Author: Rhys Gregory

As we prepare for the festive season, St John Ambulance Cymru is reminding people that learning some basic first aid could help to treat common minor injuries at home. First aid can help prevent unnecessary hospital trips, easing pressure on our NHS, and ensure that families can enjoy Christmas safely. In an emergency, basic first aid skills can also mean the difference between life and death. Richard Paskell, Chief Volunteer at St John Ambulance Cymru, said: “Having the confidence to deal with situations such as choking or cardiac arrest, can help avoid a tragedy, making sure that all the memories made this festive season are…

Pontyclun-based developer, Llanmoor Homes, has announced the first phase of Reserved matters approval of plans for a brand new community to be built in Swansea. The new community, which will be known as Pentref Rhositr in Llangyfelach, will have initial works begin by Spring 2023 and follows seven years of close collaboration with Swansea Council. Pentref Rhositr is Llanmoor`s largest-ever development scheme and first foray into Swansea in its 56-year history. The community will be conveniently located off the M4’s Junction 48 in Swansea and broadly bound by Llangyfelach Road to the east and Heol Ddu and Myrnydd Newydd to the south. The privately owned development company has now revealed…

Leading independent accountancy firm, Bevan Buckland LLP, has promoted six accountants and re-shaped its management team to strategically drive its ambitious growth plans and strengthen its position in the market. The Swansea-based firm, which also has office locations in Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, has reorganised its management team as part of a strategic move to drive growth and provide excellent client service. Gus Williams is stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for planning, strategy, projects and practice development. Lisa Coombs is now Chief Administrative Officer and will be responsible for all internal processes…

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has opened up the Great Western Main Line to competition and enabled a significant increase in rail services between London and South Wales. The rail regulator has approved the introduction of new train services between London, Cardiff and South West Wales from the end of 2024. The services will be operated by a new open access operator, Grand Union Trains, bringing competition to the Great Western route out of Paddington. Passengers travelling between London, Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport, Cardiff, Gowerton, Llanelli and Carmarthen will benefit from an extra five daily return…

Police are continuing to investigate the discovery of the bodies of two babies. The babies were discovered at an address in Wildmill, Bridgend, on the evening of Saturday, November 26. Two men, aged 37 and 47, and a 29-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of concealing the birth of a child. All three have been released on police bail for this offence whilst the investigation continues. Detective Superintendent Darren George said: “My thoughts remain with anyone affected by this traumatic incident. “I am are aware of the impact this incident has had on the community and would like to thank…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has appointed new staff members to join the Academy of Sport. The UWTSD Academy of Sport aims to support students involved in high performance sport to maintain and develop their performance. Students will have access to the expertise of the University’s sports, health and fitness team which will provide a programme of activities to assist them to reach their sports goals. These will include coaching for technical and skills training, strength and conditioning, nutrition and diet, sports therapy as well as lifestyle management. Gareth Potter will be joining the Academy of Sport as…

During 2020 and 2021, Ceredigion County Council undertook a public consultation exercise as part of a review into the Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) in Ceredigion. This review looked at updating Ceredigion’s Existing Routes Map to highlight active travel routes that have been audited to meet Welsh Government Design Guidance standards, but also to draft a new Future Routes Map that would include proposed or aspirational active travel routes. These maps were previously known as the ‘Integrated Network Map’ and periodically reviewing them is part of the statutory duties that all Local Authorities in Wales are required to do under…

Four Cymru, part of the independent integrated agency Four Communications Group, has strengthened its integrated campaigns and media buying offer through the appointment of experienced specialist Amelia Stevens as its new Managing Director. Amelia brings with her over 17 years of integrated agency experience, including paid media and has worked on high profile Welsh clients such as Welsh Government, National Farmers Union, Royal Mint and Dŵr Cymru. As an accredited member of the Institute of Practitioners for Advertising (IPA) and a member of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR), Amelia is well placed to ensure that innovation and effectiveness are at…

For the fourth year running, Team Wales has claimed the title as the top-performing region in the WorldSkills UK National Finals, coming away with more medals than any other UK region. More than five thousand young people registered to take part in this year’s WorldSkills UK competitions, with only 537 selected to compete in the UK finals. Out of the 130 strong Welsh competitors, 15 gold, 22 silver, 15 bronze, and 7 highly commended medals were awarded to competitors from Wales. Team Wales also topped the Foundation Skills area league table, seeing Welsh competitors scoop 16 medals – trumping competitors…

UNITING industry, education and innovation with communities is pivotal to closing the skills gap in North Wales. Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Managing Director of M-SParc science park on Anglesey, made the plea during a business summit hosted by Antur Cymru Enterprise at the Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy. He was joined by a panel of top speakers including Francis Johnson, founder of Parallel Care Solutions; Vicki Rushton from Gerallt Evans Metalcraft; Andrea Knox, director of business law specialists Knox Commercial Solicitors, and Carolyn Parry, President of the CDI (Careers Development Institute). Also presenting to more than 40 attendees on the…