Author: Rhys Gregory

The £10million ‘Trailblazer’ programme continues to deliver tailored employment support with confirmation of second year funding. People in Wales will continue to benefit from innovative employment support as Welsh and UK Government Ministers visited Ebbw Vale this week to mark the launch of the second Wales ‘trailblazer’ area and confirm funding for a second year of the scheme The Trailblazer programme, funded by the UK Government, targets economically inactive people of working age who are disabled and / or have health conditions, or caring responsibilities by providing tailored interventions including one-to-one mentoring, counselling services, wellbeing provision, and specialist support for…

A brand-new Aldi store in Nelson opened its doors to customers this week, with Team GB Rugby hero Sam Cross cutting the all-important red ribbon alongside pupils from Llanfabon Infants School. This is the first Aldi store to open in Nelson and will be run by Store Manager Ryan Morgan, along with a team of 27 colleagues from the local community. Team GB silver medallist Sam Cross gave away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers in the queue, before delivering an inspirational assembly for pupils at Llanfabon Infants…

A North Wales-based housing association has received £20M in funding from Principality Commercial to support the development of affordable homes and address the increasing demand for housing across the region. North Wales Housing (NWH) is headquartered in Llandudno Junction, employs 170 members of staff and currently has a portfolio of 2,700 properties across Gwynedd, Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham. The organisation provides homes and delivers services to almost 3,000 homes across North Wales, and was recently ranked in the top 25% of housing associations in Wales by tenants and residents for the services it provides. A key project enabled…

Ogi has switched on a new ultrafast full fibre connection at Cardiff Arms Park, boosting the speed, security and digital resilience of one of Welsh rugby’s most iconic stadiums. The upgrade is part of a growing partnership between Ogi and Cardiff Rugby, first launched in 2022, aimed at modernising the ground’s digital infrastructure and enhancing match day operations. From pitch-side coverage to hospitality systems and back-office functions, the new network will now support every corner of the club’s activity – helping the side stay connected on and off the field. Jamie Muir, Managing Director at Cardiff Rugby, said:“On match days,…

Lucid dreaming has fascinated people for centuries. The idea of becoming aware within a dream and even shaping its outcome sounds like something out of a fantasy novel. Yet science confirms that lucid dreams are real, and across cultures, people have sought ways to experience them more vividly. Today, interest in lucid dreaming is stronger than ever, blending scientific research, mindfulness practices, and even natural herbs that support dream exploration. What is Lucid Dreaming? A lucid dream is a state where the dreamer realises they are dreaming. This awareness can range from a faint recognition to full control over dream…

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market the Three Feathers pub in Ruthin, Denbighshire. The Three Feathers is an old drovers’ pub, offering wet-led sales and retaining much of its original character and charm. The pub has built up established local trade from Ruthin residents, and is home to a well-used function room for hosting events and gatherings, as well as a dedicated real ale cellar to store ale in optimal conditions. The pub also contains a bed and breakfast with four bedrooms and a shared lounge and kitchen above the pub, which could alternatively…

LEGO fans in Wales were in for a treat this morning as the LEGO Group officially opened its new store at St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre in Cardiff. The brand has been a firm favourite in the city for almost 15 years, with its original store proving hugely popular among shoppers of all ages. Now, just a few doors down from its previous location, the new store offers an even bigger and more immersive LEGO experience. Visitors can explore a range of interactive features designed to spark creativity and imagination, including: LEGO Pick a Brick Wall – allowing customers…

The Bank of England has voted to keep interest rates steady at 4% following its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, signalling a cautious approach as inflation continues to ease but economic risks remain. At the meeting, seven members of the MPC voted to maintain the rate at 4%, while two voted for a cut to 3.75%. The Committee also agreed by majority to reduce the stock of UK government bond purchases by £70 billion over the next 12 months, bringing the total down to £488 billion. The Bank highlighted that while disinflation has made strong progress over the past…

The ferry route between Dublin Port and the Port of Holyhead could serve as one of Europe’s first dedicated green shipping corridors, says a new study. The study also identified green methanol as a suitable candidate fuel for the corridor with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 80%. The ‘Greening the Irish Sea – The Central Corridor’ study was led by Ricardo, a global environmental consultancy firm, working in partnership with ferry operators, Irish Ferries and Stena Line, as well as Dublin Port, the Port of Holyhead, and additional support from EDF UK R&D and Maynooth University.…

The CBI is calling for fundamental reform of the business rates system in Wales to support firms and kick-start private investment that will revitalise local communities. In a response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on business rates, CBI Wales says that targeted support for Welsh hospitality and leisure firms must remain in place after it is due to end in April. Accessing this funding pot will allow the hard-pressed sector to compete with similar competitors in England that are set to retain financial help from the UK Government beyond April. Wales’ leading business group is also asking the Welsh Government…