Author: Rhys Gregory

New data released by Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, reveals there has been a surge in entrepreneurship amongst Gen Z in Wales, with the number of loans taken out by young founders increasing by 11% in 2025, as more young people look to start their own businesses. In 2025, Gen Z founders in Wales secured £623,600 in funding, up from £572,850 in 2024. Research published late last year by KPMG found Gen Z workers are increasingly leaving corporate careers in pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunities, with 42% leaving to work in start-ups and 35% going freelance or…

Ahead of the Welsh election, the CBI has challenged party leaders to transform Wales into one of Europe’s most competitive and sustainable small economies by 2035 – and put a new Welsh Industrial Strategy at the heart of pro-business policies. Launching ‘Made in Wales: A manifesto to support firms & create jobs 2026-30,’ the CBI calls on the leaders to drive forward technology and innovation, remove planning system bottlenecks, drive forward investment in infrastructure and bring down Wales’ high youth unemployment levels by giving young people access to skills, opportunities and mental health support. The CBI prioritises a new Welsh…

A man from Neath who established a huge Hollywood legacy is to be honoured with a commemorative Blue Plaque. Ray Milland starred alongside the likes of John Wayne and Grace Kelly and was once Paramount’s highest-paid actor during a career which spanned more than 50 years. Neath Port Talbot Council will be unveiling the plaque at a special event to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of Ray Milland winning an Oscar – the first Welsh actor to do so. 1946 was a very special year for Ray Milland as he won three prestigious awards in total. In addition to the…

The people of Powys are being invited to help shape a new long-term Economic Strategy for Powys, the county council has said. Public engagement on its draft GROW / TYFU Powys Economic Strategy, which sets out a vision for growing a stronger, fairer and greener local economy through to 2040 has begun this week. The draft strategy focuses on seven key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, rural and foundational economies, tourism and events, and skills development. It also places strong emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and creating better paid opportunities for people who live and work in Powys. Cllr Glyn…

Welsh communities are set to benefit from a share of £10 million to generate local renewable energy and reduce energy bills. The Welsh Government today announced the third round of the Ynni Cymru Grant Capital Scheme for 2026-27 which opens for applications this month. The scheme deploys Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) – helping communities use clean energy to cut costs, create jobs and build stronger local infrastructure. This can include installing solar panels, heat pumps, EV charging points and battery storage, and is open to community energy organisations, social enterprises, public sector bodies and SMEs. It builds on the…

Mae’r stori hon hefyd ar gael yn Saesneg – cliciwch yma i’w darllen. Yr haf hwn, bydd cyfres o ddathliadau arbennig yn nodi 850 mlynedd ers i’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol gyntaf gael ei chynnal, gan greu cyfle i ymfalchïo yn hanes diwylliannol Cymru ac annog mwy o bobl i gymryd rhan mewn digwyddiadau Cymraeg. Gyda chefnogaeth o £250,000 gan Lywodraeth Cymru, ynghyd â grant gan Gronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri Genedlaethol, bydd y rhaglen yn dod â stori’r Eisteddfod gyntaf yn fyw drwy weithgareddau addysgol, creadigol a chymunedol. Ei nod yw ysbrydoli pobl i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg, cymryd rhan mewn digwyddiadau diwylliannol a phontio’r gorffennol…

This story is also available in Welsh – click here to read it. This summer, a series of special celebrations will mark 850 years since the first National Eisteddfod was held, providing an opportunity to celebrate Wales’s rich cultural heritage and encouraging more people to take part in Welsh language events. Supported by £250,000 of Welsh Government funding, alongside a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme will bring the story of the first Eisteddfod to life through educational, creative and community activities. It aims to inspire people to use the Welsh language, participate in cultural events and bridge the…

Daniel,26, from Cardiff has been named as the winner of an award from The King’s Trust after overcoming barriers to turn his passion for creativity into a thriving business. The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. Daniel scooped the NatWest Enterprise Award which recognises a young person who has overcome barriers to create their own sustainable business or social enterprise. After graduating with a degree in film, Daniel found himself struggling to break into the creative industries. With the rising…

Cardiff Capital Region has launched a new competition aimed at unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence to tackle real world business challenges. The Venture AI Innovators Challenge was unveiled during a high profile Wales Week London parliamentary reception. The initiative is being delivered in collaboration with Tramshed Tech and is designed to support apprentices, graduates and early career professionals who have taken part in CCR funded skills programmes. The challenge will see participants develop practical and ethical AI solutions that deliver measurable impact for their employers. Entrants are invited to design and prototype AI powered tools that address genuine operational…

Businesses across North Wales are being encouraged to take part in a new Regional Skills Partnership survey designed to capture an accurate picture of the region’s skills needs. The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) works with employers and partners to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the local workforce. Insights gathered through the recently launched survey will directly inform the next North Wales Skills and Employment Plan for 2026 to 2028. The Partnership’s aim is to ensure that skills provision across North Wales reflects the needs of organisations, helping prepare the workforce for future demands and opportunites. Employers are…