Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales will become the first part of the UK to legislate against a thorough list of single-use plastics as the Senedd approves legislation to ban selling unnecessary, disposable products to consumers. The new law is a key step in reducing the flow of damaging plastic waste into the Welsh environment and is being introduced following consultation with the public and other stakeholders. Taking effect in autumn 2023, it will give local authorities the power to enforce the offence of supplying or offering to supply the commonly littered items – even when they are free. Wales is currently ranked as the…

The UK Government hub in Cardiff, Tŷ William Morgan has this week, 5 December 2022, been formally opened by David TC Davies MP, Secretary of State for Wales. The creation of the new hub has been managed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of the department’s wider estates and transformation work across the UK.  Spread across 12 floors, Tŷ William Morgan is one of 14 new UK Government hubs across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is the eleventh new regional centre to be formally opened as part of HMRC’s estates programme. Named after Bishop William Morgan…

A new campaign has been created to help ease the financial pressures of smoking. The ‘Switch, Quit and Save’ campaign has been launched to highlight how stopping smoking can not only improve personal health, but can also improve personal finances. The campaign has been launched by the tobacco control organisation ASH Cymru, a charity that offers help and support to smokers across Wales. According to the charity, Welsh smokers face significant costs due to smoking, which becomes apparent when taking the high costs of cigarettes into consideration. According to ASH Cymru, smoking 20 a day could be costing around £84…

A new independent veterinary practice has opened at Parc Pensarn in Carmarthen. Seren Vets has been created by a group of local like-minded vets who share similar values and a common goal: to offer high-quality independent veterinary care for the surrounding community, whilst also looking after their staff and building a happy and committed team. After years of planning by vets Kevin Jones and Katy Peak, the opportunity presented itself to open the Carmarthen practice as part of the Burns Pet Wellness Centre, in new purpose-built premises. Kevin and Katy are joined by Jo Lloyd Davies and Nia Williams to…

The latest boulangerie and coffee house by Ground Bakery is now open as a take-out service on High Street, Cowbridge . With sites already in Penarth and Pontcanna, this fast-growing business aims to bring a taste of French culture to the very best locations, with the new addition of the Cowbridge shop opening earlier in December. First launched by chef Thomas Simmons and his wife Lois along with investors including Welsh rugby international George North and Emma Owen Davies of Barford Owen Davies in Cardiff in June 2021, Ground Bakery is backed by the Development Bank of Wales with three…

Despite high inflation, rising energy prices and a tighter labour market, 29% of Welsh firms expect this Christmas trading period to be merry and bright compared to last year, according to the latest insight from the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer. Those predicting a bumper festive period cited increased demand (25%), while having more time to get ready for the season was cited by 20% of firms. Those expecting a worse Christmas trading period said they were struggling with increased costs of doing business (16%). Over half of businesses surveyed said that Christmas was important for their future prospects (58%), with…

North Wales social enterprise, Menter Môn has been supporting communities across Gwynedd and Anglesey to improve their green spaces to benefit local people and wildlife. So far six projects have benefited from support through the Môn a Menai project, with a further five recently approved. Support is available to deliver environmental improvements up to a value of £30,000 and to develop volunteer opportunites. Ultimately it is hoped that a total of 13 green space projects will benefit from the scheme. Support has also been provided for young people to gain work experience as part of the project – with the…

Karen’s Diner is coming to Spytty Road, Newport on 15th February, 2023. The diner which is the home of ‘great burgers and rude service’ currently has multiple stores across Australia and the UK, with the first US store just opened in St. Louis. Customers can expect plenty of sass, great food and a sprinkle of bad attitude. As Karen’s Diner goes, the food is great, the service ungrateful but your experience will be unforgettable. Don’t expect special treatment at this diner because it’s all about Karen, and she won’t be taking any of your nonsense! Come have some fun and…

The latest study into air pollution in Cardiff shows that residents enjoyed cleaner air across the city throughout 2021 when compared with pre-pandemic figures in 2019, a new report has revealed. The improvement in air quality during 2021 as reported in the Councils 2022 Annual Progress Report, was seen across the city and the data collected from monitoring stations showed that the council was compliant with all ‘limit vales’ for pollutants, which are set out in legislation. Air quality is monitored on an annual basis across a full 12-month period to ensure figures are representative across a full year. The…

Close to £27m has been invested in projects to help Swansea recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. Projects forming part of Swansea Council’s economic recovery fund include grants to help local businesses improve the look of their properties, a pop-up energy advice centre giving tips to local residents, and the upgrading of many play areas across the city. A paid work placement and training project has also been introduced at the council, along with a resource to provide direct welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents. In total, the economic recovery fund has invested in 120 projects since the summer…