Author: Rhys Gregory

This year’s Llanfyllin Show has been described as one of the most successful as a large crowd attended the popular annual event earlier in August. Chairman Dyfrig Jones said there was a record number of trade stands and entries across all sections, with a particularly high standard in horses section, and a “considerable number” of young farmers supported the Montgomery YFC evening speed shearing competition in the evening. Warm sunshine made a welcome appearance in the afternoon, following intermittent rain showers, as star attraction, The Atkinson Action Horses stunt team, returned for a second year to entertain the crowd with…

The Heritage Park Hotel, in the South Wales town of Pontypridd, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to the Zaman Family who add the property to their existing portfolio. Brilliant Hotels has been appointed to manage the hotel. The modern property was constructed in the 1990s and is set within a large two-acre site. It was designed for modern, corporate hotel use and as such has excellent dining and conference facilities, as well as being a popular wedding venue. The sale of the 43-bedroom purpose-built hotel was handled by Colliers. The Loft Restaurant, which seats 100, has exposed timbers and…

Business owners in North Wales are set to benefit from increased confidence and enhanced skillsets as a key partnership continues to flourish.   The region’s representatives of a global professional advisory service and a national sales training provider have joined forces to further support SME leaders when mapping out their company objectives and strategy.  David Roberts of The Alternative Board (TAB) and Sales Geek North Wales’ Aaron Sussex are combining their expertise of coaching and consultancy, reflecting a broader alliance between the two UK-wide organisations.  For the collaboration’s first major initiative, David and Aaron will be hosting two linked seminars…

Christie Cook has joined Hodge’s senior management team as its managing director of retail. Christie has extensive experience in the mortgage market, as she is the former head of mortgages at Nottingham Building Society, has occupied head of product roles with Glenhawk Financial Services and the Bank of Ireland, as well as being a former operations manager for Kensington Mortgages and Lehmans. Christie will be leading on all Mortgages and Savings related business at Hodge, covering off product, distribution, marketing, customer origination, underwriting and first line risk issues in the process. Christie said of her appointment: “I’m really excited to…

Sarson’s will be sloshing onto the shores of Barry Island this bank holiday weekend, giving away free chips in a bid to protect Wales’ much-loved national dish, fish and chips. On a bustling summer’s day, there’s no better place to be than Barry – enjoying a crispy bite of freshly battered fish doused in vinegar, served with a portion of golden fries – and this weekend the activity will be top of the agenda for hundreds of locals and visitors seeking some bank holiday sunshine. Whilst the dish makes for a big part of Welsh culture, today,  chip shops along…

Work is nearing completion on the first phase of a development of 44 new homes in Newtown, Powys following two investments totalling £4.68 million by the Development Bank of Wales. Oaks Meadow is located in the village of Sarn, on the A489 between Newtown and Churchstoke. A range of two, three and four bedroom homes are being marketed by developers Primesave Homes Limited, a family-run business led by Father and Daughter Steve and Keri Jennings.  All properties will have off-road parking with detached plots also benefitting from single garages. Oil fired central heating will be installed with extensive floor, wall…

Action woman Caroline Platt is on a mission to visit the Seven Wonders of the World – and raise money for charity at the same time. The next challenge for Caroline is a five-day, 100 kilometre trek in the baking heat of Wadi Rum desert in Jordan as she marks two important milestones. She has just reached her 50th birthday and animal bedding specialists Platts Agriculture, the Wrexham-based family firm she heads up as managing director, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. This time Caroline will be raising money for the Swansea-based Faith in Families organisation which helps struggling families.…

Cabaret is back for more this Autumn – bringing the very best in drag, burlesque, comedy and more to Wales Millennium Centre. After just seven months, Cabaret has already become a firm fixture in Cardiff’s nightlife and cultural scene, serving emerging and eclectic talent like nowhere else in Wales. Tickets are on sale now for Autumn’s shows at wmc.org.uk/cabaret. The queer TARDIS will return to Wales Millennium Centre in Gallifrey Cabaret, a night of cosmic drag and cabaret inspired by the iconic Doctor Who in the show’s 60th year. Fresh off his TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers,…

Operation Bridport was the investigation surrounding an organised crime group from Newport who were exploiting teenagers in Neath to sell their drugs on their behalf. The following people have been sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and for exploiting vulnerable teenagers under section two of the Modern Slavery Act. Dwayde Stock, aged 28, from Newport – nine years for drugs and modern slavery offences. David Rustham Allen, aged 30 from Newport – eight years and three months for drugs and modern slavery offences. Justin James Hensall, aged 36, from Newport – six years and eight months for drug…

The South Wales Business Awards is making a final call for applications to the 2023 South Wales Business Awards. Applications close this Friday at 5pm. 2023 sees the awards celebrating its 15th year. The last 15 years have seen huge economic and political challenges for Welsh business. However, the one constant has been the truly outstanding way in which the Welsh business community has overcome any challenge posed. The South Wales Business Awards are being held Friday 15th September at the iconic Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. Sara Edwards, one of Welsh television and radio’s most popular presenters is once again…