing access to mental health and wellbeing support without the need for a referral.…

Leading Welsh contract electronics manufacturer, Axiom Manufacturing Services, has been recognised as one of Wales’ most innovative and forward-thinking manufacturers, after securing two major wins at the Insider Made in Wales Awards 2025. Now in its 15th year, the prestigious awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth across the Welsh manufacturing sector. Competing against some of the country’s most established companies, Axiom secured the Manufacturing Future Talent Award and the Apprentice of the Year Award. This cements Axiom’s commitment to supporting its team and create opportunities for homegrown engineering skills development and drive industry leading innovations in Wales and beyond.…

Lloyds has announced the appointment of Nathan Morgan as Area Director for SME banking in Wales, strengthening its commitment to supporting the region’s small and medium sized businesses. Originally from South Wales, Nathan brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, including seven years at Lloyds. In his most recent role as Asset Finance Area Director for the South West and South East, Nathan helped businesses invest in capital equipment and drive sustainability initiatives. Under his leadership, the regions saw asset finance lending grow by 37% year-on-year, enabling businesses to invest without disrupting cashflow.  Before joining Lloyds, Nathan…

For most people, outdoor cooking ends when the clocks go back. But across Wales, a growing number of households are keeping their gardens lit – and their pizza ovens fired – long after summer has gone. From Bonfire Night gatherings to winter birthdays, and even early Christmas get-togethers, outdoor dining has quietly become one of Wales’s most unexpected cold-weather trends. A Shift in How We Use Our Gardens Recent Welsh housing surveys show that more people are investing in their gardens as usable living space all year round – with outdoor heaters, covered seating, and weather-proof cooking setups becoming increasingly…

Introduction: The Modern Office Coffee Dilemma If there’s one common factor in offices across the UK, it’s the importance of the office coffee machine. It functions not just as a source of refreshment and caffeinated beverages, but as a social hub where employees can connect and briefly unwind from daily stress. However, the dilemma of whether to buy or rent an office coffee machine can be a difficult decision and should not be taken lightly. The right choice will come down to key factors such as cost, convenience and employee satisfaction. You may be surprised to learn that it’s more…

Construction remains one of Wales’s most important industries – and one of its most dangerous. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), working at height continues to be the leading cause of fatal injuries in the UK construction sector, accounting for nearly a third of all on-site deaths. As building projects surge across South Wales, from residential developments in Cardiff to infrastructure upgrades along the M4 corridor, ensuring that workers stay trained, certified, and compliant has never been more vital. That’s where Harris Safety Training Services steps in. Supporting a Safer Workforce Based in Wales, the training provider specialises…

If you’re running any business that serves food, then your success will largely rest on what goes on in your kitchen. If your staff aren’t provided with the tools and the environment they need, then they might struggle to deliver consistent results. They might also end up suffering from unnecessary stress, and higher rates of absenteeism. This can be a vital consideration at certain times of year, like the run-up to Christmas. So, what changes might you make to drive up productivity in the kitchen? There are a number of them to consider. Streamline your layout and workflow A good…