Author: Rhys Gregory

A Bridgend-based technology service provider for the marine sector has completed a management buyout (MBO) with a seven-figure package from the Development Bank and HSBC UK. Established in 2019, Avantis has used the equity investment from the Development Bank to complete the MBO from current owners Envoy and Partners with young entrepreneur Thomas David taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer. At 30 years of age, he is supported by Chairman Chris David, Chief Operating Officer Jack Jenkins and Chief Commercial Officer, Leon Solder. Working capital from HSBC UK will now be used to support Avantis’ growth plans, centred…

In these fast-paced times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and allow stress to take over. International Stress Awareness Week 2022 (7-11 November) is a major annual event focusing on stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues. To coincide with this, Ludlow Street Healthcare’s well-being expert is sharing some of her key recommendations when it comes to avoiding or dealing with stress at work. Gemma Hartnoll-Smith, Ludlow Street Healthcare’s well-being officer, works with new starters to ensure they settle in as well as running regular drop-in well-being sessions for all staff. Gemma said: “The…

With the festive season fast approaching, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend is thrilled to announce a new host of fan-favourite brands coming to the centre, just in time for the holidays.   A highly-anticipated launch for footwear connoisseurs, shoes and accessories brand Carvela has now officially opened their Bridgend Designer Outlet store. Located between Superdry and Eden, the new store houses designs that are sure to empower and inspire, offering unmatched comfort without compromising on style.   The iconic British brand Molton Brown, much loved for their fragrant bath and body products and luxurious skincare has now opened a festive pop-up at the…

Veterinary nurses will begin studying at Aberystwyth University in 2024 as Wales’ only School of Veterinary Science expands. Experienced veterinary nurse Emma Anscombe-Skirrow has been appointed as a new Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing and will lead the work of establishing the new course. With over 10 years’ experience in education, she has been working with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in accrediting both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. The first veterinary nurse students are expected to begin their studies in September 2024. Aberystwyth University’s Emma Anscombe-Skirrow said: “It is extremely exciting to join the team at Aberystwyth. It is…

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet will meet next week (15 November) to discuss the start of a consultation process about increasing the council tax charge for long term empty properties. The proposal would help to bring empty homes back into use to provide safe, secure and affordable homes and would also support the council to improve the sustainability of local communities. A long-term empty property is defined as a place of residence, which is both unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for a continuous period of at least one year. If approved, the plans would likely be in place for the 2023-24…

A mural found in Cardiff which was created by the mysterious Glaswegian street artist The Rebel Bear is being shown for three months at the Museum of Cardiff as part of the Protest exhibition. The artwork. which recently appeared on hoardings on Ferry Road by the Sports Village, was painted by the ‘Scottish Banksy’ in support of a disabled woman who lives in the city, and who is involved in a court dispute with a private, car-park operator. Like Banksy the Rebel Bear’s identity remains a mystery and they reportedly do their work while dressed in a bear costume. The…

Swansea has been named among the UK’s top four cities in a prestigious awards ceremony. The city was shortlisted for the City of Year title at the Estates Gazette 2022 awards, which celebrate the country’s best regeneration and development schemes. Pipped to the post by Birmingham for the award, other cities on the shortlist included Newcastle and Cardiff. Developed by Swansea Council and development managed by RivingtonHark, Swansea’s £135m Copr Bay district was among the schemes that led to the city being recognised. As well as Swansea Arena, the district – worth £17.1m a year to the city – also…

Successful technology investor and experienced in the metals and mining sector Roger Maggs MBE, has been chosen by the bid partners as the chair of the Celtic Freeport consortium. The consortium is putting together a transformational bid for a freeport covering the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot to create a green investment corridor that spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering and the steel industry across south-west Wales. Roger Maggs will work with the consortium partners – Associated British Ports (ABP), Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port…

Homeless people housed at the Silverdale Lodge in Johnston and other temporary accommodation in Pembrokeshire are set to receive assistance from a new support provider, Nacro. Since the start of the pandemic, Pembrokeshire County Council has used the Silverdale Lodge to house people who are homeless, with the help of support provider Pobl. Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, thanked Pobl for their support and welcomed Nacro, which was awarded the contract following a recent tender exercise. “We look forward to building a strong working relationship with Nacro and to continue to support those across…

Wales football manager Rob Page has helped the Council officially open its brand-new, state-of-the-art 3G sports facility in Rhondda today (Wednesday, November 9) ahead of naming his 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. The Council’s fantastic new outdoor sporting facility is at the Baglan Field in Penyrenglyn. The first event held there, immediately after the opening ceremony, was the Rhondda Primary Schools’ Football Festival, organised by Sport RCT, attracting hundreds of schoolchildren. Sport RCT is a Council team that works to get people of all ages and abilities into leisure activities – from football events to “Mams and Prams” and Super…