Author: Rhys Gregory

The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, has shared her New Year message for 2026, reflecting on the challenges of the past year while setting out a hopeful vision for the months ahead. In her address, she speaks about building a fairer and greener Wales, improving public services, supporting communities, and looking towards a more peaceful future at home and abroad. Here is the First Minister’s New Year message in full: “Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! Happy New Year! I hope you had a happy and peaceful Christmas. As this year draws to a close, I want to wish you a prosperous…

If you are looking to take on a challenge in Wales this year, the R4W group has a packed calendar of mass participation events right across the country. Run 4 Wales and Always Aim High Events have brought together road races, trail runs, triathlons, duathlons, cycling and swimming events, offering something for all abilities and interests. The season kicks off in February with the Nick Beer Llandudno 10K on 15 February. Starting on the Victorian promenade, the route loops around the Great Orme and offers sweeping views across Eryri, Anglesey and beyond. It has become a popular way for runners…

Welsh businesses will be prioritising investments in AI in 2026 (40%), according to new research from Lloyds’ Business Barometer. This compares to the 27% who said they’d be making AI investments last year.   A similar number of Welsh firms plan to invest in technology more generally (39%) in 2026, while nearly a third (31%) plan to invest in sustainability measures.   Alongside enhancing their technology (59%), Welsh firms will be focused on upskilling their staff (48%) and improving their productivity (35%) in the year ahead.  Improving sustainability (38%) is the area where the most Welsh businesses say they need extra support to achieve their 2026 goals.    The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been…

Drones and AI will be used in a new £2.5 million Aberystwyth University-led effort to wipe out malaria hot spots in Africa, supported by funding from the Gates Foundation. Malaria is one of Africa’s most devastating public health challenges, causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year. A new international research project in Zanzibar, led by Aberystwyth University, will target the aquatic habitats of mosquito larvae before they mature. The project will exploit the latest drone, satellite and artificial intelligence technology to help identify these sites more effectively. It builds upon success in previous projects that used smartphones and…

Wales has always been known as a land of storytellers, but in 2025, that story is taking a new turn in the digital world. From the vibrant tech scenes in the Cardiff Capital Region to the creative hubs in North Wales, the Welsh digital economy is undergoing what many are calling a “Digital Renaissance.” This transformation goes beyond just software development or remote work; it’s about blending culture, technology, and interactive entertainment. As local creators tap into advanced production tools and blockchain technology, the global gaming industry is starting to recognize the unique contributions Wales has to offer. At the…

Dado rails were once used mainly for protecting plaster walls from chair backs, but in today’s interiors they play a very different role. More and more homeowners are using dado rails to add character, depth and structure to contemporary homes. Whether you prefer clean minimalism or bold statement walls, modern dado rails can transform a plain space into something stylish and well designed. This blog explores modern dado rail ideas, how to use them in contemporary rooms and why mouldings and panelling are becoming popular again. Why Dado Rails Are Back in Modern Interior Design Although traditionally found in period…

With post-Christmas sales well underway, Cardiff city centre is set for a busy week as it welcomes in the New Year, with seasonal sales, a strong hospitality offering and festive experiences combining to keep the Welsh capital lively until January. It’s part of a UK-wide trend; footfall data from retail tech experts MRI Software showed strong performance for UK retail destinations (including Cardiff city centre) on Boxing Day with footfall up +4.4% year on year across the board; the strongest increase seen in over 10 years. The boost in activity was driven by a later peak in visits across all UK retail destinations from 5pm…

The family of a man who died in St Asaph on Christmas Day have paid tribute to him. Harry Turner was 68 years old and lived in St Asaph. His family have paid the following tribute to him: “Harry Turner was one of six siblings who, on leaving school had joined the Navy before working in London, Ireland, and his hometown of Rhyl. “Harry will be sadly missed by his family.” The police investigation into his death is ongoing, and anyone with information that could assist our enquiries should contact us, quoting reference 25001050086.

Creative Wales has celebrated a stellar year as productions backed by the Welsh Government dominated screens and awards ceremonies throughout 2025. Made in Wales success stories reached their pinnacle at the Emmy Awards in September, where two Creative Wales-supported productions took home prestigious accolades. Lost Boys and Fairies and Until I Kill You both received international recognition, showcasing the calibre of on-screen storytelling emerging from Wales. Many major productions continue to choose Wales, with both biographical drama Mr Burton and Netflix’s Havocbringing high-profile shoots to the nation, supporting local crews and facilities whilst highlighting Wales as a world-class filming destination.…

An investigation conducted by Shared Regulatory Services has concluded in the successful prosecution of Paul Xuereb, Samantha Xuereb, and Matthew Anderson for offences relating to illegal dog breeding, fraudulent trading, and unlawful provision of veterinary services. The defendants operated unlicensed dog breeding businesses in Cardiff, notably through Cardiff Canine Supplies Limited and Colour Coded Frenchies Fertility Clinic Ltd. Their activities involved the breeding and sale of hundreds of puppies over several years, deliberately evading animal licensing requirements. Investigations revealed systematic overbreeding and the use of substandard breeding stock, resulting in congenital defects. All defendants pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading in…