Author: Rhys Gregory

A business leader sprang into action after hearing about plans to redistribute surplus goods from retail giants like Amazon to struggling families in Wrexham. Caroline Platt, the Managing Director of family-run Platts Agriculture in Llay, is leading the push to launch North Wales’ first multibank operation, aimed at providing essentials like clothing, bedding and toiletries. She revealed the idea to galvanise Wrexham businesses and charity organisations came during a charity trek in the Himalayas with Cherrie Bija, chief executive of the Faith in Families charity which runs the Cwtch Mawr multibank in Swansea. After returning home, she arranged a meeting of members of Wrexham Leadership Alliance and local charities with…

A biscuit factory in Llantarnam, South Wales, is set to take centre stage on national television this week, as it features in an episode of BBC Inside the Factory. The episode, airing on BBC One on Tuesday evening, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how Jammie Dodgers are made. Presenter Paddy McGuinness follows the production process of the iconic biscuits, capturing the scale, speed and skill involved in creating a whopping 4.4 billion biscuits every year. From the brass roller that creates 2,880 Jammie Dodger tops and bottoms every minute, to the epic conveyor oven that’s the length of 8 double-decker buses, every step in the process is documented to show the care and high standards that go…

AN ACCLAIMED recruitment firm has launched a dedicated executive division, welcomed new staff, and is preparing to expand into fresh territories as demand continues to rise across North Wales and the North West. QiStaff, based in Rhyl, has unveiled its new Executive Search Division, driven by a five-strong award-winning team with more than 100 years of combined sector experience. The division will focus on senior appointments in the £35,000+ salary range, notably across manufacturing, engineering and industry – areas where the company has long been recognised as a specialist – in addition to a wide range of professions. As part…

The developer behind the Ger y Môr development in Saundersfoot and the local authority have marked their deal to deliver public housing on the site. Persimmon Homes West Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council have exchanged contracts on 21 high-quality properties that the former will hand over to the latter, once complete, to alleviate local housing pressure in Pembrokeshire. The 21 homes going to the Council on the site on Sandy Hill Road will be for social rent, while a further four at the development will also be reserved for local people. The agreement was marked on-site with representatives from Persimmon…

Christmas at Bute Park has closed its doors after another jam-packed festive season that saw 94,000 visitors flocking to enjoy the beautiful light trail. This year, guests enjoyed the spectacular display at the award-winning event, with a re-imagined route of all new installations created by a selection of world-class artists and designers, and tasty street food. Celebrity guests included Aaron and Colleen Ramsey, Love Island’s Nicole Samuel, former Big Brother and Miss Wales star Imogen Thomas, darts and radio presenter Polly James as well as rugby’s Scott Quinnell and Jonathan Fox Davies. Visitors enjoyed a selection of stunning displays, including…

The number of hospital patients waiting for support from Powys County Council, before they can return home, has been cut by a third, after extra social care staff were recruited. A £1.3 million Pathways of Care Transformation Grant, awarded by Welsh Government, has been used to fund additional social workers, occupational therapists and enablement assessors. And follows work by the council, throughout the year, to strengthen the home care market. Twelve-months-ago there were 60 Powys patients waiting for social care to be provided before they could leave community hospitals in the county, or larger district general hospitals in England (Shrewsbury,…

As cold weather warnings are issued by the Met Office across Wales, Dogs Trust Cardiff is urging owners to take extra care and keep dogs well away from frozen lakes, ponds and waterways. Many dogs enjoy swimming, but during freezing conditions, their usual splash spots can quickly turn to ice. Although it may look solid, Dogs Trust Cardiff warns that most frozen surfaces are often not strong enough to support a dog’s weight. If the ice breaks, dogs can plunge into icy water below, putting them in serious danger. The charity is also reminding owners never to enter the water…

Avantis Group, a provider of specialist engineering services to the maritime and energy industries, today announced that it has secured a strategic investment from funds advised by Leon Capital LLP, the London-based European private equity investment firm, to support its international growth strategy. Thomas David, CEO, Chris David, Chairman and the existing leadership team will retain a controlling interest and operational control of the business. They took over Avantis in 2022 following a management buy-out that was part-funded by the Development Bank of Wales. The investment reflects strong confidence in Avantis Group’s market position, experienced management team, and proven ability…

Six South Wales Police officers have been recognised after rescuing a woman in difficulty at Aberavon Beach. At around 9:40pm on Thursday December 11, in very poor visibility and in extremely challenging weather conditions, Sandfields PC Molly Cana located the 66-year-old woman from Aberavon trapped and upside-down, in-between the wave-breakers and the pier. Unable to move, the woman’s life was at extreme risk as waves battered the pier, repeatedly leaving her head completely submerged. Officers were unable to physically reach the woman due to the risk of them being swept out to sea. However, with the assistance of the woman’s…

A 64-year-old man has been prosecuted following an incident at a memorial service event last November. Jonathon Carley, of Twthil, Harlech, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday, 5 January), charged with offences under the Uniform Act. The charge related to an offence under Section 2 of the Act – wearing military uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty’s Forces without authorisation. Carley attended a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Llandudno on 9 November whilst dressed in the naval uniform of a high-ranking officer. He also wore military service medals (pictured above), which he subsequently admitted he had purchased online. Concerns…