Author: Rhys Gregory

Collagen supplementation has moved well beyond its early reputation as a niche beauty trend. In the UK alone, the collagen supplement market has grown substantially year on year since 2021, with marine collagen now accounting for the majority of new product launches. The science has caught up with the hype — and, in some respects, surpassed it. A 2019 systematic review of 11 randomised, placebo-controlled human trials found that oral collagen supplementation measurably improved skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density compared to placebo. Subsequent research has extended the evidence base to joint comfort, nail strength, and hair quality. For…

Across Wales, thousands of families are facing one of the most emotional and important decisions of later life: how best to care for an ageing loved one. For decades, residential care homes were the default option when an older person needed the type of support that the family couldn’t provide. Today, however, that picture is changing. An increasing number of people in Wales are now receiving care in their own homes through hourly home care visits, domiciliary care services or full-time live-in care arrangements. This shift reflects not only changing personal preferences, but also a growing recognition that many elderly…

A black belt standard former competitive kickboxer turned coach is ensuring that women’s fitness and confidence in Cardiff is growing stronger than ever, thanks to support from a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. After more than 20 years competing competitively, Runa Bakshi offers a safe space at RKB Boxing, for women and girls to train. The mother of two tailors classes to fit around cultural and religious fasting and regularly posts at-home fitness routines to her Instagram account for women to follow during Ramadan. Runa has been affiliated with Welsh Boxing since last year and runs regular…

Business confidence in Wales fell by 15 points during May to 23%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, down 11 points at 35%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 19 points to 11%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 23% (vs. 38% in April 2026). Since May 2025, Wales has had an average overall business confidence of 42% with its largest figure of 76% in July last year and its lowest of 17% in November. Looking ahead to the next six months,…

Principality Building Society is marking one year of supporting Barnardo’s Cymru after raising and donating more than £335,000 to help vulnerable children and young people across Wales. To mark the anniversary, the Society hosted a week-long fundraising campaign across its Head Office and branch network in support of Barnardo’s Cymru’s work helping children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful for the future. Colleagues across Wales hosted bake sales, raffles and other fundraising activities during the week of 18–22 May, raising further donations to build on the partnership’s impact. The partnership is focused on raising both funds…

The refurbishment of the play area at Maesteg Welfare Park has now been officially completed as part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s ongoing investment in community play areas across the county borough. The improved facility features a wide range of new and inclusive play features designed to provide fun, accessible and engaging opportunities for children and families of all ages. The inclusive features include a mini swing with basket seat, a swirl roundabout, springers and emperor chimes. A toddler multi-unit, scramble nets, a hopper seesaw and much more are also all included within the recently upgraded play area. In addition,…

Work to refresh the clock tower at Bridgend Bus Station is set to begin shortly after funding was secured through Bridgend County Borough Council’s Public Realm programme. The project will see the tower re-rendered following more than 20 years of exposure to the weather, helping to improve the appearance of one of the main gateways into the county borough. Work is due to begin on 1 June 2026 and is expected to take around four weeks to complete. The refurbishment forms part of ongoing investment in public spaces across the county borough, aimed at creating cleaner, more welcoming environments for…

Locit, one of the UK’s fastest growing steel locker manufacturers, has secured a £1 million investment from the Development Bank of Wales, which will support its continued expansion, safeguard jobs and create new jobs in North Wales. Based on Deeside Industrial Estate in Flintshire, Locit was established in 2022 by managing director Richard Williams alongside investment from Arete Capital Partners LLP. In just four years, the business has grown rapidly from a standing start into one of the largest independent locker manufacturers in the UK, delivering revenues of around £8.8 million in FY25. The company has secured contracts with a…

A finalised regeneration strategy that sets out how investment and placemaking activity will be prioritised across Cardiff over the next five years was approved by Cabinet this week. The new framework designed to create a stronger, fairer and greener Cardiff for all has been developed to enhance the vitality and viability of Cardiff’s neighbourhoods. It has been developed in line with the Council’s Corporate Plan 2025–28 and the emerging Replacement Local Development Plan. The Regeneration Strategy 2025–2030 provides a city-wide framework for regeneration, bringing together council policies and programmes into a single, co‑ordinated approach to supporting neighbourhoods, strengthening district and…

Swansea’s tourism industry is going from strength to strength, thanks to its amazing attractions, businesses and beaches. Last year the industry was worth almost £700m, an increase of 2% on the year before, with visitor days and overnight stays also on the increase. These figures are supported by consistently strong annual hotel occupancy levels in Swansea in 2025 of 79%. Tracey McNulty, Head of Cultural Services, Parks and Cleansing said: ‘The impact of tourism on Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower is continuing to improve year on year, with even more visitors opting for an overnight stay. “The economic impact of…