Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Government’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Andrew Goodall, has today announced that Judith Paget has been appointed on a permanent basis to the role of Director General of Health and Social Services and Chief Executive of NHS Wales. Judith has been in the post on an interim basis since November 2021, and has been appointed permanently following a rigorous international recruitment exercise chaired by the First Civil Service Commissioner. Commenting on being appointed to the role, Judith said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this important role and look forward to continuing to work with Ministers and NHS Wales…

A new £1 million project will research new varieties of peas to reduce the UK’s reliance on soya imports, it has been announced today (Thursday 1 June). The ‘Pea Protein’ project, which involves academics from Aberystwyth University, is being spearheaded by grass and forage seed specialists and breeders, Germinal. In 2022, the UK imported three million tonnes of soya for use in human and animal feeds.  Soya is also a crop associated with deforestation in South America, which contributes to the acceleration of climate change. Demand for plant-based proteins is increasing.  Soya forms the basis of most plant-based protein options,…

A third (36%) of UK businesses plan to adapt their strategies to navigate financial challenges over the next six months, new research from HSBC UK reveals. The findings demonstrate how resilient UK businesses are with 29% stating that they had to adapt their business strategy over the past five years to survive – and 12% said this adaptation enabled them to increase their profits. One in five (20%) businesses feel optimistic that business will get better, despite a similar figure (22%) reporting that the current challenges were having a worse impact on their business than the COVID-19 pandemic. The research…

Money is pouring into the Welsh business sector but, according to recent statistics, workers aren’t. More specifically, job opportunities aren’t running in step with the increased support for local businesses. The latest unemployment figures for Wales[1]show an increase of 1.1% from 3.5% to 4.6% in the three months to March 2023. That’s a far cry from the highs of the nineties and mid-noughties. However, what the increase does suggest is that current economic conditions are causing problems within the business sector. What’s also interesting though, as we’ve said, is that money is available. Indeed, when you read about companies such…

What should a contemporary kitchen look like? Ideally, it’s supposed to be comfortable, multifunctional, and spacious. It must, however, be trendy.  Creating the ideal kitchen will take time, careful space planning, and creative design choices on the part of the homeowner. And today on our blog, we’ll look at one of the most important aspects of the modern kitchen: the worktop. Also included are the advantages of thin, solid laminate kitchen worktops. What makes a kitchen worktop so important? Whether you like it or not, the worktop will be the main focal point when you walk into the kitchen. Units,…

Cryptocurrency markets are thriving and increasingly volatile. It has become a lucrative investment option, and people are attracted to higher returns and infinite possibilities. Nonetheless, navigating the crypto market is complicated due to its lack of transparency and idiosyncratic characteristics. Investing in the crypto market can be a game-changer for you if you know the right strategies. This article is for the buff who would like to make profitable and informed decisions in the crypto world. Educate Yourself If you’re considering investing in cryptocurrencies, keep yourself informed about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Learn everything about digital currencies, the key terms,…

A jazz legend who played with Ol’ Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra will be teaming up with the voice of Strictly Come Dancing for a night to remember in North Wales. Strictly singer Tommy Blaize will be joining Guy Barker and his Big Band for a “powerhouse performance” in a star-studded concert at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod at 8pm on Friday, July 7. It’s a return to the festival for Guy who has also shared the stage with other superstars including George Michael, Sting, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Phil Collins, Sammy Davis Jr and Liza Minnelli among many others. The first…

RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after a Shih Tzu was found abandoned on a driveway in Shotton near Deeside. The female dog – estimated to be around a year old – was found on Shotton Lane, in a pet carrier and with heavily matted fur. Luckily she was found by the homeowners who took her to a vet, who subsequently called the RSPCA. The incident took place at around 6.45pm on 22 May and was captured on CCTV, but unfortunately the footage has not been able to assist with RSPCA enquiries. She also wasn’t microchipped – leading…

Later this week, Welsh vineyards and wine producers will be welcoming guests from Wales and beyond to taste what its flourishing wine sector has to offer during the annual Welsh Wine Week. Now in its third year and taking place from the 2nd to 11th June, events, guided tours and promotions will be held to give wine lovers the chance to discover Wales’ picturesque vineyards and sample the wide range of award-winning wines. Welsh Wine Week is organised by the Welsh Drinks Cluster, funded by the Welsh Government, which works in partnership with drinks producers and vineyards to promote the…

Trojan Electronics, the go-to expert for circular solutions in the consumer electronics sector is celebrating a record year with one million customer orders delivered, a 20% increase year on year. Swansea-based, Trojan Electronics has emerged as a £20 million enterprise, with an impressive client base including Melitta, Bosch, Costco and Hotel Chocolat. It also holds an e-commerce partnership with eBay and direct integration with Amazon, Wowcher and TikTok. Following Buy It Direct’s £2 million investment in 2018, the company has thrived under the leadership of James Rigg, overseeing a transformative period of expansion. The team at Trojan, with their creativity…