Author: Rhys Gregory

Two Welsh chefs have spoken of the great experience of competing against the world’s best at the Worldchefs Congress and Expo in Abu Dhabi last week. Harry Paynter-Roberts, 24, sous chef at Carden Park Hotel and Spa, near Chester, finished sixth in the Global Young Chefs Challenge Final while Sam Griffiths, senior sous chef at the Chester Grosvenor in Chester, was 16th in the Global Chefs Challenge Final. They represented the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) in the finals. Harry’s Asian inspired warm seafood starter, featuring Sterling White Halibut, was followed by a main course using veal fillet and veal…

Commercial law firm, Capital Law, has appointed five new lawyers to its 48-strong commercial disputes team. Capital Law’s commercial disputes lawyers take on diverse work, from high-profile and cross-border claims to investigations, crisis management and debt recovery. The team is renowned for its specialism in the financial services, healthcare, education, and sports sectors, as well as for its intellectual property, public law, and regulatory practice. David Hudson joins as partner and Panagiota Ketsetzi as associate, while Annabel Morgan, Connor Massey and Holly Mehigan all join as solicitors. With 22 years’ experience, David is an expert in solving complex claims arising…

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…