Author: Rhys Gregory

A further slowdown was evident in the housing market in Wales during August according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey, with the price balance at its lowest since January 2024, and surveyors remaining cautious about the outlook. A net balance of -24% of surveyors in Wales reported that prices fell over the past three months, after falling flat in the survey previous. This is also below the average UK net balance which sits at -19%. Looking forward, surveyors in Wales are not optimistic on the pricing outlook as a net balance of -18% expect…

The line up of star BBQ talent from Wales, the South West and across the UK has been revealed for the first Mabon event, a new annual fire cooking festival which will celebrate feasting, fire and folklore around the autumn equinox in September. Created by BBQ stars Sam & Shauna of Hang Fire and Street Food Circus Mabon is a weekend food festival bringing together chefs who have all made their names through cooking with fire and smoke. The festival is inspired by Mabon, known as the ‘pagan Thanksgiving’ and celebrating the the autumn equinox 26-28 September) – the point…

Work is starting this month on a stunning makeover for the city’s outdoor amphitheatre that will make it a landmark city centre music and entertainment destination. Improvements to the steps, new handrails and a mains power supply have all been fitted at the much-loved venue sitting opposite the LC in Swansea. Now work is starting on a new eye-catching stage canopy that will see the venue transformed for performers and audiences alike. Contractors Andrew Scott are due on site shortly and it’s expected the work will be completed by Christmas. The sail-shaped canopy will provide shelter to performers, members of…

One of Swansea’s most treasured historic landmarks, Oystermouth Castle, will open its gates free of charge to visitors this Saturday, 13 September, as part of a nationwide initiative celebrating Wales’ rich architectural and cultural heritage. The event is part of Cadw’s Open Doors programme, a Welsh Government led campaign that encourages residents and visitors alike to discover the stories behind the country’s most iconic buildings. Oystermouth Castle, nestled in the heart of Mumbles, will welcome guests from 11am to 5pm, offering a unique opportunity to explore its centuries-old history, striking architecture, and archaeological significance. The day is being delivered by…

A leading civil engineering firm has been appointed to help transform a sustainable energy park into one of the largest battery energy storage systems (BESS) sites in the UK. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is the principal contractor on the multi-million-pound development of Uskmouth Sustainable Energy Park, which will support the transition to net zero. Afon Wysg 1, known as AW1, is a flagship 240MWh battery storage project led by owners Ampeak Energy that is key to unlocking an economic, environmental, and social revival around Newport. With the ability to increase to 480MWh, AW1 has a grid connection date of…

Three experienced female estate agents have completed a management buyout (MBO)of estate agency Bidmead Cook, securing the future of the Ebbw Vale business with the backing of a micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales. The new owners – Melissa Price, Laura Robinson, and Sara Williams – bring a combined 30+ years’ experience with the company, having worked for founders Alan Bidmead and Jeffrey Cook who first set-up Bidmead Cook more than 20 years ago . With the founding directors stepping back, the MBO ensures continuity for clients and the local property market. The all-female trio, who will continue…

FLORAL designer Kate Jordan is celebrating a summer of growth with her flourishing business and a diverse portfolio of creative work spanning TV, fashion, and large-scale installations. Kate, from Tremeirchion near St Asaph – creative force behind The Craft Shed Flowers – is no stranger to the spotlight. A former student at Coleg Cambria, she created the winner’s crown for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! when it was filmed at Gwrych Castle in Abergele, and her floral artistry has appeared on a range of TV programmes including Hollyoaks, The Responder, Songs of Praise and S4C drama Rownd a Rownd. This summer,…

Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Louisa King as its new Group Ambassador for Wales. Louisa will work closely with local policymakers, business leaders, communities, and charities to champion Wales’s economic potential and growth. Alongside experts across the business, she will help drive forward efforts to improve access to affordable housing across Wales and support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Based in Cardiff, Louisa brings extensive financial services experience. Alongside her new responsibilities as Group Ambassador, she will continue in her role as a Director in Lloyds Banking Group’s Risk team, supporting its Insurance, Pensions and Investments business. Louisa…

Throughout September, Menter Môn’s Cylchol project is running a campaign to encourage people in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn (Anglesey) to make small practical changes that will boost the circular economy.  From repairing furniture, jewellery or clothes, to creating an ottoman out of recycled bottles the aim is to encourage people to re-use and recycle. During the month, 70+ events will be held across both counties, giving children and people of all ages the opportunity to learn a new skill and make the most of what they have. Cylchol also funds Ffiws maker spaces established across Gwynedd and Ynys Môn which…

It is estimated that 98% of households in the UK own at least one freezer, and with the rise of trends such as meal prepping, it’s important to know how to safely and effectively clean and defrost this common household appliance. Here, the team at food hygiene and safety experts High Speed Training share some top tips to keep your freezer running smoothly. Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development, at High Speed Training said: “Typically, you should aim to defrost your freezer at least once a year. However, you may need to do this more often if your…