Author: Rhys Gregory

After taking voluntary redundancy following a long career with a local authority, Chris Hanford decided to launch his own pest control business covering South Wales. His wide experience gave him the skills and knowledge to set up Neath-based Propest Ltd which is growing steadily serving a range of private, commercial and public sector clients. Propest is able to deal with any type of pest, and following a recent inspection by the prestigious National Pest Technician Association, (NPTA) is now an accredited member. “Propest ensures that services are efficiently carried out based upon good scientific principles, using humane methods and monitoring…

A team of volunteer cyclists are hoping to turn pedal power into pounds with a charity bike ride spanning the length of a nation. Colleagues from UK recruiter Acorn and leading house builder Edenstone Group have joined forces to cycle from North Wales all the way to the South in the space of just two days. The team of six hope to raise £12,000 in aid of mental health charity Mind UK after completing the 206 mile stretch from Holyhead to Cardiff Bay in Acorn’s 30th anniversary year. Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn Recruitment, said: “We are celebrating Acorn’s…

A microscope that can be used for both ear and dental procedures means patients can now be treated quickly without the need for a hospital referral. The specialist piece of equipment is being used at a weekly ear care clinic which treats patients for ear wax removal, infections and ear drum perforations, among other issues. It has been introduced by the City Health Cluster, which consists of eight GP practices in the south-east and central areas of Swansea, to prevent hospital referrals for patients experiencing ear-related issues. The microscope, which provides a deeper view into the ear, was bought to…

High potential data software startup Configur receives investment from industry experts and former Apple employees. Data software start-up Configur has raised £714,500 from private investors in its latest funding round, including £500,000 from two former Apple employees. Serial entrepreneurs and investors, Phil Mohr and Puli Liyanagama, have invested half a million in the South Wales-based start-up which is targeting a £10 million valuation within the next 12-18 months. The duo, who have backed Configur, have a wealth of experience in starting, scaling and selling digital companies. They founded social media marketing technology company Comufy in 2009, which was later sold…

A love of data is helping one Gower College Swansea alumni to play an integral role within the NHS, after her college supported her to pursue a dream apprenticeship despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. Laurice Keogh (19) from Loughor, Swansea, has wanted to pursue a career in data from a young age. Today, that drive has seen her start a career as an apprentice with Digital Health and Care Wales, helping to change the way health and care services are delivered. Since she first studied IT at school, Laurice has enjoyed finding patterns, stories and gaining new insights…

Nine neighbours from Rhyl have been left stunned after learning they have scooped £360,000 all thanks to their postcode. The windfall comes after LL18 4JH was announced as a winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Sunday 19 June. Seven of the winners scooped £30,000 each while an eighth netted £60,000 and the ninth landed £90,000 thanks to playing with two and three tickets respectively. Jayne Oates (63) was left stunned after she found out she had won £90,000. After the news had sunk in, she said: “I’m over the moon, I really am.” The mum-of-four said the win would mean she…

Moondance Cancer Initiative has recognised individuals and teams across Wales for their outstanding achievements in cancer services at Wales’ first cancer awards. A special accolade was given to Dr Heather Wilkes for her outstanding contribution in bringing Wales’ first Rapid Diagnosis Centre to Swansea Bay. She was among four individuals and 10 teams awarded accolades across 12 different categories for their brave work and dedication towards improving cancer services in Wales. The Moondance Cancer Awards aim to celebrate and spotlight people across NHS Wales and its partners who have maintained and innovated cancer services despite the extraordinary circumstances of the…

The RSPCA has welcomed plans from the UK Government to pass a law banning blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rented accommodation in England. In proposals contained within a new White Paper, A Fairer Private Rented Sector, the UK Government commits to legislation “to ensure landlords do not unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home, with the tenant able to challenge a decision”. The UK Government has already published model tenancy agreements encouraging allowing pets to be the default position in England’s rented sector – unless landlords have a justifiable reason…

One of Wales’ leading work-based learning companies has held its first Apprenticeship Graduation Awards ceremony to celebrate the success of apprentices from across the country. Around 50 apprentices received their graduation scrolls in their cap and gowns at the ceremony organised by Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells. Managing director Arwyn Watkins, OBE, revealed that more than 550 of the company’s apprentices would be receiving their apprenticeship graduation scrolls this week. Congratulating them, he appealed to the graduates to be ambassadors in their communities, promoting the benefits of an apprenticeship to progress their career.…

A leading North Wales social enterprise that provides jobs and training opportunities for people with learning disabilities in their own community is being hailed for supporting a bilingual workplace. Antur Waunfawr, based in Waunfawr and Caernarfon, employs 120 staff and supports 64 adults with learning difficulties, whilst also providing valuable reuse, recycling and health and wellbeing services to the communities it serves. The social enterprise aims to create an innovative, equal, productive and low carbon society by nurturing a family of sustainable local businesses to support resilient communities and wellbeing for all. Antur Waunfawr’s businesses recycle waste, provide a confidential…