Author: Rhys Gregory

Health and Care Research Wales is launching a new three-year action plan to increase diversity and inclusion in health and social care research in Wales. The plan will be launched this week by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, at a special event at the Senedd, where a new partnership between Health and Care Research Wales and Oxford University’s Centre for Research Equity (CfRE) will also be announced. Healthcare inequalities are a continuing challenge in Wales. Factors such as ethnicity, disability, age and deprivation can all influence health, even before people become unwell. For example, women born…

Life Sciences Hub Wales has announced the appointment of Elinor Williams as the new Head of Marketing and Communications. Elinor joins Life Sciences Hub Wales from a distinguished career at Ofcom, bringing a wealth of experience and strong relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and media to strengthen our reputation in Wales. Elinor was the face of Ofcom in Wales for many years, representing the organisation in all parts of Wales and in a wide variety of contexts from meetings in village halls to Senedd Committees and media interviews. During her time at Ofcom, she succeeded in nurturing long-term relationships with…

A heartwarming wave of community collaboration has helped transform a retail space in Penarth into a shop that will provide Ysgol y Deri learners with valuable work experience. Volunteers from Morgan Sindall, CS Flooring, Ian Williams Carpentry, Whiteheads Building Services and the Vale of Glamorgan Council offered their time, resources and skills to bring the new Hubbub shop to life. The Hubbub shop aims to create a welcoming and functional space where pupils can gain hands-on experience in retail, customer service, and shop management, all within a supportive and inclusive environment. Stacey Long, Post-16 Transition Lead at Ysgol y Deri,…

A Cardiff business has been ordered to pay over £8,000 for two waste offences linked to the dumping of 15 bags of rubbish outside their business on Splott Road, Cardiff. White Rose Funerals and Memorials Ltd were sentenced in their absence last Thursday (11 September) at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court for two offences that took place on 12 January 2024 and 26 November 2024. The case came to light when eight green recycling bags and seven black bags of commercial waste were discovered outside the premises during routine inspections by waste enforcement officers. The company, which did not hold a commercial…

Pontypool-based Freight Logistics Solutions (FLS) is set to expand its operations and create up to 20 new jobs as part of a seven-figure funding package from NatWest. The funding has enabled FLS to refinance and return to full private ownership while driving forward ambitious expansion plans across the UK and Europe, following the acquisition of Logiquanta in Lithuania. This strategic move strengthens FLS’s presence in European markets and supports further growth at its South Wales headquarters, with new roles being created to facilitate expansion. Founded in 2016, FLS has grown into a leading logistics partner, offering tailored delivery solutions through…

This week, representatives from the British Medical Association’s Welsh GP Committee gave evidence at the Health and Social Committee’s ‘Future of General Practice’ Inquiry at the Senedd, highlighting the precarious state of the service. The inquiry was established in response to the BMA’s ‘Save Our Surgeries’ campaign*, which calls on the Welsh Government to provide a rescue package for general practice and invited GPs from across Wales to discuss the issues affecting the sustainability of their practices. At the inquiry, Dr Gareth Oelmann and Dr Ian Harris, Chair and Deputy Chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee, shared evidence from…

McDonald’s on Queen Street, Cardiff, which is owned and operated by local Franchisee Ralph Parker, has reopened after a ‘Convenience of the Future’ redesign, which promises to deliver a better customer experience for all. With consumers increasingly looking for greater speed, efficiency and choice when ordering their food, McDonald’s ambitious ‘Convenience of the Future’restaurant revamp programme will combine a new restaurant layout with the latest technology to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for customers. Improvements have been made for restaurant crew with a redesign of the crew room which will create a more relaxing and comfortable space for…

A new exhibition has opened at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth to mark 60 years since the controversial flooding of the Tryweryn valley to create a reservoir to supply water to Liverpool. The ‘TRYWERYN 60’ exhibition brings together powerful images and artistic responses to this tragic moment in Welsh history. The exhibition features striking photographs by renowned photographer and journalist Geoff Charles, who captured the passionate protests against the flooding, the final days of the community and the lasting impact of the loss. Alongside these are contemporary works of art inspired by this dark and difficult chapter in Wales’ past that…

The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has appointed Samantha Skyrme as its new chairperson. She brings new passion and inspiration to support sustainable travel, strengthen community connections and encourage economic growth along this much-loved scenic route. The Heart of Wales Line CRP promotes and develops the iconic railway to benefit local communities, businesses and visitors. Its role includes connecting communities, enhancing socio-economic development, amplifying community voices and promoting sustainable, healthy and accessible travel. Samantha has a personal connection to the railway as it runs right past her back garden. She brings years of experience from the Department…

This October, Cardiff Bay will be transformed into a world of pumpkins, adventures and playful mischief as the Cardiff Halloween Festival returns in spectacular style. From 25–31 October 2025, the event takes on a brand-new form — Halloween Island — taking over Alexandra Head on the city’s iconic waterfront. For the first time, families will begin their adventure at Mermaid Quay, boarding the Ghost Ship across the Bay before stepping ashore onto Halloween Island itself. Every child ticket includes a pumpkin to take home, while families can choose between colourful daytime sessions or enchanting twilight evenings filled with fire shows,…