Author: Rhys Gregory

The headline NatWest Wales Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – registered 49.5 in July, up from 46.7 in June, to signal a further, but slower fall in output at Welsh firms. The latest decline extended the current sequence of contraction to three months, but was the weakest in this period. Where a decrease in business activity was noted, firms linked this to muted demand conditions and a drop in new orders. The slight downturn contrasted with a marginal expansion seen at…

Police in Swansea are re-appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of James Beer, who is still missing. James, aged 29, was last seen in the Loughor area on Wednesday 17th May at 8.30pm. He is 5ft 8in, of slim build with short light brown hair and possibly has a goatee. PC Claire Lewis said: “It is now three months on from when James was reported missing and James’s family are desperate to find him and have now released this new photograph in the hope it will lead to new information. Since he was reported missing extensive enquiries have been made…

As a historic port, Cardiff has long had special ties with the Royal Navy and illustrious ships have carried the city’s name around the world for more than 400 years. Now the fourth HMS Cardiff has taken a significant step towards completion, watched by a party of dignitaries from the city with which it is now affiliated. At the end of July, Lord Mayor Cllr Bablin Molik, Morfudd Meredith, the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan and Honorary Captain Raj Aggarwal, the Honorary Consul to India in Wales, accepted an invitation from BAE Systems and Brigadier Jock Fraser, the Naval Regional…

Funding applications are now open for projects aimed at boosting Swansea’s rural communities. Grant funding is being made available to projects that support themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being. The funding is part of a rural anchor project being run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Projects that will be considered for funding include capital grants for investment in renewable energy for community benefit. Potential projects could include renewable energy schemes for community buildings or community car and bike charging…

This year’s Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest cycle race, will see more than 100 of the world’s best riders race from the picturesque Margam Country Park to the finish line in the shadows of Caerphilly Castle on Sunday 10th September. Those who are planning on heading to Margam Country Park to watch the start of the Tour of Britain finale will need to book the car park in advance, online. Due to the limited ticket capacity for this event, booking in advance is advised. There are two arrival timeslots to choose from and the team buses are due to…

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has been hearing about how farm businesses in North Wales have been taking action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. On a visit to the Rhug Estate near Corwen, the Minister met proprietor Lord Newborough and his team and heard about their pioneering low carbon project to measure and monitor the business’ carbon footprint and take action to mitigate it, with the aim of reaching net zero across all business operations within Rhug. The estate operates a diverse business model which embraces sustainable organic farming as well as renewable energy, retail, wholesale and most…

Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, has announced the members of an advisory panel to monitor and scrutinise Welsh Government plans to improve the provision of Welsh language care in health and social care services. Elin Wyn will chair the board, working alongside seven other members to ensure progress is made against the actions set-out in the five-year plan, More than just words, which was launched last year. Speaking at the National Eisteddfod today the Minister said: “The aim of our plan is to create a health and social care service in which people are actively offered their care in Welsh. Research…

Guto King Design is a graphic design business based at Pontygwindy Industrial Estate, Caerphilly. The owner, Guto Llewellyn King, has been in the graphic design sector for over 20 years, but in August 2022, decided to start his own business due to the company he was working for going into administration. He currently specialises in sign printing due to the increased demand. Previously, Guto worked in London, producing Chelsea FC football programmes, and has also worked for Fulham FC, printing monthly magazines. Relocating back to Caerphilly, he moved into his new premises in November 2022 and started producing various types…

Two lucky lads from Cardiff have had the best start to the month as between them, they won a combined jackpot of just under £40,000 at Grosvenor Casino Cardiff. Kallum, a local lorry driver, is a regular at three-card poker at his local Grosvenor Casino on Hemingway Road, The Red Dragon Centre. He was over the moon when he won £16,000 on the Progressive Jackpot. Kallum was in his local casino in Cardiff to collect tickets to be entered into Grosvenor Casinos’ summer raffle prize draw.  Meanwhile Luke, a Direct Sales Executive for a life insurance company also recently won…

Imagine walking into a room that’s a perfect reflection of your personality, a space that tells your story through its design. Now, imagine achieving this without having to splurge on expensive decor. Sounds too good to be true? Not at all! Welcome to the world of printed textiles such as personalised cushions and photo blankets, a world where creativity meets affordability. Today, we’re going to explore how you can transform your living spaces into personalised sanctuaries of style, all while going easy on your wallet. The Magic of Personalisation In this era when individuality is celebrated, personalisation has become a…