Author: Rhys Gregory

FinTech Wales, the independent membership association and champion of the FinTech and Financial Services industry in Wales, has appointed Gemma Hallett as its Head of Skills. Gemma has over 16 years’ experience as an education leader, teacher, coach, entrepreneur and business mentor, and has also enjoyed a successful rugby career representing Wales at the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup. Alongside a 15-year career in the sport, Gemma became a teacher at Coleg y Cymoedd and a lecturer at the University of South Wales. She is also the Founder of miFuture, an edtech solution that unlocks and promotes future fit…

The RSPCA renewed calls for animals lovers to keep their pets safe during the heatwave as they filmed a path reaching 61 degrees centigrade – enough to scorch the paws of dogs and cats. The Met Office has issued a Red Extreme heat national severe weather warning for parts of central, northern, eastern and southeastern England. The RSPCA’s dog welfare expert, Esme Wheeler has urged pet owners to take urgent steps to keep their animals safe during the intense heat. The charity has also released a video showing how quickly the temperature of pavements can rise. Esme said: “This weather…

A summer refurbishment programme is underway at the New Theatre Cardiff that will see significant improvements to the Front of House areas and Bars, additional Toilets, and an enhanced customer service experience. Investment in the Cardiff theatre has been made possible following the venue’s acquisition by global entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment in 2021 along with proceeds of the Sir Ian McKellen 80th Birthday solo performances in 2019 which raised £72,321. This is the latest venue investment from Trafalgar Entertainment in recent years following major refurbishment projects at Trafalgar Theatre in London and Theatre Royal Sydney, plus a brand-new build, The Chiswick Cinema. The theatre’s three Bars have been stripped out and…

One of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers, Towergate Insurance Brokers, has renewed their sponsorship deal with West Wales Rugby Union for the 2022/23 season. Despite being put on hold during the pandemic, the partnership, which began ahead of the 2019/20 season, is going into its third year. As a timely celebration of the partnership, Towergate Insurance Brokers recently presented the awards to 2021/22 season winners. The company sponsored three cup competitions, the Towergate Challenge Cup, Plate Cup and Bowl Cup. Newcastle Emlyn RFC, Tumble RFC and Resolven RFC won each prize respectively, and were presented with their trophies at…

THE Welsh Ambulance Service has introduced more eco-friendly vehicles into its fleet. Twenty three Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid rapid response cars are being rolled out across Wales, replacing some of the Trust’s older diesel-powered vehicles. They are the latest in a raft of ultra-modern additions to an 800-strong fleet. It is expected that the more fuel-efficient vehicles will drive down CO2 emissions and improve the experience of staff and patients. Chris Turley, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, said: “The new features of these vehicles are without a doubt impressive, but what’s as significant to us is their improved…

Outerspace Group, one of the UK’s leading SIP (structural insulated panel) kit manufacturers, has been named as the Best Luxury Sustainable Outdoor Buildings Manufacturer 2022.  The prestigious national award was given to the Wrexham based business in recognition for their achievements and advancements throughout the year. The Design & Build Awards are held annually and awarded following detailed research and analysis.  The expert judges keep up to date with the latest trends and innovations within each industry and ensure that recipients are awarded for excellence within their specific area of expertise. Outerspace Group’s entire range of buildings are made in…

With Wales basking in glorious sunshine at the moment, it wasn’t just the mercury that was rising in the record-breaking heat. While the sun shone over Wales yesterday on the hottest day recorded, not for profit utility company Welsh Water saw demand for water from its customers soar – reaching the same levels seen at the peak of the 2018 heatwave. On a typical day, the company normally treats and supplies around 850 mega litres of fresh, clean water to its three million customers.  This is roughly the same amount of water needed to fill around 320 Olympic sized swimming…

A GIANT of the lawn care industry is sowing the seeds of future growth with plans to expand further post-pandemic. GreenThumb is the market leader for lawn treatment services with 220 branches nationwide and a network turnover of more than £48million. Founded by CEO Stephen Waring in 1986, the business employs more than 100 staff at its St Asaph headquarters and is now led by Managing Director Paul Edwards, who took the helm just months before the onset of Covid-19 in the UK. A former lawyer, he is focused on further improving the customer experience and building on the solid…

A unique partnership of services in Newport has been given a national award for the life-changing support it offers local ethnically diverse children. Youth community sport and physical activity providers Positive Futures, local primary schools, key community figures and organisations, Newport Youth Justice, police, Sport Wales and even professional boxers have all joined forces to form a strong and trusted support network for local children to protect and divert them from the many nefarious and exploitative influences on the streets. The partners were initially brought together by Levelling the Playing Field, a national project using sport and physical activity to…

Property consultancy Knight Frank has sold a warehouse unit with offices on Avondale Industrial Estate in Cwmbran to commercial property developer PMG. Acting on behalf of IG Doors Ltd, it sold the freehold of the 51,695 sq ft Unit 4 warehouse to PMG, which plans to spend a further £500,000 in refurbishing the unit. Neil Francis, head of Logistics  & Industrial at Knight Frank in Cardiff, said: “The warehouse sits on a site of just over two acres to the north of Cwmbran Town Centre and its sale reflects the current popularity of the South Wales industrial sector among proactive…