Author: Rhys Gregory

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is delighted to announce that the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir will perform in the Main Ring on the opening day of the 2026 Royal Welsh Show, Monday 20 July. Formed by Jeremy Clarkson, the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir was originally brought together as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business. Since then, the choir has grown into something far greater, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community. The group most recently captured the hearts of the nation by winning the 2026 final of Britain’s Got Talent, becoming…

Persimmon Homes has appointed a new Finance Director for its East Wales region. James Holmes takes over the reins at the accredited five-star housebuilder, with responsibility for the strategic financial planning of the business from budgeting to forecasting. He joins the company after serving in the same position for Barratt Redrow Southampton. Previous to this, he spent a decade working as finance manager in their South Wales division but also had a stint working in Wiltshire. An ACCA charted certified accountant, James is returning to his Welsh roots with an ambition to drive improvements in the business’ finance processes and…

Soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills is continuing its collaboration with The Walt Disney Company and Pixar for the upcoming blockbuster summer release of Toy Story 5. Specially branded 200ml Tetra Paks of Radnor Fruits feature new and iconic character designs from the film series including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie and in flavours which include Apple, Forest Fruits and Orange. The new on-pack promotion is rolling out across the UK, ahead of the film’s release this week, with listings online and in-store across the UK in Morrisons, as well as in Ocado and a number of Co-op Societies. The range…

Two apprentices supported through the Welsh Government’s Supported Shared Apprenticeship Programme have shown what can be achieved with the right opportunities, progressing into jobs they enjoy and are thriving in. Amber Spellman, 26, from Rhyl, works as a pharmacy assistant at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan while Morgan Griffiths, 23, from Bridgend, is employed as a customer team member at Co-op Food store in Brackla. They have both completed their Supported Shared Apprenticeships with Cambrian Training Company, one of the leading work-based learning providers in Wales. “At Cambrian Training we are committed to making apprenticeships inclusive and work-based learning opportunities available…

Blaenau Gwent organisations are being invited to apply for funding to help local people develop skills in digital and creative industries, as part of efforts to boost employment opportunities and support future economic growth. The funding is being made available through the Local Growth Fund Priority 2 grant, backed by the UK Government, and is aimed at projects that can help residents gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to access meaningful employment. Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is particularly interested in supporting initiatives that address identified local skills gaps in the digital and creative sectors, which have been highlighted…

Ceredigion County Council has confirmed that, following a major public consultation, Option A is the preferred option for the Plascrug Footbridge Replacement Scheme. The scheme aims to replace the existing footbridge at Plascrug, Aberystwyth, with a modern structure that meets current accessibility standards. The current bridge has been in place for around 20 years and provides a vital link within Aberystwyth’s active travel network. Crossing the Cambrian Main Line and the Vale of Rheidol railway line, the bridge connects residential areas with education, employment, leisure and retail destinations. It is a convenient and well-used route for people walking, wheeling and…

A neurodivergent support organisation headquartered in Margam is celebrating a decade of transforming lives across Wales, the wider UK, and internationally. Autside, established in 2016 by Donna Sharland and Emma Durman, is marking its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the organisation has supported thousands of families, children, young people and adults, helping them better understand and navigate autism, ADHD and wider neurodivergent conditions. Built on lived experience and a passion for change, Autside has become a trusted voice in raising awareness, challenging misconceptions and advocating for more inclusive support systems. Reflecting on the milestone, co-founder Donna Sharland who is…

Many people in the UK are overpaying for their mobile phones without even realising it. When an initial contract finishes, the automatic reaction for many is to simply let it roll over or accept whatever upgrade the current network offers. This passive renewal routine means that millions of consumers remain tied to expensive tariffs that don’t match their actual daily needs. It’s easy to assume you’re getting a good deal with large data allocations, but the reality is that you’re probably paying a premium for data you never use. The Financial Impact of Contract Inertia The scale of this problem…

When it comes to brokerages, fines can often lead readers to question a firm’s regulatory standing. However, the global investment platform EXANTE maintains a clean regulatory record and has never received any regulatory fines since its inception.  This commitment to operational integrity and compliance is a key aspect of how regulated brokers manage client protection and market standards in the financial industry. Financial services firms operate in a sector where regulation forms part of daily business. Brokers must assess clients, monitor transactions, maintain records, report suspicious activity, and follow sanctions requirements. Regulators may review these activities at any time. This…

The Gulf oil sector added roughly $561 billion to the region’s economy in 2024, about 24 percent of GDP. That same year, a different category of Gulf export began drawing more attention from finance ministries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America: bundled operating capability, packaged as long-tenor concessions and digital-government programs. Inmā Emirates Holdings, an impact-investment vehicle chaired by Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al-Maktoum, sits squarely on that second axis. Economic diplomacy is the practice of using commercial relationships to advance national interests, and Inmā’s version runs through infrastructure that partner governments keep on their own balance sheets. Numbers…