Author: Rhys Gregory

Swansea University is set to play a key role in shaping Wales’s manufacturing workforce of the future. It will take the lead in a pilot project to promote and improve battery manufacturing skills which has just won funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent programme. This programme, led by Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (South West Wales),  aims to create a trained workforce for the future across the key emerging sectors of energy, construction, manufacturing, digital and health. In collaboration with Welsh firms Batri Ltd, Deregallera Ltd and ENSERV UK Ltd, academics from the University will develop…

Cardiff-based entrepreneurs, Sara Flay and Leighton Morris are on a mission to improve accessibility within every aspect of society – from workplaces and educational institutions to accommodation and leisure facilities. Sara, who was diagnosed with a muscle-wasting disease at the age of 23, and Leighton, whose life was changed by bowel cancer in 2011, joined forces to launch the Ani Group after experiencing the challenges that can come with living with a disability first-hand. The Ani Group works in partnership with a host of clients from across the UK – ranging from start-up SMEs to national events and public bodies…

Paige Randall is a qualified nurse, she is also just weeks away from putting on the red jersey to represent Wales in the World Deaf Rugby 7’s World Cup in Argentina. Alongside hours of training, Paige has also had to raise thousands of pounds to help fund this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Deri RFC player’s fundraising efforts were boosted and she secured her place on the flight to Argentina following a donation of £1,500 from Persimmon Homes West Wales as part of its Community Champions scheme. The scheme runs across each of Persimmon’s 30 UK offices. Every quarter…

A first-in-Wales rapid response team is helping to keep vulnerable children out of hospital when they develop potentially serious infections. Instead the team supports them to be looked after in their own home – and works with families, schools and carers to try and prevent them becoming unwell in the first place. Launched last year, the Paediatric Respiratory Physiotherapy Rapid Response Outreach Service is available to youngsters aged from two to 18 years with complex medical needs. It’s not uncommon for children to pick up seasonal viruses and chest infections during the winter months. But those with health conditions and…

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…