Author: Rhys Gregory

A fast-growing Wrexham financial planning firm is celebrating another major milestone after moving to larger premises and expanding its team. The move sees Belgrave Wincham triple its previous office space and welcome a new trainee paraplanner to support its expanding client base after relocating within Wrexham Technology Park. As part of the expansion, Belgrave Wincham also plans to create graduate opportunities in the coming year to continue developing its in-house expertise. The independent firm – founded by Tom Foulkes and Craig Roberts who together have over 20 years’ experience in financial services – supports clients across North Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire…

Landmark legislation to reform the way local bus services are planned and delivered in Wales has received Royal Assent, becoming law. The Bus Services (Wales) Bill was officially sealed by First Minister, Eluned Morgan, at a ceremony in Cardiff this week (Monday 2 February) putting Wales at the forefront of improving bus services in the UK. This marks the start of the process to transform local bus services across Wales putting passengers first and giving the public sector a stronger role in shaping networks across rural and urban areas. In the coming weeks and months, the Welsh Government and Transport…

HCB Widdows Mason has announced a new partnership with Cardiff City FC Community Foundation. This collaboration will provide the Community Foundation and its beneficiaries with direct access to professional legal expertise, ensuring local families and individuals have the support they need to navigate complex legal challenges. The Community Foundation is renowned for its extensive work across South Wales, providing vital services ranging from alternative learning environments for young people to coffee mornings for veterans. By aligning with the Community Foundation, HCB Widdows Mason aims to integrate its legal services into the heart of the community, offering support to members, participants,…

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed its stadium naming rights deal with Principality Building Society has been extended until 2030, with the new investment directly supporting the growth of the game in Wales from grassroots up to elite levels. Wales’ national ground has been known as Principality Stadium, hosting an array of global music stars, worldwide sporting events and international Welsh rugby, since January 2016. Principality Building Society CEO, Iain Mansfield: “I am delighted to announce the renewal of the naming rights of Principality Stadium until 2030 – taking us to the end of the decade. As the CEO of…

Anyone who charges guests to stay overnight in Wales will soon be required by law to register their visitor accommodation with the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA). The new legal requirement will apply to all paid visitor accommodation across Wales – including spare rooms, holiday cottages, cabins, campsites and hotels. Registration will be required whether accommodation is let for a single night, occasionally, seasonally or all year round. The register is being introduced to give a clearer picture of the visitor accommodation available in Wales and support councils that decide to introduce the Visitor Levy. Registration will open in autumn 2026, and both informal hosts and professional accommodation providers will be required to comply or risk facing penalties. Accommodation providers can prepare now by visiting gov.wales/registeryourplace to find out what information…

The Victoria Park Hotel in Cardiff will close its doors on 2nd February to allow for an exciting refurbishment before reopening as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub. This transformation represents a significant investment of over £349,500. The much-loved community pub will be transformed with new features designed to deliver a stadium-style experience on every visit. The refurbishment will include the installation of market-leading technology, such as new 3-metre-long and 1.8-metre-tall screens, state-of-the-art sound systems, and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a great view of the action. A refurbished outdoor area with TV screens will also be added, and locals will be…

South Wales Police have closed a road in Porth this afternoon following an ongoing incident. Officers are currently at the scene on Aber-Rhondda Road, which has been shut in both directions between Tynewydd Square and Packers Road. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible, with delays expected while emergency services deal with the situation. Police have not yet released further details about the nature of the incident, but have thanked the public for their patience and cooperation. Anyone travelling through Porth is advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow…

Overnight resurfacing works are set to take place on the eastbound carriageway between Pontypridd and Abercynon later this month. Traffic Wales has confirmed that essential improvements will be carried out over several weeks, with the route closed in one direction during the night to allow crews to complete the work safely. The scheme will run from Monday 2 February to Friday 20 February 2026. Closures will be in place each night between 8pm and 6am, affecting traffic travelling eastbound from Pontypridd towards Abercynon. Motorists are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys, as a signed diversion…

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for grooming and sexually abusing a child he met on an online video game. Nico Williams, of Vicarage Hill, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, 29 January for sentence. He had previously admitted five charges including three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, meeting a child after grooming and making indecent images. He was jailed for nine years and will serve two-thirds of the jail term in custody, and the remainder on licence. He was also handed a lifetime restraining order to protect the victim, an indefinite sexual…

Two of Wales’ brightest comedy stars are inviting listeners along for the ride as they hit the road for a third series of their comedy travel podcast, Pod of Wales. Pod of Wales provides an entertaining lift and showcases the best that Cymru has to offer visitors keen on enjoying some of Wales’ most special ‘hidden gems.’ Kiri, star of Have I Got News For You and QI, hosts with co-presenter friend Esyllt, who regularly features on BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra, and says: “I think this is my favourite season to date! Although I say that every season.…