Author: Rhys Gregory

In a challenging economic climate demand for external finance has dropped among smaller businesses according to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2022/23 report published this week. Across the UK, in Q3 2022, only 33% of smaller businesses were using external finance compared to 44% the year prior. Overall demand for external finance has dropped from 48% among Welsh smaller businesses during Q3 2021 to 28% in Q3 2022. For the smaller business equity finance market in Wales, whilst the number of announced equity deals in the first three quarters of 2022 compared to the same period the…

A university research ship, the only one of its kind in the UK, is set to reduce its emissions by up to 60% thanks to a pioneering £5.5 million hydrogen power initiative that could help re-shape the future of shipping. The Transship II project is the largest retrofit of its kind to-date and will see the Prince Madog retrofitted with a hydrogen electric hybrid propulsion system that will enable zero to low emission operation by 2025. The project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 (CMDC3), funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK.…

A Bodelwyddan-based construction firm is continuing to consolidate its growth over the coming 12 months as it begins work on site for a series of major developments across Wales. Wynne Construction is due to commence £60m worth of schemes in 2023, including new schools, colleges, social housing and apartments, as the company’s order book and number of employees continues to grow. More than nine projects across Wales will get underway over the coming months, while the firm will also conclude an additional £62m of schemes currently in progress. One major build the company is due to progress in 2023 is…

Wales’ new champion for the future of the nation is using his first day in the job to call for “urgent and transformational change” to improve people’s lives now and in the future.  Wales is the first country in the world to create an independent office to act as a guardian for future generations and Derek Walker, the second ever Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, started in the role on St David’s Day.  Mr Walker said he wants to build on the momentum created by his predecessor, Sophie Howe, and the energy of the movement of people working hard to improve life in Wales and its future – and that he is committed to hearing about what measures…

Demolition of the former police station in Bridgend town centre is due to start soon with the site earmarked to house a new Bridgend College campus. The contractors Cardiff Demolition are due to begin demolition in the week beginning Monday 20 March with work expected to take up to 12 weeks.  Access to Cheapside and local businesses will be maintained during the demolition, although there will be some temporary narrowing of the carriageway and minor alterations to pedestrian crossing points. The contractor will be contacting local businesses before demolition starts to advise on the programme of works. The site, at…

A new choir that has been formed to get older people out of the house and to socialise is already hitting the high notes. Although it only launched this year, the Ageing Well Choir is already attracting more than 50 singers when it meets at the Swansea Arena every other Wednesday afternoon. It has been set-up by Swansea Council’s partnership and involvement team and is one of a packed programme of activities run to combat isolation and loneliness. People can sign-up for a newsletter that gives them a weekly update of all that is going on by visiting:  https://www.swansea.gov.uk/ageingwellemail Swansea…

Pembrokeshire County Council has launched its applications to invite interested organisations to apply for funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UKSPF is available during the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years only – and for projects across the county. Projects must deliver activity that is line with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Prospectus and align with one of these investment priorities:  Communities and Place   Supporting Local Business   People and Skills. The UKSPF is one of the UK Government funds replacing European funding streams that are no longer available after Brexit. It’s also part of the…

A new outdoor adventure play area has opened at historic tourist destination Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson. The outdoor adventure play area features a trim trail for children to follow.  Caerphilly County Borough Council has also successfully secured an additional £35,000 of funding to deliver a new extension to the play area through Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics 2021 programme. Following a tender process, Sutcliffe Play Ltd were awarded the contract and the Playpark is now ready to be used.  The extension has seen traditional swings, a roundabout, seesaw and springies for young visitors to enjoy. Outdoor areas at Llancaiach Fawr Manor…

Renowned luxury family jeweller, Laings, has launched a state-of-the-art Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Cardiff, bringing an exclusive new offering to clients in Wales. The recently launched workshop has underscored its after-sales authority by achieving the prestigious Rolex Authorised Service Centre status. In line with the Rolex Service Procedure, and drawing on Laings in-house Rolex accredited watchmakers’ expertise, the service offers clients a new, elevated guarantee that their timepieces will be serviced to the exemplary standards of the renowned brand. As part of this overall service enhancement, clients can take advantage of a Rolex two-year international service guarantee covering the…

The game of bingo has flourished in the United Kingdom ever since the 1960s when big cinema chains like the Odeon Hackney Road began to be turned into bingo clubs. This was the beginning of a change across the whole of Great Britain, with bingo clubs appearing with increasing regularity and becoming something of a fixture in British culture. The shift in cultural norms towards the golden age of bingo was driven by many factors, and was particularly popular in Wales. Wales Holds a Special Place in Bingo History So where does Wales fit into the story?  The Welsh can boast a very important staging post…