Author: Rhys Gregory

Construction activity in Wales slowed at the end of last year according to The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor, and Welsh respondents expect overall workloads to fall during 2023. However, there is a mixed picture at a sub-sector level, with aspects of the industry including infrastructure and public housing remaining more positive at present. The net balance for overall workloads in Wales was +11% in the latest quarter, down from +15% in Q3 and +37% at the beginning of 2022. The most significant contributor to the slowdown comes from the private industrial sector, where workloads slipped to…

A nurse who has offered a lifeline to families of people living with dementia is has vowed to carry on after reaching her 70th birthday. Maggie Langford is a much loved figure at the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham  where, for more than two decades, she has been a lynchpin for relatives having to witness loved ones go through the emotional and physical trials of dementia and other illnesses. Having reached the age of 70 at the end of 2023, she has decided to stay on offering the support and inspiration that so many families and her fellow staff…

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, has appointed a new Non-Executive Director to its board – Sophie Thomas. Thomas comes to the role with over 13 years as a practising solicitor, specialising in commercial litigation with additional significant experience in property law. The majority of Thomas’s legal career has been spent with JCP Solicitors in Swansea, where she is currently Director and Joint Head of Commercial Litigation. This role sees her lead a team providing a service to lenders recovering secured and unsecured business lending from companies and individuals across the UK. Thomas is…

Pupils at Tŷ Trafle School in Swansea have helped transform their school entrance by creating a unique piece of graffiti art on its walls with the help of street artist Jenks. Tŷ Trafle School is a Priority Childcare Services school which provides learning and therapeutic support for children and young people. The artwork was completed as part of an Evolution of Art project which engages young people in a wide range of art forms: from 3rd Century BC Japanese art to modern day techniques, and the likes of Banksy. Sarah Collett, Head of Education at Tŷ Trafle School, explains: ‘At…

Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall have received a Capital Grant to undertake much needed renovation work. The Sport Wales Capital Grant of £207,000 from Welsh Government was secured by Ceredigion County Council to fund essential capital works at Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall. The grant will enable the Swimming Pool to upgrade its Pool Plant Equipment and Air Handling Unit, insulate the roof above the toddler pool and purchase new Pool covers. Matt Newland, Chairman of Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall Trustees, said: “The swimming pool and hall trustees are delighted to announce that we have received…

South Wales Kia dealers Gravells of Bridgend has swept the board with awards at the marque’s annual celebration of the best. Each of the award winners were commended for their exceptional efforts over the difficult past twelve months across sales, after sales and customer experience categories. For the second consecutive year, the overall ‘Dealer of the Year’ award went to Gravells (Bridgend). In addition to its overall win, Gravells (Bridgend) was named the winner of the After Sales Excellence Award. The dealership was praised for its performance across the key metrics including parts, accessories and service plans. The awards were…

A SPARKLING North Wales company aims to clean up in 2023 by doubling turnover and the size of its team. With a workforce of more than 50 people operating from its Conwy headquarters, award-winning Cleaner Care is targeting new clients in industrial and business arenas having made its name in the commercial, tourism and hospitality sectors. As the firm prepares to mark its 18th anniversary, Managing Director Denise Lardner reflected on an exciting year which included a contract with ITV for the last series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! at Gwrych Castle, Abergele. “Our reputation has…

Principality Building Society has launched its second Future Generations Fund to help the future lives of young people across Wales. The £500,000 fund, providing grants of £5,000 to £10,000, represents the most significant investment the Society has made into local communities in response to the cost of living crisis, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to help future generations. The fund will also enable charities and community groups to help young people have access to healthy food and other essential items, mental health support, build financial resilience, prepare for their future and the world of work and how to live sustainably. The…

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Youth Support Team has expanded its offer of safe spaces for young people within the local community. The additional funding from the council will provide even more provision at the existing centres in Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen, Cynffig Comprehensive School and Pencoed Youth Engagement Centre, while also helping to establish two new centres in Bryntirion/Cefn Glas and Brackla. The opening times of the two new centres are: Bryntirion and Cefn Glas Youth Centre – Monday (7.30pm to 9pm) at 3rd Scouts Hall, Bryntirion, CF314JU, and; Brackla Youth Centre – Friday (6.30pm to 8.30pm) at Brackla Community…

HOUSEHOLDERS in Swansea could face a £300 fixed penalty notice for arranging for someone to take away their waste who then ends up illegally dumping it. The proposal is being considered as part of efforts to deter people from thinking it is OK to arrange to have their waste taken by someone who might disfigure the countryside and communities by dumping rubbish rather than using a licensed waste site. Householders in Swansea can take their waste to council recycling centres in the city for free. A number of councils across Wales have already been issuing householder ‘duty of care’ FPNs…