Author: Rhys Gregory

Work is set to start on a £385,000 revamp of a well-known Bridgend pub to broaden its appeal and keep it thriving for the long term. The investment at The West House on West House Road is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and will see Bridgend resident and West House regular Natasha Brueton take the helm as the new operator. The project will upgrade the tired pub into a great quality local, serving good food and boasting one of the best sports areas in Bridgend. The West House will close after last orders on the 12th June…

Look to the skies over Wales and you might spot a brand new hopper hot air balloon, created in memory of Arwel Davies, who tragically passed away in July 2021 and featuring a huge Welsh Dragon. Arwel’s friend Ian Jones has paid a heartfelt tribute to his best friend, by commissioning the hopper style (one man) hot air balloon, which made its maiden voyage in May in the town of Llandovery, alongside Arwel’s balloon. The two best friends grew up together in west Wales, with Arwel introducing Ian to the ballooning community. They went to the same primary school where…

A historic business in a Wrexham village has boosted its green credentials after installing eight electric vehicle charging points for its customers. The facility has been installed by Rawson EV Power for Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre, in the pretty community of Holt, and is an added customer benefit for the successful business. It is part of a growing trend according to Millie Rawson who now heads up Rawson EV Power, which specialises in electric vehicle charging and solar power. The firm is a sister company to the photocopier and printer business, Rawson Digital, which was set up…

After almost 20 years as head of Menter a Busnes, chief executive officer Alun Jones is to step away from the company he joined three decades ago. Alun, who has been with the company since its earliest days, will leave Menter a Busnes this autumn. His decision comes after nearly two decades of guiding it to commercial success, cementing its reputation as a driver for rural enterprise, and championing the use of Welsh in business. During his time at Menter a Busnes, Alun has seen the size and scope of the not-for-profit company flourish and become a leading independent economic…

Housebuilding group, Edenstone, has announced a raft of senior promotions as it expands its presence across South Wales and the South West of England with nine senior promotions at its head office in Magor and its Portishead office. In Portishead, James Morgan steps up from his role as Senior Land Manager to become Land Director (Southern), with solicitor, and legal director, Helen Thomas picking up a newly created role as Group Legal Director. Planner, Katie Peters is elevated to Strategic and Southern Planning Director and Bill Hughes becomes Head of Design (Homes). The Group’s commitment both to zero carbon and…

A former doctor’s surgery in Aberaeron has been given a new lease of life after being largely unused for six years. Following a £20,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, the former doctor’s surgery has reopened as a gallery. This project was led by Ceredigion County Council. Gallery Gwyn officially opened its doors on 8 April 2022 after receiving funding within the year 2021-2022. Gallery Gwyn is a contemporary Gallery in the heart of Aberaeron showcasing the very best of Welsh Art, with three Gallery spaces and a digital room. In addition to exhibition space, Gallery Gwyn will…

The University of South Wales (USW) has opened its second graduate incubator at its campus in Newport to help create new businesses in the city. The Startup Stiwdio will offer space to USW graduates who are starting their own businesses and provides a range of support services, including business advice, assistance with intellectual property, and access to specialist help in a range of areas. It will also provide a bespoke start-up business support programme, a great space to work, and the opportunity for new firms to grow their business contacts through access to various networks and events. The University has…

National law firm Clarke Willmott has strengthened its corporate and commercial property line-up with the appointment of two new members of staff to its Cardiff-based team. Tariq Azim joined the firm from Hogan Lovells as a solicitor in the corporate banking team. Solicitor Jessica Hayward joins the commercial property team – based at Emperor House, Cardiff Bay – from Capital Law and has extensive experience of working with social housing clients. The appointments follow the recent promotion of Sally Grech to associate in the corporate banking team. “We are really pleased to have Tariq and Jessica as part of our…

Newport based office furniture manufacturer Bisley has revealed its latest project with one of the UK’s leading hotel groups, The Celtic Collection. Opened in April 2022 and situated in the heart of Milford Haven, the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront boasts unbeatable views overlooking Milford Marina on the Pembrokeshire coast. Managed and operated by the team responsible for the Celtic Manor Resort, the new Tŷ Hotel is part of the expanding portfolio in The Celtic Collection and the Tŷ Hotels family. This major collaboration has seen Bisley design, produce and install a bespoke range of furniture for the hotel’s 100 bedrooms.…

Students from the BA Perfformio [Performance] course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have recently been running Boal training workshops with Cardiff primary school teachers as a new technique for use in the classroom. The students have held a series of workshops with teachers from Glan Ceubal, Ysgol y Wern, Pencae, Hamadryad, Pwll Coch and Mynydd Bychan schools to teach them about the role-playing technique of the theatre practitioner, Augusto Boal. The training is intended to facilitate an approach that helps children deal with small challenges that can arise during play, or in the classroom. It is hoped…