Author: Rhys Gregory

£5 million has been awarded to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with the aim of reducing health inequality and improving wellbeing. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been successful in its bid to become a Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). The collaboration, co-led by the Wales Centre for Public Policy, will bring together partners from Cardiff University, Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, Interlink RCT, Public Health Wales. Each HDRC is hosted by a local authority which works with universities or institutions with expertise in the wider determinants of health. This brings together…

Be bright, be seen – that’s the message from Pembrokeshire’s new junior road safety officers (JRSOs) to their schoolmates across the county. With dark, wintry weather upon us, the JRSOs are urging other pupils to wear something bright when outside, to make sure they can be seen by other road users. Their campaign is part of a scheme launched this term by Pembrokeshire County Council to boost road safety awareness among primary age children. Supported by South Hook LNG, the scheme currently runs in ten schools, and it’s hoped more schools will join next year. “We’re delighted with the enthusiasm…

Monmouthshire County Council is now part of a new procurement service focusing on socially responsible business purchasing. Launched by Cardiff Council, as part of Ardal – a collaborative procurement partnership with Monmouthshire County Council, Torfaen Council, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council – the service will also see increased collaboration and greater community impact. Ardal Councils will work to harness skills, knowledge and expertise with other partners. This will showcase what can be achieved through collaborative, agile procurement. Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Rachel Garrick, said: “There are plenty of exciting opportunities on the horizon thanks to…

In 2023, the attitude towards the automation of HR processes is finally beginning to shift towards a more modern perspective, which is undoubtedly encouraging. HR professionals are no longer just administrators in understanding top HR officers, CEOs, and business owners; they have become full-fledged performers in a crucial area for business development and functioning, scaling into new markets, and expanding. People as a resource are one of the most valuable assets, if not the most valuable asset, and managing them becomes more challenging due to remote work, the growing popularity of project-based work, matrix structures, teams, and so on. Automated…

The family of Matthew Theophilus from the Caerphilly area, who died following a road traffic collision has paid the following tribute to him. “The sudden passing of Matthew in such devastating circumstances will leave an emptiness that will never be filled. “He was a man who was full of life and love for his family. “He was a devoted Dad to his three-year-old daughter Shaya who was his Princess. “Matthew was a devoted son to Neil and Vicky and younger brother to Gareth and Gemma. “Our memories of Matthew will last a lifetime and Matthew will live on in his precious…

Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru (CIGC) in Coryton, North Cardiff officially opened its doors on 7th December, to serve as a cornerstone of Wales’ precision health ambition. Genomics is one of the most exciting areas of modern health care, increasing our ability to understand the role our genes play in our health and revolutionising the way in which illness and disease are approached; with more personalised care and new approaches to public health made possible through use of ground-breaking new methods, tools and technologies. Funded by Welsh Government, the state-of-the-art facility will co-locate some of Wales’ leading experts in the field…

The importance of tourism industry collaboration and unity was emphasised by speakers at the annual meeting of an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality business across Mid Wales. The impact of Welsh Government legislation on the industry was one of the main discussion points at a members’ forum which followed the annual meeting of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) held at Hafan yr Afon, Newtown on Tuesday. MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, chief executive Val Hawkins, MBE, and Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies all stressed the need for tourism and hospitality businesses to stay united. Addressing…

Wales is preparing to stage the biggest hospitality skills event the country has ever seen early in the new year. The Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) is moving to the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport, which will become Wales’ Hospitality Hub from January 22-24, 2024. The WICC, which was previously held in North Wales, brings together craft chefs, craft butchers and front of house staff to compete in three days of competitions. The event will be open free of charge to the public and hospitality trade. Organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), the 2024 WICC will…

A BUSINESS support service will expand across Mid and West Wales following an encouraging first year. Antur Cymru’s pop-up retail project in Aberystwyth had such a positive impact they have opened another test space in Newcastle Emlyn. And the social enterprise’s latest venture – Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support – plans to add another location in 2024. Funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils, the scheme also includes guidance and advice for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and independent traders across the region via a team of skilled and experienced mentors and advisors. Meanwhile, the…

THE inspiration behind a life-changing project helping socially isolated people into work has been nominated for a top award. Mel Davis, an Employability Mentor with Conwy Employment Hub, is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year Management category of Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s 2024 Apprenticeship Awards. With no previous academic qualifications to her name, the Old Colwyn mum-of-four joined the Hub six years ago and was encouraged to return to learning for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and to help lay the foundations for her future career. Mel went on to achieve a string of qualifications, including Diplomas Levels 3, 5…