Author: Rhys Gregory

A former credit risk analyser who was looking for a career change is among a trio of new managers at a fast-growing bakery that’s creating 40 new jobs . Paul Durkin, 32, tried a string of “boring” office-based jobs but could never find anything he enjoyed doing – until he started work at the Jones Village Bakery in Wrexham. He landed a role as a production operative and after rising through the ranks he’s been appointed as the manager of the company’s pancake bakery on the town’s industrial. The two other new managers are Bilel Mejbri, known universally as Billy,…

Wales’ biggest housebuilder is opening the door to home ownership for more families in Wales with a new package of measures to support customers with the affordability of their new home. Buyers who reserve a new Persimmon home by 31 January 2023 can benefit from the company covering up to 10 of their monthly mortgage payments – freeing up customers’ cash to help with the cost of living. Across the UK, the average price of a Persimmon home is more than 20% below the national average and around half of all Persimmon customers are first-time buyers – meaning the new…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has welcomed students from Ukraine to the Lampeter campus. Anastasiia Patiuk and Valeriia Piven both received a scholarship from UWTSD that enables students from Ukraine to study the postgraduate award in Global Citizenship and Sustainable Leadership. They travelled from Kyiv to Lampeter in October and said they are overwhelmed by the support and the welcome that they have received. Valeriia said: “We cannot thank the University enough for their support during this hard time, and also to the people of Lampeter. This scholarship has given us the chance to help to rebuild…

The majority of Welsh businesses expect 2023 to be more successful than 2022, despite challenging economic forecasts, according to the latest data from Lloyds Bank. Almost two thirds of businesses (64%) said they are confident they would have greater success in the coming 12 months, compared to the past year. More than quarter (28%) were not confident about being more successful in 2023, and 3% expected their business to perform at the same level in the next year. The research was carried out between December 1 and December 14 as part of additional polling for the monthly Lloyds Bank Business…

South Wales Police encourage reports of domestic violence concerns over New Year after increase over last five years New Year’s Day has been the most reported day for domestic abuse and violence over the last five years, and South Wales Police are encouraging those who need support, or know someone who does, to report their concerns. Factors that can affect this at this time of year can include increased alcohol intake, additional financial pressures, and increased proximity at home. The Force are encouraging anyone who has experienced physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, to inform them. Superintendent Eve Davis…

As millions of people enjoyed Christmas festivities this year, for 3,275, Christmas Day was the perfect time to file their Self Assessment tax return, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. A total of 22,060 customers went online to submit their form for the 2021 to 2022 tax year between 24 and 26 December, and 141 opted to file between 23:00 and 23:59 on Christmas eve, meaning they could enjoy celebrations knowing their tax return was complete. The breakdown of figures for those who opted to file during the festive period are: Christmas Eve: 8,474 tax returns were filed. The…

People living in Swansea Bay are being asked to think twice before visiting family and friends in hospital if they are feeling under the weather themselves. The move follows a significant jump in cases – over 170 since the 22nd December – of flu, Covid, and several other viral respiratory infections, at our sites over the past week or so resulting in huge pressures on staff and services. Jennifer Davies, Deputy Director of Public Health in Swansea Bay, said: “Our infection control team are reporting continued increased rates of a range of respiratory infections including flu and Covid amongst others,…

A former Premier League sports science expert who swapped the glamour of professional football to open a holiday venture has picked up a top tourism award. Andy Franks worked with giants Chelsea and Everton as well as Crewe before he and his wife, Jen, bought an old farmhouse at Llandrillo, on the River Dee between Corwen and Bala, and set about creating Rivercatcher. Now the family-run operation has been named the Go Self Catering Business of the Year, sponsored by Pario Leisure Group, at the North Wales Tourism Awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The headline sponsor for the glittering…

As thousands of students and families prepare for UCAS application deadlines just after Christmas, new independent research released earlier this month (Wednesday, 14th December) reveals universities making up “areas of excellence” across the country – including here in Wales.   The team behind the renowned Complete University Guide have crunched the data to shine a light on some of the universities blazing a trail in Wales, including those ranked best in the UK for some subjects. The message could not be clearer – “you don’t have to go far to go far!”.   With cost-of-living putting increasing pressure on students…

Swansea-based enterprise education resource provider, 2B Enterprising, is celebrating after welcoming JCP Solicitors as its milestone 100th corporate partner supporting its innovative entrepreneurial education programme. 2B Enterprising has created The Bumbles of Honeywood learning resources which help to teach young children about enterprise, entrepreneurship, and essential life skills by following the Bumble Family of bees from Honeywood as they tackle a range of challenges together. JCP Solicitors is the 100th corporate partner to work with 2B Enterprising, providing the funding for a primary school to receive these engaging resources. The legal firm has been partnered with St Illtyd’s RC Primary…