Author: Rhys Gregory

Fuel and lubricants distributor Certas Energy has expanded its presence in the renewable energy sector with the acquisition of a business based in North Wales. Corporate finance firm Cleveland Scott has advised Hafod Renewable Energy on its sale to Warrington-based Certas Energy. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Hafod is the second major investment made by Certas Energy in the last six months to grow its renewable solutions offering. In late 2022, the company acquired Preston-based Freedom Heat Pumps, a distributor of air source and ground source heat pump equipment. Hafod, which was founded in 2010 by…

Eight years since its creation – and just over three years after it was last relocated – Cardiff’s biggest independent warehouse events venue has completed its move to a new, bigger site. As of this week, The DEPOT, who have established themselves as one of the best-loved entertainment brands in the city, has moved to a new 30,000 sq ft venue on Curran Road. The venue now forms part of developer Vastint’s transformative, mixed-use development scheme which when complete, will strengthen connections between Cardiff City Centre and the bay along the banks of the River Taff. With the move and…

Aberystwyth academics’ contribution to mapping the biomass of the world’s forests for the European Space Agency (ESA) are helping efforts towards tackling climate change. Expanding and restoring forests presents an opportunity for countries to remove carbon from the atmosphere and contribute to national efforts towards achieving net zero, as well as multiple other mitigation benefits. The latest version of the above ground biomass dataset, which uses satellite observations and was developed by scientists working as part of the Climate Change Initiative, makes it possible for the first time to robustly monitor changes in forest cover and carbon stock. Previous maps…

THE rapid growth of a micro-herbs business led to expansion and a place in the finals of a prestigious food and drink competition. Despite launching less than three years ago from a living room in Old Colwyn, Fresh and Tasty (FT) Microgreens is already a leading producer and supplier to customers in North Wales. Owner Steve Holland began growing a handful of varieties during the Coronavirus pandemic, delivering to the community and later cafes, restaurants, and shops, including Tatws Trading in Llandudno, Natural Choice in Rhos on Sea, Health and Food, Llanrwst, and The Grate Cheese Deli, Colwyn Bay. A…

OVER 130 teachers and education practitioners from across Wales joined the British Council at Cardiff City Stadium yesterday (Tuesday, 23 May) to learn more about Community Focused Schools. The conference, which concentrated on three areas – multi-agency partnerships, parental and family engagement, and links with the community, aimed to share best practices and innovative approaches in building strong partnerships between schools, families, and their local community. One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to learn from Community School experts from the United States, where over the last 20 years, they have successfully transformed educational institutions into hubs…

With just days to go until the foodie favourite that is the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival which will take place across this Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (May 28-29th), site plans are well underway to make sure this is an event not to be missed this year. With something to suit all diets, ages and interests – moreish meats, vegan varieties, curries, cheeses, chutneys; scrumptious ciders, great gins, sweet treats and so much more at the main Arthur John site, the Old Hall Cowbridge Gardens will also have so much for visitors to enjoy. A full site in itself but…

The Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University has announced her decision to retire at the end of the year. Professor Elizabeth Treasure will leave the University earlier than planned following ongoing medical treatment. Professor Treasure was appointed Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth in 2017. Since then, she has led on academic developments such as nursing education at the University for the first time, and the opening of Wales’ only School of Veterinary Science. While implementing plans to ensure financial sustainability, Professor Treasure also led projects to revamp some of the institution’s iconic buildings such as Neuadd Pantycelyn halls of residence, and the ongoing Old…

Acorn by Synergie has been recognised for its commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of its employees as a winner at this year’s Wales Business Awards. The leading UK recruiter took home the Wellbeing at Work award at the 2023 ceremony, which took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales this week (May 18th). Judges were looking for businesses that support their employees to succeed by demonstrating their commitment to health, safety and wellbeing and found what they were looking for at Acorn by Synergie, a company signed up to the Mental Health at Work Commitment pledge, among other…

Plans to relocate Bridgend College to the heart of the town centre have made significant progress with the demolition of the old police station now being close to completion. The demolition contractors are now entering the final stages of the works, which are due to be completed in the coming weeks. The site at Cheapside, forms a key part of the council’s regeneration plans for the town centre and represents an investment of around £60 million into the skills and training of both young people and members of the community who need opportunities to retrain and gain valuable employability skills. …

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Graham Hinchey will be stepping down from his role as Lord Mayor this Thursday as well as his Deputy, Cllr Abdul Sattar at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at City Hall. Over the last year, Cllr Hinchey has carried out approximately 300 events at schools, care homes and other events across the city, raising more than £75,000 forGuide Dogs Cymru, the charity he and his wife Anne, the Lady Mayoress, nominated. Cllr Hinchey, 64, represents the Heath ward and was first elected as a local councillor to South Glamorgan Council from…