Author: Rhys Gregory

There has been significant growth in Wales in recent years, but there is still a lot that needs to be done, especially in more rural areas. Development finance has played a key role in this growth and the transformation of Wales’ economic landscape in recent years. Development finance is funding investors can use for construction projects, its application enables the creation of new homes, jobs, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. With Wales suffering low GDP and productivity in years gone by, it is positive to see property development and regeneration projects emerging, particularly with an increasing number of developers turning their…

In recent years, the landscape of social gambling has undergone a remarkable transformation, particularly across the Irish Sea. Digital dealers have emerged as key players, revolutionizing how people engage with online gaming. This shift has not only enhanced user experiences but also introduced innovative features that make gambling more interactive and social. As technology advances, traditional gambling methods are giving way to digital platforms that offer real-time interactions with live dealers. This evolution is reshaping the gambling culture, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. The rise of digital dealers is changing the game, creating a vibrant…

Inspire! Adult Learning Award winner Osian Lloyd has credited Welsh film star Michael Sheen with transforming his life. Now he’s following in his footsteps onto the stage and screen.  Having lost his mother at the age of six, Osian dropped out of school at 13 and went into the care system a year later, finding himself homeless at 17. He had moved from his home town of Blaenau Ffestiniog to Caernarfon, but carried his childhood trauma with him, causing crippling anxiety and depression. Moving to Cardiff in 2019 to play football kickstarted a remarkable journey thanks to the intervention of…

The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal this week for its first ever Royal Visit since opening in 2020. The Princess Royal’s visit celebrated the pioneering work of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s maternity services, which are leading the way in promoting cultural competence and delivering improvements outlined in the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racism Action Plan. During the visit, Her Royal Highness toured the Maternity Unit at the hospital and met staff who have been instrumental in embedding cultural awareness and inclusion into every aspect of care. The Princess Royal also unveiled a commemorative plaque…

Plans have been approved to transform the former Royal Oak Camp at Llangorse Lake in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park into a year-round holiday park, with global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young acting as planning consultant on behalf of UK Country Parks. The site was formerly used solely as an activity centre for school children, before falling into administration and then ceasing to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic. The new use case is set to open the land and buildings up as overnight holiday accommodation. Plans will now see the conversion of three of the existing buildings into holiday…

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Wales, with strong winds expected to bring disruption from Sunday evening into Monday. The warning is in place from 8pm on Sunday 14 September until 6pm on Monday 15 September. Gusts of 50–60mph are likely around coastal and hilly areas, with exposed locations possibly seeing winds of up to 70–80mph. Forecasters say the windiest conditions are expected on Monday morning, moving eastwards as the day goes on. The Met Office warns that coastal routes and communities could be affected by spray and large waves. There is also a chance of…

Cardiff’s much-loved Winter Wonderland will return this festive season, taking place from Thursday 13 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. The event will once again spread across two of the city’s most iconic locations, Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn, bringing festive fun for the whole family. Visitors can look forward to skating beneath the backdrop of the Norman Keep, with the popular undercover Ice Rink and Ice Walk making their return. For beginners or those seeking a calmer pace, the Novice Rink provides a relaxed environment, while accessible sessions will be available every Thursday. Beyond the rink, the…

A newly redeveloped skatepark in Pentwyn was officially opened this week. Parc Coed y Nant skatepark is avibrant new facility designed to serve young people and the wider community of Pentwyn. Located behind Pentwyn Leisure Centre, the park replaces outdated equipment with a modern 300m² concrete SPOT-style design, developed following extensive community consultation and input from local ward members. The redevelopment has been delivered as part of the Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme programme and with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Yesterday evening’s official opening was attended by Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events,  Cllr Jen Burke…

A successful Welsh Government business support programme has boosted the revenues of participating businesses by more than £60 million through exporting – with a further 15 companies now chosen to accelerate their export potential and grow further through international trade. Each year, the New Exporter Programme provides a cohort of small and medium sized business from across Wales with bespoke support designed to increase their export potential by embedding exports as a core aspect of their overall business growth strategy. The programme, which is a core part of the Welsh Government’s Export Action Plan for Wales, offers tailored support focused…

The Cricketers opens its doors this Saturday (September 13th) for the first time since being taken over by Cardiff pubco Croeso Pubs. And legendary TV chef Marco Pierre White has wished the whole team luck as they take on their ninth venture, saying he hopes to visit the much-loved pub very soon. Marco, who was the youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars and earned the title of Britain’s first celebrity chef, said in his message to his friend Croeso’s executive chef Jamie Newman: “I apologise that I won’t be able to make the opening of The Cricketers but what…