Author: Rhys Gregory

Addiction is one of the most widespread issues that the world is dealing with right now, and it almost feels like we’re sleep walking into another crisis (yes, another one!). We do, however, need to streamline the way the NHS deals with people struggling with substance use disorders and mental health problems, and we need to do it fast. Reducing stigma related around addictions will help people to open up about their problems, but how are we going to cope in the event many more people decide to seek treatment? The NHS is struggling with current demand as it is,…

On June 9, 2022, Everton FC signed a multi-year deal with the crypto casino Stake. This is a landmark deal for the football sector, the highest front-of-shirt deal in Everton’s 144-year history. While the amount being sponsored is unknown at this point, it’s a sign of things to come. For one, it shows us that crypto is slowly but steadily making its presence felt in the world of sports. And given the intrinsic relationship between betting and sports, it probably means that some rather exciting developments are on the way. This partnership with Everton is just the latest in a…

Kepak is creating over 100 new jobs at its Merthyr site to help meet rising demand for its products. Currently employing over 850 people, the new positions at Kepak Merthyr comprise both supervisor and support roles, with a broad spectrum of opportunities across manufacturing, operations, IT, engineering, and technical. The move is the result of a £5.5 million investment in the site which will double the plant’s CPM (Central Prepared meats) packaging capacity, following the company securing access to the US market, significantly increasing demand. Kepak Merthyr site manager Chris Jones said: “We are delighted to be announcing this significant…

Hoteliers Janet and Windsor Morgan are retiring after 26 years as the owners and managers of Sunnymead Guest House on Bridge Street in Aberystwyth. Local entrepreneur Stuart Stephens has purchased the guest house, adding to his portfolio of local leisure and hospitality businesses which includes the popular Bar 46 on the same street as Sunnymead. His son Dale Stephens will manage both businesses. With an excellent reputation, Sunnymead has five guest bedrooms plus a separate three bedroom property to the rear that will be rented out as self-contained accommodation. Refurbishment work has already begun to upgrade and modernise of all…

Welsh craft beer producer Tiny Rebel Brewery has set its sights on growth and is hoping the summer sunshine can play a key part in that – in more ways than one. The Newport-based brewery, which was founded by friends Bradley Cummings and Gareth Williams in their garage a decade ago, has invested in new fermentation tanks to help it ramp up production ahead of the busy summer period. The business used a six-figure finance package from Lloyds Bank to invest in five new tanks which will increase its production capacity by more than one quarter – the equivalent of…

ISA Training and Afro Hair Academy Wales have teamed up to offer training in type 4 multi textured hair. It is the first hairdressing apprenticeship to offer the specialist route in Wales. Salons throughout Wales have previously had to travel to England for training. The announcement is a huge breakthrough for the industry and long overdue. ISA Training, the longest running hair and beauty training provider in Wales have provided hair, beauty and barbering apprenticeships for almost 25 years. The announcement means its current hairdressing apprenticeships can now be studied with a focus on type 4 hair. The partnership was…

Gin from one of the most celebrated craft producers in the UK, The Dyfi Distillery in Mid Wales, was selected to be served at the Queen’s official Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Washington DC last week. Dyfi Gin was enjoyed by senior dignitaries and other specially invited guests at a garden party held at the British Embassy, shining a spotlight on Wales’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Bartholomew Broadbent, president of Broadbent Selections, who import Dyfi Gin into the USA, said: “It was a real pleasure to introduce people to this world class gin in such a special setting and on such…

A Ceredigion man living in Ireland has been extradited and sentenced after his involvement in illicit farming and trading of meat that was unfit for human consumption. Robert Thomas, 45, was found to be part of an organised crime group (OCG), who were involved in running an illegal meat operation, where “smokies” were being prepared for human consumption. The production of “smokies” involves the illegal slaughter of sheep which, as part of the production process, have their fleece retained on the carcasses and burnt with blow torches to impart a smoked flavour to the meat. This process is illegal in…

The hunt is on to find the best companies, social enterprises and charities in Powys following the launch of the county’s annual business awards. Showcasing the diverse range of successful enterprises in the county, Powys Business Awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors. This year, there are nine categories. The launch event was held at Focus Business Hub in Newtown where Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “We have a unique, varied and thriving busy community here in Powys and it is right and correct that…

A new development of 23 homes in the heart of Cardiff’s most sought-after postcode is expected to become one of, if not the, most prestigious addresses in Lisvane. Beaufort Park is a scheme of four and five bedroom detached houses by Edenstone Homes, a Welsh housebuilder with a reputation for building high quality homes in some of the most desirable locations in Wales and South West England. The exclusive development is already under construction and the first 10 homes have now been launched for sale. The homes are generously proportioned with some properties extending to over 4,200 sq ft –…