Author: Rhys Gregory

CanSense – a Swansea company which has developed a blood test that aims to save lives by diagnosing bowel cancer at an early stage – has raised £1.5m from Mercia, the Development Bank of Wales and liquid biopsy company Nonacus. CanSense’s test, which combines laser spectroscopy with artificial intelligence, is faster, less expensive and less invasive than a colonoscopy procedure and more acceptable for patients than a faecal blood detection kit. It could help detect bowel cancer at an early stage when it is much easier to treat and the chance of survival is much higher. Studies have shown that…

The British Business Bank is on course to launch a £130 million investment fund this autumn, aimed at driving the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in Wales. The Investment Fund for Wales is one of a series of Nations and Regions Investment Funds being launched by the British Business Bank which will deliver a £1.6bn commitment of new funding to smaller businesses across the UK. The fund will offer a range of commercial finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment of up to £5m. By increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Erwhir Care Home in Carmarthenshire. Founded in 1986, Erwhir Care Home is a well-established residential care home registered with the CIW to accommodate up to 15 service users aged 65 years and over who require personal care. The business occupies a substantial Edwardian property in Carmarthen, approximately 30 miles northeast of Swansea and 16 miles north of Llanelli. This well-regarded care home has an enviable reputation for delivering excellent quality care and has a good reputation within the local area. The home maintains a very high occupancy rate…

TwentySix is Cardiff’s newest outdoor neighbourhood hangout – promising all-day brunches at the weekend, and a spot to enjoy coffee & cake from Wednesday to Sunday. A custom-built, weatherproof seating area – complete with booth seating, cute festoon lighting, and timed wall heaters means that the new venue – housed at The Bone Yard creative community in Canton – boasts a total capacity of more than 90 covers. The venue is the brainchild of established street food trader Helen Gorman; her TOAST brand (previously seen at festivals around South Wales) will be responsible for serving up weekend breakfasts, freshly squeezed OJ and coffee…

As firms of all sizes seek to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, one company has called on companies to do more to improve their environmental footprint by embracing the principles of the circular economy when refitting or reimagining their workplaces and to ‘design out’ waste as much as possible. Ministry of Furniture, one of the most forward-thinking suppliers of loose and fitted furniture in Wales, has called on companies to plan further ahead and think outside the box when redesigning their workplaces – as many have post-COVID as they embrace hybrid and more collaborative working models and the changing…

Swansea’s coastal park is to be named the Amy Dillwyn Park in memory of one of the city’s most accomplished novelists and businesswomen. Developed by Swansea Council and located next to Swansea Arena, the park first opened to the public 12 months ago. The council announced the naming on International Women’s Day – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Born in Sketty to a prominent family, Amy Elizabeth Dillwyn (1845 to 1935) wrote six novels on themes including feminism and social reform. After her father’s death in 1892, she inherited and personally managed…

A Ukrainian mum of four who courageously escaped Russia’s invasion of her homeland will play a key role in a concert celebrating cultural diversity. Polina Horelova, 34, will conduct two Ukrainian songs performed by NEW Sinfonia orchestra’s community vocal ensemble NEW Voices at St Giles’ Church, Wrexham on Saturday, April 1. At least 20 Ukrainian refugees have found solace singing with the NEW Voices which has one hub in Wrexham and another in St Asaph. While the concert itself has received funding, a Just Giving page has been set up to raise money for the wider NEW Voices programme and…

Nearly 200 Welsh entrepreneurs came together in Cardiff last week (Thursday 2 March) to hear from experts at eBay, Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, and Small Business Britain as part of an event designed to help them start and scale their businesses online. Hosted at the Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground, the event, which was organised and hosted by eBay, was the latest in its series of Business Roadshows. Each one aims to bring small business leaders together with seasoned experts and innovators to help them start, scale and navigate their way through the challenges and opportunities presented…

Seven independent cinemas across Wales will receive funding from Film Hub Wales to support their venues with rising costs this spring. As venues balance significant financial pressures, funds will be used to ensure that the best UK independent and international films continue to reach communities at affordable prices. At Cellb in Blaenau Ffestiniog, their energy bills have escalated by 700% in the last quarter. So this youth-led venue is getting creative to maintain the modern cinematic entertainment offer that the community knows and loves, at reasonable prices. They are redeveloping their Blaenau Vista Ffilm Club with specialist Q&A screenings such…

The company behind proposals to develop a world-class leisure destination at Kilvey Hill has announced a heavily discounted Swansea Resident’s Annual Pass in a bid to open up the hill for all to experience. Global leisure and tourism experts, Skyline Enterprises, says local residents will be offered an annual pass for just £40 for adults, with seniors and children priced at just £20 (children under five will be free). A family of four (two adults and two children) will cost £100. The pass will entitle residents to a year of unlimited rides on the proposed gondola (cable car) and access…