Author: Rhys Gregory

One of the fastest growing firms in Wales has relocated to Mamhilad Park Estate ahead of a management buy-out. Having reported growth of 258% between 2018 and 2020, J2R Demolition is now a £3 million business employing a team of 19 plus sub-contractors. The company has moved from Blackwood to Mamhilad Park Estate, taking 600 square feet of office and over 17,000 square foot of industrial space. Listed in the 2021 Fast Growth 50, J2R was established by Jonathan Williams and Robert Morris in 2017. A management buy-out will see Director Jonathan Williams solely taking the business forward whilst co-Director…

Aldi has announced a series of energy saving measures in stores across Wales. Through measures like installing chiller doors, air source heat pumps and more efficient fridges and lights, the supermarket is set to save the equivalent of 73 tonnes of carbon emissions each year in its Wales stores. Stores in Wales where Aldi will be introducing these measures include Newtown and Ferry Road in Cardiff. The announcement forms part of Aldi’s ongoing efforts to minimise its carbon emissions and climate impact. The supermarket has been carbon neutral since January 2019 thanks to a number of sustainability initiatives, including the…

Hodge has been announced as a finalist in not one but three categories at this year’s Credit Awards – known as the ‘Oscars’ of the financial services world. The specialist lender is in the running for a hat trick of awards after being shortlisted in the Best Company to Work For, Best Mortgage Lender of the Year and Best Marketing Campaign of the Year categories. The Credit Awards take place annually to celebrate excellence in the financial services world, recognising innovation, best practice and the hard work of individuals operating across the industry UK-wide. Hodge will take its place alongside…

National Trust Cymru reveals some of the best places for spectacular shows of spring flowers this month. May marks the arrival of woodlands carpeted with bluebells and orchards bursting with blossoming fruit trees at the Trust’s gardens and parklands across Wales. Now is the perfect time to plan a tranquil walk in some of the best spots for bluebells at Bodnant Garden, Chirk Castle, Dinefwr and Penrhyn Castle. See these beautiful springtime visitors in all their glory, before their short-lived season ends later in May. But be careful how you tread as the delicate flowers can take years to recover…

An outstanding volunteer from Cardiff, has been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service. Jenny Fortt volunteers with Dogs Trust Cardiff and has been recognised for her contribution and crowned a Coronation Champion. This follows a call out to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103. Jenny impressed judges with her work supporting the work of the charity at its rehoming centre in Cardiff. She has donated 250 hours…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) is hosting the WoodBuild Conference and Expo 2023 at our Lampeter Campus on July 12 and 13 to focus on the key role of forestry and timber construction in addressing the climate crisis. The aim of the two-day event organised by Woodknowledge Wales, is to inspire, create new business opportunities, offer a collaborative platform for all participants and to share information on current and future Welsh Government policies. Day 1 is designed to be very practical and hands on, with delegates given the opportunity to exchange knowledge and…

Rhondda based UPVC Direct has completed the acquisition of family owned Principality Plastics Warehouse in a deal part-funded with a significant loan and equity investment by the Development Bank of Wales that will see the business retained in Wales. Established in 1992 by John Peters, Principality Plastics Warehouse is a family-run business with warehouses in Cardiff, Gloucester and Swansea. Supplying plastic building supplies to the trade and DIY markets, Principality has  a turnover of £9 million. All 40 staff will be retained by UPVC Direct, the building and maintenance supply company established by entrepreneurs Paul Ragan and Matthew Epps in…

The FAW is delighted to confirm that Chris Gunter will join the Cymru coaching staff as a National Team Development Coach following his playing retirement at the end of this season. The part-time role will provide support for Cymru’s young players as they transition into senior team football and will also support the FAW’s work in securing talent in the National Team pathway. Gunter has announced his retirement from professional football and says he is looking forward to the new role, commenting: “I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have enjoyed the highs and lows of the past 17/18 years.…

Welsh freelancers and SMEs are to benefit from seed funding to carry out early-stage research, development and innovation (RD&I). Media Cymru has awarded funding to 18 projects exploring a range of new ideas, including in the fields of virtual production (VP), immersive technologies and interactive experiences. Launched in 2022, Media Cymru offers a series of funding rounds, training, research and opportunities to help develop innovation capacity within businesses and individuals in the media sector. Led by Cardiff University, its aim is to turn Cardiff and the surrounding capital region’s media sector into a global hub for media innovation with a…

An award-winning yogurt maker from Conwy took centre stage in a TV show that transforms people’s lives. The Llaeth y Llan dairy in Llannefydd, near Denbigh and St Asaph,  was the location for one of the tasks during the filming of the popular S4C programme, FFIT Cymru. The programme is made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da and presented by Lisa Gwilym, who hails from nearby Henllan, with the programme being shown at 9pm on Tuesday evenings. Over a two-month period five participants from all over Wales are aiming to improve their health by following bespoke fitness and food plans…