Author: Rhys Gregory

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,…

The Welsh Lender Event has been hailed a resounding success after bringing brokers, lenders and industry leaders together at the Swansea Building Society Arena on Wednesday, September 17. Held in Swansea for the first time – the event had previously only taken place in Cardiff – the Welsh Lender Event 2025 attracted mortgage professionals from across Wales and beyond. Attendees praised the calibre of speakers, the breadth of insights shared and the valuable opportunities to network with peers. Hosted in partnership by Swansea Building Society, Monmouthshire Building Society, Principality Building Society and Hodge, the half-day conference featured an impressive line-up of…

Renovation projects are being shaped by the growing need for clean, durable, and easy-to-maintain interiors. Traditional materials like tiles often fall short, especially in spaces that demand strict hygiene.  That’s why hygienic wall sheets are becoming the preferred choice. Their popularity is a practical response to modern demands. If you’re planning an upgrade, keep reading to see why these sheets could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for. A Modern Alternative To Traditional Finishes Tiles and paint have long been standard choices for walls, but both bring challenges. Grout lines collect dirt, and paint often struggles with moisture and…

Persimmon Homes has found a new construction chief for its East Wales business. Mathew Fraser-Brown takes the reigns at the Llantrisant-based company, moving from the same role at Bellway Homes South West after a two-and-a-half-year spell there. He will be leading the construction department in project management, communication and stakeholder engagement, and quality and safety assurance. Prior to joining Persimmon Homes and his time at Bellway Homes South West, Mathew worked at David Wilson Homes South West and brings with him a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, drive, and commitment to quality in the workplace. Persimmon Homes East Wales is an…

All two-year-old children in Merthyr Tydfil can now access free childcare, after the local authority became the first in Wales to roll out the expansion of the Flying Start childcare programme across its area. The Welsh Government is investing an additional £25m this year to expand Flying Start childcare, bringing Wales closer to universal childcare for all two-year-olds. Flying Start provides fully funded, high quality childcare for two-and-a-half hours a day, five days a week. High quality childcare supports children’s learning, growth and development during their crucial early years. All 24 childcare providers across Merthyr Tydfil have been approved to…

Green energy projects across Wales will share over £12.9m to support their efforts towards generating local renewable energy. From installing solar panels and heat pumps to battery storage and electric vehicle charging points, the 48 successful projects will help ensure the transition to clean energy directly benefits Welsh communities. The Ynni Cymru Capital Grant Scheme aims to accelerate the deployment of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) and is a key part of Wales’ ambitious goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. SLES have wide-ranging benefits including the potential to reduce energy costs, create local jobs…

Santa might put us on his naughty list, but with only 100 days to go until the big day, we can’t resist unwrapping some of the magical events and experiences that will make Christmas in Cardiff 2025 one to remember. An Ice Rink in a Castle Cardiff Castle provides a magical backdrop for this year’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk, open from 13 November 2025 until 4 January 2026. From romantic sunset skates to family sessions complete with penguin skate-aids, it’s a must-do festive activity whatever the weather. Winter Wonderland at City Hall Lawn The festive fun continues…

Media Cymru’s new campaign, Fuelling the Future, highlights the impact that research, development and innovation (RD&I) investment has had in Wales, playing a significant role in driving productivity, growth and innovation in local and regional economies. Media Cymru’s latest economic analysis (2023 data) shows an economically valuable, yet fragile, creative industries that support more than 100,000 Welsh jobs – almost 7% of Welsh employment – across 11,740 enterprises. The sector’s turnover of £5bn grew 20% in the period between 2022 and 2023. The sector has grown by an average of 750 businesses per year since 2019, with more than half (54%)…

Swansea is opening its doors wider than ever to investors with the launch of Invest in Swansea – a new initiative designed to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the city’s position as a hub for innovation, regeneration and opportunity. Backed by Swansea Council and the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), the initiative features a dedicated, user-friendly website – investswansea.com – aimed at streamlining the investment process for businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK and overseas. The platform serves as a one-stop-shop for potential investors, offering insights into the city’s £1 billion regeneration programme, funding opportunities, business support services, and…