Author: Rhys Gregory

Ten years since its launch, Business Wales has supported more than 390,000 entrepreneurs and businesses, assisted the creation of over 19,000 new start-ups and directly helped to create nearly 47,000 jobs in the Welsh economy. Business Wales is the Welsh Government’s flagship bilingual business support service for Welsh micro-businesses and SMEs including social enterprises, and aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages. Business Wales is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. It provides dedicated support for those people wishing to start, sustain or grow their business through a range of face to face, telephone and online provision. Economy Minister,…

The CMR (Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route) provides a clear, cross-country legal framework for the transportation of goods by road. Its aim is to standardize documentation, protect goods, improve efficiency, and reduce legal uncertainty. Despite its many benefits, not everything in the garden is rosy.  Reasons CMR Is Not a Perfect Solution Some countries have faced challenges with the implementation and enforcement of the CMR. Some of the common challenges include: Differences in national laws: Despite the efforts of the CMR to standardize the conditions for the transportation of goods by road, there may…

Swansea-based AD Marketing has started 2023 with a new office and a new look, as they look to build on the successes of the last five years. Established by experienced digital marketer Alix Charles in 2018, the firm began as a small freelance operation from offices in Neath Abbey, as Alix explains. “I had always wanted to run my own business, and after many years working for some of the largest agencies in Wales, I decided to venture out on my own, so secured funding from the Development Bank of Wales and set up Alix Digital.” Having managed the PPC…

Leading independent accountancy firm, Kilsby Williams, has announced a series of promotions within its tax and business services teams to start the new year. Dafydd Ford, who has been with the firm for over 15 years, has been promoted to Tax Associate. Dafydd has experience advising clients across a broad range of sectors and has used that experience to identify key tax planning opportunities for many clients over the years. He has particular expertise in areas such as property tax, investment tax relief and research and development tax relief. Dafydd said: “Since starting my tax career with Kilsby Williams in…

Business confidence in Wales rose by 16 points during January to 34%, the highest reading since 2021, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 12 points at 43%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 20 points to 26% this gives a headline confidence reading of 34%. Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (42%), investing in their team (39%), and diversifying into new markets (29%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 29% of…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Academy of Sport is proud to announce that Ken Owens, Scarlets, Lions and current Wales Captain has joined the Men’s Rugby Club coaching staff. Ken is no stranger to the University, having been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in his hometown of Carmarthen during the summer of 2019. One day, hopefully not too soon, Ken will think about life after playing rugby, and has recently started studying for his WRU coaching awards. As part of this process, he is looking to gain experience within the coaching field. Ken has accepted a voluntary role as…

Renewable energy specialists Green Heat Wales are expanding their range of services to meet the growing demand for solar, biomass and heat pump energy generation. A £50,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales will be used as working capital to help finance the purchase of additional stock and support cashflow. Established by James Portsmouth in 2009, Green Heat Wales has showrooms in Tongwynlais and Brecon. Live products on show include Solar PV, pellet boilers, wood burning stoves and thermal storage. Led by James as Managing Director along with Directors Benjamin Cloke and Nathan Pring, the six strong team…

A brand-new café and street food venue is set to open at The Bone Yard in Canton next month. Promising all-day brunches at the weekend, and all-day coffee from 8am Wednesday to Sunday, the new venue – called TwentySix – will also play host to a regular rotation of street food traders from 3 – 10pm, Thursday to Sunday. A fully licensed bar will serve a selection of beers, wines and spirits, plus regular cocktail specials throughout the year. The venue is the brainchild of established street food trader Helen Gorman, best known for founding Bad Boy Brownies, a side…

33,351 people experiencing financial hardship accessed £2.36 million cash payments from the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund in December alone, according to new figures released by the Welsh Government. It comes as the Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, urged people in Wales to check their eligibility for help from Welsh Government support schemes if they were facing financial difficulties. Welsh Government figures show 200,000 people in Wales have been supported by the Discretionary Assistance Fund in the 2022-2023 financial year, with £23 million given out in grants. The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides two types of grant that do…

Nine neighbours in Swansea are celebrating after winning £270,000 with People’s Postcode Lottery all thanks to their postcode. Nine residents on Kilvey Terrace won £30,000 each when SA1 8BA was announced as a winner on Saturday 28 January. The £30,000 winners include: Claire Mugford, a 48-year-old nurse was accepted to do a Master’s degree in advanced practice nursing on the same day as winning £30,000 Rachael Barry, a 60-year-old grandmother and art tutor at Crisis, a charity for homeless people Tom Cutliffe, a 34-year old new dad said the win has come at the ‘perfect time’ Gina Peccerella, a 64-year…