Author: Rhys Gregory

FinTech Wales, the not-for-profit independent membership organisation for the FinTech and Financial Services industries in Wales, has today released its Annual Report for 2021/22. This is the first time that the organisation has provided an in-depth report on the state of FinTech in Wales, commenting specifically on the organisation’s four key pillars of focus: skills and talent, ecosystem and community, funding and investment and promotion of Welsh FinTechs and Wales as a place for organisations to thrive. In its key findings, the report entitled, “FinTech in Wales 2021 / 2022”, estimates that over 1000 jobs have been created in the…

A new bar with a difference has opened in Llandudno Junction and it’s the bees knees. The Maelgwn Nectar Bar is aiming to attract a special kind of clientele, the winged variety, to pollinate the wild flowers and fruit trees in a new wildlife garden in a busy residential area of the village. It’s a partnership between housing association Cartrefi Conwy and the Conwy Valley Branch of North Wales Wildlife Trust, with the help of local grow your own group Incredible Edible Conwy. Cartrefi Conwy provided the strip of land on Victoria Drive alongside their acclaimed Cwrt Ysgol Maelgwn redevelopment…

Cardiff Bus customers are being alerted to route diversions as a result of roadworks taking place in Llanrumney. Services 49 and 50 will see diversions on Saturday 12 November from 08:00 to 20:00, and on Sunday 13 November from 09:00 to 20:00. On Saturday 12 November the roundabout near the Countisbury Avenue shops will be closed on the eastern side between Countisbury Avenue and Mount Pleasant Avenue. Buses will only serve Llanrumney Avenue, Burnham Avenue (as far as Ball Road) and Ball Road in both directions. Burnham Avenue from bottom shops to Countisbury Avenue top shops will not be served…

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and Head of BBC Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones will be among the contributors at Aberystwyth University’s Festival of Research later this month. The annual festival highlights the world-leading research undertaken at Aberystwyth, with this year’s event forming part of the institution’s 150th anniversary celebrations. World-renowned expert on the history of slavery, Professor Olivette Otele, will deliver a public lecture while BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt will speak about the climate change challenges the world faces post COP27 in Egypt. Panel discussions will explore different aspects of Wales’ future, including Dr Rowan Williams…

The hospitality industry faces what could be an existential crisis for many vital businesses across Wales if it doesn’t receive further Government support. That’s the key response of UKHospitality Cymru to the publication of Senedd Cymru’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee report – Raising the Bar: Securing the future of Hospitality, Tourism and Retail. “I am sure that every Senedd member has had reports of a local pub closing in recent weeks,” said David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru. “For twenty years I’ve had three within a two-mile radius of home – in ten days’ time all three…

Susan Latty, a resident of Neath, was shopping for books in the town centre when she collapsed to the floor, dizzy and breathless. Luckily, St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers were a heartbeat away, supporting a food and drink festival in the area. Susan had been experiencing problems with her blood pressure for weeks leading up to the incident, and had been blacking out and feeling dizzy. She said,“I collapsed onto the floor, surrounded by the staff and customers, who called the St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers. I was very sweaty, breathless and my heart rate was uneven.” When volunteers arrived…

Between 6-18 November world leaders are meeting in Egypt for the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP27 between. In celebration of COP being held in Africa, the Low Carbon Energy an Environment Research Network Wales have compiled a set of case studies highlighting Wales – Africa climate focussed research collaborations which include four case studies from Bangor University. “Man made climate change is creating significant challenges for everyone on the planet” says Julia Jones, a professor at Bangor University and Director of the research network. “We’re very proud of the work being done by researchers at Bangor and…

Plans to build a replacement Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr school have moved a step closer, after the council’s Cabinet heard the outcome of a statutory notice, which received no objections.  The replacement school is due to be ready for the beginning of autumn term 2025 and will be located on land off Ffordd Cadfan, which is just a short distance away from the existing site in Brackla.  The new site will create more opportunities for learners to access a Welsh medium education by increasing the capacity of the school from 378 to 525 pupils, aged between 4 and 11 years. …

Members of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee have voted to support a decision to appropriate land in Sandy Bay and Griffin Park necessary for delivering the next phases of regeneration within Porthcawl, and to provide Cabinet with a report outlining their recommendations and suggestions. The committee reached its decision after receiving further information and clarification on concerns such as whether sufficient consideration had been given to the project, whether the requirements of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 had been taken into account, and why the land appropriation was held as a separate process to the compulsory purchase…

Wales will be taking on Argentina on Saturday November 12that Principality Stadium. With the kick-off taking place at 5.30pm – there will be a full city centre road closure from 1.30pm until 9.30pm to ensure all ticket holders can get into and out of the stadium safely. The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy – please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at County Hall in Cardiff Bay. Gates open at 3pm, those attending the rugby match are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early. Please pay…